Get an idea of how much

it will cost to landscape

your property

2013

Landscaping Costs

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Table of Contents

Backyard Landscape Types ..................................................................... 3

Backyard Landscape Costs ..................................................................... 6

Frontyard Landscape Ideas .................................................................. 16

Frontyard Landscape Costs .................................................................. 18

How To Hire A Landscape Contactor .................................................... 28

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Backyard Landscape TypesLittle known essentials for family, empty nester and nature lover landscapes

Help your designer save time and your money by making sure these landscape concepts are part

of your design. They go a long way toward making sure your site plan is the perfect fit for you,

your lifestyle and your family.

If You're Designing a Family Backyard - The backyard is becoming the safest most

affordable place to spend time with the kids, friends and neighbors. The active spaces you create

have many functions and these must be considered to get the most out of the final layout.

Design for Future.

For growing families, the backyard landscape is front and center to you. The best designed

landscape can grow and change with the kids to meet their needs now and when they reach those

difficult tween and teen years. For example, you may not need much lawn for the toddlers, but

when T-ball and football time rolls around, you'll need at least a court-sized space.

Conceptual Planting Tips for Family Backyard

Plant dwarf fruit trees so kids can reach the fruit.

Plant butterfly nectar and larval food plants to teach metamorphosis.

Avoid plants that draw excessive bees or wasps.

Beware of plants with exceptionally large sharp thorns such as cactus and honeylocust.

Design the Circulation.

A large yard in the suburbs offers room for swings, climbing gyms, sand box, children's garden,

play house and more. Your circulation system connects all these things with a blend of paved

walks or gravel, trails and foot paths. Encourage your designer to link these elements in a

meandering circular fashion. This won't look like a track, but it functions like one allowing kids

to go round and round on tricycle, then roller-skates and maybe even a mountain bike.

Pro Tip: Planning concrete or asphalt paved spaces for kids to play? Keep the expansion

joints few and narrow. Avoid rough surfaces like exposed aggregate. Keep it smooth for

safety of rollerskates, roller blades, Razor scooters and skateboards.

Protect trees.

A large old tree is worth its weight in gold, yet many are lost because they are seen as inanimate

objects, not living things. This is a vital source of shade, but with kids it serves as a climbing

structure, a rope swing support and a place for a tree house. Whenever you do any of these

things, be sure you don't damage the tree or you may risk losing it altogether. Do not nail into the

bark. Never girdle the trunk or limbs with chain, cable or ropes.

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Empty Nesters

Once the kids are gone, your lifestyle can change, or even include retirement. The lawn may be

traded for a gourmet food garden. Rather than mowing, plan to enjoy the finer things in life

outdoors. Perhaps the culinary arts will become a major source of patio recreation. For this group

the menu changes, so keep these ideas in mind if your designer is considerably younger than

yourself. Chances are she's not yet thinking about life after fifty.

Conceptual Planting Tips for Empty Nesters

Fragrant flowers around outdoor living space add healing aromatherapy.

Beware of shrubs and trees with small fruits that both stain and become a slip hazard.

Use plenty of culinary herbs as landscape plants wherever you can.

Aromatic plants can be sheared often to release their scent into living spaces.

Exploit garnishes and beverage plants such as a potted lemon tree or edible flowers.

Use plants to solve climate problems where building codes prevent constructed solutions.

Comfort and Rest.

Adults are lovers of passive spaces with beautiful surroundings. Skin cancer and aging means

shade and UV protection is important. Ceiling fans in overhead structures ensures that hot

flashes and age-related heat sensitivity is alleviated. In other seasons, cold and wind makes

outdoor fire features and passive solar design highly valued amenities. Small cafe chairs appeal

to young designers but are difficult for older folks. Insist on spacers adapted to roomy, stable,

well padded comfort furniture.

Outdoor Food Preparation.

The more food is prepared outdoors, the more fun the host and hostess will have with their

guests. The typical grill will need adjacent counter space that is very carefully oriented. Counters

that double as a bar with comfortable seating on both sides allow drinks to be served while food

is prepared in the same space. Storage beneath this surface allows bottles and glasses to be kept

out of sight yet easily within reach.

Ease of use.

After retirement, the importance of accessibility increases. The way spaces are laid out can make

them well suited to future limitations. Small spaces and odd steps can be problematic to anyone

with a cane or a walker or just a stiff hip. Design to avoid the need for bending at the waist or

squatting on the knees. Ensure there is safety lighting at even the slightest grade change, and

consider exchanging single steps for ramps wherever you can.

Nature and Green

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This backyard landscaping trend puts the emphasis on the natural world, wildlife, native plants

and sustainable gardening. Depending on size, all of these elements can come together in a single

garden or just one or two of them.

Conceptual Planting Tips for Green and Wildlife Gardens

Be sure to consider all possible native grasses for use in the landscape.

