How Much Does Landscaping Cost?
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+Designing and maintaining a beautiful landscape is about more than just mowing and watering the yard. According to Linda Greenberg, landscape designer and owner of Linda Greenberg Landscape & Design, LLC, landscaping includes "basically anything to do with the outdoor spaces. A garden is an extension of the home's architecture, lay of the land, setting, lifestyle and budget." Angi and HomeAdvisor report that the typical cost for landscaping a yard ranges from approximately $1,277 to $5,856, with a national average of about $3,415.
Costs vary depending on several factors, including the type and scope of the project, yard size, and going rate of labor. The type of equipment required to complete the project can also affect the overall costs. This guide will help homeowners learn more about how much landscaping costs and how they can optimize their investment in their property.
Factors in Calculating Landscaping CostWhile the national average cost of landscaping is about $3,415, the cost in an individual community can vary depending on numerous factors. For example, landscapers may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $40,000, or even more, for their services. Multiple factors affect the cost, such as the size of the yard, significant additions like retaining walls, and material quality.
Project TypeThe type of landscaping project is also a substantial factor in the price scenario. Landscaping projects that involve construction, such as installing retaining walls to prevent erosion, may require the services of a landscape architect or engineer, which will add to the costs. These professionals may charge $50 to $100 per hour for their services.
Service TypeAt the lower end of the price range are basic landscaping services, such as dethatching a lawn, planting seasonal flowers, or performing essential landscape maintenance tasks, including mowing and other lawn services that occur throughout the growing season. Homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $250 for the best lawn care services to take care of these tasks. Stump grinding or stump removal costs as much as $700.
When the services and projects become more complex, the cost rises. The addition of landscape curbing averages between $780 and $2,150, while even larger projects, such as xeriscaping, might run as much as $3,000 to $24,000. Any preparation that is necessary may incur additional costs; for example, the cost to level a yard is about $2,122.
Service Average Cost (Labor and Materials) Aeration $220 to $870 Fertilization $150 to $500 Mulching $150 to $400 Stump grinding $275 to $600 Stump removal $200 to $700 Tree trimming $175 to $750 Weed control $65 to $150 Yard cleanup $200 to $500 Project Size and ScopeOne of the most significant factors in cost fluctuation relates to the size and scope of the landscaping project. Basic landscaping services, such as planting a flower bed, can cost as little as $2,000. More in-depth services, such as installing a fence, can run as much as $4,500.
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+ Property SizeAlong with the type and scope of a landscaping project, the size of the property is also a factor in pricing. For standard services such as turf installation, homeowners can expect to pay around $2,000 to $4,000 per acre. Landscapers may give a cost-per-foot or cost-per-acre discount for large properties that small properties may not get. This is because once the landscaping company comes out and sets up shop, it's less expensive to remain and service a more extensive area than pack up and go to another project.
For small projects, landscaping companies may charge by the square foot, leaving homeowners wondering "How much is a yard in square feet?" While lots often vary in size, even within the same development, a standard quarter-acre yard is 10,890 square feet.
Terrain and AccessibilityIf portions of the property are difficult to access, landscaping costs are likely to go up. Factors like steep slopes or narrow access between a neighboring home can add hundreds of dollars or more to the final tally.
A typical patio ranges in cost from $1,950 to $5,600, including excavating the site, constructing the forms to hold the concrete, and then pouring the concrete in the forms. If a concrete batch truck can't back up to dump the concrete directly in the forms, a pump truck may be needed to transfer the concrete, adding to the patio cost. When specialty equipment is necessary, prices typically go up.
Likewise, soil type can be an issue. Excavating the ground for a pool or retaining wall is more complex and slow going if the terrain is rocky, which translates into added costs. The best landscaping companies will want to come out and look at the property before making an estimate.
Time of YearWarm, dry weather is optimal for most landscaping projects, and many homeowners are champing at the bit in spring and summer to get their projects completed. However, scheduling landscaping projects during a company's slow season may offer some savings. Typically, landscaping charges are relatively consistent year-round. Still, if a landscaping company faces a quiet time during the winter months, it may be willing to negotiate its fees to keep its workers busy.
