Garden landscaping cost guide: 2025

How much does landscaping cost in Australia? For new home builds or extensive landscaping projects, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,500 to over $50,000. On the other hand, smaller jobs, like rejuvenating an existing garden, typically cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Landscaping cost can vary significantly based on the scope of work and whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing an existing garden. From designing a new outdoor space to giving your backyard a fresh update, the costs depend on the complexity and size of the project.

With a wide range of skilled landscapers available across the country, finding the right professional is straightforward. To make it even easier, we’ve compiled all the essential information to help you understand what landscaping might cost for your next project.

In this guide, we explore:

• What does a landscaper do?
• Factors that affect landscaping costs
• How much does landscaping cost?
• $5,000 landscaping budget options and ideas
• Getting landscaping quotes, and more.

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What does a landscaper do?

Budget landscaping: affordable options to transform your outdoor space

Setting a clear budget is a vital first step in any landscaping project. A common rule of thumb is to allocate 5–10% of your home’s value for landscaping, a range considered standard for Australian properties. This investment not only enhances your outdoor space but can also increase your property’s value by up to 15%. Consulting with landscaping professionals early in the process helps ensure costs stay on track and the project runs smoothly.

Before diving into new purchases, take stock of what you already have in your garden. Reusing existing plants, bricks, or trellises can significantly lower expenses while still achieving a refreshed look. Resourcefulness in utilising what’s available can keep your budget in check without sacrificing creativity or quality.

For additional savings, consider choosing smaller plants or perennials, which are more affordable and grow quickly, rather than larger, more expensive plants. These cost-effective choices, paired with careful planning, allow you to achieve a beautiful, functional outdoor space while staying within your financial limits.

Hiring a professional landscape designer to create a master plan for your yard can save you from costly mistakes and ensure a clear vision for the project. This approach helps you understand the total costs, where your budget is allocated, and the steps involved in achieving your desired outcome. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive preview of how your yard will look once completed, making the process smoother and more efficient.

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Factors that affect landscaping costs

A beautiful, well-maintained garden takes time, effort, and expertise. For many, hiring a professional landscaper is the easiest way to transform outdoor spaces, whether through installing a water feature, building retaining walls, designing garden beds, or refreshing plants and hardscapes. The cost of landscaping is influenced by various elements depending on your project’s complexity and specific needs.

Key factors that impact landscaping prices include:

• Hourly rates: Landscapers typically charge an hourly rate, which varies by location and experience.
• Garden size and scope: Larger gardens or extensive projects naturally require more time and resources.
• Yard condition: The state of your yard, including soil quality and the amount of preparation required, will influence costs.
• Location and climate: Regional factors, such as accessibility and weather conditions, can affect pricing.
• Softscaping: The type and quantity of plants selected for the design significantly impact the overall cost.
• Hardscaping: Adding elements like retaining walls, pathways, fences, or driveways made from materials such as stone, concrete, or wood increases expenses.

Understanding these factors can help you plan and budget effectively, ensuring you achieve your landscaping goals within your desired price range.

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How much does landscaping cost?

So, how much does landscaping cost? Landscaping costs can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project, your location, and the specific services required. Whether you need ongoing maintenance or a complete overhaul to redesign your space, hiring a professional landscaper can save you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without the hassle.

A full garden landscaping project can range from $4,500 to $50,000, with typical landscaping hourly rates falling between $50 and $100 per hour. Here are some common costs involved:

• Garden maintenance, lawn mowing, pruning, and hedging: $50 to $100 per visit
• Softscaping (planting, garden beds): $50 to $70 per hour
• Garden lighting and turf installation: $2,000 to $3,000
• Retaining walls and plants: $3,000+
• Landscape design services: $850 to $6,000+
• Decking: $3,400 to $6,500
• General backyard refresh: $4,000 to $6,000
• Trees, shrubs, plants, and lawn: $6,000 to $10,000
• Water features (ponds, fountains): $10,000 to $25,000
• Hardscaping (paths, driveways, walls): 5-10% of property value

The total cost for landscaping will also depend on factors like the size of the property, the area to be landscaped, and the terrain (e.g., sloping land). For new home builds, the average landscaping cost typically falls between $5,000 and $15,000.