Exploit plants with direct links to certain wildlife species such as yucca or elder.

Avoid allelopathic drought resistant plants because they can discourage nearby plants.

Beware of larval food plants because the larvae literally eat them out of existence.

Emphasize nectar sources to draw hummingbirds without feeders.

Holistic Habitat.

Many designers today are super ecology-oriented and forget that people use the space too. Your

backyard wildlife habitat must include well thought out living spaces and circulation. Selection

of plants that draw birds and butterflies must do more - they must solve problems. Beware of a

designer known for a strong biology or ecological background because there may be a dearth of

skill in creating human-oriented spaces.

Get Off The Grass.

The turf grass alternative is a meadow of naturally short native grasses and wildflowers that can

be walked on occasionally without damage. More and more companies are producing new

varieties in quantities needed for these projects. They need only a biannual renewal mowing that

mimics the effects of fire in the wild. Make sure your designer also considers artificial turf,

which has come a long way and makes a lush alternative to paving, gravel and ground bark

surfacing.

Organic Food Gardens.

The high price of organic produce and the economic downturn makes growing food and herbs

the most popular aspect of these landscapes. Even the smallest yard makes room for pot greens

or salad. Because exposure is so important, make sure your designer gets it positioned for a solid

southern exposure to ensure adequate light. This garden may also be creatively designed to

become a visual focal point in every season.

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Backyard Landscaping Costs

$5,000 and Under

With a $5,000 budget, you can certainly add one or possibly two new improvements to your

backyard that will make a noticeable improvement. A new small patio or a prefab outdoor

kitchen unit are sure to get you outside enjoying your backyard more often. Small budgets are

also great for breaking up big projects into bite-sized chunks, so you might splurge for that grill

knowing next year you can add a custom countertop around it. In this budget range, you can also

purchase fine products that will enhance any existing backyard including fire features,

comfortable outdoor furniture and other amenities.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $5k?

Price Save Splurge

Concrete Patio

$6-$10 per

square foot

Keep it small and

simple, no unnecessary

formwork. You might

even consider a gravel

patio with custom

concrete borders

defining the edges to

save on costs.

Add one color or texture. Create a pattern with

control joints.

Prefab Outdoor Kitchen

$2,000-$4,000

Choose a small grill

and forgo the sink,

side burner, etc. Locate the kitchen near

your indoor one to

conveniently move

between the two.

Upgrade the materials for

a stone veneer versus

stucco. Splurge on

amenities such as a

warming drawer or

refrigerator.

Portable Outdoor Fireplace

$150-$1,500

The most economical

option is a wood

burning, small,

portable fire feature,

such as a chiminea.

Fireplace kits that

piece together are

sometimes DIY-

friendly and can save

on costs.

Get a built-in look by

upgrading to a basic prefab

fireplace clad in stucco.

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$5,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

$200-$1,500

How much for

a fire pit: Shop

OutdoorFire Pits

Choose a small,

portable, basic wood

burning fire pit

available from most

home improvement

stores or catalogs.

Get a prefabricated

model and splurge on the

finish material, such as

slate, for a custom look.

Pressure Treated Lumber Deck

$16-$18 per

square foot

Choose a very

durable sealer as

maintenance costs are

usually the biggest

expense for this type of

deck. Opt for simple,

square shape with no

railings and plain steps.

Add stain or paint for a

more customized look.

Consider higher quality

materials such as cedar and

redwood.

Open-Roof Wooden Pergola

$3,000-$8,000 for 10'x10'

Keep the size small. The more wood used,

the higher the cost. Use

less beams placed

farther apart.

Beef up the beams by

wrapping with additional

attractive wood for a

sturdier-looking structure.

Cut ends of beams at a

decorative angle. Grow

plants to fill in for shade.

Chain Link Fence

$6-$8 per linear

foot

Opt for coated 11

gauge chain link which

is typically less

expensive than

industrial 9 gauge.

Upgrade with privacy

fabric or PVC slats. Choose colored fence

which will blend with the

landscape better than the

galvanized (silver).

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$10,000 and Under

With a $10,000 budget, you can enjoy a variety of improvements to your backyard. In this range,

it’s possible to spruce up your patio with concrete, or even enjoy a small pool. Definite

improvements with hardscaping and plants can transform your yard without breaking the bank.

Below is a list of backyard elements with ideas for how to save money or what to splurge on to

make your backyard as nice as possible.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $10k?

Price Save Splurge

Concrete Patio

$10 - $15 per square

foot

Hardscaping is the

largest part of your

backyard landscaping

budget. Keep the size

small and simple.

Avoid complex

shapes that require

extra formwork.

Choose one color or

stay gray.

Add multiple colors,

borders or a pattern for a custom effect. Add

formwork for a shape

other than square.

