How much does landscaping cost?
This question comes up a lot and the answer is, it depends. Landscaping means installing completely new hardscape and softscape, giving existing landscaping a makeover, and maintaining structures, plants, and trees. And everyone has a different vision in mind when they look at a piece of ground.
How much the project costs depends on a variety of factors. Let’s look at cost averages of several different landscape installations.
Per Hour and Per Square Foot Basics
The cost per square foot for landscaping varies dramatically. Putting down new topsoil for a seeded lawn will cost much less than installing top grade marble stone pavers to cover the same area. Likewise, an uneven yard will cost more than a properly graded one because it will require additional work to even out the ground.
Price ranges widely because costs vary so much by the particulars of the project. Materials chosen, soil quality, terrain difficulty, and whether the necessary electrical and water utilities are already present all play into the cost.
Costs per hour vary as well depending on the company’s expertise, labor costs, and services provided.
Front Yard New Installation or Renovation
Front yards tend to cost less to landscape than backyards. This is because front yards are often smaller than backyards and have fewer structures like raised vegetable beds or pergolas.
However, homeowners usually start their landscaping overhaul with the front yard. After all, the backyard is hidden behind a fence, but the front yard is out there for everyone to see. Further, curb appeal is a major factor in home value.
A basic installation with precut sod strips, concrete walkways, a few shrubs and trees, and an irrigation system for a small to medium front yard is a popular design.
Like building a house, the little decisions add up. Going with smaller trees and shrubs saves on the expense. Choosing poured concrete over expensive custom paver or brick work for walkways is another way to save.
Backyard New Installation or Renovation
Like front yards, backyard landscaping prices are subject to the individual particulars of every unique site and the goals of the homeowner. A flat backyard with a simple patio and lawn will cost tens of thousands less than a high-end tropical oasis with dense plantings and expansive hardscape.
National average costs can be ballparked, but the cost to landscape your actual yard will come down to the companies working in your area and their bids for the project.
Retaining Walls
In a sloped area, a retaining wall will control erosion, ensure even drainage, and make the space functional.
Retaining walls require a lot of hard labor and heavy machinery. But if homeowners invest in materials that last like concrete block or stone, this is a one-time project that will keep the rest of the landscaping where it should be.
The price increases accordingly if a series of walls is needed for a large slope.
Patios
Patios are a common home improvement project. They edge houses and provide seating areas further out in the yard. Designs range from a simple pea gravel patio to an elaborate flagstone patio with accompanying pergola.
Walkways
Walkways are a simple way to break up the landscaping design and create a path for foot traffic around your garden and yard. They are made from gravel, pavers, stepping stones, and many other materials.
The cost of the walkway will depend on the length of it and the materials used.
Decks
Instead of a patio, some homeowners opt for a deck. Decks are attached to the back of the house or constructed out in the yard. Gazebos or pergolas are welcome additions that offer shade for year round enjoyment. Added screens control insects like mosquitoes on the deck.
Decks are usually built of wood or wood look-alike materials.
Landscape Curbing
Poured concrete edging is an excellent option for giving flower beds, islands, lawns, and other elements a finished look. New landscape curbing is a great addition to any existing yard to polish up the landscaping without having to redo it.
Ways To Save Money
There are a ton of great ways to save money on the cost of landscaping. Keep as many large trees and existing structures or materials as possible. Dig up pavers to re-lay and refinish wood rather than tearing out and replacing.
When selecting small projects to DIY or components to hire out, be realistic about expectations and ability. Ripping out a brand-new installation that was done incorrectly costs a lot more than getting it done right the first time.
Choose low-maintenance perennials that bloom again each year and are only installed one time. Native plants are well suited to the climate. Xeriscaping and decorative gravel or mulch as ground cover are also great ways to keep the maintenance (and landscape cost) down.
Factors That May Increase Cost
There are also factors about the yard that will increase the landscaping cost. Examples include:
- A slope that needs a retaining wall
- Large tree removal
- Removal of old structures that are unsalvageable
- Drainage issues
- Site accessibility issues
- Need for extensive or elaborate hardscape
- Additional accessory features like fire pits, water features, or outdoor kitchens
Maintenance Costs
After installation, landscaping requires maintenance to stay looking beautiful. Basic professional services include lawn care like mowing, fertilizing, and aeration, weed control, and tree trimming.
Schedules vary by season and services, but expect weekly, monthly, and annual activities. A professional landscaping service will track these activities. As a result, the yard always stays up-to-date.
The size of your yard and type of landscaping will impact what professional landscapers charge.
Looking for a Quote Customized for You?
We understand the frustration homeowners and commercial building managers face when trying to price out and plan landscaping projects. Things get complicated fast!
Atlanta Turf & Tree thrives on this otherwise chaotic environment because we do it every day. We are thrilled to serve Atlanta and the surrounding areas and are happy to streamline this process and give our clients the outdoor spaces they’ve been dreaming about. Contact our landscaping services experts and get a quote customized for your landscaping project.
