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Garden landscaping costs


2022 Landscaping Costs | Average Prices List

In most situations, landscaping includes designing and planning your land usage, getting the land ready, and planting or installing your desired additions. Unless you are an experienced landscape designer, it’s usually something best left to experienced professionals. Let's take a look at all the landscaping prices, including material and installation costs below.

Table Of Contents

  1. Landscaping Costs
  • Landscaping Prices
  • Landscaping Maintenance Cost
  • Landscaping Material Costs
  • Additional Backyard Landscaping Costs
  • Landscaping Costs By Type
  • Landscaping Styles
  • Landscape Design Cost
  • Types of Grass
  • New Construction Landscaping
  • Tips Before You Start
  • Selecting Your Landscaper
  • Landscaping Companies

    • Landscaping Costs

    Landscaping costs vary depending on the size of the job and how many landscapers it requires. For small jobs such as lawn care or tree service, you can expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour. For larger jobs such as landscaping installation, you can expect to pay $4 to $12 per square foot.

    Landscaping Costs
    Landscaping Average Cost
    Per Square Foot $4 – $12 per square foot
    Per Hour $50 – $100 per hour
    New Installation $3,000 – $15,950

    Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot

    On average, landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot after installation. Prices depend on the size of your yard, where you are located, and the complexity of the job. Labor is the biggest expense at around 80% of your total cost.

    Landscapers will charge about 115% more than the cost of the grass sod, plants, and shrubbery.

    Landscaping Costs Per Hour

    On average, landscapers charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Prices depend on the size of the job and how many Landscapers it requires. Landscaping labor costs $25 to $50 per hour per crew member. For standard lawn care, it takes a two-person crew 30 minutes to cut your lawn which comes out to about $100 an hour.

    New Landscaping Installation Cost

    The cost to landscape a new house ranges from $3,000 to $15,950 depending on the size of the yard. If you're starting from scratch, expect to pay much more than one-time projects. New landscaping installation will require four or more landscapers over several weeks with an average cost of $200 per hour including materials and labor.

    Landscaping Network says, “When deciding on a budget keep in mind that investing in professional landscaping will greatly add to the value of your home. A general rule of thumb is to spend 10% of your home's value on landscaping. So, if you have a $400,000 house, then a landscaping budget of $40,000 is appropriate.”

    Landscaping Prices

    Landscaping prices start at $300 to $800 for small maintenance tasks and range from $2,000 to $4,000 for large jobs such as sod or sprinkler installation. The average homeowner spends $3,000 to $15,950 for new landscaping installation for their home.

    Average Landscaping Prices List

    Here are the most popular landscaping projects and a price list. We'll cover each one in detail for you:

    Landscaping Prices List
    Landscaping Average Cost
    Landscaping Installation (from scratch) $3,000 - $15,950
    Lawn Seeding $300 - $700
    Sod Installation $1,100 for the sod or $3,000 installed
    Mulching Costs $200 - $500
    Fill Dirt & Topsoil Costs $150 – $600
    Artificial Turf Installation $3,000 - $10,000
    Sprinkler System Installation Cost $1,800 - $5,200
    Gravel Installation $180 - $1,800
    Landscape Curbing $800 - $1,500
    Lawn Mowing $25 - $50
    Lawn aeration costs $75 - $250
    Misting System Install $1,000 - $2,500
    Cinder block wall cost $1,500 - $6,000
    Pond Installation $2,155 and $3,218
    Water Fountain Installation $2,000
    Tree Trimming $250 - $500
    Tree Removal $12 - $13 /foot ($200 - $600 /tree)
    Lawn Grading $125 per cubic yard of dirt
    Landscape Design $50–100 per hour
    Landscaping Maintenance $100–200 per month
    Landscaping Permits Up to $1,000

    Lawn Seeding Cost

    Grass seed costs approx. $0.05/sqft, which will only cost about $100 for the same 2,000-square-foot lawn or $700 for a professional to seed your yard for you. The downside to sowing seed versus laying sod is that it is not an instant result.

    First, each type of grass has a peak seeding and growing season you might miss and then have to wait on. Then, depending on the type of grass seed you decide to sow, it can take anywhere from 5 to 30 days before the grass will germinate. Until it does, the soil has to be kept wet—not too much or the seed will wash away, and not too little or the grass will dry out and not produce a lawn you are proud of.

    Standard advice is to water the lawn every 2–3 days with even coverage, but not for too long, because then the water will continue on down past the seeds. No matter which type of grass you choose, get a good sprinkler system that provides excellent coverage and allows for scheduling, so your lawn doesn’t get forgotten about when life gets busy.

    Sod Installation Cost

    If you get grass sod installed, you will instantly have grass which will quickly blend together until you can’t see where each sod starts and stops. This instant solution is significantly more expensive than seeding a lawn because the grass has to be grown somewhere else, looked after, watered, cut up, and transported to your home before being laid down.

    Depending on where you live and the type of grass you select, sod costs about $0.55 per square foot—$1,100 just for the sod or $3,000 installed for a lawn of 2,000 square feet.

    Average Sod Prices by Type

    Sod Type Average Cost
    Bermuda Sod $0.30 - $0.75 /sqft
    Fescue Sod $0.31 - $0.63 /sqft
    St. Augustine Sod $0.20 - $0.50 /sqft
    Zoysia Sod $0.40 - $0.55 /sqft

    Planting new grass or laying sod is always a significant part of landscaping. Check out all the grass types for your landscaping project.

    Artificial Turf Installation Cost

    For many reasons—including maintenance, maintenance costs, and water conservation—many homeowners are installing synthetic grass. Imagine never needing to mow, fertilize, reseed, water, or pay for a sprinkler system.

