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 | Medium: $300-$2,500 |
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Typical costs: | - Depending on the size and location of the project, it can cost anywhere from $300-$2,500 to have a landscape designer create a detailed plan for your property. For simpler projects, it's also possible to get 1-2 hours of onsite verbal consultation for $50-$100 an hour. On the other end of the scale, "name" designers and architects might charge $6,000-$16,000 or more for detailed plans and drawings.
- Computer software programs can help you create your own detailed landscaping plan. Better Homes and Gardens offers a variety of software solutions at prices ranging from $60-$500, while Your Complete Landscape and Garden Designer by Valusoft retails for $20.
- Plan A Garden is a free online service from Better Homes and Gardens that lets you create a simple garden sketch using your computer. BHG.com also provides a wide variety of free online garden plans.
- Then there's the cost of buying and installing the plants, stones, pavers, fencing and other landscaping features. A lot will depend on your choices, but having someone do the work to create a naturalistic garden averages $11 a square foot, or $27,500 for every step of installing a 50x50-foot yard; a formal garden with water features, walls and more could run $17-$23 a square foot or more, which means $42,500-$57,500 for 50x50 feet. Of course, the more planting, seeding and other projects you do yourself, the cheaper it gets.
- High-end landscape architects working on new construction often charge a percentage of the project costs; if a homeowner is spending $60,000 on a new residential pool and all related features and landscaping, a Massachusetts firm quotes a design fee of 15-20% or $9,000-$12,000.
Related articles: Sprinkler System, Deck, Sod
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What should be included: | - A landscape plan can range from a concept design providing various ideas about what to do with the property, to master plan drawings showing a specific vision for the site, to a detailed construction plan that the homeowner or a contractor can use to create the entire project. A landscape plan should take into account soil conditions, drainage, area usage, sun, shade, slope, level of maintenance desired and other factors.
- The University of Missouri gives a much more detailed look at front yard landscaping; and the University of Florida provides an in-depth explanation of the principles of landscape design.
- Check with your local planning department about setbacks, other requirements, and permits. If you're mostly prepping soil and adding plants or lawn on a small scale, you probably won't need a permit.
Additional costs: | - Better Homes and Gardens lists 18 ways to stretch your landscaping budget.
- If money is tight, have your property designed and landscaped in stages, as you can afford it.
- Some garden centers offer free design service if you buy all your plants there; be sure you like their selection and styles. Ask if you can see a portfolio of their designs and references from satisfied customers.
Shopping for landscape design: | - Better Homes and Gardens lists questions to ask before hiring a landscaper.
- Always ask to see a designer's portfolio, and request (and check) references from satisfied clients.
- The American Society of Landscape Architects gives tips for hiring and referrals to its members. Referrals are also available through the American Association of Landscape Designers.
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Article updated February 2007 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Karen Miller in jasper, GA. | Posted: July 21st, 2011 09:07AM |
| Landscaper: local man | Sq Ft Landscaped: |
planted 6 crepe mytles,planted 10 camilla schrubs mulched |
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| Posted by: Sarah Nelson in Tewksbury, MA. | Posted: July 19th, 2011 10:07AM |
| Landscaper: Mr. GreenJeans | Sq Ft Landscaped: |
I hired Joseph Phelan who is the owner of Mr. GreenJeans landscape. He designed a wonderful backyard for me. He also installed a landscape lighting system as well. I found him through a neighbor. I was very happy with the work and recomend him to anyone. He looks rough and tough and is covered in tattoos, which I found amusing seeing he looks like a biker but is very knowledgeable about plants and flowers. Any other questions about I will be glad to answer. His company is located in Tewksbury MA. I know he can be reached at 978 888 5228.., hope I dont get in trouble for giving out his number. Oh and if I was 20 years younger I would date him, he is very easy on the eyes. |
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