Prices of Landscaping Materials
Landscaping includes a variety of materials and resources, and much depends on how the property owner wants the designated area to be developed. The overall cost of a landscaping project can range dramatically depending on the geography, climate and the desires of the owner. However, pricing can be broken down into material categories, making it a bit easier to estimate rough project costs well before breaking any dirt. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Design Work
-
A well-planned landscaping project starts with a landscape designer. This process involves inspecting the land to be developed, taking notes on geographic and climate conditions, discussing the owner's personal desires and what is practical for the area, and researching vendors for supplies and materials. A design phase can range from $1,000 for a small back yard to thousands of dollars for a large land area.
Soil, Rocks and Rehabilitation
-
For any landscaping project that involves repairing existing soil for growing lawns and plants, new soil must be brought in. While the retail cost of soil can range from $3 to $9 a bag at the local retail hardware store, a full pickup truck bed of soil can be purchased from bulk suppliers for under $40. This approach can, for example, provide a 3-foot thick, new soil bank in a 25-by-40-foot back yard in two truck trips. Minimum bulk delivery of soil runs from $150 to $400 for 5 cubic yards. A cubic yard is 3 feet wide by 3 feet long by 3 feet deep, or 27 cubic feet.
-
Cement and Masonry
-
Once the soil is shaped and graded as needed for drainage, the next material demand will be masonry. Depending on how much patio area and brickwork a property owner wants, or if retaining walls are included, both cement and bricks will drive up cost. Soil wall bricks range from 50 cents to $15 a brick. Cement patios, depending on size, range from $1,000 to $10,000, including gravel bed, re-bar for reinforcement if needed and the cement itself with labor.
Plants, Sod and Trees
-
With the foundation of the patio and the grounds established, the landscaping job then moves on to installing lawn and plants. Sod generally ranges from10 cents to $3 a square foot. Plants can range dramatically, with much of the cost being determined by what an owner wants. Drought-resistant plants tend to be cheap, costing as little as $3 to $10 a pot, yet young trees can range from $50 to $300 a pot. For example, a bamboo plant usually starts at $75 a pot for a small specimen.
Irrigation
-
Water provision is a necessity to maintain the plant life of any landscaping project. To reduce water consumption and overwatering, drip systems and time-sensor water pumps are used. Drip systems consist mainly of plastic tubing buried under bark and soil, with the ends plugged next to plants via a dripper. The dripper allows a certain flow of water per hour. Lawn areas are taken care of by sprinkler systems. These materials are fairly cheap and can be installed in an entire yard for less than $500.
Lighting, Fixtures and Outdoor Furniture
-
The finishing touch of a landscaping project includes the night lighting, fixtures and furniture. Solar or conventional lighting can be used, with premium units costing as much as $15 per light unit and $50 for a control box.
Fixtures include fountains, statues and landscaping ornaments. The prices vary dramatically, with fountains being the most expensive at hundreds of dollars per unit.
Outdoor furniture varies by brand and store. A basic umbrella, table and seating for six people run approximately $500 to $1,500. Shade umbrellas for overhangs can range from $200 to $1,000.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit new construction landscaping image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