LaborHow much do landscapers cost? The landscaping cost per hour for labor is between $50 and $100. "Labor and operational costs have increased significantly over the last few years," says Greenberg. "Those costs should be respected and considered throughout before signing on the dotted line." The more workers a project requires, the higher the costs will be. However, labor costs vary from region to region, so the going rate of labor in any given community will also be a factor. Hiring a general laborer rather than a large landscaping company may help keep costs down, but homeowners will want to keep in mind that the speed with which a crew or laborer can finish the project will also impact the final labor charges.
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+ SuppliesThe type and quality of materials will impact the project's cost because some materials are much more costly than others. Choosing exclusively high-end materials is sure to keep prices higher than the average landscaping cost. A patio ranges in price from around $2,000 to $5,800, and concrete is typically one of the more affordable construction materials. Building a deck with lumber can cost as much as $11,900, depending on size, because lumber can be expensive. Even the cost of landscaping rocks can range from $40 to $100 per cubic yard depending on the type that is chosen.
Material Average Cost (Materials Only) Border plants $2 to $50 per plant Fencing $11 to $90 per linear foot Grass seed $3 to $10 per pound Mulch $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot Patio materials $1 to $35 per square foot Pavers $1 to $25 per square foot Pool installation materials $20,000 to $65,000 Retaining wall blocks $3 to $40 per square foot Rocks or gravel $40 to $100 per cubic yard Sod $0.35 to $0.85 per square foot Topsoil $12 to $55 per cubic yard Turf $2 to $6 per square foot Additional Costs and ConsiderationsLandscaping encompasses a broad scope of projects, some of which may be necessary to ensure the safety of the property, like establishing a yard grade that controls water drainage or installation of retaining walls that stop soil erosion. These are factors for homeowners to consider when designing the whole landscaping project.
There may be additional costs for gardening or adding decorative features, such as water fountains or raised garden beds, or aerating the lawn and basic maintenance chores. Larger projects such as removing unwanted trees or installing a new sod lawn will typically come at a higher cost.
PermitsWhile smaller landscaping projects such as mulching or planting flower beds won't require a permit, homeowners are advised to check with local authorities before scheduling larger projects to find out if a permit is needed. Installing a fence, putting in an in-ground pool, and building a pergola all generally require permits. Permits can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,750, depending on the project.
ReslopingWater and foundations don't mix. When water pools around the edge of a foundation, it increases the risk of foundation problems, including leaks and movement. Getting the correct slope on a yard is essential to prevent foundation problems, and it may also be a zoning requirement in a community to ensure runoff doesn't cut a path through a neighbor's lawn or overwhelm storm drains.
Depending on the extent of sloping required, homeowners can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,225. The average national cost is about $2,100. This project will likely need to be completed before other landscaping projects can be undertaken, such as installing a sprinkler system or laying sod.
Enhancements and ImprovementsA well-designed landscape can make a home more valuable. While it can increase the odds of potential homebuyers making an appointment to view the home, it can also increase a homeowner's outdoor enjoyment.
Professionally installed landscape lighting ranges from about $3,500 to $4,500. Lighting can extend evening entertaining and add an element of safety for visitors who arrive after dark. Homeowners may also choose to add a pond to the yard to enhance the aesthetics and provide tranquility. The average cost to build a pond is around $9,000. Installing an outdoor kitchen will also add entertainment value, but it's a big-ticket item, averaging about $13,000. Adding a swimming pool tops many homeowners' wish lists and can cost as much as $50,000.
Enhancement Average Cost (Labor and Materials) French drain $4,500 Outdoor kitchen $13,000 Outdoor lighting $3,500 to $4,500 Pond $9,000 Pool $50,000Make your garden a space you love
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+ LocationMost homeowners' front yard landscaping ideas typically include relatively low-cost features like expansive lawns, trees, and perennial beds. Installing sprinklers is one of the more common front yard projects and costs $1,675 to $3,550. Putting in a few of the best trees for a front yard will cost $150 to $300 per tree, while putting in the best black mulch might cost $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. Installing walkways starts at about $300. Having a new patio installed ranges from $2,000 to $5,800, while a gazebo could cost $2,750 to $9,600, depending on the size, type, and quality.
