A well-designed landscape offers many benefits to your home or business. Research has shown that landscaping improves a property’s value and provides physical and psychological health benefits to those who spend time outdoors.
Landscaping costs can vary widely, depending on several factors, including project scope, material choices and geographic location. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your next landscape project:
1. Materials
Materials are a significant component of any landscaping project and will vary in price. For example, a small sapling in a pot costs less than a balled and burlapped tree that is already 15-20 feet tall. Certain shrubs that are slower growing cost more than faster-growing specimens, as well as exotic or high-quality plants. The type of soil can also impact the overall costs, as well as if drainage issues are present that will require additional work.
The cost of hardscaping, which consists of non-organic materials like stones, bricks, pavers, and decking, will vary widely depending on the region as well. Materials like wood and stone that are native to the area will be cheaper than imported options. In addition, the size and design of a project will impact cost. Simple designs are often less expensive than elaborate ones, and using less labor-intensive materials will also help keep expenses down. While this landscaping option could cost more initially, choosing durable and locally sourced materials often pays off by reducing future maintenance and replacement expenses.
Ongoing maintenance will add to the overall cost of a landscape project as well, but there are ways to keep those costs under control. For example, DIY maintenance can save money over paying a lawn care company or professional landscaper to handle it for you. Similarly, choosing durable materials that don’t require a lot of maintenance will help cut costs.
Additionally, scheduling a contractor far ahead of time can take advantage of seasonal discounts and bulk pricing for materials. And for projects that will involve digging, it’s a good idea to have the site prepared before the contractor arrives by clearing, leveling, and adding the necessary nutrients to the soil. Finally, reusing materials in your landscape whenever possible can help reduce your costs, such as by recycling functional pavers for walkways or mulching the garden with sun-faded material instead of purchasing new supplies.
2. Labor
The amount of labor needed to landscape your property will affect overall costs. Simple designs that involve minimal plant removal or mowing will be less expensive than intricate hardscaping, water features, and other add-ons that require more skilled labor. Labor rates vary by region and expertise, so projects requiring specialized knowledge will be more costly than those that don’t.
Hiring a gardener can be a great way to reduce landscaping costs, but prices also depend on the complexity of your job. The national average for hiring a professional gardener is $150 per visit, which includes mowing, yard clean-up, and shrub trimming.
Other landscaping expenses include the price of materials and any professional services needed for design or installation. These costs can range from a few hundred dollars for basic lawn care to tens of thousands of dollars for an extensive backyard overhaul with patios, walkways, and even a pool.
In addition to the actual cost of materials, you’ll have to budget for any necessary permits and adherence to local regulations. This can be especially significant for any structures or large-scale landscaping projects, like a deck or swimming pool.
Landscaping is an investment that can increase your home’s value and offer a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for you and your family. But with so many factors influencing costs, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect from your project before starting.
There are a few key ways to keep your landscaping costs low, from purchasing in phases to choosing local materials to cut shipping costs. Additionally, by purchasing and planting perennial plants rather than annuals, you can save money on long-term maintenance.
3. Design
The design is an essential step for any landscaping project and can greatly affect the overall cost of the final product. Different designers charge different fees based on their experience and expertise, and the scope of the work to be done also influences how much you will pay.
Some landscaping designers charge a flat fee for each design plan, while others may charge by the hour or as a percentage of the total project costs. These costs can vary, with the average per-design fee ranging from $300 to $15,000 or more, and most falling within the $4,000 to $6,000.
Landscaping projects are generally priced by the square foot, so the size of your yard will impact how much you will spend. Other factors that influence design costs include landscape style, environmental designs (such as xeriscaping), and the number of hardscape features you want to install.
The more complex the design and the more extensive the installation, the higher the costs will be. For example, a water feature, firepit, paver patio, and retaining walls will all add to the cost of your project.
Many landscape companies offer a “design & build” service, where they will both design your space and provide the installation services. This can be a great option for those who are looking to save time and money. However, be sure to ask the company how their design process works, as some will require additional plans for complicated projects, while others may deduct their fees from the overall installation price.
Some companies also offer discounts or seasonal sales during the spring and summer. These can be a great way to reduce your landscape costs without sacrificing the quality of the finished project.
4. Installation
Landscaping isn’t always cheap, but it can be a worthwhile investment. In fact, some experts believe that well-maintained landscaping increases home value by up to 15%.
Landscape costs vary depending on the size of your yard, design features, and materials used. Additionally, labor costs increase with the complexity of the project. For example, a simple landscaping job like seeding or laying sod will cost less than building brick walls and installing new gardens.
A professional landscaper will provide a detailed estimate with a breakdown of all costs. They will include the cost of materials and labor, along with any additional fees or expenses that may be associated with your project. It’s important to keep in mind that industry standard pricing isn’t typically available, so quotes tend to range widely.
Some landscapers charge per design, while others may charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the overall project cost. If you’re working with a landscape designer that charges by the design, be sure to factor in any changes or additions to your original plan.
Once the design is complete, the landscaper will start implementing the features. Landscaping projects can include softscaping, hardscaping, or a combination of both. Softscaping includes planting trees, bushes, flowers, and grass, while hardscaping involves non-organic materials like patios, walkways, pergolas, and retaining walls.
Depending on your property’s location and the local laws, you may need to obtain a permit before starting any construction. This is especially important if you’re planning on digging or moving soil. Your landscaper will be able to advise you on whether or not you’ll need a permit, and will likely get one for you if necessary.
Landscaping is a great way to add beauty and curb appeal to your home. It can also improve air quality by removing dust, dirt, and pollutants from the environment. Plus, spending time outdoors helps reduce stress by triggering the release of endorphins.
5. Maintenance
A properly maintained landscape enhances a home or business’s aesthetics, but it also provides environmental benefits. For instance, trees and shrubs act as windbreaks to protect buildings from high winds and help lower temperatures during summer months by shading things that absorb heat (like concrete and asphalt). And, a well-planned landscape can reduce water bills by utilizing efficient irrigation systems and incorporating water-saving features.
A landscaping project’s ongoing maintenance costs can vary widely, depending on the level of care you want to provide and the type of features that are installed. For example, planting a new lawn or laying sod is usually less expensive than installing hardscapes like walkways and patios. Mulching your yard or using perennials instead of annuals will also help reduce the cost of maintenance.
For landscaping projects involving construction work, such as building a fence or resloping land, you may need to obtain a permit. Permit fees can add up quickly, especially if your project requires the use of large equipment such as a backhoe or chainsaw.
Pricing for landscaping projects is a moving target and can be challenging to understand. To get a better idea of what to expect, it’s best to consult with a reputable landscaping company.
Landscaping projects are a big investment, but they can boost property values and create an inviting place for family and friends to gather. Plus, spending time in nature helps relieve stress and promotes healthy lifestyles by promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. In fact, research shows that homeowners with beautiful landscapes receive 6 to 13 percent higher returns on their property values than those without them. So, don’t be afraid to invest in your home or commercial landscaping — the rewards will be well worth it!