    As LIM Home Solutions in Van Nuys, CA, says,

    “As the water supply becomes scarcer, it becomes more difficult for homeowners and landscapers to maintain natural grass lawns, with fines as high as $10,000 for illegal watering... replacing your natural lawn with artificial turf has become the more practical option.”

    Have your designer take measurements and show you some design ideas, along with all the different options possible. You will receive a 2D design layout so you can see what your finished yard will look like once the synthetic turf is installed. Artificial turf costs most homeowners $3,000 to $10,000 to install and will usually come with an 8–15-year warranty.

    Sprinkler System Installation Cost

    The cost to install a sprinkler system is $1,800 to $5,200, depending on lawn size and if you already have landscaping installed or not. Installing a drip irrigation system costs $300 to $1,200 per zone on average.

    Sprinklers are essential to keeping your landscaping investment maintained and healthy. Rather than having to take the time out of your busy day, consider getting a sprinkler system that provides great coverage and allows for easy scheduling.

    Landscape Curbing Installation Cost

    Landscape curbing creates a visually appealing look and is essential to show where one area ends and another begins. Curbing can get extensive quickly and may contain retaining walls, concrete, bricks, rock and more. Depending on the materials and extent of your curbing, you can expect to pay between $800 - $1,500 for a professional installation.

    Misting System Installation Cost

    If you live in an area with a warmer climate, a misting system is an excellent addition to the overall comfort of your new landscape. Instead of installing an awning or pergola, an outdoor misting system is one of the most natural and most effective ways to cool an outdoor area. If this sounds appealing to you, be prepared to spend $1,000 - $2,500 for installation.

    Pond Installation Cost

    Ponds are a great addition to your landscape if you don't have quite enough room for a pool but still want something exotic. Plus, guests and kids will love to see the Koi fish swim! Depending on the size, location, and materials used for your pond, you can expect to pay between $2,155 and $3,218 to have a new pond professionally installed.

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    Water Fountain Installation Cost

    To make your landscaping project complete, consider adding a water fountain. Water fountains bring a serene feeling and actually increase the value of your home. Also, the water they use is recycled, and they are low maintenance to keep running. For a professional water fountain installation, set aside at least $2,000.

    Lawn Grading Cost

    Changing the terrain through re-sloping or yard grading costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot or $500 to $5,000. The contractor will need to be able to get some big equipment in, and that may require removing some fencing or gates.

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    Landscaping Maintenance Cost

    For general landscaping maintenance, lawn care, gardening, and up keep, the average homeowner will spend $100 - $200/month. Expect to pay more for a company with a few employees than an individual because of overhead costs. The cost will also depend on the size of your yard, your location, and the amount of work you need to have done regularly.

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    Lawn Care Prices

    Hiring a landscaper to mow and maintain your yard, you will likely spend between $25 and $50 per visit.

    Here’s a more detailed look at lawn care prices:

    Mow Frequency 1/8 Acre 1/4 Acre 1/3 Acre 1/2 Acre 1 Acre
    Weekly $23. 66 $29.79 $42.94 $52.14 $84.56
    Biweekly $24.97 $35.05 $42.94 $63.53 $88.06
    Monthly $28.92 $38.99 $46.00 $63.97 $93.32

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    Mulching Costs

    Mulching costs between $200 and $500 per application for professional installation. If you're having trouble growing grass or just looking to spice up the flowerbeds, you'll need to mulch. Mulching feeds the soil and surrounding plants and keeps your landscape at an ideal temperature. Also, it helps retain moisture and prevents weeds from taking over.

    You can buy mulch at your local hardware store for $2 to $5 per bag (1 cubic foot). Mulch delivery can be expensive, so unless you're landscaper is already doing other projects for you it's recommended you install this yourself.

    Tree Trimming Costs

    Hiring someone to trim just one tree can cost up to $1,000, with $250 to $500 being the typical price range for trimming a tree. And keep in mind that those prices cover one-time service for just one tree. If you’ve got several trees around your house that need to be trimmed or trees must be trimmed several times a year, the bill will go up accordingly.

    Tree Removal Costs

    Tree removal is based on a price per foot, with average costs being $12–$13/foot. Expect the following:

    Height Average Cost
    Up to 25 feet
    The root system is small, and the trunk is thin.    		 $150 – $500
    25 - 75 feet
    The difference in price can vary dramatically depending on the root depth and trunk diameter.    		 $200 – $1,000
    Over 75 feet
    A crane is needed to remove huge trees, with care taken to remove root systems without damaging utility or plumbing lines nearby.     		$1,500 and up

    Landscaping Material Costs

    Here are some popular landscaping materials and their average national cost. Keep in mind these prices do not include installation.

    Landscaping Material Average Cost
    Composting $25 - $33 /yard
    Flood Lights $200 - $500 /light
    Grass Pavers $3 - $10 /sqft
    Landscape Boulders $150 /ton
    Landscape Gravel $20 - $30 /sqft
    Landscape Fabric $1.50 - $2 /sqft
    Landscape Rocks $0.05 - $0.30 /lb
    Landscape Timbers $5 - $7 /linear ft.
    Lawn Edging $1 - $5 /ft
    Lawn Fertilization $40 - $60 /application
    Lawn Replacement $1 - $2 /sqft
    Lawn Turf $5 - $20 /sqft
    Retaining Wall $15 - $20 /sqft

    Cost Of Landscaping Rocks

    The average cost of landscaping rocks is $3 to $6 per square foot depending on the rock type selected. Crushed granite and crushed stone rock costs between $1 and $3 per square foot while granite pavers and dry stack stone costs between $6 and $15 per square foot.

