What Is the Most Expensive Part of Landscaping?
Hardscaping (patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and similar structures) is typically the most expensive part of landscaping, often accounting for 50-70% of a major landscape project's budget. Labor costs rank second, particularly for skilled work like masonry or irrigation installation. Plants and softscaping, despite being the most visible elements, usually represent a smaller portion of total costs. Understanding where landscaping costs come from helps you budget wisely and decide which projects to tackle.
Hardscaping: The Biggest Cost Driver
Hardscape elements involve heavy materials and specialized labor:
Patios and walkways: $15-50 per square foot depending on materials. A 300 sq ft patio can easily cost $5,000-15,000.
Retaining walls: $25-75 per square face foot. A 50-foot wall that's 3 feet tall could run $3,750-11,250.
Outdoor kitchens: $5,000-50,000+, depending on features. Appliances, countertops, and gas lines add up quickly.
Fire pits and fireplaces: $1,500-10,000 for built-in features with gas lines and proper construction.
Labor: The Hidden Expense
Labor typically represents 50-65% of any landscaping project cost. Skilled trades command higher rates:
General landscape labor: $50-100 per hour for a crew.
Masonry work: $70-120 per hour for experienced masons.
Irrigation installation: $50-90 per hour for licensed technicians.
Tree work: $75-150+ per hour for arborists and tree crews.
Other Major Cost Categories
Irrigation systems: $2,500-5,000+ for a new system on an average Tulsa lawn. Includes trenching, pipe, heads, controller, and connection to water supply.
Mature trees: $500-3,000+ per tree installed. Larger specimens cost more due to weight and equipment needed.
Grading and drainage: $1,000-5,000+, depending on scope. Essential for properties with water issues.
Landscape lighting: $2,000-10,000+ for professional installation with transformers, wiring, and quality fixtures.
What's NOT as Expensive as People Think
Plants: While mature specimens are pricey, most shrubs ($20-75) and perennials ($8-25) are relatively affordable. Plant material often represents just 10-20% of a project budget.
Mulch: $30-50 per cubic yard installed. A few hundred dollars covers most residential beds.
Lawn renovation: Overseeding, aeration, and fertilization cost far less than hardscape projects and dramatically improve curb appeal.
Getting the Most from Your Budget
Phase projects: Do hardscape first (it's harder to add later), then add plants over time.
Start with lawn health: a healthy, green lawn makes everything else look better and costs relatively little.
Choose plants wisely: Smaller plants cost less and often establish better than larger specimens.
Complete Lawn Care: Affordable Lawn Excellence
While we don't build patios or install irrigation, our 7-step lawn care program and weekly mowing service provide one of the best returns on your landscaping investment. A healthy, well-maintained lawn is the foundation that makes everything else in your landscape look better, and it costs a fraction of hardscape projects.
Contact Complete Lawn. Care:
Phone: (918) 605-4646 | Email: wecare@completelawncaretulsa.com | Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote
