Transforming your backyard into a beautifully landscaped retreat can be a significant investment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand how much it costs to fully landscape a backyard.
As we explore the costs, we’ll also delve into related topics such as how to rent a backyard for a party and how to manage a backyard greenhouse. Get ready to uncover the secrets to creating a stunning backyard landscape without breaking the bank.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Landscaping your backyard can be costly, but careful planning and budgeting can help make it more affordable. |
| Adding a backyard greenhouse can be a unique and worthwhile addition to your landscaping. |
| Rocks can add a natural and attractive element to your backyard landscaping, but costs can vary depending on the type of rock. |
| Even with limited space, there are creative solutions to make your small backyard functional and beautiful. |
| Starting a backyard landscaping project can be overwhelming, but a step-by-step guide can help make the process more manageable. |
| DIY backyard landscaping can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your outdoor space. |
Backyard Landscape Costs
You may have heard of a landscaping service or two. You may have even seen them in action, taking down trees and spraying chemicals on your neighbors’ lawns.
But did you know that there’s a gentler way to get your backyard looking good? And that it doesn’t even require using equipment or hiring an expert?
- It’s called “landscaping”.
- You can do it yourself!
Interested in adding a backyard greenhouse to your landscaping? Our article on how much a backyard greenhouse costs can help you understand the financial investment required and the benefits of having one in your backyard.
Cost Factors
There are many factors that affect the cost of a backyard landscape. The most obvious and important factor is the size of your yard, but you should also consider things like:
- How much maintenance you expect to need in your lifetime (i.e., how often you’ll replace plants or add features)
- What kind of plants and materials you want in your garden/landscape (i.e., annuals vs perennials)
- Whether or not your yard has existing features such as trees or paving stones that could impact how much work needs to be done on the ground level
1. Total Area
It’s time to get down to business. The first step in figuring out how much it will cost to landscape your backyard is identifying the total area of your property.
Do you have a small house or apartment with a tiny yard? Are you living on an acreage with acres of space? Or are you somewhere in between?
How many people live in the home, and how many of those people will use the backyard? For example, if there are two adults and one child who live at home but only one person uses their yard as often as possible and that person has no pets you might be able to get away with just a small patio set rather than an elaborate outdoor entertainment area with built-in grill and seating areas for entertaining guests from all over town.
Likewise, if there are eight kids running around outside every day after school plus four dogs who love spending time outdoors too (and maybe even another cat), then it’s safe to say that landscaping expenses might need to be higher than expected!
Rocks can add a unique and natural touch to your backyard landscaping. Learn about the different types of rocks and their cost in our article on how much rocks cost for backyard landscaping and start planning your dream backyard today.
2. Design
So you have a backyard congratulations! But now what? Before your landscape can be considered fully landscaped, you need to decide on a design.
Many homeowners choose to do this themselves instead of hiring an outside professional. This is fine; just make sure that you really understand what goes into designing a landscape before making any final decisions.
Designing the perfect garden or yard takes time and patience. You should start with an idea of the look you want and move forward from there by researching plants and materials in person and online, sketching out different designs on graph paper, trying out different elements in small areas of your lawn or garden until everything comes together perfectly.
Designing a garden isn’t as simple as picking up some seeds at the store and planting them all over your yard it’s more like planning an entire room or house renovation project than laying down some mulch every once in awhile!
3. Project Prep
Remember that if you’re doing the work yourself, the cost of tools and materials will depend on your skill level.
If you know what you’re doing and have all of the necessary equipment, then this can be a simple job.
On the other hand, if you aren’t sure how to use a power tool or operate heavy machinery with precision, then hiring a professional landscaper might be more economical in terms of time spent learning and money spent acquiring equipment.
But whichever path you choose, the following tips will help make sure all goes smoothly:
- Plan out your project beforehand by making note of where each feature should go
- Bring any plans or designs that have been approved by city officials
Transforming a small backyard into a functional and beautiful space can be a challenge. Fortunately, our article on easy ways to make your backyard more small provides some creative solutions and tips to make the most of your limited space.
4. Materials
Materials for your backyard project can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for materials alone.