    Rock Type Average Cost
    Crushed Granite $1 - $3 /sqft
    Granite Pavers $6 /sqft
    Crushed Stone $1 - $2 /sqft
    Stone Steps $100 - $300 /each
    Dry Stack Stone $6 - $15 /sqft

    Including installation, you can expect to pay $15 per sq. foot for a walkway.

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    Additional Backyard Landscaping Costs

    All the following prices are for the average size of that item/installation. See HomeGuide’s other cost guides for more detailed info about installation costs on each.

    Landscaping Cost Estimator

    Landscaping Cost Estimator
    Additional Options Average Cost
    Asphalt Driveway (20' x 24') $4,200
    Concrete driveway $5,500
    Deck $7,230
    Patio $2,500
    Gazebo $1,000
    Retaining wall $4,900
    Drainage $3,200
    Sprinkler system $2,150
    Sprinkler Heads $2 - $10
    Outdoor misting $2,100
    Fountain $2,600
    Pond $2,850
    Awning $2,500
    Fencing $10 /foot
    Walkway $15 /sqft
    Retaining wall $20 /sqft
    Lighting $4,500
    Patio cover $5,500
    Outdoor fireplace $4,000
    Swimming pool $20,000+

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    Fence Material Costs

    Fence Material Average Cost
    Board Wood Fencing $8 - $13 /linear ft.
    Wood Fence $7 - $15 /linear ft.
    Board On Board Fencing $8 - $16 /panel
    Wood Picket Fencing $15 - $21 /linear ft.
    Vinyl Fencing $25 - $40 /linear ft.
    Black Vinyl-coated Chain Link Fencing $5 - $17 /linear ft.
    Electric Fencing $600 - $1,100
    Glass Fencing $61 - $87 /linear ft.
    Redwood Fencing $12 - $18 /linear ft.
    Cedar Fencing $1 - $6 /plank
    Aluminum Fencing $15 - $60 /linear ft.
    Wrought Iron Fencing $20 - $30 /linear ft.
    Chain Link Fencing $4 - $15 /linear ft.
    Split Rail Fencing $10 - $25 /linear ft.
    Stockade Fencing $8 - $15 /linear ft.
    Cyclone Fencing $5 - $20 /sqft
    Shadowbox Fencing $6 - $15 /linear ft.

    Landscaping Costs By Type

    The 3 main types of landscaping are hardscaping, softscaping, and xeriscaping. Here are their average prices for landscaping installation:

    Landscaping Costs By Type
    Landscaping Types Average Cost
    Hardscaping $2,000 to $45,000
    Softscaping $11 per square foot
    Xeriscaping $10 per square foot

    Hardscaping

    This is the industry terminology used to describe the design, planning, and implementation of non-living items in the decoration of land. This includes paths, gazebos, patios, decks, retaining walls, pergolas, etc. Depending on what needs to be constructed, the work usually involves working with materials like wood, brick, concrete, stone, and metal.

    Elements of landscaping that fall into this category will range in cost from around $2,000 to $45,000. To save money on hardscaping, consider buying prefabricated items like a readymade firepit rather than a custom-built stone one.

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    Softscaping

    The softscaping category encompasses all the vital components like plants, trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. Within softscaping, the items fall into classifications of annuals, biennials, and perennials. Each of these classifications produces flowers which will form seeds.

    Where they differ is in the typical lifespan of each category member. Softscaping works out at about $11 per square foot. To save money, buy younger plants and trees. Your yard will end up looking the same; it will just take a little longer to grow into the plan.

    Xeriscaping

    This landscaping is tailored for arid climates and allows for minimal water use. It focuses on working with plants that occur naturally in that climate type, like purple fountain grass, yellow pampas grass, Mexican feather grass, blue oat grass, autumn joy sedum, and aloe vera—all plants that have the same minimal need for water.

    When professionally installed, costs can run close to $10 per square foot, but having a professional plan out your land use could cost as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as $5,000, or higher, for a more boutique designer. Consider, though, the savings in water bills no matter who you choose to design it all.

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    A professional will visit your property and work up a plan that matches the creative vision you have for the land. Expect to pay $50–100 per hour for both the design phase and the implementation phase.

    For high-end designers, expect $10,000–$15,000 for these. Within this planning phase, there are two distinct disciplines and associated costs. In general, a landscape architect will work on areas to do with the land and hardscaping, while designers are more involved with visuals and the softscaping arena, covering plants, etc.

    What does a landscape architect do?

    Landscape architects have a university degree from a school accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in landscape architecture, and they have secured a license at the state level. The scope of their work covers architectural elements of a more structural nature, including the design of and solving issues with the following:

    Architects focus more on larger commercial projects, while designers are engaged in smaller-scale projects like residential development.

    An architect will charge about twice the price a designer will, but many landscape architect firms will have designers on staff, enabling them to be a one-stop shop for the entire design phase and eliminating the need to find two solutions.

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    What does a landscape designer do?

    While many landscape designers have taken college courses, others are self-taught or have grown up in the family business. Some designers may have an education similar to that of a landscape architect, but without the state license, they are restricted to operating as a designer.

    The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) encourages members to engage in continued education and offers a program to certify members based on their completed projects. Ultimately, creating an outdoor space to relax in and enjoy is a worthwhile investment.

    Work with designers like Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture in Santa Monica, California. In reference to how their design work showcases their stylistic range and high quality, they say:

    “Our design of luxury residences and estates is immediately mood altering, celebrating the sensual and tactile temperament that is the fabric of landscape. We artfully engage color and light to further amplify our language of style and complement our living, breathing, palette.”