Backyard landscaping costs tend to be higher since the backyard is often where the residents will spend their outdoor time. Large-scale backyard landscaping projects, such as total renovations that include removing old landscaping, installing a new lawn, and planting new trees, can be a pricey prospect, averaging $15,000 to $50,000. At the low end, a modest upgrade on a small backyard that includes a new lawn and plantings could run about $5,000. Still, the sky's the limit at the upper range, with high-end renovations including a pool, outdoor kitchen, new lawn, sprinkler system, and a new entertaining area running $100,000 or more.
Additional ServicesSome landscaping construction projects, such as pools, pool houses, and fencing, require additional professional services. These can include an approved landscaping design from an architect or engineer. Architect fees can add $70 to $150 per hour to the project.
A landscape designer, who can help strategize the project, typically charges around $50 to $150 per hour for landscape design services. According to Greenberg, a landscape architect "can help you navigate all ideas and educate so that when the project is complete, it will fulfill your garden dream. A one-hour on-site consultation is chock-full of ideas and ways to enhance the garden, [and] connect the interior to the exterior spaces without appearing to be added on or built at a different time."
Other fees may include obtaining the necessary permits to install fences or structures, adding around $500 to $2,750 or so to the price tag.
Types of Landscaping ServicesLandscaping isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every yard or even every geographic region. In the different areas and climates, some types of landscaping may be more suitable than others. Landscaping projects and services fall into four primary categories: maintenance, softscaping, hardscaping, and xeriscaping. The cost for each varies, though the average cost range for each type of service is listed below.
Type of Landscaping Cost (Labor and Materials) Hardscaping $10,000 to $30,000 Maintenance $100 to $4,000 Softscaping $800 to $10,000 Xeriscaping $16,000 to $18,000 HardscapingAt the top rung of the cost ladder, "hardscaping" means the addition of decorative and structural elements that are not horticultural. According to Greenberg, this can encompass "parking areas, meandering pathways, outdoor kitchens, dining patios, conversation patios, outdoor office, fire pits/fireplaces, water fountains, swimming pools/spas, cabanas, ponds (koi and reflecting) courtyards, retaining walls, gates/fencing, bridges, play areas, doggie/pet areas, herb/vegetable gardens, cutting/perennial/annual planting beds, [and] tool sheds." On the whole, hardscaping projects cost somewhere in the realm of $10,000 to $30,000. Approximate costs are $300 to $1,400 for a fire pit, $2,000 to $10,000 for new fencing, and $2,500 to $4,500 for arbor construction. A gazebo costs $7,500 to $10,000.
Other hardscaping costs might include having a retaining wall built to control erosion at the expense of $3,500 to $10,000 or adding a porch on the house, ranging from $12,000 to $30,000, depending on size and material type. Smaller hardscaping projects include adding a water fountain at the cost of $1,250 to $3,750 or having a playground built, which can range from $500 to $5,000.
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+ MaintenanceLandscape maintenance services include anything that must be done regularly to keep the lawn, shrubs, flowers, and other yard areas in good shape. These services are among the least expensive, running an average of $100 to $4,000 annually. Failure to maintain a lawn and garden can hurt a home's value, so it's important for homeowners to keep up with their yard maintenance.
Maintenance charges include costs for performing services such as fertilizing the lawn at a cost of $150 to $500; aerating the soil, which runs $220 to $870; and other periodic tasks such as raking and lawn cleanup at a cost of about $200 to $500. Maintenance fees are among the least expensive costs associated with landscaping, but it's worth considering opting for low-maintenance landscaping to keep these costs down in the future.
SoftscapingThe term "softscaping" refers to planting and installing live horticultural elements in the yard. Most softscaping projects cost between $800 and $10,000. Some of these services may overlap with maintenance services, including overseeding a lawn at a cost range of $550 to $1,500. Others focus on planting new items. Planting shrubs costs from $25 to $50 per shrub, planting trees costs $150 to $300 per tree, and installing sod costs about $5,800 to $7,200. Planting an entire flower bed might run $1,000 to $3,000.
Pruning and removing is another element of softscaping. Tree trimming costs $175 to $750, and the cost to remove a tree that is dead, diseased, or no longer wanted can range from $400 to $900. Shrub or bush removal costs $903 on average.
XeriscapingXeriscaping is the process of designing and planting a yard around the concept of using plants that are indigenous to the region to save on watering, fertilizing, and maintenance costs. Xeriscaping costs an average of $16,000 to $18,000 in total. The initial installation of native plant species can run $2,000 to $5,000, while adding mulch around existing landscaping plants to reduce moisture evaporation from the soil typically ranges from $150 to $400.
