Whether you are moving into a new home, or updating the grounds of the home you already live in, landscaping can dramatically change the look of your house and property. You may like a neatly trimmed lawn or prefer a wild and overgrown look, you may live in an arid climate and need to xeriscape, or you may like finely manicured rosebushes. No matter how you choose to landscape, there is a professional out there whose specialty is exactly the look you want!
The cost of landscaping varies greatly but most homeowners report spending between $1,505 and $5,342. Before you call the pros, though, here are a few things to think about that will affect your individual landscaping project's cost that may have you spending more or less than the average.
How large is your property?
The single largest factor in the cost of your new landscaping installation is the size of your property. If your house sits on a huge lot, and you're not sure if you can afford to landscape the entire area, talk to your professional landscaper about the possibility of landscaping it in sections. A professional landscaper and gardener will be able to tell you the best approach for this. For example, if there are plants that take a longer time to come to maturity you may be able to plant them first and when they are reaching their peak landscape another section that grows in faster so that everything looks perfect at the same time.Do you want a lawn?
Lawns are not expensive to plant. Enough grass seed to cover your property is far less expensive than exotic plants or other features. however, lawns need careful maintenance, and plenty of water, especially at the beginning to get them established. So you may feel a lawn is a simple and affordable way to go, but it may take more money in the long run in terms of water, time and laborXeriscaping Option
Xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that utilizes plants, shrubs, ground covers and rocks that need very little water to thrive. The cost of installing a xeriscaped yard is often more than simply planting grass and flowers. However, once established the maintenance and water costs are kept low by design.Patio Installation
Patios or decks are a great addition to your landscaping plan as they provide a relaxing place for you to enjoy your new lawn and garden, as well as a great place to entertain friends. The overall cost will depend on the materials you choose. For example, Cement block or brick patios may be more affordable than flagstone or granite tiles. Talk to your installer about the uses of your patio and what the best material might be.Flower Options
If a flower garden is important to you, let your landscaper know this at the beginning of the process. Many people want a landscaper to design their lawns and gardens but enjoy tending to their own flowers and planting new ones each year. If this is the case for you, ask that the space be made for flower or vegetable gardens. You just want to make sure that space has been set aside for this from the start.Water and Irrigation
Don't spend time and money on beautiful landscaping if you have not taken water and irrigation issues into account first. Installing a sprinkler system, leveling the ground to avoid run off, and planning which plants, shrubs or flowers will get more and less water are all precautions that may take more time and money in the short term but will benefit you in the long run. You want to give your lawns and gardens the best chance to thrive.Refer a Pro who does this service and receive an Amazon Gift Card!
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The design, removal of existing landscape and changeover to desert xeriscape of boulevard, front yard, side of driveway and along side of house to front door came to $4200. Worth every penny. The mixture of flowering native plants, rocks, small boulders, blue Mexican rocks, sand area, and a side herb garden look beautiful, functional, eco friendly and easily handle the rain/drought we get. Next year, back yard.
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WE average in SW FLORIDA IS 100 WIDE BY 140 DEEP = 14000 SQ FT. subtract driveway 3000 sq ft then residence 4000 sq feet you have 7000 sq ft area.on most $300,000.00 homes Quality Irrigation system cost $4800-5000 lawns can cost between $1200 to 2800 pending of type variety landscaping will cost $7000 to 10,000.00 Which includes imported soils, boulders, flowering trees, flowering shrubs & ground covers plus rain water capture small ponds. With proper placement of trees & beds (see www.EstateStyles.com) one can save on heating & cooling while protecting from damaging winds. Cheapest quality landscape w/o Irrigation is $8200.00 including lawn or ground cover ($1.18 per sq ft) lowest cost high end including Irrigation is $14800.00 over $2.10 a sq ft. also see www.FNGLA.org I personally have over 35 yrs in this industry
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this website was very helpful since I didn't even know where to start. it gave good direction and costs.
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work to be done two time each month, with 50.00 dollar per month
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In California, any contract over $300.00 per year that improve a property has to be performed by a licensed contractor. Unfortunately, home owners do not know this. A licensed contractor has insurance and pay workers compensation, some offer paid vacations and some have by law, carry health insurance, this will bring your cost up.
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I'm in Reno, NV, and getting quotes so far to $35,000 for about 3,000 sq. ft. I had a handyman working on doing prep work for laying weed fabric and decorative rock, but had to lay him off on account of Contractors's Board requirements. I had to reset my budget to $18,000 to see if I'd get anybody. I want xeriscape and perhaps pavers and sidewalks, along with decorative rock. Some shrubs and trees. The handyman was going to do it for about $2,000, to clear weeds and grasses, dig down a couple inches, then to lay weed fabric and then decorative rock, on about the lower 2,000 sq. ft. not hillside. Reasonable sounds to me like $18,000 for pros to do it all. From scratch. One company I think said they'd do that. Have to get back to them. I'd rather not hire unlicensed or illegal help, and I have no experience in doing this. I'm a first time home owner.
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Artificial grass is a great option and the look is beautiful.
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Just looking for someone to trim existing shrubs.
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I'm looking into xeriscaping and am happy to hear you loved your outcome. Valerie, would you mind sharing pics? Your project sounds very similar to mine.
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I would like to see estimated costs and comparing competition prices
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The information is very helpful because this is a first for us and we had no idea how to start or what to expect. Thank you
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This is helpful.
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Good advice for water starving California
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Good starting point to plan landscape project. I just had a landscaper put in some bushes, grasses, a few plants , a red maple tree and a weeping cherry tree with river stone for a ground cover in the area around my deck. The cost was $2,700 and the area was on two sides of the deck (the long side was 26 feet and the short side was 16 feet). After reading the article I think I paid a fair price and my yard looks incredible.
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Good information for me to think about. Thanks
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Never before have seen the term, "Xeriscaping", before! It's what I desire to do with my relatively (35'X 35') small front yard. Thanks!
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