    As with any landscaping company, their portfolio can tell you a lot about the quality of their work.

    Landscaping Styles

    A landscape designer can help you narrow down your list of features to a consistent theme. It is very possible that they will be able to walk you through a range of examples to illustrate the most popular styles in landscaping, including:

    Which types of grass should I plant?

    Planting new grass or laying sod is always a major part of landscaping. It is essential to know what the differences are and how they will direct your choice in the matter.

    Of all the different types of grass that are suitable for a lawn, they generally fall into one of two categories: creeping and bunch.

    Warm climate grass

    Light foot traffic

    Heavy foot traffic

    Cool climate grass

    Light foot traffic

    Heavy foot traffic

    The state you live in will determine if you have a single grass type lawn or a blend of multiple grass types to ensure coverage throughout the year.

    Northern areas—from Northern California across to New York—will generally have a single grass planted. The zone from Southern California cutting across through north Texas and finishing in North Carolina will usually feature mixed grasses, while the area to the south won’t require a blend, but single grasses suited to the heat.

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    New Construction Landscaping

    Landscaping the yard in a newly constructed home will incur a significant cost compared to that of an improvement or enhancement of existing landscaping.

    Testing Soil Quality

    It is not uncommon for home builders to use soil of a lower quality around a new home once construction has been completed. First of all, have a soil sample tested to establish its nutritional content, composition, and acidity. All possible components will vary at different depths, so if using a DIY kit, make sure to follow the instructions regarding depth carefully before mailing off the samples.

    If the soil is determined to be too sandy, you can improve it with the introduction of between 3”–4” of well-rotted manure or other organic compost. Additionally, distribute mulch from leaves, hay, straw, bark, or wood chips around your plants to retain moisture content and to aid in cooling the soil. Enhancing an existing lawn and yard will generally include more softscaping than hardscaping.

    Landscaping Permit Cost

    Your designer and contractor should be well versed in permitting procedures and requirements because of their experience working on projects locally. Unless you are planning something truly out of the ordinary, like a tropical style space with a pool on your front lawn, you should be given permission to carry out your landscaping plans, but it is best to check. A national average for landscaping permits is $1,000. Either have your landscaper apply for them, or save a little money by doing that yourself.

    Front or back yard

    Most homes will have a similar, if not identical, setback regulation that governs the least distance for how far back from the street each house must be. Some people end up putting a lot more time, money, and effort into the land around the front of their property for the sake of street appeal, and especially to add value to the property coming up to a sale. It is likely, however, that the backyard gets the lion's share of investment in light of its level of use.

    Tips Before You Start

    When should I start my landscaping project?

    Spring is the best time of the year for most landscaping work—between April and May. This eight-week period will give plants a great start and time to build strength before the summer months approach.

    Right before fall arrives, you have another opportunity to deliver the last round of essential groundwork to prepare your property for winter. If possible, plan to have construction completed in time to take advantage of the perfect planting times.

    While hardscaping can be done during any season, the softscaping work must be completed before summer or winter, and scheduling landscapers during these busy times can be difficult. The best way around being charged premium prices would be to lock down the work dates with your chosen landscaper as soon possible.

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    How do I save money with my landscaping project?

    Consider landscaping your yard in stages. Design the whole project with your landscape designer or architect and then take care of installing your future yard one step at a time. Make sure each contractor sees the plans before doing their part so he/she can set things in place to ensure the next part of the job is smooth, such as installing all the water pipes and electrical conduits and wires.

    For example, do the electrical and water work, lay the sod, and plant the trees in year one, add or pour the patio and pathways and shrubbery in year two, and put in a pool in year three.

    State Issued Rebates

    Many state governments in warmer climates, especially California, are offering rebates to any homeowners that alter their landscaping to use less water and/or make their yards more permeable. Approval is required in advance for most of your rebates so you can know if the money has been set aside for them or not. Included are turf replacements, native plants, storm/rainwater retention, permeable hardscape, water-saving sprinklers.

    Landscaping Checklist

    1. Budget – Know your budget for the entire project, to include the planning phase as well as the implementation phase.
    2. Schedule – Allow one to two weeks for the plans to come together as you work with your chosen landscape designer, and one and a half to two and a half weeks for the average landscaping job that doesn’t include building a deck, swimming pool, reflecting pool, arbor, pergola, or significant amounts of terrain grading or alteration.
    3. Permits – Get informed on the permits or regulatory compliance, or have your contractor take care of this aspect of the project.
    4. Selection – Go through the selection process to lock down your landscape designer. Check with prospective contractors on exactly how to be the most prepared for the first meeting to make sure they can hit the ground running with your plans. Depending on exactly what you want to be done, finding out things like where there are underground water, power, or even septic systems will help them.
    5. Visuals – Before your entire project plan is set in stone, your designer should be able to provide you with some layout plans and other visuals to give you an idea of how it will look when it is all in place.
    6. Physical Work – Find the right professionals for physical work. Check with the designer for any information on things to look for or avoid in a contracting company, any recommendations, and any information you could share with your potential contractors to make sure the project is a good fit for them. Your designer will usually have his/her list of favorites from past projects they have worked on together.

    Creations Landscape Designs has been in business in Tustin, California, for ten years. She has a 25-page checklist on her website for what to think about before talking to a landscape designer. Her guide covers understanding your garden needs, hiring a landscape designer, preparing and meeting with the landscape designer, the design process, and after-installation tips. Her guide, while specific to California, has many useful tips no matter where you live, and it can be found here.