Xeriscaping doesn't involve cultivating a lush lawn, so other items are often used, such as artificial grass at a cost of $3,000 to $7,500, or decorative stone in the landscape, which can run $250 to $2,500, depending on the scope of the project.
Benefits of Hiring for LandscapingA well-planned landscaping design can be costly to implement, but it can also be considered an investment in the property's value. Not only can new landscaping increase the owner's enjoyment of the property and remove any outdated landscaping features, but it can also help conserve water and energy.
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+ Decreased Energy BillsWell-placed deciduous trees can shade a home in summer and, in doing so, reduce AC costs to cool the house. In the winter, the trees lose their leaves, so the sun, which is lower in the southern sky during the winter in the northern hemisphere, can shine through the branches and help heat the home. The result is lower energy bills year-round, making it well worth the cost to have a tree planted.
Customization OptionsThe best landscaping is customizable to work with individual properties, taking their unique characteristics and homeowners' landscaping ideas into account. A homeowner who doesn't want a natural grass lawn can opt for artificial turf. Landscaping services should be geared toward individual yards, and no two yards are the same.
Professional KnowledgeChoosing suitable grass, shrubs, and trees and keeping them healthy requires horticultural knowledge, so hiring a landscape professional is usually money well spent. Landscape designers can assist with difficulties like landscaping around trees. They can also help homeowners decide where a pond should go and pull a permit for a project. Landscape design costs $50 to $150 per hour.
Before homeowners start any project that requires construction, such as building a fence or patio, it's essential for them to know the location of the property's legal boundaries. A land surveyor can pinpoint property lines and create a legal survey for $400 to $750.
Air Quality and Environmental BenefitsAdding live plants and trees to the landscape is an eco-friendly way of improving air quality for all. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, one tree can absorb an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide every year.
Using xeriscaping, which involves planting native plants that thrive in the area, reduces the need for watering and promotes pollinator insects. In communities that wasee watering bans regularly, xeriscaping is an environmentally friendly option that will also save money.
Return on InvestmentAn improvement in curb appeal alone may encourage a potential buyer to make an offer. Still, most of the time, homeowners like to know whether they'll get a return on their investment (ROI), meaning the landscaping improvements will bring a higher price for their home when they go to sell.
ROI will vary, depending on the type of project, the quality of the materials, and the project's suitability for the property. Professional landscaping can increase a home's value by around 7 percent.
Landscaping: DIY vs. Hiring a ProfessionalIt's not uncommon for homeowners to find inspiring DIY landscaping ideas online and want to tackle their landscaping projects themselves. Some aspects of the landscaping process are well suited to DIYers, including mowing, weed whacking, and overseeding. However, more complex projects such as resloping a yard or attempting to install in-ground drainage could backfire, leaving the homeowner with a mess or even harm to the home's value. According to Greenberg, "Most DIYers have a good idea of what they want, but they are not always educated in the process and the time it takes and how laborious it can actually be. I feel that some of the DIYs are out of touch with what the project will ultimately cost."
While homeowners may consider hiring a landscape designer to be a luxury, planning and designing the project may not always be as simple as they would seem. "When I meet with a client, it is important for me to educate the client to the best of my knowledge and guide them through their decisions and selections," Greenberg adds. "This can literally save hundreds or thousands of dollars in mistakes. Also, two heads are better than one, so there may be ideas that they haven't considered that can significantly enhance the proposed garden and possibly reduce costs."
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+Below are the estimated national averages for common landscaping projects that homeowners will generally want to leave to the pros.
Professional Landscaping Projects Cost (Labor and Materials) Deck installation $5,000 to $15,000 Fence installation $2,000 to $10,000 Fire pit installation $300 to $1,400 Pergola installation $1,900 to $6,500 Playground installation $500 to $5,000 Retaining wall installation $3,500 to $10,000 Sod installation $5,800 to $7,200 Sprinkler system installation $4,000 to $7,000 Water fountain installation $1,250 to $3,750 Walkway installation $500 to $900While selecting plants and trees can be a rewarding DIY landscaping project, removing a large tree is dangerous. Many communities require a permit to ensure the work is done by a pro who knows how to remove the tree without causing harm or damage. Tree removal ranges from $400 to $900, but it's a cost well worth it to have the job done appropriately.
