Service guide
Landscape design
A residential landscape design costs $500–$2,500 as a flat fee, or $50–$150 per hour. It is the cheapest part of a project and the one that prevents buying the wrong plants twice.
Updated November 2026
| Deliverable | Typical fee | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Planting plan | $500 – $1,500 | Beds, plant list, sizes, spacing, mulch. |
| Full residential plan | $1,200 – $2,500 | Base plan, concept, planting, hardscape, budget. |
| Hourly consultation | $50 – $150 / hour | Site walk, problem solving, plant advice. |
| Site plan with grading | $2,500+ | Survey, grades, drainage, permit drawings. |
| 3D visualization | $300 – $1,500 | Renderings for decision-making, not construction. |
What a design package should contain
- A measured base plan — house, property lines, existing trees, utilities, slope.
- A concept — layout, circulation, focal points, and how the yard will be used.
- A planting plan — botanical names, cultivar, size at installation, mature size, spacing.
- Hardscape and lighting — materials, dimensions, drainage and power.
- A budget — broken into phases, with allowances for plants and stone.
- Construction notes — soil prep, edging, irrigation and any permit items.
Ask who owns the drawing and whether you can take it to another contractor. Some designers license the plan for one builder; others release it. Get it in the agreement.
Design first, then quote
1. Brief
How you use the yard, budget range, maintenance appetite, privacy, shade and water constraints.
2. Plan
A measured plan and planting palette. This is the document every contractor prices from.
3. Build
Three quotes on the same plan. Now the comparison is about craftsmanship and price, not interpretation.
FAQ
How much does a landscape design cost?
A residential planting plan runs $500–$2,500 as a flat fee, or $50–$150 per hour. A full site plan with grading, drainage, hardscape details and a plant schedule sits at the top of that range or above it.
Is the design fee credited if the company builds it?
Often, but not always. Ask before signing. Some firms credit the full design fee against the installation contract; others credit a portion or none. Get the answer in writing.
Do I need a landscape architect or a designer?
Use a licensed landscape architect for structural work, grading, permits or complex sites. A landscape designer is usually enough for planting plans, beds and residential layouts. Ask for a portfolio of built work similar to your project.
What should a design package include?
A measured base plan, a concept, a planting plan with botanical names and sizes, hardscape and lighting details where relevant, a materials list, and a phased budget. A sketch on a napkin is not a design package.
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