    Finding Your Landscaping Company

    1. Make a list of 3 to 5 landscaping contractors before you make your final selection of who will do the design work and who to hire for the landscaping.
    2. A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau, and have high reviews on HomeGuide.
    3. Some landscaping companies have a lot more knowledge and experience when it comes to plants, arbor care, etc. Decide in advance how much specialist care you want.
    4. Ask landscaping contractors for a copy of their certificate of insurance so you know for a fact that you won’t be held liable for any accidents while they are working on your property.
    5. Selecting the lowest-priced vendor in any profession is rarely the path to getting the job done, or done within your established timeframe.

    Find your landscaping designer today, and we hope you enjoy your beautiful new yard for many years to come.

    When you're ready, get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted landscapers:

    Get free estimates

    2022 Average Cost of Landscaping Maintenance & Prices // HomeGuide

    Average Cost of Landscaping Maintenance

    For general landscaping maintenance, lawn care, gardening, and up keep, the average homeowner will spend $100 to $200/month. Expect to pay more for a company with a few employees than an individual because of overhead costs. Cost will also depend on the size of your yard, your location, and the amount of work you need to have done on a regular basis.

    Landscaping Maintenance Average Cost Per Month
    National Average Cost $150
    Minimum Cost $100
    Maximum Cost $200
    Average Range $100 to $200

    As we get older and busier, there are more and more tasks we’d love to do but just don’t have the strength or time required for them. We’ve listed out these jobs with individual prices, but it might end up actually costing less if you hire one service to take care of an agreed-upon list while you take care of the rest.

    Table Of Contents

    1. Landscaping Maintenance Costs
  • Preparing for Winter
  • Selecting Your Landscaper
  • Landscapers Near Me

    • Popular Landscaping Maintenance Services

    Yards are getting smaller these days because of the increase of the average suburban house size in combination with the reduction of lot size, but yard maintenance will always be needed, whether it’s just to cut grass and occasionally give some arbor care, or to tend plants as shrubbery as well.

    Landscaping Costs

    $50 /hr

    Lawn Care Prices

    $25 - $50

    Lawn Mower Repair Cost

    $40 - $90

    Pest Control Prices

    $250

    Tree Trimming Cost

    $250

    Tree Removal Cost

    $200 - $600

    Gardener Cost

    $60 - $200

    Leaf Removal Cost

    $50 - $80

    Sod Installation Cost

    $1.50/sqft

    Mulch Prices

    Fill Dirt, Sand, Topsoil Cost

    Snow Removal Cost

    Lawn Aeration cost

    Drip irrigation system cost

    The best people to take care of your yard are those who know a lot about grass, plants, and seasonal changes. While you might prefer to hire someone for each aspect of keeping your yard beautifully healthy, it’s easier to hire a service that does everything.

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    Tree Trimming & Removal Costs

    For the cost of tree trimming and pruning, you can expect to pay in the region of between $350 to $500, and for cost of tree removal you could pay around $200 for small trees, up to a few thousand for large trees.

    If you have trees on the property that need some attention, the service agreement could include cutting down dead trees and removing them, and/or something much quicker and less expensive like pruning. Your contractor should be certified in arbor care and make sure your trees are maintained in optimal health in every season.

    Trees should be chopped up on site, and any part of the lawn that is left exposed filled in with dirt and seeded. Some will even chip and mulch trimmed branches onsite.

    When is the best time to do tree trimming?

    Fall is the time to cut back any unruly limbs or branches that have become unsightly, or are simply growing in a manner that could cause injury. Special consideration should be given to branches that could possibly fall and injure someone when there is a snowfall, or during any high winds from winter storms.

    When hiring an arborist, look for certifications like ISA Certified Arborist, TDA Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified; and membership to the American Society of Consulting Arborists or Commercial Arborists.

    Lawn Care Prices

    Every lawn needs to be lovingly cared for, and a great lawn service provider will do everything needed to ensure this. You’ll have a watering and mowing schedule set in place, and ongoing pest control, along with seasonal care. Most companies only provide lawn maintenance and debris removal, while others include arbor care, plant care, and general yardwork. On average lawn care prices range from $25-$50/visit for mowing and edging, more if it’s a once-off visit with no maintenance contract.

    After the first freeze, be sure to call your lawn professional out for one last pass on the lawn, and using the mowing height guide, mow the grass. With a fresh cut, the short grass which won’t grow during the winter will help the ground dry out quicker come spring, and that will present ideal conditions for lush growth in the spring.

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    Lawn Fertilizing Cost

    The best possible soil treatment is compost—every spring and fall, spread a 1”-2” layer on the grass and watch it work its way to the roots. Organic fertilizers are low in nitrogen so they are less likely to burn grass blades. If you do use a chemical fertilizer, be sure to buy slow- or controlled-release compounds, and water immediately after application.

    If you do not have the time or the tools to fertilize your lawn on your own, you can hire a contractor to do the job. If you hire a contractor, the cost of fertilizing your lawn is about $12-$15/hr. You can also hire a lawn care expert or professional lawn care company, which will bring your lawn fertilizing cost up to about $60 per hour, on average.

    Lawn Aeration Costs

    The average cost of lawn aeration is $75 to $250. Aeration helps ensure your soil is permeable to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. The soil needs to be broken up so the needed nutrients find their way to the roots.

    Dethatching Cost

    Dead thatch is commonly found in your lawn early in the year, and if the thatch layer is more than 1’ thick, it needs to be removed in order to prevent smothering. A long-forked rake can clear it well. Depending on the thickness of thatch, the average cost for a dethatching service is between $200 to $400 per 1000 square feet.

