Creating a landscape design budget doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how you can plan effectively:

• Set Clear Goals: Identify must-haves (e.g., drainage, irrigation) vs. nice-to-haves (e.g., water features, outdoor kitchens). Break large projects into phases to manage costs.
• Estimate Costs: Research material and labor expenses. For example, sod installation costs $0.63-$0.96 per sq ft, and a two-person crew charges $50-$100/hour.
• Plan for Extras: Reserve 10-20% of your budget for surprises like weather delays or soil issues.
• Consider Maintenance: Account for ongoing costs like lawn care ($40-$80/hour) and tree trimming ($200-$900).
• Review Payment Options: Explore loans, payment plans, or mix DIY with professional work to save money.

Quick Tip: Use a budget worksheet to track materials, labor, permits, and contingency funds. Staying organized helps avoid overspending while achieving your vision.

Planning Out Your DIY Landscape Project | Big 5 Must Haves …

1. Set Clear Project Goals

To keep your budget aligned with your vision and avoid unnecessary expenses, it’s crucial to define clear goals for your project. This groundwork helps ensure accurate cost estimates later on.

1.1 List Required and Optional Features

Start by separating features into two categories: must-haves and nice-to-haves.

Must-haves include:

• Basic lawn care and maintenance
• Proper drainage systems
• Irrigation infrastructure
• Safe walkways and lighting
• Tree maintenance

Nice-to-haves include:

• Decorative water features
• Outdoor kitchen areas
• Advanced lighting systems
• Specialty gardens
• Custom hardscaping

1.2 Break Large Projects into Stages

For bigger projects, breaking them into phases can help manage costs while maintaining quality.

• Phase 1: Essential Infrastructure
  Focus on foundational elements like irrigation, drainage, and addressing safety issues. Establish basic lawn care needs.
• Phase 2: Core Landscaping
  Install primary plantings, create main walkways, and set up basic lighting.
• Phase 3: Aesthetic Improvements
  Add decorative features, install specialty elements, and refine existing areas.

1.3 Calculate Future Upkeep Costs

Anticipate ongoing costs to maintain your landscape. Based on current market rates, here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

Maintenance Service	Average Cost
Monthly Landscaping	$100 – $200
Lawn Care (per hour)	$40 – $80
Lawn Mowing (per visit)	$30 – $85
Seasonal Leaf Removal	$150 – $350
Tree Trimming	$200 – $900

In addition to regular maintenance, account for seasonal services and unexpected repairs like tree removal or sprinkler fixes.

When hiring a landscape service provider, make sure they meet the following criteria:

• At least 5 years of experience
• Proper liability insurance
• Detailed service contracts
• Clear payment terms

2. Calculate Material and Labor Expenses

2.1 Check Current Material Prices

Here’s a quick look at the average costs for common landscaping materials:

Material/Feature	Average Cost
Chain Link Fencing	$20-$27 per linear ft
Cedarwood Fencing	$36-$73 per linear ft
Concrete Patio	$6.92-$9.77 per sq ft
Sod Installation	$0.63-$0.96 per sq ft
Landscape Curbing	$5.52-$11.15 per linear ft
Retaining Wall	$115-$173 per linear ft

Once you’ve reviewed material prices, the next step is to evaluate labor costs by gathering contractor bids.

2.2 Get Multiple Contractor Bids

To compare labor expenses, request detailed bids from multiple contractors. A standard two-person landscaping crew typically charges between $50 and $100 per hour.

"Price isn’t everything… Remember, your landscape creates a first impression, and it’s a reflection of how you care for employees and customers, too. So take this decision seriously…" – Abby Santos, Owner, No Ka Oi Landscape Services

Verify Bid Details

Make sure each bid includes specifics like material costs, estimated labor hours and rates, equipment fees, and a project timeline.

Confirm Contractor Credentials

Check that contractors meet the qualifications outlined in Section 1.3. These details should align with the overall financial plan for your project.

2.3 Include Setup and Equipment Costs

After calculating material and labor expenses, don’t forget to account for setup and equipment costs.

Here are some typical setup expenses to consider:

Setup Item	Typical Cost Range
Land Survey	$275-$750
Lawn Grading	$600-$3,500
Permits	$20-$500
Tree Removal	$412-$2,839 per tree
Stump Grinding	$61-$182 per stump

Equipment rental costs will vary based on the project’s scope and duration. Be sure to check with your local building department for any required permits.

Since labor often makes up around 80% of total landscaping costs, having a clear breakdown of both material and labor expenses is essential before setting your budget.

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3. Set Aside Money for Extra Costs

3.1 Reserve 10-20% for Surprises

Design-build projects often come with hidden challenges, so it’s smart to set aside 10-20% of your budget as a contingency fund. This extra money can help cover unexpected issues like:

• Weather delays
• Rising material costs
• Underground utility problems
• Soil condition surprises
• Extended equipment rentals

"A contingency is a helpful risk management tool that financially prepares owners for addressing risk within the project." – David H. Hart, FAIA

Don’t forget, permit costs can also be unpredictable, adding even more pressure to your budget.

3.2 Include Permit Fees

Permit fees are another expense that can significantly impact your budget. For instance, in Alexandria, VA, grading plans for pool permits alone can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000.