Vinyl Pool

$1,500 - $5,000

Keep it small but

functional. Price is

more about

installation than it is

material costs.

Get the sturdiest vinyl

option and go larger on

the pool deck. Choose

nicer deck materials to

accent the pool. Or

consider upgrading to a

fiberglass pool.

Simple Outdoor Kitchen

$2,000 - $10,000

Go for a rectangular

shape and not an L-

shape. Less framing

equals more saving.

Plan for only as much

counter space as

necessary. Choose the

least expensive

finishing materials.

Get a higher end finish since the kitchen is

usually a focal point or

hub for activity. Include

a side burner or

refrigerator accessory.

Cedar or Redwood Deck

$18 - $22 per square

foot

Save by applying a

high quality sealer as most costs are

associated with

maintenance. Stick

with a basic design,

avoid curves.

Choose a stain that will

enhance the character of warm woods such as

cedar and redwood. For

longer life span,

consider composite as an

alternative material to

splurge on.

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$10,000 and Under

Prefabricated Outdoor Fireplace

$1,500 - $9,000

Order prefab

fireplaces or kits from as nearby as

possible to avoid high

shipping and freight

charges. Choose a

portable set-in-place

model versus built-in

units that require

additional costs for

footings and

foundations.

Choose a model with

additional features such as a hearth, mantel

or wood storage areas.

Spend on finer exterior

finish options.

Outdoor Fire Pit

$1,200 - $5,000

Choose a small

prefabricated model and select lower end

finishing materials.

Or choose a high end

portable model

available at home

improvement stores

or catalogs. Select

wood burning rather

than gas or propane.

Opt for specialty

materials, such as slate,

for the veneer of a

prefabricated model.

Splurge for a small

built-in, customized to

your size and shape.

Aluminum or Vinyl Pergola Kit

$6,000 - $8,000 for

12'x12'

Consider vinyl

versus aluminum as

vinyl has limited

color selection and is

often less expensive.

Attach patio cover to

house so less support

beams are needed.

Use no-frills, basic

posts.

Upgrade to decorative

columns. Add gutters,

downspouts, or recessed

lighting. Go with

Alumawood which

mimics the look and

texture of natural wood.

Get decorative end caps,

corbels, and base trim.

4-6’ Tall Wood Fence

$9 - $15 per linear

foot

Strive for standard

90 degree

intersections and

simple alignment to

avoid customization

which adds to the

cost. Stick with the

typical dog ear fence

style installation;

pressure-treated

wood.

Upgrade to redwood or

cedar. Customize by

overlapping

boards/pickets, adding

decorative lattice,

decorative post caps, etc.

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$25,000 and Under

A $25,000 budget is fairly common for sprucing up an existing backyard. The rule of thumb is to

spend 10% of your home’s value on your yard and the average home price in the U.S. is roughly

$220k-$270k. Though you may not be able to include every feature you desire, this range does

allow for many options at various price points. Although it’s best to choose the most durable and

efficient materials or features at the best price, you also may decrease your spend on less

significant items and increase what you spend on items that you will use every time you’re in

your backyard. For instance, you might save and select a less expensive hardscape material so

that you can include a small outdoor kitchen.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $25k?

Price Save Splurge

Decorative Concrete or Paver Patio

$15 - $20 per square

foot

Use colored or

stamped concrete. Use higher end

materials for

borders or

connections.

Choose pavers or

flagstone in a unique

pattern installed with

open joints filled with

sand, gravel, or

groundcover plants.

Fiberglass Pool

$12,000 - $25,000

Choose a small size and forgo the

accessories such as

a heater, lights,

water features, etc.

Splurge on a larger

size and by customizing

with a generous pool

deck. Include

accessories. Consider

upgrading to a gunite

pool unless you live in

an area with dense clay

soils in which fiberglass

pools are ideal.

Basic Outdoor Kitchen

$10,000 - $25,000

Buy a smaller grill. Include only one or

two accessories

such as a warming

drawer, side burner,

etc.

Spend on higher end

finishing materials,

and custom

countertop. Consider

doing an L-shape for

more space.

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$25,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Outdoor Fireplace Kit

$2,000 - $7,000 for

a prefab fireplace

Choose a basic kit with minimal sections

to piece together.

Select higher end

finishing materials to

match your outdoor

décor. Customize by

spending on surrounding

landscape and

accessories. Or consider

upgrading to an

unfinished prefab model.

Budget Built-In Fire Pit

$5,000 - $7,000

Avoid costs for

running gas lines and

instead opt for a wood

burning or propane

fire pit.

Make the fire pit at

least 3 feet wide to

maximize area. Design

round, rectangular or

square shape. Combine

materials with a custom

concrete wall cap and

stone siding.

Composite Deck

$20 - $28 per

square foot

You’ll be saving on

maintenance costs

immediately which

makes this material an

attractive option. Save

on installation by

limiting cut outs and

directional changes

with planks.