    Sprinkler System Install & Repair Costs

    A sprinkler system costs $1,800 to $5,200, depending on the lawn size and if landscaping is already installed or not. Sprinkler system repairs cost $75 to $250 on average, or $75 per hour for a professional plumber.

    Installing a drip irrigation system costs $300 to $1,200 per zone on average.

    Light, frequent watering does more damage to grass roots and encourages weed growth, whereas deeper, less-frequent watering encourages grass roots to grow deeper and become more resilient to drought conditions.

    Drain what can be drained before winter sets in. In order to keep all your exterior water distribution equipment in top shape for the next spring and summer season, make sure to drain the water from all your hoses, fountains, and irrigation systems, and when that is done, find a dry place to store them for the winter. If you live somewhere with extensive cold spells that include freezing temperatures, your equipment could be damaged as the water inside freezes and thaws with the fluctuations in temperature.

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    Leaf Removal Costs

    Depending on where you live and the land surrounding your property, it is very likely that your yard features an assortment of trusty weeds as well as a light to heavy dusting of dead leaves and possibly branches. This combination creates the perfect environment for a range of garden pests to build a home in. While many think they can be left to decay and contribute to new growth next year, a heavy or thick layer of leaves is a lot more likely to suffocate and kill of portions of your lawn, which would result in additional expenses and time to rectify.

    The average price range for hiring a professional for leaf removal is $205 - $330. Some professionals will charge an hourly rate, others will charge $10 per bag. Some may charge an hourly rate of $12-$15 plus a fee per bag ranging from $5 - $15. The cost of leaf removal depends on how large the lawn is, how many leaves you have, and how much it cost the professional to dispose of the leaves.

    Lawn Weeding Costs

    Uproot any weeds starting to grow in your lawn in the springtime before they propagate. Rather than cut and leave tall weed grass, call a landscaper to bag and remove all clippings that include seed heads to prevent most of it from reseeding. Also let your landscaper know to reseed grass in patchy areas so as to crowd out weeds. On average, you can expect to spend $0.90/sqft on lawn reseeding and $50–$80/hour on lawn weeding.

    Spreading weed killer over the whole lawn is unnecessary, and it can damage turf and nearby trees if it’s applied in warm weather. Spot treatment of weeds with a selective weed killer is more effective over the long term and protects groundwater contamination levels.

    Pest Control Prices

    When pests take over your garden, plants, and lawn you can epect to pay aronud $2–$11 per plant application, depending on size. If pests are getting inside the home, pest control prices start at $250 per perimeter and lawn application.

    Types of Pests to watch out for

    Cinch bugs - These are partial to St. Augustine grass, but they are known to also infest Bermuda and Zoysia grasses. They love hot, dry weather, and their presence is evidenced by patches of yellow grass where the lawn sides up to concrete. A natural method of cinch bug control is to set up nearby feeders and watering stations for birds. Insecticidal soap is an effective chemical solution when applied locally.

    Grubs - Grubs eat the roots of Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses. Nematodes—roundworms that enter grubs and kill them within a few days—are the most active solution to rid your lawn of these pests.

    Fire ants - If found in small mounds, pouring boiling water on the mound can be effective.

    Moles and voles – If you see broken sod and mounds forming in the yard, try pouring liquid or granular mixes of castor oil around the yard.

    Japanese beetles, mole crickets, cut worms, army worms – Neem oil and sprays containing potassium bicarbonate can be effective on beetles. Treat army worms with the natural insecticide, Spinosad—a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects; or the caterpillar spray, Bt—an easy-to-mix liquid concentrate that kills worms and caterpillar stage insects but has no effect on birds, earthworms or beneficial insects.

    European crane fly - They feed just below the surface, destroying plant roots and stems. Treat with SaferBrandGrub Killer, an insecticidal soap (potassium salts of fatty acids) and pyrethrin, and clarified neem oil.

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    Gardener Cost

    $1.50–$3/sqft to clean out flowerbeds

    It helps to know which of your plants will only last one year and which can last for a much longer amount of time. Your yard service contractor will also know which flowers and vegetables would be good to plant again for the following year or how to change it up so you landscaping still looks good. On average, a gardener costs about $100 per visit, and charges $1.50–$3/sqft to clean out flowerbeds and $0.70 per plant for pruning.

    In addition, to prune your shrubs and bushes, you can expect to pay $0.70 per plant and $13 per shrub. As you head into winter, it won’t be too difficult to spot any dead branches or overgrown bushes and trees that need a spot of attention. Should your garden include blooming perennials like roses, etc., this is the time to prune and train their branches.

    Preparing for Winter

    Waterproof your deck. For those who have the opportunity to spent some of their summer months enjoying a deck, the fall is the time to give it a power wash to help prevent any growth of mold and mildew. Be sure not to use the washer at its highest setting so as not to damage the surface of the wood. Once it has been cleaned and left to dry, apply a weatherproofing stain to prevent moisture damage from impacting the wood during the winter.

    Oil and store your tools. After your garden implements have served you faithfully over the spring and summer, give them a final cleaning for the season followed by a light application of oil to keep rust at bay. This way, they will be sure to give you years of service when you take them back out each spring.

    Clean out your gutters. Leaves in your gutters will build up quick. You can expect to pay a professional $50–$80/hour for gutter cleaning.

    Find your Landscaping Maintenance Service

    Looking after your yard can take a chunk of time and effort, as there is a wide range of things that need to be taken care of to protect the yard during the winter and best position it for a glorious rebirth in the spring. For those to whom this may seem overwhelming, contact your yard service company to get on their schedule to take care of it all for you. Some tasks, however, are easier than others, so have your exact list of tasks ready for an accurate quote.