Various landscaping costs per m2

How much does landscaping cost per m2? While labour is typically charged per hour, here are some average landscaping prices per square metre:

• Patios and decks: $150 to $250 per m2+
• Retaining walls: $140 to $750 per m2
• Paving: $40 to $75 per m2
• Lawn: $10 to $100 per m2

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How much does landscaping cost per hour?

Landscaping hourly rates can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the project, location, and the landscaper’s level of experience. On average, landscapers charge between $55 and $100 per hour, with more experienced professionals or those in high-demand areas potentially charging at the higher end of the range.

To get an accurate estimate for your specific project, it’s best to request a detailed quote from a local landscaping provider. Be sure to ask whether the cost of materials, such as plants and hardscaping materials, is included in the estimate. If not, you’ll need to factor these additional costs into your budget.

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$5,000 landscaping budget: Ideas and options

A $5,000 landscaping budget can cover a range of improvements, depending on your property size, location, and the scope of work. For this budget, you could expect to complete basic landscaping tasks such as garden bed design, planting shrubs, and adding mulch. Here’s how your $5,000 budget could break down:

1. Garden Beds & Planting: You could allocate around $1,500 to $2,000 for the installation of garden beds and new plants. This might include shrubs, flowers, or small trees.
2. Lawn Care & Turf Installation: You could spend $1,500 to $2,000 for turf installation—either natural or artificial—depending on the quality and size of your lawn area.
3. Basic Hardscaping: Installing a small path or basic retaining walls could cost around $500 to $1,000, depending on materials and complexity.
4. Lighting & Small Features: Installing garden lighting or adding a water feature like a small fountain could cost up to $1,000.

With careful planning, your $5,000 budget can help create a well-balanced outdoor space that enhances both the look and functionality of your garden. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a landscaping professional to get a more precise estimate for your specific needs and property size.

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Which landscaping professional to hire and how much it costs

When planning a landscaping project, you may need to hire different professionals depending on the scale and complexity of the work. Here’s a breakdown of the roles and costs associated with landscaping services:

1. Landscape Contractor: Primarily responsible for executing the physical work in your garden, such as planting, lawn care, hardscaping, and other routine tasks. Contractors typically charge between $50 and $65 per hour.
2. Landscape Designer: A designer helps develop the layout and aesthetic vision for your garden, often working on smaller projects like garden beds, plant selection, or simple features. Expect to pay between $55 and $150 per hour, depending on the designer’s experience and expertise.
3. Landscape Architect: For larger, more complex projects, a landscape architect is ideal. They focus on the overall design, structure, and planning, often incorporating detailed elements like drainage, zoning, and 3D renderings. Landscape architects usually charge $120 to $150 per hour.

In addition to these professionals, the cost of landscape design plans varies significantly, ranging from $850 for a basic concept to $2,800–$6,000 for a comprehensive plan with detailed 3D renderings. Understanding these roles and rates will help you decide which professional is best suited for your project’s needs.

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Common landscaping jobs

Landscapers can handle a wide range of tasks to transform your outdoor space, from creating new garden beds to ensuring the design complements the layout of your property and home. Here are some common landscaping services offered:

• Soil removal & garden preparation: Clearing and preparing the ground for planting.
• Levelling or sloping land: Even out uneven ground or address sloped areas.
• Planting: Installing trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants.
• Turf installation: Laying down artificial or natural turf.
• Driveways & walkways: Building paths or driveways for easy access.
• Water features & garden structures: Adding elements like fire pits, fountains, or decorative garden structures.
• Landscape design plans: Creating detailed designs tailored to your space.
• Material & plant ordering: Sourcing necessary plants and materials for your project.
• General garden maintenance: Regular tasks like lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and pruning.
• Garden beds & retaining walls: Installing or upgrading garden beds and walls for structure.
• Outdoor spaces: Designing decks, patios, and seating areas, including those around a swimming pool.

For a detailed overview of your specific landscaping options and cost expectations, it’s always a good idea to consult with a local garden design service and get a landscaping quote.

How to get landscaping quotes

When requesting landscaping quotes, ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. It’s important to ask for references, photos of past work, and a detailed breakdown of the services included to avoid unexpected costs.

Be clear about your budget and ask the landscaper to confirm any additional charges before proceeding. A landscape designer can assist with both small and large projects, tailoring services to your needs.

For reliable quotes, use online directories like Yellow Pages to connect with local professionals. Always compare multiple quotes, focusing on experience and reputation to avoid unexpected surprises later on.

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*All landscaping costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.