Landscape Design Cost

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost?

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^[1] offers a variety of software solutions at prices ranging from $60-$500, while Your Complete Landscape and Garden Designer^[2] 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

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^[3] gives a much more detailed look at front yard landscaping; and the University of Florida^[4] 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^[5] and referrals to its members^[6] . Referrals are also available through the American Association of Landscape Designers.

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Am I being overcharged?

Amount: $12,200.00

Posted by: Lenora Bigelow in Modesto, CA.	Posted: August 8th, 2016 11:08PM
Landscaper:	Sq Ft Landscaped: 15" X 20"

He is grading, adding soil, leveling, installing flagstone on 26 sq. ft. Grinding 5 tree stumps, cutting tree roots. Installing plants and mulch. Charging over $12,000, including $920 for workers comp.