    When looking for the right company:

    Find your landscaping maintenance professional today, and we hope you enjoy your beautiful yard for many years to come.

    When you're ready, get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted landscapers:

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    How to optimize the cost of landscaping the residential complex, while maintaining the quality

    If you have passed all the stages of accepting the inevitable, and you are ready to continue “cultivating your garden” (a very appropriate allegory, given that we are talking about the improvement of the residential complex), then let's figure out how to reduce costs to create it without losing quality. Let's consider all stages of this process - from the ideological concept and the general plan to the commissioning of the facility.

    Landscaping concept

    A comfortable environment and well-developed amenities have become one of the key criteria when choosing new buildings in recent years. And the all-encompassing trend towards the creation of a modern interior space is pushing developers to focus on the landscape.

    To choose the best version of the concept, the best option is an open creative competition - a proven approach, which for some reason has lost popularity. Perhaps because developers are used to working with already proven partners and do not want to waste time looking for new contractors. So why not return to this working scheme?

    The result of the competition is a wide range of views, new design names to discover, and a whole palette of interesting ideas. It remains only to choose the most suitable option for your concept that meets the technical characteristics of the project. To ensure that contractors comply with all requirements, do not forget to develop a clear terms of reference (TOR) - without it, the result, as you know, is unpredictable.

    Working documentation

    It makes sense to land the flight of imagination of creators with competent engineering solutions. It's great when the contracting company takes into account both factors, but this phenomenon is rare, like a phoenix bird. Therefore, it is important that the developer controls all processes during the implementation of the project.

    Question - how to choose a contractor? Of course, first of all, you need to look at the reputation in the market and portfolio. Do not be too lazy to visit the implemented objects of a potential participant, make inquiries from colleagues. Of course, you can attract a fresh, “untested” market player, but the risks, of course, are higher in this case.

    Selection of materials

    Leading developers have long been spoiled by the high quality standards of European planting material. If you have to optimize the assortment of an already launched project, then I strongly recommend doing this by revising not the plant parameters, but the assortment.

    Large tracts of shrubs, by the way, look more attractive than “rod” trees, row planting completely replaces ready-made elements of hedges, and Moorish seed lawn looks great in place of perennial flower beds. The main thing is to remember that non-standard approaches are always better than “impoverishing” solutions.

    If you do not know which plant supplier to contact, feel free to send your request to the Association of Planting Material Producers (APPM). This is a non-profit organization that will help you find nurseries based on your needs.

    Natural stone paving is certainly more difficult to replace with something of equal value. But here, too, there is a choice. Choose from small-sized elements, siftings, different saw cuts and look for stylish layout options. And the Russian concrete pavers have never let anyone down!

    Small architectural forms, street lamps, stylish play sets are plentiful on the Russian market. There is always something to choose from! From the mastodons of the market to small workshops that are happy to take on the manufacture of a product for a specific project, without exposing cosmic prices.

    Where can I find great teams? Word of mouth and exhibitions. The annual "City: Details", ParkSeason Expo and, of course, the main Russian industry event - ARCH Moscow.

    Non-replaceable

    There are always items that deserve special attention. I would recommend not skimping on the following: automatic watering system, root modules for soil support, as well as components for roofs with landscaping.

    Considering that an increasing number of urban residential complexes are placing landscaping on a stylobate, a well-designed construct with high-quality membranes will preserve not only landscaping, but also hard surfaces. Otherwise, the plants will get wet, the paving will fall apart and significant funds will have to be invested to eliminate the existing problems. In particular, to replace the planting material, carry out the reconstruction of the paving and, of course, completely redo the “pie”.

    However, if the budget for the previous paragraphs is correctly reviewed, then these positions will not have to be replaced, since their acquisition will not deal a painful blow to the improvement project. But due to realities, it is worth considering the increased delivery times and disruptions in logistics, so it’s better to follow the proverb and “prepare sleds from the summer”.

    In any case, whether you are optimizing costs, looking for new suppliers or revising concepts, remember that flexibility, creativity and the search for fresh solutions are the main motto of the new time!

    KOSGU 300. 10 practical examples of cost accounting for sub-items

    How to correctly account for antiseptics, notebooks, sand and even reagents for a chemistry lesson :

    At the end of the article there is a cheat sheet

    Group 300 KOSGU sub-articles include operations related to:

    But in this case, we are talking only about the creation, production of non-financial assets from contractors' materials. Services for the manufacture of non-financial assets from the materials of the customer, that is, the institution itself, are recorded using sub-article 226 "Other work, services" of KOSGU or under sub-article 228 "Services, work for the purposes of capital investments" of KOSGU, if they are related to capital investments in fixed assets:

    Let's analyze the questions of students of online courses for accountants of public sector organizations.

    1. KOSGU article for antiseptics, etc.

    Question: under which article of KOSGU does an institution need to pay expenses for the purchase of dispensers for antiseptics, non-contact temperature meters, bactericidal irradiators, which are purchased according to the new sanitary rules of Rospotrebnadzor?

    Answer: The choice of KOSGU depends on how these objects are accounted for: as part of fixed assets or as part of inventories.

    If the useful life is more than 12 months and the commission for the receipt and disposal of assets decided to include the object in fixed assets, then the expenses are reflected under article KOSGU 310. If the commission decided to take into account dispensers for antiseptics, contactless temperature meters and bactericidal irradiators as part of inventories, then expenses are carried out under sub-article KOSGU 346. Such explanations are given in the Letter of the Ministry of Finance dated 04/06/2020 No. 02-08-10 / 27111.