How to Save Money on Landscaping CostWith such a wide cost range between the least expensive landscaping services, homeowners will appreciate some tips for keeping costs down and getting the best deal. When planning a landscaping project, homeowners can consider the following methods for keeping costs under control.
Hiring a professional landscaper is the simplest way to boost curb appeal and get a yard in top shape, but homeowners won't want to go into it blind. At an average national cost of $3,415 for landscaping services, homeowners should be ready to ask some questions before signing on the dotted line.
While choosing landscaping services will depend on personal style, budget, and potential regulations, knowing how much it will cost on average will reduce the risk of getting a large surprise bill at the end of the project. For those just beginning to think about landscaping, a few questions are to be expected. The following are some commonly asked questions and their answers.
Q. How much does it cost to have a landscape designed?The cost depends on the complexity of the design. Homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,200 for an in-depth design.
Q. How much does landscaping cost monthly?Monthly landscaping services typically include lawn maintenance, perhaps some pruning, and other regular chores and cost an average of $100 to $300.
Q. Is landscaping really necessary?This is primarily a personal decision, but if curb appeal and home value are top considerations, having a well-planned and tended landscape is a must.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr
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+Become Informed In The Landscape!
"The month of August had turned into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzled." — Sue Monk Kidd.
"Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August." — Denise Levertov.
"No one can believe that God is not good when the August gardens are in their heyday." — Gladys Taber.
"August, the summer's last messenger of misery, is a hollow actor." — Henry Rollins.
"Dry August and warm, doth harvest no harm." — Thomas Tusser.
"That August time it was delight. To watch the red moons wane to white." — Algernon Charles Swinburne.
"August has passed, and yet summer continues by force to grow days. They sprout secretly between the chapters of the year, covertly included between its pages." — Jonathan Safran Foer.
The days of August continue counting down and September will soon be upon us. As the season of "er" months approaches, the days will continue to shorten bringing more cooler weather to our doorsteps. Focus on projects around the home and landscape as a more comfortable working environment prevails. As plans are discussed and scheduled for installation and development, become informed about positive curb appeal, effective drainage and irrigation, proper plant selection and placement, successful sustainability practices, and necessary maintenance requirements.
As your landscape plans unfold, review basic information that should be considered to assist you in making the right plant selections and design decisions. Before you start any project, a good understanding of what is involved from start to finish is most critical. Keep impulse buying to a minimum.
Develop an understanding of the landscape design principles and concepts, proper plant installation, hardscapes and softscapes, and the required maintenance details which will be necessary to take any project to fruition. Get a grip on the reasons for the landscaping that you are about to undertake and define whether these actions will have the bests interests of all involved, including your environmental neighbors (wildlife) and the site itself. Also, an understanding of plant characteristics (maximum average size and shape at maturity, texture, form, etc.) and needs (water, light, fertilizer, positioning, etc.) is most critical.
Develop an understanding of the outdoor room concept which includes the wall (tree trunks and large shrubs), ceiling (tree canopies), and floor (grasses, flowers, groundcovers and circulation paths). Also, realize that the public area is that area seen from the street and is usually the first area to be landscaped and evaluated because of curb appeal.
The private area is the screened or fenced area at the side and rear of the home which usually cannot be seen from the street, and can be landscaped at will according to your own judgments (do not have to be concerned with curb appeal, just be pleasing to the family). The third area is the service area (trash cans, grill, storage, vegetable garden, etc.) which functions as the name indicates. Keep this area functional but as neutral as possible to minimize directing attention to it. This area can be found in the public area and throughout the private area.
The landscape design principles of simplicity, balance, flow (rhythm and line), proportion, focalization, and unity are applied to minimize smorgasbord results and over-crowding the site. Simplicity prevents complication and confusion and gives the viewer a comfort zone to enjoy a properly landscaped home. However, do not over-simplify by using only one species of plants in repetition (like a row of boxwoods around the entire front foundation). Good simplicity usually involves using no more than 5 to 7 species of plants in an organized layout throughout the public area.
