This post will help you understand how much you’ll pay for simple landscaping. It all depends on what type of design you want and the size of your yard.
Some popular choices include fire pits, water features, outdoor living areas, and retaining walls. We’ll also look at what it costs to hire a professional landscaper or do it yourself instead!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understanding how to landscape your yard can add value to your home and create a beautiful outdoor space. |
| The cost of landscaping can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the project, the materials used, and the level of expertise required. |
| Landscaping can involve multiple stages, including planning and design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. |
| Before starting a landscaping project, it’s important to define your goals and expectations, establish a budget, and choose a qualified and reputable landscaper. |
| There are many ways to save money on landscaping costs, including doing some of the work yourself, shopping around for materials and services, and choosing low-maintenance plants and design features. |
Landscape Size
The size of the landscape is a major factor in determining the price. The larger the area, the more expensive it will be to landscape it.
For example, simple landscaping for a small yard (1/4 acre) would cost about $2,500 on average. On the other hand, simple landscaping for a large yard (1 acre) would cost about $7,000 on average.
If you’re planning on installing landscaping borders, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools and knowledge. At Unified Haven, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to install landscaping borders that can help make the process easier and more efficient.
Landscape Design
Landscape design can be a major factor in determining the cost of your landscaping project. The more detailed and complicated your landscape design is, the more expensive it will be to implement.
This is because you are adding more plants and trees, which adds to the labor required to install them (and in some cases like container gardening, may require additional materials).
If your yard was previously bare and now has just a few shrubs or decorative rocks, then adding plants should be relatively inexpensive compared with what it would cost if you had only grass before.
If on the other hand, you have low-maintenance plantings that require little watering or pruning (think cactus) then this will also reduce costs since there won’t be many maintenance expenses after installation.
Top Landscape Design Styles
| Style | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Symmetry, balance, and structure are key elements of formal landscape design. | Geometric shapes, defined hedges, formal garden beds, and classical ornaments. |
| Informal | A more relaxed style that emphasizes natural contours and features of the landscape. | Curved lines, free-flowing forms, casual plant arrangements, and natural materials. |
| Modern | A contemporary style that often features minimalist design and clean lines. | Bold geometric shapes, monochromatic color schemes, and a focus on hardscaping and minimalistic planting. |
| Tropical | A lush and vibrant design style that features exotic plant selection and creates a tropical atmosphere. | Palm trees, bamboo, bright flowers, and exotic plants along with water features and bright pops of color. |
| Mediterranean | Inspired by the landscapes of Greece, Italy, and Spain, Mediterranean landscaping features warm color palettes and natural materials. | Terracotta pots and tiles, golden gravel, classic white stucco walls, and natural stone walkways. |
Trees And Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can be a serious investment, but one that’s well worth it. If you’re looking for beautiful flowers and color, trees and bushes are the way to go.
They’re also great for adding shade in hot weather, creating privacy around your home, or protecting it from the wind.
However, trees and shrubs aren’t just pretty they need care and maintenance as well! The cost of planting is usually included in the price of your landscaping services (if not asked separately).
However, watering can be an additional expense depending on where you live: if your city uses a lot of water during its growing season (or if there’s a drought), then this will increase your overall costs by requiring more frequent watering sessions.
You’ll also need to prune these plants regularly so that they don’t get too big for their space; this is another additional expense depending on how often it needs done (and how much time/money it takes).
Trees come in all different sizes which means they have different costs associated with them—the bigger they are the more expensive they get!
For example: a small tree may only cost $20 while other times larger ones could cost upwards of $200 each year due to both their size requirements as well as maintenance needs such as trimming branches back every few months throughout summertime when growth tends towards lush foliage instead slender branches sprouting outwards rather than upwards towards sunlight exposure making them harder to reach without damaging nearby leaves.”
Landscaping stones are a popular choice for creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. If you’re wondering where to get landscaping stones, our article on some places to get landscaping stones has got you covered with a list of top suppliers.
Grass And Sod
Sod is a great option for areas where grass is difficult to grow, such as sloped yards or shady areas.
Sod can be expensive, but you only need to buy it once; after that, all you need to do is water and cut it like regular grass.
Some sod varieties may require more care than others do, so it’s important to do your research before choosing what kind of sod best suits your needs.
If installing the sod yourself:
- Buy the best quality sod you can afford
- Rent a sod-laying machine rather than trying to cut pieces by hand (unless you have lots of time)
- Use lots of water while laying the turf
If you’re hiring a landscaper for the first time, you may be wondering what to expect from the process. At Unified Haven, we’ve put together an extensive guide on what to expect from a landscaper to help you prepare for everything from design consultations to maintenance.