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    All organizations in the public sector, with the exception of institutions providing medical care, must keep records in a similar way.

    If medical institutions purchase thermometers with a useful life of less than 12 months, bactericidal lamps, disinfectants, antiseptics, masks, latex gloves for medical care and for visitors to the institution under one contract, then they must be reflected under subsection 341 "Increase in cost medicines and materials used for medical purposes”.

    2. Accounting for food packages

    Question: How to reflect the issuance of food packages for children from large families in the accounting records of an institution?

    Answer : if an institution provides meals to large families on a regular basis, for example, a social service institution, food packages must be taken into account under sub-article KOSGU 342 “Increase in the cost of food”.

    If an institution conducts such an action one-time and the purpose of buying products is to hand over shares by the holiday, and not provide food, subsection KOSGU 349 is used"Increase in the cost of other single-use inventories."

    3. KOSGU article for personal cards

    Question: which article of KOSGU include the cost of purchasing personal cards of students and personal cards of employees?

    Answer: the purchase of blank products, with the exception of strict reporting forms, is referred to sub-article 346 "Increase in the cost of other inventories" of KOSGU. This is a direct requirement of clause 11.4.6 of Order 209n.

    4. KOSGU article for notebooks and copybooks

    Question: which article of KOSGU should include the costs of purchasing workbooks and copybooks by a budgetary educational institution?

    Answer: the workbook is functionally related to the textbook, partially replaces or supplements it. Therefore, the textbook is used together with teaching aids: workbooks, copybooks.

    Textbooks and teaching aids, including workbooks and copybooks, intended to be issued to students of an educational institution and to support the educational process, are included in the library fund of an educational institution.

    In accordance with paragraph 8 of the CGS "Fixed Assets", tangible items of property, with the exception of periodicals, that make up the library fund of the accounting entity, are accepted for accounting as fixed assets, regardless of their useful life.

    Therefore, it is necessary to accept textbooks for accounting using subarticle KOSGU 310 "Increase in the cost of fixed assets".

    Explanations on accounting for workbooks are given in the Letter of the Ministry of Finance of Russia dated January 17, 2019No. 02-06-10/1927.

    There is a cheat sheet at the end of the article

    5. Accounting for methodological literature

    Question: MADOU Kindergarten has acquired methodological literature for teachers, didactic material and readers for children. How to reflect the acquisition in accounting?

    Answer: If methodological literature, didactic materials and readers are included in the library fund of the institution, then the acquisition is reflected in accordance with KOSGU 310 “Increase in the cost of fixed assets”.

    In accounting, the receipt of methodological literature on the basis of an invoice must be reflected by posting:

    Dt 0 101 38 310 Kt 0 302 31 73X

    are reflected according to KOSGU 346 "Increase in the cost of other inventories".

    Records are generated in accounting for the posting of inventories based on the invoice:

    Dt 0 105 36 346 Kt 0 302 34 73X

    6. KOSGU for accounting reagents

    Question: School , a budgetary institution, purchased reagents for the chemistry classroom by the beginning of the school year. According to which KOSGU to take them into account?

    Answer: the acquisition of chemical reagents is reflected under sub-item KOSGU 346 "Increase in the cost of other circulating inventories (materials)".

    Such an explanation is contained in the Information of the Ministry of Finance of Russia dated May 13, 2019 “Examples and features of attributing individual transactions to the corresponding articles (subarticles) of the classification of operations of the general government sector (KOSGU)”.

    7. Sand accounting

    Question: a contract has been concluded, the subject of which is the supply of sand for the improvement of the institution. How to reflect receipts in accounting.

    Answer: recommendations on how to reflect the objects of improvement in the budget accounting, the Ministry of Finance gave in Letter No. 02-07-10/78244 dated 11.10.2019.

    Landscaping is a measure that maintains and improves the sanitary and aesthetic condition of the common area, land, buildings, structures, structures, surrounding areas.

    The expenses for the improvement of the territory under the operational management of the institution, depending on the economic content of the expenses, must be reflected:

    In our example, the subject of the contract is the supply of sand. Such expenses are reflected in KOSGU 346 “Increase in the cost of other inventories”. On the basis of the invoice from the supplier, the receipt of materials is reflected in the debit of account 0 105 36 346. Then, by decision of the commission on the receipt and disposal of assets on the basis of the act of writing off inventories f. 0504230 sand is written off to current expenses.

    At the end of the article there is a cheat sheet

    8. KOSGU for enamel, brushes and putty

    Question: the institution is purchasing enamel, brushes and putty to prepare for admission for the new academic year. On which account and on which KOSGU should the purchase of materials be reflected?

    Answer: if building materials for building renovation are purchased under separate contracts, KOSGU 344 "Increase in the cost of building materials" is applied.

    Receipt of building materials to the institution is reflected in the account 0 105 34 344.

    9. KOSGU for masks and gloves

    Question: under which article of KOSGU should an institution reflect the purchase of medical masks and gloves?

    Answer: medical institutions reflect masks and gloves purchased for the provision of medical care, under sub-article 341 "Increase in the cost of medicines and materials used for medical purposes" of KOSGU.

    If a medical institution, within the framework of one contract or agreement, purchases medical masks and gloves for the provision of medical care and for the general economic needs of the institution, including for visitors to the institution, then expenses are also reflected under sub-item KOSGU 341.

    All other institutions reflect the purchase of masks and gloves for its employees in order to prevent cases of a new coronavirus infection under sub-article 346 "Increase in the cost of other inventories" of KOSGU (Letter of the Ministry of Finance of Russia dated 04/06/2020 No.

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