How Much Would the Landscape of a Small Yard Cost?
The landscaping cost of a small yard for less than 1,500 square feet can be $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the scope of work. More complex projects involving hardscaping, irrigation systems, and plant selection would fall on the higher end of this scale.
Landscaping can enhance the beauty of your home and outdoor scape. Investing in landscaping for a small yard can create an attractive small yard full of vibrancy, creating an environment for relaxation and entertainment and adding property value.
To transform your vision into reality and keep up with the budget, consult a landscaping contractor to provide a proper estimate and takeoff services to set a budget and timeline to complete your landscaping project without financial stress.
Factors Influencing Landscaping Costs
Several key factors will affect the overall costs of landscaping a small yard.
Design Complexity
This will impact your projects in terms of general quality because it will engage professional landscape designers. Design costs are a function of a designer’s experience and the complexity imposed on the landscape plan. The average costs range between $50 and $150 an hour for design services, translating into $500 to $1,500 for a small yard project.
Soils Preparation
Soil should be prepared to the proper depth before planting; that process can include soil quality testing, debris removal, and even nutrient amendments.
The cost of preparing soil usually ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the condition of the yard and the extent of work required.
Cost Plants and Material
The success of a suitable landscaping project depends on the right plant and material. The difference in cost depends on the choice of plants, mulch, decorative rocks, and other materials. Your average budget for plants and materials in a small yard can cost between $1,000 to $4,000.
Installation Costs
This further involves the labor since, in other areas, charges depend on one’s experience and location where the provision of service is taking place, and, in this case, adds 30% to 50% of costs as a whole. Since this is a small yard, the installation will cost at least $1,500 up to $5,000, depending on the size needed, the extent, and the duration required before the installation is applied.
Hardscapes Feature and Irrigation System
The Irrigation systems efficiently keep plants alive for an extended period without excess water usage. Depending on size and intricateness, a minimal irrigation system will cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Another use is adding some hardscapes like a patio, walkway, or retaining wall into your yard to add functionalities and beautify your home. This will push the overall cost of your project, depending on what you do with the material selection, from $2,000 up to $5,000 for a small yard.
Maintenance Costs
It is maintenance, engaged after the installation of the landscape, which keeps the yard looking its best—prices for maintenance range from a hundred dollars to three hundred dollars every month. How intricate the lawn is and the amount of help needed determines what services, including lawn care, pruning, weeding, and seasonal cleanups, will be used.
Total Estimation Costs
For a 750 sq. ft. small yard, the total costs of land-scaping will, therefore, be
- Design fees: $400 and $1,800.
- Landscaping preparation: $500 to $1,000
- Plant and materials: $1,000 to $4,000
- Installation: $1,500 to $5,000
- Irrigation system: $1,000 to $3,000
- Hardscaping features: $2,000 to$5,000
- Maintenance costs: $1,200 to $3,600 yearly
- Low-end total:
- 400 + 500 + 1000 + 1500 + 1000 + 2000 + 1200 = $8,600
- High-end total:
- 1800 + 1000 + 4000 + 5000 + 3000 + 5000 + 3600 = $20,400
Professional Landscaping vs. Diy
While most homeowners have become reliant on DIY landscaping, there are many advantages and disadvantages to hiring professionals or taking matters into their own hands. Landscaping can be done yourself and is quite fulfilling, saving you many labor costs.
This does involve knowledge of plants, design principles, and construction techniques. Though it may cost you more initially, hiring professionals will save you a lot of time. They may be worth it because professional landscaping can make your property highly valuable.
| Features | Professional landscaping | DIY landscaping |
| Costs | High initial cots but add value | Low initial cost – save on labor costs |
| Design Control | Designing is led by professionals to create a cohesive, custom design | Homeowners have complete control over the design – to bring their vision to life |
| Knowledge requires | Trained Expert in horticulture, design, and installation | Requires knowledge of plants, design, and construction |
| Quality of material | High-quality, durable material and equipment | The choice is up to the homeowner |
| Time consumption | Save time as an expert manages the process from start to finish | Time intensive as the homeowner does all the work |
| Outcomes | High-quality, polished, and cohesive design | Lower quality due to lack of knowledge |
| Long term value | Increase the value due to professional work without any risk of DIY error | Do not increase property value significantly |
| Sustainability and climate consideration | Professional incorporates climate and sustainability consideration | Debepond on the homeowner’s knowledge |
Conclusion
The costs for landscaping an average small yard differ, so this is based on your preferred design and local prices. Your budget for creating that ultimate outdoor space will depend mainly on the factors influencing prices and the quotes from the many landscaping professionals available.
This will be done through professional estimation service by landscaping, which will help ensure the correct cost and preparation for the budget according to material and labor requirements. Knowing cost is critical whether they are taking on the DIY project or the experts.
