How Much Does It Cost to Landscape a Small Garden? Budget Tips and Advice

Thinking about sprucing up your garden? Landscaping a small garden typically costs between $300 and $600. This price can vary based on the complexity of your design and the materials you choose.

If you decide to hire a professional, landscape designers charge around $50 to $150 per hour. For a more detailed plan, you might consider working with a landscape architect, whose fees range from $100 to $250 per hour. They can supervise the installation and ensure everything goes smoothly, but their services come at a premium.

Maintaining your garden is another factor to consider. Regular maintenance plans range from $133 to $370 per month. This ensures your garden remains beautiful and healthy throughout the year. Understanding these costs will help you budget and design the garden of your dreams.

Understanding Landscaping Costs

Landscaping costs can vary widely depending on various factors. These include the size and complexity of the project, the materials used, and the labor required.

Factors Influencing Landscaping Costs

Project Size and Yard Size: The cost per square foot can increase with the size of your garden. Smaller projects might have higher rates per square foot due to fixed costs spread over a smaller area.

Labor Cost: Labor can be one of the most significant expenses in landscaping. For instance, hiring landscape designers can cost between $50 to $150 per hour. Landscape architects may charge $100 to $250 per hour or take 5% to 20% of the total project cost when overseeing the installation.

Materials and Planting: The type of materials you choose—such as gravel, which costs around $10 to $30 per m², or high-end options like resin-bound stone at $70 to $100 per m²—can heavily influence the overall cost. Planting expenses depend on the types and numbers of plants you opt for.

Comparison of Landscaping Prices

Landscape Design Costs: Design costs can vary depending on whether you engage a basic designer or a highly experienced architect. Consultations alone may charge between $100 to $200. Residential landscaping projects typically range from $1,277 to $5,856, with a national average often around $3,415.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs: Once the initial landscaping is done, maintenance cost is another factor to consider. Monthly maintenance plans usually range from $133 to $370. These services often include mowing, trimming, and fertilizing.

Additional Costs and Property Value: Additional expenses such as permits, extra labor during peak seasons, and terrain considerations can also impact the price. Efficient and aesthetically pleasing landscaping not only enhances the home’s curb appeal but could also boost property value.

For a more detailed breakdown, you can refer to accurate, up-to-date resources on landscaping costs.

Designing Your Small Garden

Designing a small garden involves choosing the right landscape design and planning your budget carefully. Focus on key elements to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

Choosing a Landscape Design

When designing your small garden, you have many landscape design options. First, decide on the style that suits your taste. Common styles include modern, rustic, and cottage gardens. Think about how you want to use the space. Do you prefer a quiet sitting area, a patio for entertaining, or a play area for kids?

Consider adding low-maintenance plants to reduce your gardening workload. Options like succulents and native plants are great choices. If you want year-round greenery, artificial grass might be perfect for you.

A retaining wall can be practical if your garden has uneven terrain. It helps prevent soil erosion and adds structure to the landscape. You may also want to include planting flower beds around the edges for added beauty and color.

Planning Your Budget for Design

Budgeting for your garden design requires careful planning. The costs can vary widely. Hiring professional landscape designers may cost between $300 and $2,500 for detailed design plans. It’s vital to get a clear quote from your designer.

Soil testing and a land survey may also be necessary, especially if you’re installing a patio or retaining wall. These services can add to your overall expenses but are essential for a durable and well-planned garden.

Don’t forget ongoing costs like lawn care and replacing plants. Opt for plants that require minimal maintenance to save money in the long run. It’s also smart to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. By planning your budget properly, you can ensure your small garden project stays on track.

Materials and Supplies

When landscaping a small garden, selecting appropriate materials and understanding their costs can greatly affect your project’s success and budget.

Selecting Materials for Your Garden

Materials: Key materials you might need include mulch, sod, gravel, pavers, and lumber. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, while sod provides an instant lawn. Gravel and pavers are excellent for paths, and lumber is useful for garden beds and retaining walls.