The balance that you want to achieve can be either symmetrical (formal) or asymmetrical (informal). With symmetrical balance, you get a mirror image to the right and to the left of a benchmark (such as a perpendicular sidewalk leading to the porch area and front door where left mirrors the right). And with asymmetrical balance, you achieve a visual weight balance but not a mirrored image. For example, this balance can be achieved by placing 3 dogwoods to the left of a benchmark (driveway) and 3-5 crape myrtles to the right providing a balanced canopy appearance.
With flow (rhythm and line), allow each component of the landscape to lead into the next. Thus, using filler plants to take your attention from one focal point to the next is ideal. This can be achieved through mature plant sizes, texture, color, etc. However, only establish one focal point per view such as the front door or a specimen plant.
With proportion, it is a plant-structure relationship, as well as plan-plant relationship. Be certain to choose plants that will not appear dwarfed against a two-story home (thus leaving a bare wall appearance) or overwhelm a one level home (planting a large tree too close which appears to hide the structure and offer potential storm damage). Unity is the principle of design providing completion and everything appears as a whole and unified. Unity can be compared to a completed puzzle where you can still see where the pieces fit together but the entire picture has function and appeal.
The landscape design concepts of texture, size, color, drought tolerance, growth rate, soil conditions, light, shade, flowering, nutritional needs, etc. Need to be considered before making specific plant selections. And, water efficient landscaping (xeriscaping) plays important role in today's landscapes, as well as the choice to use a separate water meter for landscaping applications where allowed. Be certain that your landscape has good site drainage before initiating any projects.
Identify your bed areas, such as foundation, lawn, street, natural, etc. And determine their curb appeal, ease of maintenance and the type of mulch that will be the best fit. For example, if you have a bed of pine trees, then your best mulch choice would be pine straw because other mulches would be a headache trying to maintain (keeping the falling needles removed).
Consideration of appropriate plants (trees, shrubs, groundcovers, flowers, turf, etc.) in the plant selection process is critical. For example, look at your area and determine the specific factors that you are trying to satisfy, such as height and width, flowering, deciduous or evergreen, filler, specimen, seasonal color, shade or sunlight, etc. Compile a list with these descriptions and identify several plants that would fit these specs. This process will determine a category of plants from which a specific choice can be made (professional approach) rather than buying a dogwood and then asking where it can be planted on site (the amateur or novice approach). Think in terms of native and sustainable plants in the landscape.
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38. Immediately He spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Mark 6:50. A bright cloud enveloped them [Peter, James, John, and Jesus,] and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" Matthew 17:5. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11. "He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3.
Do You Need To Hire A Landscape Designer? Read This First
Do You Need to Hire a Landscape Designer?Lisa Romerein
A beautiful backyard and front yard are extensions of your home and, by association, your personal style. You probably wouldn't think twice about hiring a professional to help you get the look you want inside your house, but you might not feel the same way about your outdoor space. Many of us see the yard as something we can DIY. After all, the landscaping on most home renovation shows seems to take a few hours max. But landscape designers exist for a reason—and there are plenty of good reasons to hire a landscape designer.
For additional advice and expert guidance, we've tapped professional landscape designer John Gidding. "As a landscape designer," Gidding says. "My goal is not only to help homeowners elevate their yard but ensure they are creating environmentally conscious spaces by including native plants that support water conservation and benefit native biodiversity."
The outdoor version of an interior designer, landscape designers have the right expertise and experience to plan a yard that has all the features you want and is reasonable to maintain. They can transform your backyard into the oasis you've dreamed of, but they also have practical benefits. A garden designer can tell you exactly which walkway designs will make snow shoveling easier, which native plants will grow best in your yard, and what to do with that gazebo the previous owners put in. Whether you want to revamp a few flower beds or do a full backyard overhaul, a landscape designer can help you get it right on the first try—and even increase your home's value.
But do you really need one? Ahead, we highlight what you need to know about landscape designers, what they do, and whether they're worth the expense.
What Is a Landscape Designer?According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), a landscape designer "works closely with each client to create a personal and customized design that is best suited to their home, lifestyle, and unique set of wants and needs. He or she provides guidance, an artistic touch, and a comprehensive plan of action while keeping your best interests at heart."