Enhance with built-ins

and cut-outs for trees,

etc. Consider multiple

directional layouts of

planks for added effect.

Solid-Roof Wooden Pergola or Shade Sails

$10,000 - $25,000 for 12'x12'

$6,000 - $8,000 per sail

Use inexpensive

pressure-treated

wood for posts and

wrap with a more

attractive solid

redwood or cedar.

Shade Sails: Limit to two shade

sails. Use only with

modern or

contemporary

architecture. For

architecture with a lot

of detail, consider a

more economical

wood pergola.

Add column wraps because you can get the

look of stucco, cast

concrete, or stone for

your columns without

overspending.

Shade Sails: Upgrade to bold colors

and multiple sails.

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$50,000 and Under

A $50,000 budget provides a significant number of options for new and existing backyards. In

this range, you can enjoy purchasing top quality materials and getting more custom designs.

Every budget has its limitations, but here your best bet is to purchase quality over quantity. Get a

well-designed plan from a professional and maximize your dollar with high end materials, and

the amenities you desire within budget.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $50k?

Price Save Splurge

Stone or Paver Patio

$15 - $30 per

square foot

Install sandstone or

pavers with open joints

filled with gravel or planted

with ground cover.

Install hardscape with

mortared joints which is

more durable. Upgrade to a

more durable or aesthetic

flagstone such as bluestone.

Design with pattern/cuts.

Gunite Swimming Pool

$20,000 -

$55,000

Keep size and shape small

and minimum. Choose

basic pool tile and interior

finishes.

Add rocks and waterfalls, or

built-in fire features. Upgrade

to specialty plater, such as

Pebbletech.

Large Outdoor Kitchen

$25,000 -

$50,000

Choose simple finishing

materials. Include less

features such as side

burners, etc. Decrease size

of counter space. Design in

square shapes versus

curves.

Install split-level

countertops for spacious

cooking area and bar seating.

Match finishing materials to

other materials in the yard.

Include cooking features such

as a refrigerator, venting

panels, sink, warming

drawers, etc.

Custom Outdoor Fireplace

$8,000 -

$20,000

Purchase an unfinished

prefab model and hire an

experienced landscape

professional to clad the

exterior.

Enhance the customization by designing features that

complement your homes

(such as a shape that mimics

architectural features on the

home, or finish materials that

complement the

surroundings.)

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$50,000 and Under

Custom Outdoor Fire Pit

$7,000+

Stick to standard sizes and

dimensions. Locate fire pit

close to gas/propane source.

Customize with a matching

built-in seating area, integrated with seat/retaining

walls. Accent with custom

hardscaping to set off the fire

pit as a focal point.

Ipe Tropical Hardwood Deck

$23 - $30 per

square foot

Scale back and use only in

prominent area with less

expensive complementary

surface materials (such as

concrete or flagstone)

surrounding it. Consider

composite as an alternative

material because ipe is

similar in price but has all

the maintenance costs of

wood.

Capitalize on the rich color by using ipe for adjoining seat

walls, planters and benches.

Large Solid-Roof Pergola

Structure

$30,000+

Reduce the need for

engineering which brings

up the price. Attach to the

house so less support beams

are needed.

Upgrade to attractive,

durable woods such as ipe,

redwood or cedar. Incorporate

wood benches, planters, and

lighting into the design.

Design custom masonry

columns.

Wrought Iron Fence

$20 - $30 per

linear foot

Choose a lighter weight

iron. Alternate posts with

finials or caps. Eliminate

the need for electricity for

lighting.

Consider elaborate finials, decorative caps, and lighted

pillars.

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$100,000 and Under

With a $100,000+ budget, your choices are much broader for designing and installing the

backyard of your dreams depending on the size of the area you plan to improve. The best rule of

thumb is to invest in the highest quality options for the features you consider a necessity. Limit

the features you include if it means purchasing a lower quality option. Start with a plan from a

professional designer that can maximize the dollars you spend. With a large budget, your yard

should be designed to complement your home and provide all the amenities you desire without

compromising quality.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $100k?

Price Save Splurge

High-End Stone or Paver Patio

$30 per square

foot Less complex patterns

and multiple cuts.

Combine a variety of

materials in intricate

patterns and with custom

details. Create varying

levels within the patio to

separate “rooms”.

Concrete/Gunite Pool

$20,000 -

$55,000+

Choose custom colored

or stamped concrete for

the deck. Limit the custom

pool features such as a spa,

baja shelf, etc. Finish

interior of pool with basic

plaster.

Design an infinity-edge

pool. Include a water

feature or rockwork. Select

higher end waterline tile.

Include a grotto, pool

cover, lighting, swim-up

bar, etc. Finish interior of

pool with tile or glass tiles.

Design a pattern/logo with

interior finish materials.

