Labor & Installation Costs
The labor cost for landscaping depends on the project's complexity.
- Basic cleanup and replanting:
- Crew: 3-4 landscapers
- Time: 4-8 hours
- Estimated cost: $600 - $2,400
- Larger projects with new designs and features:
- Time: 3-5 days
- Estimated cost: $3,600 - $12,000
Installation Timeline
- Basic cleanup and replanting: 1 day
- Larger projects with new designs and features: 3-5 days
Location Factor
Location Adjustment
The prices in the table are based on typical landscaping projects in an average suburban area. Landscaping costs can vary substantially by location. If you are located in the East or West Coast, you could expect to pay 15% to 50% more than the recommended price provided. Consult our location multiplier index for more accurate pricing in your market.
Determining Your Local Prices
Contacting local landscapers is the best way to get accurate pricing. Explain that you are a real estate investor who needs a rough budget for landscaping. Be specific about the type of project you're considering (e.g., cleanup and replanting, new landscape design) and the approximate scope of work.
Tips for contacting contractors:
- Be upfront about your needs: Let them know you are gathering preliminary estimates.
- Don't pressure them for a firm quote: Explain that you will contact them for a formal quote when you have a specific project ready.
- Get multiple quotes: Reach out to several landscapers in your area to compare pricing.
Other Factors
Type of plants and materials: The choice of plants, trees, and hardscaping materials significantly affects the cost.Size of the project: Larger projects generally cost more, but may benefit from economies of scale.Complexity of the design: Intricate designs and features increase labor and material costs.Soil conditions: Poor soil may require amendments or additional preparation, adding to the cost.Accessibility: Difficult-to-access areas may require more labor and specialized equipment.
How to Estimate Landscaping Costs
You have two options for estimating your landscaping budget:Rough Budget Allowance: For a quick estimate, allocate a lump sum for the project. For example, $5,000 might cover a small cleanup, new mulch beds, and some plantings.Detailed Estimate: For a more accurate estimate, quantify the plants, shrubs, and mulch beds you want to replace. Count the number of new shrubs, trees, and plantings, and calculate the square footage of mulch beds.For preliminary estimates, it's often best to use a rough budget allowance. Once you have the property under contract, you can create a more detailed landscaping plan and estimate.
Measurements
Count plants and trees: Count the number of each type you plan to install.Measure mulch bed areas: Calculate the square footage of mulch beds you want to install or replace.Measure sod areas: Calculate the square footage of areas where you need to lay new sod.Calculating Your Budget
For a rough budget: Use your predetermined allowance.For a detailed estimate: Multiply the quantity of each item (plants, trees, mulch, sod) by its unit cost and add those costs together.Example
Rough Budget:
- Allocate $5,000 for landscaping cleanup, new mulch beds, and plantings.
Detailed Estimate:
- 20 shrubs (1 gallon) x $40/shrub = $800
- 5 small trees x $250/tree = $1,250
- 200 square feet of mulch beds x $5/sq ft = $1,000
- Total estimated cost: $800 + $1,250 + $1,000 = $3,050