Types of Sod and Grass Seed: Depending on your climate, choose between different types of sod or grass seed. Turf is a great choice for durability, while grass seed is cost-effective but takes longer to grow.

Composting and Topsoil: Adding compost to your soil improves its quality. Buying good topsoil is essential for plant health. Landscape fabric can help prevent weeds around your plants.

Cost Considerations for Supplies

Pricing: Material costs vary widely. Mulch is relatively inexpensive, around $30 to $120 per cubic yard. Sod can cost $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot. Gravel typically ranges from $15 to $75 per cubic yard, while pavers can be $10 to $30 per square foot.

Additional Costs: Consider shipping costs, which can add to your budget, especially for bulk materials. Grass seed is cheaper, around $0.50 to $2 per pound. Retaining wall installation might cost $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on complexity and material.

Durability and Maintenance: Keep in mind the long-term maintenance costs. For example, landscape fabric might save you from frequent weeding, and high-quality sod can reduce future lawn care expenses. This helps balance initial expenses with durable choices.

Labor and Installation

Understanding labor costs and the installation process can help you plan and budget your landscaping project more effectively. Here, we’ll break down what you need to know about labor fees and the steps involved in installation.

Understanding Labor Costs

Labor costs can vary. Typically, landscape designers charge $50 to $150 per hour. If you need the services of a landscape architect, the fee can range from $100 to $250 per hour or be a percentage of the total project cost, usually between 5% to 20%.

Tree trimming and other specialized tasks might come with different rates. For example, removing a tree could cost between $750 and $1,000. It’s also common for landscapers to charge a consultation fee, which ranges from $100 to $200.

The Installation Process and Its Costs

The installation process includes several tasks. For instance, sod installation, planting trees, and adding hardscaping features like patios or walkways. You might expect to pay between $300 to $600 for basic backyard garden design.

If you’re adding more complex elements like custom water features or exotic plants, costs can rise significantly. Generally, landscaping projects can range from $4,000 to $20,317, with an average landscaping project costing about $12,825 according to LawnStarter.

By understanding these costs and the steps involved, you can better plan your small garden project.

Additional Garden Features

When landscaping a small garden, it’s important to consider extra features that can enhance its beauty and functionality. Key additions like fountains, sprinkler systems, and edging can significantly impact both the aesthetics and use of your space.

Incorporating Special Features

Adding special features to your garden can transform it from ordinary to extraordinary. Water features like a fountain installation or pond provide a tranquil focal point. Installing a small water fountain is usually manageable for a small garden and adds a soothing sound of running water.

Hardscaping elements such as landscape curbing or brick edging make your garden look more polished. Landscape curbing cost varies but is a great investment in keeping plants separated from paths. If you love spending time outdoors, consider adding a deck or gazebo. These provide additional seating areas for relaxing or entertaining.

Softscaping elements like mulching and soil preparation are essential. Mulching not only helps with weed control but also retains soil moisture. Drip irrigation systems and sprinkler systems ensure your plants get the right amount of water, which is especially useful for maintaining a lush garden with minimal effort.

Estimating the Cost of Extras

Costs for additional garden features can add up, so it’s important to budget carefully. For a fountain installation, you might spend between $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size and materials. For landscape curbing, the cost ranges from $700 to $1,700. Edging using bricks or other materials can cost around $700 to $1,500.

Adding a sprinkler system might cost approximately $2,000 to $4,000, while a drip irrigation system is slightly cheaper at $1,500 to $3,000. Decking costs can vary widely. Building a small deck might range from $1,200 to $2,500. For a gazebo, you could expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 based on the size and materials.

Other elements like land grading, soil preparation, and tree stump removal can also add to the cost. For instance, land grading may cost around $1,000 to $3,000. Proper soil preparation and mulching might add another $200 to $800. Tree stump removal can range from $200 to $700, depending on the stump size.

Considering these additional features and their costs will help you design a garden that’s both beautiful and functional.