Landscape designers consider the color, texture, smell, and growing seasons of various plants in order to curate and design a functional and beautiful outdoor space for their clients. They might consider a project as small as refreshing the flower beds around your mailbox or as big as a full backyard excavation and renovation.
Is There a Difference Between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape Designer?Yes, they are different. The key difference is that landscape architects must be licensed by the state. Similar to the relationship between an architect and an interior designer, landscape architects typically have a higher level of technical knowledge and experience in structural design, while a designer focuses on aesthetics and plants.
Gidding explains, "while both share the goal of enhancing outdoor areas, the methods and scope differ. A landscape architect's projects frequently involve complex site planning, grading, drainage, and infrastructure considerations. On the other hand, my expertise lies in curating plant palettes, understanding the interactions of colors and textures over time, and creating atmospheres by bringing them all together."
Both can design hardscaping, such as a patio, terrace, or swimming pool, though that tends to be more of a landscape architect's domain. In either case, a landscaping contractor is the one who'll do the actual digging.
Christopher BaKer
Where Can I Find and Hire One?The best ways to hire a landscape designer are similar to the ones you'd use to find any other solid tradesperson—although aesthetics matter in this case, of course.
Word of MouthNeighbors tend to use the same lawn maintenance companies. You know their work—after all, you see it every day! When you run into a neighbor whose yard you admire, ask them if they'd recommend their landscape designer. You can also keep an eye out for professional landscaping advertisements. When you see a garden that's getting refreshed, look for a sign and snap a picture! You can mine local family and friends for ideas too. Be sure to ask if they've ever used anyone (or know anyone who has) to find a landscape designer who's been vetted by people you trust.
Trade OrganizationsLike architects, landscape designers must have a certain level of professional experience and education in order to be certified even though they're not required to be licensed by the state. Both the APLD and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) have search tools that can help you find experts in your area.
OnlineGoogle and Instagram are great places to start when you're looking to connect with professionals and vet their work, but it's important to go one step further before you set up a meeting. Websites like Home Advisor and Angi have cost predictors and reviews of local design firms; they can also connect you directly to the designers.
How to Have a Productive ConsultationIf you're hiring a landscape designer, you probably have a project in mind. When you meet with a potential landscape designer for an initial consultation, bring photos or videos of your actual outdoor space and inspiration photos. It can also be helpful to come up with questions about the designer's style, communication preferences, rates, revision process, and maintenance planning. It's also smart to ask whether they or someone from their firm work on-site to direct landscapers or other tradespeople and ensure their plan gets executed correctly. Should you decide to move forward, you'll want to know specifics about the project timeline.
Gidding advises that all clients should bring a comprehensive Site Survey or Site Plan, ideally measured and including the location, type, and health of all trees onsite. "This can be a tall order but eventually will be needed," he says. "For most suburban homes, all you need is some graph paper and a large tape measure. Photos also help, along with a list of existing plants and features."
Be prepared to have answers to their questions as well. The landscape designer may ask you about your desired outcome, budget, and any nonstarters (such as plants you're allergic to or ones you must have).
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How Much Do Landscape Designers Cost?The national average cost of a professional landscaping project is $3,496 with a wider range of $1,271 for tree removal or light border work while a full backyard remodel can cost more than $6,006, according to Angi. Depending on the extent of the work, landscaping costs generally range between $4.50 and $12 per square foot. However, if you're tackling a tear out and major remodel, plan to budget up to $40 per square foot.
Are Landscape Designers Worth it?Ultimately, yes, landscaping designers are worth it. While you can handle minor renovations like installing a vegetable patch or replanting annuals by yourself, landscape designers have the know-how and vision to create a cohesive outdoor space that is practical and beautiful. They know which plants grow well next to each other, and how to scatter bloom times to have a stunning garden from April to December. They can plan a garden that will fill out beautifully over time without becoming crowded. Plus, your local nurseries may not have the best quality plants; landscape designers can pull from their network and get you the best quality blooms for the best price.
Gidding says, "I recommend finding someone with experience working on water-conscious lawns. Those who don't prioritize drought-resistant and native plants might not align with your eco-friendly goals for a sustainable outdoor space. Tomorrow's most valued properties will be the ones who took steps to wean away from intensive irrigation today."
And, perhaps most important, a landscape designer can help you plan a yard that's sustainable for you to maintain so you don't waste your money.
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