Luxury Outdoor Kitchen

$55,000+

Choose fewer amenities. Use weather-resistant

finishing materials, such as

stone rather than wood.

Include a TV, multiple

bar seating, sound

system, heaters, and all

kitchen amenities to bring

indoor luxuries and

comforts to the backyard.

Custom-Built Outdoor Fireplace

$20,000+

Limit custom

workmanship. Save by

choosing standard sizes

and place fireplace in

location convenient to

gas/propane source.

Select high end materials and integrate the fireplace

with other outdoor

amenities. Combine fire

and water or other custom

features for a one-of-a-

kind design. Install

automatically-watered

planters for a lush effect.

15 | P a g e

$100,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Custom-Built Outdoor Fireplace

$20,000+

Limit custom

workmanship. Save by

choosing standard sizes

and place fireplace in

location convenient to

gas/propane source.

Select high end materials and integrate the fireplace

with other outdoor

amenities. Combine fire

and water or other custom

features for a one-of-a-

kind design.

High-End Custom

Outdoor Fire Pit

$7,000+

Keep size and shape

within reason. Use

standard materials for

construction of fire pit and

seating areas, such as stone

or slate versus custom-cut

boulders.

Combine water and fire

elements in one. Create a

room around the fire pit

with complementary built-

in-seating. Consider

including fire tables and

fire bowls for added effect

in the entire backyard

space.

Ipe Tropical Hardwood Deck

$23 - $30 per

square foot

Keep installation layouts

simple as the density of

the wood requires special

tools for cutting. Consider

other types of tropical

hardwoods that may offer

price savings because they

are less well-known.

Consider creating custom

designs by alternating the

direction of the planks and

creating patterns.

Custom Solid-Roof Pergola or

Sunroom

$30,000+ for

pergola structure

Forgo roof and do an open

beam pergola

Match the architecture of

the home. Incorporate seat

walls, benches, lighting,

heaters, ceiling fans.

Capitalize on decorative

beams, corbels, end caps,

and column wraps for

completely custom look.

Automate features to be

controlled by iPad. Ipe Fence or Opaque Tempered Glass

Panels

$30+ per linear

foot

Choose a more common,

easily sourced wood rather than ipe. Use opaque

panels in combination with

wood and only in highly

visible areas.

Customize with

horizontal boards versus

the typical vertical pattern.

Choose translucent

materials for privacy and

light. Add decorative

toppers and metal

hardware.

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Front Yard Landscape Ideas

Traditionally, front yards serve two main purposes: providing an entrance to your home and

creating curb appeal. A well-designed front yard landscape, with appropriately sized and placed

elements, will indeed increase the curb appeal of your home. The landscaping should put your

home on display by complementing its architecture and welcoming visitors.

Landscaping options for enhancing the front of the home abound. You can choose a formal look

with a courtyard circling a fountain. Or you can go more natural, with a meandering pathway

lined with native plants. You can even create a private space for outdoor entertaining. Whatever

you decide, be sure to spend plenty of time determining the look you want and planning how to

achieve it. With the help of a landscaping designer to guide you, you'll be sure to get a front yard

landscape you love

The Psychology of Arrival

Three important experiences to get right when landscaping a front entry

When real estate agents talk about curb appeal, they're referring to the overall impact of a home

when a prospective buyer drives by. This first impression is also shared by everyone who visits

your home for the first time. But curb appeal is a brief impression compared to the arrival

experience, which requires specific design concepts be integrated into a front yard. Help your

designer get this right and your home will literally beckon visitors to come inside.

The three components of good entry way design include:

1. The Vehicular Experience - Where they park 2. The Pedestrian Experience - How they walk to your door 3. The Entry Experience - What they feel when they get there

Take Back the Front Yard

Three aspects of front yard design that will help you make the most of your

space

One of the newest trends in landscape design is reclaiming the front yard. As lots grow smaller,

or as homeowners downsize to a more modest house, this additional land can become highly

valuable. Understanding how to use the front yard can solve problems, while you work creatively

with building codes, and implement optimal solutions to enhance the diversity of your home.

Design Opportunities - A good designer can lay out a nice front yard landscape, but a great

designer can get it done while complying with a web of codes and restrictions. Consider these

front yard make over options for your new landscape:

17 | P a g e

Extension of architecture

The rules that govern the front yard typically cover what you can and can't build in front of the

house. But when that new element is built into the house itself, usually the facade remodel, it

becomes part of the architecture, not the landscape. Experienced designers know how to utilize

facade opportunities to extend partitions and add gateways so that the building department sees

them as house and thus allows greater heights etc. While this is a more expensive solution, in the

long run it is worthwhile due to square footage liberated from the public domain to become

enclosed private spaces or a courtyard.