Common Permit Types	What They Cover
Grading Permits	Land elevation changes and drainage
Building Permits	Structures like pergolas or decks
Environmental Permits	Tree removal and wetland protection
Utility Permits	Irrigation systems and lighting

"Budgeting for a landscape project can feel daunting if you don’t know what to expect. That’s why it’s so important to hire a company that will be transparent with you and help you understand all of your options – including what you can anticipate in terms of landscaping costs." – Todd Thomasson, Founder, Rock Water Farm

3.3 Prepare for Site Problems

Some site-specific challenges can drive up costs, so it’s crucial to plan for them. Steep slopes, irregular layouts, and other site issues can quickly add to your expenses. Keep an eye out for:

• Terrain requiring grading or erosion control
• Poor soil quality that needs improvement
• Limited access to the site, increasing labor costs
• Drainage system installations
• Expenses for removing existing features

Winter weather and uneven yard shapes can also lead to higher labor and material costs.

4. Review Payment Options

4.1 Compare Loan Types

Take a closer look at different loan options to find the right financing for your project.

Loan Type	Benefits	Things to Keep in Mind
RenoFi Loan	• Uses after-renovation value • Lower interest rates • Longer repayment terms	Not ideal for projects under $20,000
Home Equity Loan	• Fixed interest rates • Potentially tax-deductible interest • Longer repayment periods	Limited by your current home equity
Personal Landscaping Loan	• Quick approval process • No collateral needed	Higher interest rates and shorter terms

RenoFi loans are based on the value of your home after the renovation, which can allow for higher borrowing limits. In contrast, home equity loans depend on the equity you already have in your home.

4.2 Explore Flexible Payment Plans

Once you’ve evaluated loan options, consider payment plans that help spread out costs. Many contractors offer plans designed to reduce the financial burden:

• Fixed monthly payments: Look for plans with predictable, low rates.
• Same-as-cash promotions: Some contractors provide interest-free options for up to 12 months.
• Early payment discounts: Ask if paying ahead of schedule earns you a discount.

These plans can work well alongside other cost-saving strategies like mixing DIY efforts with professional services.

4.3 Mix DIY with Professional Work

Combine DIY tasks with professional services to manage expenses without compromising results.

Task	Professional Cost	DIY Cost Range
Shrub Planting	$30‑$80 per shrub	$20‑$45 per shrub
Basic Design	$250‑$350	Save the full cost
Prep Work	$80‑$100 per hour (2-person crew)	Labor cost savings

Here’s how to decide:

• DIY-Friendly Tasks:
  • Planting flowers or shrubs
  • Basic flower bed upkeep
  • Simple hardscape repairs
  • Routine lawn care
• Tasks for Professionals:
  • Installing complex irrigation systems
  • Electrical work
  • Major terrain changes
  • Advanced hardscaping projects

Choose DIY tasks where you can to cut costs, but leave technical or labor-intensive jobs to the experts for better results.

5. Make a Budget Worksheet

Creating a clear budget worksheet is key to managing costs and keeping your landscape project on track.

5.1 List Costs by Type

Organize your budget by grouping expenses into categories like these:

Cost Category	Items to Include
Materials	Plants, soil, mulch, hardscape materials
Labor	Installation, site preparation, cleanup
Supplies	Tools and everyday materials
Subcontractor Costs	Services from specialized external crews
Overhead	Permit fees, inspections, administrative expenses
Contingency	Unexpected costs (e.g., extra crews or delays)

For accuracy, record each expense with details like quantity, unit price, and total cost. This helps you spot areas where you might overspend or save. To make it even easier, consider using digital tools for budgeting.

5.2 Try Budget Tools

Digital budgeting tools can simplify the process. A good template should include:

• A project timeline with milestones
• Property details
• Cost tables for all categories
• Totals for each category
• Space for price adjustments or notes

These tools help you stay organized and make quick updates as needed.

5.3 Track Spending vs Budget

Keep a close eye on actual spending compared to your budget. This allows you to catch overruns early, adjust plans, and document changes for future projects.

For instance, if you planned to spend $45 per shrub but ended up paying $60, update your estimates for next time. Similarly, if labor costs for hardscape work run higher than expected, factor that into future budgets.

Keeping a detailed log of changes and their impact on costs will not only improve your future estimates but also add transparency to your process.

Conclusion: Match Plans to Budget

Balancing your vision with financial limitations is key to creating a successful budget. By setting clear priorities and planning for potential changes, you can keep your project on track from start to finish. A well-thought-out budget allows for smarter decisions and helps you avoid unexpected expenses.

"Contrary to what many think, I actually believe having budgetary constraints can make a project better. It makes your design process more efficient because you make decisions early on knowing how much you have to spend".

To stay in control of your project:

• Track expenses: Keep an eye on your spending and compare it to your budget to catch any overruns quickly.
• Be open to alternatives: Look for different materials or design options that can deliver similar results at a lower cost.
• Think long-term: Include both upfront costs and future maintenance in your planning to make sure your investment pays off over time.

These steps wrap up the main points covered earlier. Regularly updating your budget as the project progresses will help you make timely adjustments and use resources efficiently. By sticking to these principles, you can create a landscape that aligns with both your vision and your financial plan.

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