Rocks And Mulch
Rocks and mulch can be quite expensive, depending on the size of your garden and the type of rocks you choose.
The price tag for rocks and mulch depends on whether you buy them in bulk or by the bag, as well as where you get them from.
A small landscape might only need a few bags to fill in areas that need some extra coverage; in this case, expect to pay around $5 per 20-pound bag (or 10 cubic feet).
If you’re working on a bigger project with more ground to cover, however, it’s important to know about some special types of rocks that may be more expensive than others.
For instance: granite is one of the most popular choices for landscaping because it lasts longer than other types but also costs more than twice as much per cubic foot compared with limestone or marble.
Pros and Cons of Rocks and Mulch in Landscaping
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rocks | Durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. | Expensive initial investment, can be difficult to move or adjust over time, and doesn’t provide any nutritional benefit to plants |
| Mulch | Inexpensive, easy to install and maintain, and provides nutritional benefits to plants as it decomposes. | Needs to be replaced every 1-2 years, can attract pests and insects, and can be blown away in high winds or heavy rain. |
| Gravel | Low maintenance, cost-effective, and water-permeable to reduce runoff. | Limited color options, can get hot in direct sunlight, and can be difficult to walk on. |
| Pine Needles | Have a natural look and texture, help conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature. | Can be flammable, can become compacted and turn into mulch over time, and can be difficult to find and purchase. |
| Rubber Mulch | Long-lasting, made from recycled materials, and doesn’t attract pests or insects. | Not biodegradable, can heat up in sunlight, and may contain harmful chemicals. |
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is another great way to improve your landscaping and add value. The term “hardscape” refers to any artificial surface, including concrete, brick, stone pavers and more. If you’re looking for a new patio or pathway in your yard, hardscaping is a great option for you!
Creating a beautiful and functional landscaping design takes skill and expertise. If you’re looking for some expert tips and tricks on how to create your own landscaping design, be sure to check out our article on how to create landscaping for insider knowledge and strategies.
Fencing
Fencing is a popular choice for many homeowners, and it can be used to create an attractive border for your property.
Wood fencing is the most common type of fencing. It’s available in a variety of styles and colors, so there’s one that will fit into any landscape design scheme.
Costs vary greatly depending on what type of fence you want and what materials you choose to use.
When installing wood fences or posts, remember that they are sold in bundles of 10—you’ll need at least two bundles per linear foot (or 4 per corner) if you’re working with an average-size yard!
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are used to hold back earth from sloping areas. They can be made of concrete or stone, and are commonly used to create level areas for patios, gardens, lawns, swimming pools and more. Retaining walls can be custom-designed to fit your land’s contours exactly.
The cost of a retaining wall depends on the materials you want it made out of, how big it is and where you live.
For example: if you live in a city like Los Angeles or New York City, where there’s limited space available for parking on residential streets (and even less so now that certain car companies have started making cars that are too wide), then the price may vary significantly depending on how much extra money they have invested into those particular cities’ infrastructure over time already!
On average though we find that most homeowners pay between $5-$10 per square foot installed when using concrete blocks as opposed to natural stone which is usually around $15-$20 per square foot installed due primarily because they tend not require any additional labor costs associated with installing them properly.”
Landscape Lighting
If you’re looking for a good way to add value to your landscaping, think about investing in some landscape lighting.
This can accomplish a lot of things, including making your home look more inviting and safe. It also has the added benefit of increasing the value of your property if you plan on selling it in the future.
Landscape lighting is also a great way to save money on energy bills if you use LED lights instead of other types of bulbs (such as halogen or incandescent). The last thing that comes with having an attractive exterior is having an efficient one!
Water Features
Water features are another option for your backyard, and they can be a great way to add interest to an otherwise boring landscape design.
The cost of adding a water feature depends on the size, type of material and installation method—and it ranges from as little as $500 to upwards of $35,000.
Here are some examples:
A simple decorative fountain can cost around $500 if you have the supplies or have them delivered by a professional landscaper; it might require digging into your lawn too deeply to do it yourself. It will also likely require professional installation unless you’re experienced with plumbing projects like this one.
An above ground pool or hot tub could run anywhere from $1,500 (for an inexpensive model) to over $10,000 (for something more elaborate).
Pools require special safety equipment that costs extra money on top of what you pay for the pool itself; hot tubs typically don’t require much more than running water through them but do need electricity hookups installed nearby at least 15 feet away from where children might play near them so parents know about potential hazards like electrical shock risks when sending kids outside unsupervised near these kinds of “outdoor rooms” for family enjoyment during summer months (when pools tend not towards being used often enough!).
