Landscaping can boost your home’s value by 17% but can also be expensive. The best way to lower your landscaping costs is to buy local and purchase smaller plants that will grow bigger over time. Landscapers Baltimore charges from $150 to $500, while maintenance fees like fertilizing and aerating the lawn cost between $200 and $870. Costs vary by region, as well.
Cost of Materials
The cost of materials in landscaping varies by the scope and complexity of the project. For example, simple yard mowing will be cheaper than installing a water fountain or adding garden beds. The type of materials used also affects the price. For example, concrete pavers are more expensive than a standard patio block. In addition, plants that require specific climate conditions may be more expensive.
Landscaping costs are affected by the size of the property as well. A larger yard requires more material and labor to maintain. Moreover, larger projects often include more features than smaller ones. For example, a frontyard landscape typically includes a walkway, shrubs and a lawn. However, a backyard landscape will typically include a patio and gazebo as well as other structures like sheds and fire pits.
A large yard also typically requires a bigger irrigation system, which will increase the overall price of the landscaping. Additionally, the size of the yard will affect how much time the crew spends working on it. For example, a large yard with lots of trees and shrubs will take longer to landscape than a small frontyard or backyard.
Landscaping costs vary greatly by state. For example, the average cost of landscaping in New York is $10,500, while the average cost of landscaping in California is $14,000. To control your budget, it’s important to plan ahead and set a clear budget before starting. Also, try to choose local materials and plants to cut down on shipping costs. Finally, buy younger or smaller plants to save money and allow them to grow into their full potential.
In addition, many cities and states in drought-prone areas offer rebates for homeowners who change their landscaping to conserve water. For instance, some cities provide vouchers for turf replacements, native plants and permeable paving. This is an excellent way to reduce your landscaping costs without sacrificing beauty or function.
Cost of Labor
In many cases, the cost of labor is the largest expense for landscaping. Landscapers generally charge $50 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew, but this rate can vary depending on location and job scope. In addition, some landscaping projects require the use of specialized tools or equipment, which may drive up the total cost.
In general, the more complex a project is, the higher the price tag will be. For example, a simple lawn mowing will typically cost less than installing a new garden patio or gazebo. Labor costs can also be increased if the landscaping involves removing trees, a service that typically requires a professional tree removal company.
Landscaping includes a wide range of services, from mowing and watering the yard to installing flowers, shrubs, trees and grass. In general, it improves the look and value of a home while providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. The average homeowner spends around $8,000 to $15,000 on landscaping. However, the cost can be much higher if you include expensive features like pools and decks.
There are three main types of landscaping: softscaping, hardscaping and xeriscaping. Softscaping involves planting shrubs, trees and flowers in the yard and usually has a lower price tag than hardscaping. However, it can still be quite costly if you are looking to add something large like a garden gazebo.
Hardscaping is a decorative and structural component of landscaping that focuses on non-living elements. This can include paving materials, walkways, walls, ponds and other structures. In general, hardscaping has a high price point but can be worth the investment because it increases the usability and appeal of the yard. Some examples of hardscaping include a patio, fire pit and water fountain.
Cost of Permits
If you’re adding a patio, deck, pergola, or other structure to your property, it may require a permit. Also, you may need to obtain a land survey before starting construction to avoid digging into or building close to utility lines. You can usually avoid these costs by hiring a general contractor who is familiar with local rules and requirements.
Typically, the most expensive landscaping services are those that involve removing or installing large items, such as trees and shrubs. These projects are complex and can have dangerous consequences if not done correctly. They should be completed by a professional who has the necessary training and licenses. Other pricier landscape services include soil testing ($10 to $40 per sample), and water drainage and slope improvements ($300 to $450).
Landscaping can enhance your home’s beauty, increase its value, and improve your quality of life. However, it can be a time-consuming and costly project. To minimize the cost, divide your project into phases and shop around for materials and services.
If you have a HOA, check with them first before planning your project. They may require a site plan and 3D rendering, which can add to the overall expense.
There are some projects that must be completed by a licensed and insured landscaper, such as electrical or plumbing work. These tasks are dangerous and can result in serious damage to your home if done incorrectly.
Cost of Demolition
Depending on the landscape design, there may be structures that need to be removed before the new work can begin. These include items such as old concrete, wood, and brick, and can add significantly to the cost of a landscaping project. The demolition costs are usually calculated by square foot, cubic yard, or ton and include labor and disposal fees.
It is also important to keep in mind that the costs of materials can quickly add up. When budgeting for a landscaping project, be sure to purchase in bulk when possible. For example, mulch is typically sold by the bag at home improvement stores and can cost up to $3.33 per bag or $35 per cubic yard, depending on where you buy it from. However, if you buy it in bulk from a landscaping supply store or online, the price drops considerably.
Another great way to save money is to reuse any materials that are part of the existing landscape. For example, old wood or brick can be used for raised garden beds or to create a fire pit. Old concrete can be used to make stepping stones or a raised planter.
A few other ways to cut landscaping costs are to be creative and to think about what you can do yourself and what you need to hire a professional for. A few basic tasks, such as raking and mowing, can be handled by the homeowner and will significantly reduce the cost of a landscaping project.
Finally, keep in mind that a properly designed landscape can increase the value of your home and also help to cut energy costs. For instance, trees and shrubs can help to block the wind that blows through your windows during colder months and can also help to lower your cooling bills during hotter weather.
Cost of Tree Removal
Trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but they can also pose a risk to your home and yard. If a tree is dead, dying, or threatening nearby structures, it’s best to have it removed as soon as possible to minimize damage. However, the cost of tree removal can vary greatly based on several factors. The first is the size of the tree – taller trees are more expensive to remove due to the additional labor and equipment involved. The condition of the tree also plays a role, as dead or diseased trees are trickier (and pricier) to cut down. Finally, the location of the tree is important as well – if it’s in a remote area or near power lines, there may be extra fees associated with the work.
Another common factor that increases the cost of tree removal is whether the stump will be removed. Stump removal requires more specialized equipment and takes longer than just cutting down the tree, so it’s generally an add-on service that costs an additional $150-$500.
Once the tree is taken down, you’ll be left with a large amount of debris that needs to be hauled away and properly disposed of. Some tree service companies offer waste disposal services for an additional $50-$100 per dump trip, while others provide wood chipping services that turn the debris into mulch that can be used in your landscaping.
The costs of tree removal can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly. If you need help affording this project, you can always look into personal loans with no origination fees or prepayment penalties. To get started, check out the latest personal loan rates at SoFi.