Front yard fencing

Just as the white picket fence blends into the facade of a farm house or saltbox, your architecture

will dictate the design and materials used to fence in your front yard. Always try and pull color

and materials from the facade so that it's seen as a single contiguous space. The use of stone

pillars, wrought iron and wood each offer a wide range of styles. Where small dogs must be

enclosed, make doubly sure that any openings in the fence are not large enough to allow them to

squeeze through.

Working with walls

In front yards, a wall can be a freestanding partition. Under these terms it is not viewed by the

building department as a boundary wall but more like a retaining wall. The ability to utilize one

or more low walls can help to solve many front yard problems, increase privacy, break former

lawns into smaller manageable planting spaces, and suggest enclosure without actually doing so.

The use of colored walls, unique masonry units and stone can make lower walls within the fence

height designation one of the most useful ways to transform an ordinary landscape into a trendy

upscale one while maintaining a limited budget.

Gateways

Building codes are often lenient when it comes to arbor gates. These constitute any overhead

structure associated with the gate itself whether it's wood, block or poured concrete. The

powerful draw that an arbor gate presents is undeniable, and its height must be sufficient to allow

visitors to pass beneath it comfortably. A skilled designer knows how valuable a gateway can be

for adding privacy to a small home's front yard. Its position and mass are all vitally coordinated

to both solve problems and provide a stylish, dramatic entry when utilized with a wall, fence or

privacy hedge.

High hedging

In swanky neighborhoods where property values are particularly high, the front yard is prime

real estate. Too often fences are wholly prohibited, with the only option for enclosure or

increased privacy being a tall evergreen hedge. There are no limits to the height of these hedges

and when they kiss the back of sidewalk, every square inch of the front may be utilized.

Pro Tip: To make high hedging able to keep a small dog within bounds, wait until it

grows to four feet tall. Then install woven wire fence on the inside so that the hedge

shrubs grow through the openings. It quickly becomes invisible and you will have a dog-

proof enclosure without violating the ban on front yard fencing.

18 | P a g e

$3,000 and Under

Within a $3,000 budget you can freshen up your front yard with a few key upgrades that will

increase your home’s curb appeal. A new gravel driveway or concrete walkway can make your

home look like new. Small budgets are good for breaking up a larger project into manageable

chunks, so you might splurge for a nice walkway this year and deal with the driveway later. In

this budget range, you can also purchase products that will enhance your front yard including a

new mailbox, address marker, window boxes or other amenities.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $3k?

Price Save Splurge

Gravel Driveway

$0.50-2.00 per

square foot

Make the driveway as

small as possible and avoid

curves.

Border the driveway with brick or stone.

Concrete Walkway

$5-16 per square

foot

Leave the concrete plain gray and opt for a straight

design.

Upgrade to decorative

concrete that is colored

and textured.

Prefab Vinyl Arbor

$600-800

How much for

an arbor: ShopArbors

Stick with a basic arbor

design from your local

home improvement store or

garden center.

Upgrade to a high-end

vinyl and add side panels,

or a gate.

19 | P a g e

$3,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Seeded Lawn

<$0.50 per square

foot

Plant Seed during spring

or fall when temperatures

don’t require multiple

waterings a day.

Upgrade to hydroseed or

sod for a fast, lush lawn.

Drainage - Surface Swale

$.50 per square

foot

Simply plant the swale

with grass to blend with

the rest of your lawn.

Add stones and water

loving plants to the swale to create the look of a dry

streambed.

Drainage - Sub-Surface

$8-10 per linear

foot

Use the typical black

plastic grates to cover any

drop inlets. These can be

concealed with strategic

plant placement.

Upgrade to metal or

decorative grates for the

drop inlets.

20 | P a g e

$5,000 and Under

With a $5,000 budget you can enjoy a range of improvements to your front yard landscaping. For

5k it is possible to spruce up your walkway or driveway, add a new lawn or create new planting

beds. Simple improvements to hardscapes and plants can revitalize your yard without costing a

fortune. Below is a list of front yard elements with ideas for how to save money or ways to

splurge to make your front yard as nice as possible.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $5k?

Price Save Splurge

Concrete Walkway

$5-16 per square

foot

Add one color to your

walkway and opt for a

straight design.

Upgrade to decorative

concrete that is colored

and textured.

Block Retaining Wall

$15-30 per square

foot

Keep walls under 3 feet high and opt for straight

designs when possible.

Add curves and cap the

wall with a contrasting

material.

Prefab Iron Arbor

$600-1,000

How much for

an arbor: ShopArbors

Stick with a basic arbor

design from your local

home improvement store or

garden center.

Upgrade to a custom

arbor design created by a

local metal artisan.

Wood Fence

$8-10 per square

foot

Keep the fence below four

feet high and opt for an

open design that requires

less wood.

Construct a six foot

privacy fence with a

lattice topper.