The cost will depend on what materials you select and how much of each material is needed.
For instance, if you’re building a patio with pavers and retaining walls with stone edging, then the costs may be higher than if you just wanted to lay down some grass seed in your existing backyard.
You might also consider other options such as paving stones or bricks that can complement any type of landscaping design while adding value to your home!
Cost Comparison of Different Types of Rocks for Backyard Landscaping
| Type of Rock | Cost per Ton |
|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $35-$55 |
| River Rocks | $70-$120 |
| Decomposed Granite | $30-$70 |
| Flagstone | $200-$400 |
| Limestone | $50-$100 |
| Basalt | $100-$300 |
5. Plant Variety
Plant variety also affects the final price. Plants can be expensive, and the more plants you want to include in your landscape design, the higher your overall cost will be.
The price of the plants is based on their size and type as well as their number. The more exotic or hard-to-find a plant is, the more expensive it will be it’s just supply and demand!
6. Irrigation System
Drip irrigation system
Cost: $300 to $4,000 for basic installation.
Sprinkler system
Cost:$500 to $10,000+ for a basic sprinkler system with fewer than 10 zones or heads of water distribution.
Rainwater harvesting system
Cost: $2,000 to $5,000+ for a basic rainwater harvesting system. Above ground pool Cost: $3,500+ — in the range of $3,500-7k depending on size and features such as filtration systems or heaters.
Swimming pool Cost: At least$15k– up to 1 million dollars or more depending on size and features such as filtration systems or heaters etc..
Pond Cost: A pond costs anywhere from around 3-6K all the way up into the tens of thousands if you’re building it yourself rather than hiring an expert who specializes in ponds
Looking to start a backyard landscaping project but don’t know where to begin? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to start landscaping your backyard for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips on designing and implementing your vision.”
7. Hardscaping Options
Hardscaping is the use of stone, concrete or other hard materials to create a walkway, patio or retaining wall.
The most common types are pavers, bricks and flagstone. We’ll explain how each material works and what they cost you.
Pavers: These come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors which allows you to customize your landscape design to fit your personal tastes.
Expect to pay around $1 per square foot for this type of material; however there are also various ways that can cut costs as well so keep an eye out for deals!
Installation takes on average 1-2 days (depending on size) but maintenance needs will vary depending on location/weather conditions+etc…
8. Lawn Care Services
Lawn care services are an important part of your landscape. If you choose to hire a professional lawn care service, the cost will vary depending on the type of service and size of your lawn. If you prefer to do it yourself, here’s some useful information:
What kind of grass? The first thing a professional technician will look at is your lawn’s current condition. Lawns require regular care, especially if they’re going through drought conditions or have been exposed to heavy traffic.
This may mean that there’s an infestation with pests such as insects and rodents or diseases like fungus or grubs that need immediate treatment in order for the grasses themselves not to become infected with them over time; these treatments vary depending on which ones are needed overall but can include fertilizer applications as well as pesticides sprayed directly onto affected areas individually (which might also need their own irrigation).
You’ll also want to consider how much space each type covers before deciding whether this method works best for what you want done a smaller area requires less maintenance than something larger does since there won’t be much variation between types used within those bounds when compared against each other anyway.”
9. Deck Addition Or Patio Installation
When it comes to adding a deck or patio, the sky is the limit. The cost of your project will depend on the size and complexity of your addition.
Typically, a basic wooden platform with stairs leading up from ground level will cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Larger decks can cost as much as $30,000 for materials alone—and don’t forget about labor!
If you have an existing deck that needs to be rehabilitated or replaced entirely, these numbers may increase significantly depending on what kind of condition it’s in (don’t worry we’ll talk more about this later).
If you’re looking for something more elaborate than just an elevated platform with some steps leading up from ground level and maybe a set of railings on either side…well then boy do I have good news for you! You could build yourself something like this:
If you’re looking to save money on backyard landscaping, DIY is the way to go. Our article on backyard landscaping DIY guide provides valuable information and practical tips on how to plan and execute your own backyard transformation on a budget.
10. Outdoor Lighting Installation
Know Your Options.