Outdoor Living Areas
If you’ve got a backyard that’s not being used for its intended purpose to entertain and enjoy the great outdoors you should add value to your home by renovating it.
Outdoor living areas can be as simple as a small patio or deck, or they can take on a whole new level of complexity depending on how much money is invested in them.
To get started, consider hiring an interior designer or landscape architect to help you decide what is best for your home. It may be easier to call in an expert than try to figure it out on your own!
Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems are a necessity in any landscape, whether it’s a small yard or large acreage. It’s important to water your plants regularly so they stay healthy and green, especially during the hot summers.
You can choose from automated or manual irrigation systems depending on how much time you want to spend watering your lawn or garden.
They’re also great for keeping your grass green between fertilizing visits! The cost depends on the size of your lawn and what features you want included in the system (like rain sensors).
Outdoor Fireplaces Or Fire Pits
Outdoor fireplaces or fire pits. Fireplaces and fire pits can be a great addition to your outdoor living space, but they can also be expensive and require a significant amount of upkeep. If you decide to install one, make sure that it is well-protected from winds and other elements that could cause it to catch on fire.
How much does an outdoor fireplace cost? The cost depends on the size of the fireplace itself and any additional features that come with it (such as rocks).
In general, small outdoor fireplaces start around $100 while larger ones go for closer to $1,000 or more but remember that this is just an estimate!
Your final price may vary depending on where you live as well as other factors like whether or not there are any additional costs involved in installation.
There are several reasons why simple landscaping can cost as little as $500 or as much as $35,000. The first is the size of your yard, which will determine how much material you need to buy. The more ground you have to cover, the more it will cost you to finish it up with grass and plants.
Another factor that can impact your final bill is whether or not there are any existing structures in need of repair or removal before they’re replaced with new ones; if so, expect your total price tag to increase considerably.
The third factor affecting simple landscape startup costs is what kind of design you choose for your outdoor space: a naturalistic look featuring native plants that require little maintenance may be cheaper than an English country garden complete with rosebushes and topiary trees (though both styles can require regular upkeep).
A fourth factor affecting simple landscaping pricing is whether or not there’s already some kind of hardscaping such as patios and walkways in place when work begins on new plantings: if so, then these materials won’t need replacing unless damaged during construction processes such as digging trenches for pipes/pumps;
this could also result in lower labor charges since fewer workers would need hiring due mainly because less equipment would be needed since fewer materials would need installing around this area like rocks over concrete slabs etcetera).
Conclusion
Landscaping can be a huge investment, but it’s worth it. If you want to add some much-needed curb appeal to your home, then simple landscaping may be just what you need.
It’s important to note that the cost of these services will vary based on factors such as size of property or type of plants used in the design.
It’s also worth noting that hiring an experienced professional who knows what they’re doing could save you money by ensuring everything goes smoothly from start (picking out plants) all way through completion (installation).
Further Reading
The Ultimate Guide to Landscaping Costs – This comprehensive guide by Forbes provides an in-depth breakdown of the different factors that can affect the cost of landscaping, including materials, design, and labor.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost? – Bob Vila’s article breaks down the costs of various landscaping projects, providing a general idea of what you can expect to pay for services such as planting, hardscaping, and maintenance.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost? A Look at the Average Prices – This article by Landscaping Network provides a cost calculator that allows you to estimate the total cost of your landscaping project based on a variety of factors, including the size of your yard, type of materials used, and specific design features.
FAQs
What is the average cost of landscaping per hour?
The average cost of landscaping per hour can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the scope and complexity of the project, the region and climate, and the level of expertise required. Landscaping services can range from $50 to $150 per hour.
How much does it cost to have a landscape design drawn up?
The cost of a landscape design depends on the complexity of the project and the expertise of the designer. Simple designs can cost as little as $300 to $500, while more complex designs can cost upwards of $4,000 or more.
How much do landscapers charge to plant trees?
The cost of planting trees by landscapers may vary depending on the type and size of the trees, the cost of materials like soil and fertilizer, and the labor involved. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $3,000 or more to have trees planted in their yard by a professional landscaper.
How much does landscape maintenance cost?
The cost of landscape maintenance depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the yard, the complexity of the design, and the specific services required. On average, homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for maintenance services such as mowing, pruning, and fertilizing.
How can I save money on landscaping costs?
There are many ways to save money on landscaping costs, including doing some of the work yourself, shopping around for materials and services, and choosing low-maintenance plants and design features. You can also work with your landscaper to develop a cost-effective plan that meets your specific needs and budget.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a home improvement blogger. As a blogger who writes about how to make your homes better, I’ve learned that everyone wants to know more about their houses and what they can do with them.