21 | P a g e

$5,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Sod Lawn

$3.50 per square

foot

Reduce the size of your

lawn to cut back on up-

front costs and future

watering expenses.

Install a large section of

sod with flowing curves around the edges.

Sprinklers

$1500 for one

zone plus drip

irrigation

Cut back to just one zone for your lawn and hand

water other plants.

Install multiple zones and

a smart irrigation control that monitors and adjusts to

the weather.

Landscape Lighting

$30 per fixture

Select top-of-the-line

low-voltage fixtures from

a home improvement

store and install them

yourself, rather than the

professional grade

versions.

Upgrade to professional

grade fixtures, a high-

grade transformer and

professional installation.

22 | P a g e

$15,000 and Under

A $15,000 budget is fairly common for sprucing up an average size front yard. The rule of thumb

is to spend 10% of your home’s value on landscaping the entire property. Most homeowners

spend less on the front yard and more on the back, but it is entirely up to you what you spend and

how it is allotted. Although you may not be able to include every feature you want, this range

allows for numerous options at various price points. It is always best to select high quality

materials, but you may want to decrease what you spend on less significant items so that you can

increase what you spend on the most important features. For example, you might save and select

a gravel driveway so that you can afford to install a fountain near the front porch.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $15k?

Price Save Splurge

Paver Walkway

$10-25 per square

foot

Use just one style and

color of pavers, avoid

curves.

Add curves and use a

contrasting paver as a

border.

Retaining Wall with Veneer

$25-35 per square

foot

Stucco the outside of a

block wall to give it a

finished look without the

cost of veneer.

Select a natural stone

veneer and cap the wall

with poured colored

concrete to match.

Small Porch

$6,000-7,000 for

60 square feet

Opt for pressure treated

lumber and keep the

porch as small as possible.

Upgrade to cedar or

redwood and increase the

square footage.

Basic Custom Wood Arbor

$2,000-4,000

Keep the design simple with mainly straight lines

and 90-degree angles. Pick

an affordable wood.

Upgrade to ipe or teak

wood. Add decorative

woodwork or special

columns.

23 | P a g e

$15,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Vinyl Fence

$18-22 per square

foot

Go with a wood fence

instead, but be sure to

treat it with a protective

finish.

Select a colored vinyl that

has been textured to look

like real wood.

Stone Veneer

$10-20 per square

foot

Pick a manufactured

stone that will be more

affordable and only veneer

the bottom few feet of

your home’s façade.

Pick a natural stone and

veneer the entrance of your

home all the way to the

roof line.

Landscape Lighting

$3,800-5,000 for

a complete system

Use as few fixtures as

possible and select a

transformer with a lower

max wattage load. Focus

on lighting paths and steps

as a priority.

Upgrade to a transformer

with a higher max

wattage load and add

additional fixtures. Highlight special features

of your front yard such as a

specimen tree or fountain.

Freestanding Tiered Fountain

$250-1,000

Opt for a small resin

fountain with only two

tiers.

Splurge for a larger

concrete fountain with

three or more tiers and

have it installed within a

custom basin.

24 | P a g e

$35,000 and Under

A budget of $35,000 offers a substantial amount of options for new and existing front yards. In

this price range, you can purchase high-quality materials and get customized designs. Every

budget has its limitations, but here your best bet is to choose quality over quantity. To make the

most of your money, start with a well-designed plan from a landscape professional that includes

materials and amenities that are within your budget.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $35k?

Price Save Splurge

Paver Driveway

$10-20 per square

foot

Pick a manufactured

concrete paver and stick

with one color and pattern.

Avoid curves because the

pavers will have to be cut

which drives up labor

costs.

Use a stone paver or opt

for multiple colors and

changing patterns. Design

the driveway with curves.

Flagstone Walkway

$15-20 per square

foot

Use a local stone that

won’t have to be shipped

long distances. Keep the

walkway as narrow and

straight as possible to use

less material.

Select a rare flagstone

that will dress up the

front of your home. Add

curves to the walkway and

let it flair at the ends.

Stone Retaining Wall

$25-40 per square

foot

Instead of building your

entire wall of stone, go

with a block wall and face

it with a stone veneer.

Hire a specialty mason

who can create a dry-

stacked rock wall, just like

they did in colonial times.

Medium Porch

$21,000 for 320

square feet

Keep the square footage

down and avoid custom

railings and specialty

posts.

Upgrade to custom

railings, decorative posts

or columns and have the

porch wired with electricity

for lighting, ceiling fans

and more.

25 | P a g e

$35,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Custom-Built Arbor

$5,000-15,000

Select an affordable

wood and avoid designs

that require special

carpentry skills.

Go all out and add

decorative details to your

arbor. Use a tropical wood

such as teak or ipe. Install a

gate, bench or swing

beneath your arbor.