Outdoor lighting can seem intimidating, but there are several different types you can choose from.
There’s accent lighting, which is installed around your home to highlight specific features, like the shape and color of a particular plant or tree; under-lit pathways for visitors who might be walking at night; security lights that deter thieves by illuminating the exterior of your home (and hopefully catching them on camera), as well as motion sensor lights so you don’t have to worry about running up your energy bill by keeping them on all day long.
Save Money With Smart Lighting Systems.
Many homeowners don’t realize they’ve been paying more than they should have been for outdoor lighting because they haven’t thought about investing in smart systems that give you control over how much power each bulb uses and when it turns on and off throughout the day.
The average homeowner spends $2,000 per year simply just because their lamps aren’t connected with other appliances in their home but this number could easily drop down even further if you opt for LED bulbs instead!
They last longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs do–upwards of 20 years–and use far less energy too (as little as 10% less).
Plus these days there are plenty of options: one type being “smart” LEDs which allow homeowners control over how bright or dim each bulb needs to be at different times throughout day/night cycle.”
11. Fencing and Gates Installation
Fences and gates are an important part of any backyard landscape. They can help protect the value of your home, keep pets safe and give you peace of mind when letting your children play in the yard.
But these elements can also be expensive especially if you upgrade to a custom design or hire someone to install it for you.
A good fence is made from durable materials like cedar, treated woods or high-quality steel that will last for years to come (and look great doing so).
You may want to consider adding lattice panels for added privacy or planting climbing vines on top as well. The good news? Fences are a great way to add value to your property!
Types of Landscaping Projects and Average Costs
| Landscaping Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Planting Trees | $50 – $500 per tree |
| Installing a Patio | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Building a Deck | $4,000 – $25,000 |
| Installing a Water Feature | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Building an Outdoor Kitchen | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Installing a Fire Pit | $700 – $5,000 |
Conclusion
By looking at our rough estimate of what it costs to landscape a backyard, you can get a better idea of how much you might need to spend.
The best way to do this is by starting from scratch and making your own estimates based on these numbers.
You’ll need to be realistic about your budget and the size of the project because it’s easy for things like materials or labor costs to spiral out of control if they weren’t thought through carefully beforehand!
Further Reading
14 Alternatives to Grass Backyard and Why You Should Care: This article discusses various alternatives to grass for backyard landscaping, along with the pros and cons of each option.
How Much is a Backyard Greenhouse? Find Out: This article provides information on the cost of installing a greenhouse in your backyard, along with tips on how to choose the right size and style for your needs.
How to Make an Herb Garden in My Backyard Explained: This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create an herb garden in your backyard, including tips on choosing the right location, soil, and plants.
What Fruits Can You Grow in Your Backyard? 11 Best: This article provides a list of 11 fruits that can be grown in your backyard, along with tips on how to care for them and when to harvest.
Aquaponics: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide: This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to set up and maintain an aquaponics system in your backyard, including information on choosing the right fish and plants, and troubleshooting common issues.
How Much Does Backyard Landscaping Cost?: This article provides a breakdown of the average costs associated with backyard landscaping, including design, installation, and materials.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost?: This article provides an overview of the factors that can affect the cost of landscaping, along with tips on how to keep costs down while still achieving the desired results.
FAQs
Are backyard chickens a good idea? Backyard chickens can be a great addition to your backyard, providing fresh eggs and entertainment. However, it’s important to research local regulations and take proper care of the chickens to ensure their health and safety.
How much does it cost to fully landscape a backyard? The cost of a full backyard landscaping project can vary depending on various factors such as size, location, and materials. However, it’s possible to estimate the cost by considering the cost of materials, labor, and design.
What can I replace my backyard grass with? There are various alternatives to grass for backyard landscaping, such as gravel, mulch, and artificial turf. It’s important to consider factors such as climate, maintenance, and cost when choosing the right option for your backyard.
How often do you have to change water in aquaponics? The frequency of water changes in an aquaponics system can vary depending on factors such as the size of the system and the number of fish and plants. Generally, a partial water change every 2-4 weeks is recommended to maintain water quality.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.