How Much Does It Cost to Landscape Around a House?
When you envision a beautiful home, the landscaping around it plays a huge role in the overall appeal. Lush lawns, colorful gardens, and well-placed features like walkways and retaining walls not only enhance a home's aesthetic but also increase its value. But the burning question for many homeowners is: How much does it cost to landscape around a house?
At Raber Landscaping, we understand that budgeting for your dream outdoor space can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the financial aspects of landscaping, we’ve compiled a detailed guide breaking down the costs involved in landscaping around a home.
Average Cost of Landscaping
The cost of landscaping varies significantly depending on the size of your property, the complexity of the design, and the specific services you require. Here’s a general range to give you a sense of what to expect:
- Per Square Foot Cost: The cost typically ranges from $4 to $17 per square foot. On average, most homeowners pay around $11 per square foot.
- Property Size: For a residential property of 0.2 acres (approximately 8,000 square feet, excluding the house), landscaping can cost between $32,000 and $136,000.
These figures may seem high, but keep in mind that landscaping projects can include a wide variety of services, from basic lawn care to intricate hardscaping or even full outdoor living areas.
Factors That Influence Landscaping Costs
The final cost of landscaping around your house depends on several factors, each contributing to the scope and scale of the project. Let’s take a closer look at some key elements that can influence the cost:
1. Type of Landscaping Services
Landscaping can be as simple as laying sod and planting a few trees, or as elaborate as designing an outdoor oasis with water features, custom hardscapes, and more. Here’s a breakdown of popular landscaping services and their cost range:
- Basic Lawn Care (Sod installation, grass seeding): $1,000 - $5,000
- Garden Planting (Shrubs, flowers, trees): $2,000 - $10,000
- Hardscaping (Patios, walkways, retaining walls): $10,000 - $50,000+
- Water Features (Ponds, fountains, waterfalls): $2,000 - $15,000+
- Fencing: $2,500 - $8,000
- Decks and Outdoor Living Areas: $8,000 - $30,000+
If you’re looking for a complete overhaul that includes all of the above, the cost will naturally be higher than if you're just focusing on one area of your property.
2. Materials and Plant Selection
The materials you choose will significantly impact the overall price. Natural stone, for example, is more expensive than concrete, and premium plants or trees will drive up costs compared to basic landscaping options.
- Hardscaping Materials: Brick, concrete, and pavers tend to be more affordable, while natural stone, flagstone, or custom materials can raise the price.
- Plants and Trees: Larger, mature trees and high-end plants will be pricier than younger, more common varieties. For instance, a young tree might cost $150, while a fully-grown tree could cost $1,500 or more.
3. Labor Costs
Labor is often one of the biggest costs in any landscaping project. While some homeowners might tackle small projects themselves, large-scale landscaping typically requires professionals. At Raber Landscaping, our team of experts ensures your project is handled with precision and care, which can range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and location.
4. Geographical Location
Where you live will also affect the price of landscaping. In more urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living, landscaping services will likely be more expensive than in rural areas. Additionally, the climate can affect plant choices and materials used, as some plants and materials may be more expensive or difficult to source in certain areas.
5. Permits and Fees
If your landscaping project involves significant changes like building retaining walls, installing large water features, or constructing decks, you may need to acquire permits from your local government. Permit fees typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity of the project and your area’s regulations.
6. Ongoing Maintenance
While the initial installation is one cost, maintaining your landscape is another. Depending on the complexity of your design, maintenance costs can range from a few hundred dollars a year for basic lawn care to several thousand dollars for more elaborate gardens and hardscapes.
Common Landscaping Projects and Their Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what different types of projects might cost to give you a better idea of what to expect for your home:
Lawn Installation and Maintenance
- Sod Installation: Installing sod typically costs between $1 to $2 per square foot. For an average lawn, expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000.
- Lawn Seeding: Seeding is a more affordable option, ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot, making it a more budget-friendly choice at around $1,000 to $2,000 for a similar-sized area.
Garden Design and Planting
- Basic Flower Bed Installation: Planting a simple flower bed with common perennials, annuals, and shrubs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of the area and the types of plants used.
- Tree Planting: The cost of planting a tree can range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the type and size of the tree.
- Vegetable or Herb Gardens: Installing a raised vegetable garden bed could cost between $500 to $2,000, depending on the size and materials.
- Patios and Walkways: Installing a basic concrete patio costs around $6 to $10 per square foot, while paver or stone patios may run from $15 to $30 per square foot.
- Retaining Walls: The cost of building a retaining wall varies based on materials and size, but typically ranges from $40 to $100 per square foot. A small 10-foot wall might cost around $4,000, while a larger project could exceed $20,000.
Outdoor Living Spaces
- Deck Construction: Decks are a popular way to extend your living space outdoors. A basic wood deck can cost between $15 and $35 per square foot, while a more upscale composite deck might cost $30 to $60 per square foot.
- Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits: An outdoor kitchen typically starts around $10,000, while a basic fire pit might cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on materials and design.
Irrigation Systems
Installing an irrigation system ensures your plants get the water they need without you having to manually water them. The cost of an irrigation system for a typical yard runs between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the property and system complexity.
Landscaping: A Worthwhile Investment
While the cost of landscaping might seem significant, it’s important to remember that high-quality landscaping adds value to your home. Studies have shown that well-landscaped homes can see an increase in property value by up to 15%. Additionally, a beautiful outdoor space enhances your quality of life, providing a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy nature.
At Raber Landscaping, we work with you to create a custom landscape design that fits both your vision and your budget. Whether you’re looking for a small update or a complete transformation, we offer a wide range of services, including:
- Lawn and garden design
- Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls)
- Fencing and decks
- Tree planting and care
- Water features
Conclusion
Landscaping around your house is an investment that improves both the aesthetic appeal and value of your home. Whether you’re looking for basic lawn care or an elaborate outdoor living area, the cost of landscaping varies widely depending on the size of your project, materials, labor, and more. By working with experienced professionals like Raber Landscaping, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that fits your budget and transforms your home’s exterior into a haven.
Ready to bring your landscaping dreams to life? Contact Raber Landscaping today to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized quote!
