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The average rating for Bark Landscapers is 4.75, based on 62,053 reviews
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Thinking of paying for a garden landscaper in 2024? We'll help you set your budget and find a brilliant local gardener.
Creating a picturesque outdoor haven is every homeowner's dream – it's the kind of place where you can relax, entertain, and find a slice of tranquility outside your home. But turning this vision into a reality involves deciding where to splurge and where to save. In this comprehensive price guide, we'll delve into the nitty-gritty of garden landscaping costs across the United States, demystifying hourly rates, the factors that influence pricing, and offering savvy tips to ensure your garden project stays on budget.
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Gardening and landscaping are both about sprucing up outdoor spots, but they've got some big differences. Gardening is all about growing stuff like flowers, veggies, or small trees in your backyard or a community garden. It's about giving plants some love, making sure the soil's in good shape, and keeping everything green and happy. You can set up different vibes, like a lively flower patch or a chill Zen garden, to make your outdoor space pleasant. Lots of folks can handle gardening on their own.
Now, landscaping takes things a step further. It's not just about plants—it's about making outdoor areas both look cool and work smoothly. Landscapers use stuff like pathways, lights, and even structures to craft beautifully curated outdoor spots. They consider things like the lay of the land, the weather, and what clients want out of the space. Unlike gardening, landscaping often needs a lot of planning and building to make sure everything clicks; that's why it's usually best to call in the pros for landscaping jobs.
Let's take a look at the baseline average cost for garden landscaping. According to national figures, the average garden landscaping project can set you back anywhere from $2,000 to $14,000 overall, including labor and material costs, with an overall average of around $8,000.
Remember, landscaping is different from general gardening - it doesn't just involve maintenance and tidying, it means designing the layout and aesthetic of your garden, which is why it's generally more expensive.
However, it's important to acknowledge that these costs are a broad average. The true cost of your landscaping project will be sculpted by a variety of factors and whether you pay hourly or daily.
On average, expect to pay around $55 an hour for simpler landscaping work. Prices will vary depending on your location, the size of your garden, and the complexity of the design you want. Professional services typically charge a higher rate, factoring in expertise and equipment costs.
| Average cost (per hour) | $55 - $80 |
| Minimum cost (per hour) | $50 |
| Maximum cost (per hour) | $150 |
Because landscaping tends to be a bigger job than general gardening, most landscapers opt for a daily rate structure. Daily rates often range between $200 and $600, incorporating the labor of two or more professionals over an extended period.
Understanding the intricacies of landscape pricing means considering the variables that can push the cost up or down. Some of the significant factors include:
| Size of garden | Average cost (in total) |
| One acre | $2,000 - $2,500 |
| Quarter of an acre | $300 - $350 |
The size of your garden is a significant cost determinant. A larger garden will necessitate more time on the part of the professionals to tend to its needs, driving up the final bill. Additionally, gardens with complex features, such as multiple levels, water installations, and intricate plant designs, require more intricate service and, therefore, more investment.
Supply and demand play a role in landscape pricing. Traditional landscaping seasons, particularly spring and summer, may witness an uptick in pricing due to the influx of work. Off-peak seasons might offer more competitive prices and easier scheduling.
The cost of plants and materials can vary greatly, from affordable and readily available options like annuals to rarer or more expensive perennials and specimens. When adding hardscaping elements like paths, patios, or retaining walls, the cost will depend on the materials chosen – brick, paver, or flagstone, for instance.
Heavy machinery and specialized tools come with an additional fee. Excavators, lorries, and industrial-sized planters are examples of equipment that could be necessary for larger projects or heavy lifting. You'll also need to hire a specialist (or specialist equipment) if you need to remove tree stumps before landscaping.
To truly paint a picture of what to expect, let's break down common landscaping types and their price ranges:
| Feature | Total average cost |
| Pond installation | $1,000 - $4,500 |
| Decking installation | $1,000 - $4,500 |
| Pool installation | $10,000 - $35,000 |
| Patio installation | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Lawn installation | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Planting | $700 |
| Irrigation | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Lighting | $500 - $2,500 |
Laying down a new lawn can vary in cost depending on the type of turf. Sod installation, a common and immediate solution, could cost between $1,000 to $3,000 for an average-sized lawn. Seeding, a more cost-effective but longer-term solution, could lower the price to $500 to $1,500.
Choosing artificial turf results in a cost of around $12 per square meter. Here's our guide to the cost of laying an artificial lawn.
For simple garden beds with common species, you might spend around $300 to $700 for professional planting services. However, projects involving more complex designs or rare plants could significantly increase this figure.
Creating an effective irrigation system is pivotal for garden health. Expect to pay between $2,500 to $4,500 for a standard-sized lawn, which includes sprinklers, labor, and controllers.
Adding permanency and structure with materials like stone, brick, or wood can significantly elevate the cost of your garden project. A basic hardscape like a small patio could start from $1,500, while more extensive designs could reach well over $10,000.
Outdoor lighting not only extends the use of your garden into the evening but also adds safety and beauty. Installing basic lighting can start from $100 for a DIY project but may range between $500 to $2,500 when installed professionally.
Strategically navigating the landscaping process can be a beacon of resourcefulness. Here are some actionable tips to help control costs while still achieving the garden of your dreams:
Simple tasks like weeding, mulching, and even planting can often be done without professional help, saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Elaborate designs with a wide variety of plants and features can get expensive quickly. Simplifying your landscaping plans can do wonders for your budget.
Choose plants that will look good in your garden for years to come to minimize future replacement and maintenance costs.
Take advantage of seasonal sales, buy materials in bulk, or consider second-hand items to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
After establishing a budget, it's time to find a landscaper who aligns with your financial plan. Remember that the lowest price may not always represent the best value if expertise or quality is compromised. Obtain several quotes, inquire about experience and qualifications, and thoroughly vet potential landscapers before making a decision.
Embarking on a garden landscaping journey is as much a financial investment as it is an emotional and aesthetic one. By understanding the various costs associated with the process, you're better equipped to make informed decisions and create a stunning outdoor space that reflects your personal style and values. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to create any garden, but one that enriches your lifestyle and home.
Ready to find the landscaper of your dreams? Find a brilliant local landscaper on Bark.
The average rating for Bark Landscapers is 4.75, based on 62,053 reviews
5/5
based on 62,053 reviews