Wrought Iron Fence

$20-30 per linear

foot

Don’t bring the fence all

the way out to your

property line. Instead

fence only a portion of

your front yard.

Select custom wrought

iron details and a unique

gate design.

Stone Veneer

$10-20 per square

foot

Only veneer the front of

your home and skip the

garage if possible.

Pick a natural stone

veneer and have it applied

to the entrance of your

home all the way up to the

roof line.

Freestanding Wall Fountain

$600-1,200

How much for a

fountain: ShopFountains

Push your wall fountain

up against an existing

fence or wall in your yard

to create a focal point.

Have a wall or fence built

to provide as a backdrop

for your new fountain. You may even consider

having a custom-built

fountain integrated into the

wall itself.

Drainage - French Drain

$20-30 per linear

foot

Install French drainage

at the same time as

irrigation and try to use

the same trenches if

possible.

Install multiple French

drains to deal with wet

spots in your front yard.

They work best beneath

gravel walks and

driveways.

26 | P a g e

$65,000 and Under

With a $65,000+ budget, your choices are much broader for designing and installing the front

yard landscape of your dreams. The size of your front yard will greatly impact how far your

budget goes. The best rule of thumb is to invest in high quality materials and professional

construction. Maximize the dollars you spend by starting with a plan from a professional

landscape designer. With a large budget, your front yard should be designed to complement your

home by matching materials and mimicking architectural styles.

What Can I Put in My Backyard for $65k?

Price Save Splurge

Premium Paver Driveway

$12-18 per square

foot

Use just one paver

pattern and color

with a soldier course

border.

Combine multiple

patterns and colors. Create a medallion at the

center of your driveway for

added visual interest and

match this to the apron.

Premium Stone Walkway

$18-30 per square

foot

Go with an

affordable flagstone and pick a design

that requires as few

cuts as possible.

Select a premium stone

such as bluestone. Use two

stone types to create a

design.

Large Porch

$24,000 for 360

square

feet

Select redwood or

cedar boards for

the porch floor and

keep the railings and

posts simple.

Use ipe, a tropical

hardwood, for the floor

boards and have the entire

porch enclosed with a

screen.

Custom-Built Arbor

$5,000-

15,000

Select an affordable

wood and avoid

designs that require

special carpentry

skills.

Go all out and add

decorative details to your

arbor. Use a tropical wood

such as teak or ipe. Install a

gate, bench or swing

beneath your arbor.

27 | P a g e

$65,000 and Under

Price Save Splurge

Ipe Fence or Opaque Tempered Glass

Panels

$30+ per linear

foot

Choose a more

common, easily

sourced wood

rather than ipe. Use

opaque panels in

combination with

wood and only in

highly visible areas.

Customize with

horizontal boards

versus the typical

vertical pattern. Stain a wood fence

black for a dramatic

entrance. Choose

translucent materials

for privacy and light.

Add decorative

toppers and metal

hardware.

Fountain

How much for

a fountain: ShopFountains

Select a

manufactured

fountain from a local

retailer and have your

landscaper install it

for you.

Have a custom

fountain designed

and built from the

ground up so you’ll

have a one-of-a-kind

feature in your front

yard.

Drainage - Trench Drain

$70+ per linear

foot

Select a basic metal

grate for your trench

drain.

Upgrade to a

decorative grate or

custom masonry that

allows water to flow

through.

Address Marker

How much for

an address

marker: ShopGarden

Decor

Simply attach some

metal address

numbers to your

mailbox or an

existing wall in your

front yard.

Create a special

feature to display

your address. Use a

natural boulder or

build a column or

sign and light it for

nighttime visibility.

28 | P a g e

How to Hire a Landscape

Contractor

A useful guide to hiring a landscape

professional.

8 Tips for Hiring a Landscaper

Use this guide to make sure you're prepared when it comes to hiring a landscape contractor.

These 8 simple steps are your key to knowing what information you should look for, what

questions you should ask, and to understanding some vital do's and don'ts during the process.

Your preparedness can make a difference in how smoothly your project goes.

1) Research & Learn

a) Search the web for ideas and inspiration. Gather photos of gardens, patios, pools, fire

pits, etc.

2) Ready to Go!

a) Call or email several landscapers in your area. Note response times.

3) Get Written Estimates

a) Consider timeliness and thoroughness of bids.

b) Discuss in special aspects of your project.

4) Compare "Apples to Apples" of the Estimate

a) Verify construction procedures.

b) Start dates and job duration.

c) Verify all inclusions or omissions.

5) Do Your Due Diligence

a) Check references.

b) Check the Better Business Bureau.

c) Check licensing & insurance.

6) Sign the Contract

a) No verbal agreements!

b) Include a payment schedule.

7) Approve Design or Samples

a) This makes sure that you and the landscaper are on the same page.

8) Pay on Time!

a) Per the agreed upon payment schedule.