4,000 sq ft refresh
Refresh scope, mulch, no patio, no irrigation.
Lower planning band — mostly beds and mulch. Still budget design if layout changes.
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Landscaping Project Planner
Yard scope, patio, irrigation and lighting → phased budget, trades and maintenance-aware questions.
Budget range
$22,680
to $28,224 · 5–12 weeks
| Category | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Design & layout | $1,620 | $2,016 |
| Planting & beds | $10,080 | $12,544 |
| Mulch & edging | $1,620 | $2,016 |
| Patio / pavers | $5,040 | $6,272 |
| Irrigation zones | $4,320 | $5,376 |
- Trade sequence
- Design & locates → Hardscape & irrigation rough → Planting → Lighting & mulch
- Trades involved
- Landscape contractor, Irrigation specialist, Electrician (lighting), Arborist (trees)
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turf / bed area | 4000 sq ft |
| Pavers | 200 sq ft |
| Plants | Qty list or allowance $ |
| Irrigation controller | 1 — zones in plan |
Likely hidden costs
Soil amendment for clay or sand · Permit for retaining walls over height limit · Utility conflicts in trenching · Irrigation backflow registration fees
Landscaping project plan
Budget $22,680 – $28,224 · 5–12 weeks
Pre-sign checklist
- Plant list or allowance cap
- Irrigation zone chart
- Warranty on plants vs hardscape
- 811 locate dates documented
- Payment tied to phases not calendar only
Questions for contractors
- Plant warranty and watering schedule?
- Irrigation zones map provided?
- Who pulls permits for walls or lighting?
- Phasing if budget is tight?
Quick answer
A full-yard landscape design-build frequently totals mid four figures to low five figures for several thousand square feet, while a mulch-and-bed refresh costs far less. Scope patio area, irrigation, lighting, and tree work below for phased budget line items and trade sequence.
What this assumes
- Illustrative defaults — replace with your actual costs and local rules.
Understanding the result
How to use this
Yard scope, patio, irrigation and lighting → phased budget, trades and maintenance-aware questions.
How the math works
Yard area, scope tier, patio square footage, irrigation, lighting, and tree removals scale design, planting, hardscape, and specialty trades. Scope multipliers distinguish mulch refresh from full design-build with hardscape-forward budgets.
Where to find each input
- Yard sq ft — turf and bed area to treat, not whole lot if leaving natural
- Scope — refresh vs full-yard vs hardscape-forward
- Patio sq ft — paver or concrete area from plan
- Irrigation — zone count from water pressure test
- Trees — arborist quote per trunk diameter
Worked examples
5,000 sq ft full yard + irrigation
Full-yard, irrigation, 200 sq ft patio, mid tier.
Often upper four to low five figures — phase hardscape if budget tight.
Hardscape-forward with lighting
Large patio, lighting fixtures, two tree removals.
Hardscape and arborist lines dominate — permits for walls over height limit and electrical for lighting.
What this does not include
- Swimming pool or spa
- Outdoor kitchen appliances
- Drainage engineering for yard flooding
- Long-term maintenance contract
- Sprinkler water bill
Regional adjustment
Drought markets restrict turf and irrigation types; cold markets need blowout and winterization. Plant material cost is local — allowances should name nursery or dollar cap.
Accuracy and references
Bands draw from RSMeans site work and landscape medians plus typical irrigation zone pricing. Retaining walls over 4 ft often need engineered plans — not included in base planner.
Counterpart bridge
Pricing this on the contractor side?
This page interprets quotes and budgets from the buyer’s chair. The matching pro tool uses the same scope logic to build a defensible price.
Open Landscaper Pricing CalculatorFor trade owners
Pricing this job as a contractor?
Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.
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Common questions
Is this free?
Yes — runs in your browser, no account required.
Refresh vs full yard?
Refresh is mulch and minor planting; full-yard includes design and major bed rework.
Do I need irrigation?
Optional — add zones if turf and beds need consistent water; backflow device may need permit.
Pavers vs concrete?
Pavers higher labor, easier repair; concrete lower cost per sf, cracks harder to patch.
Plant warranty?
Often 1 year if watering schedule followed — get it in writing.
When to plant?
Spring and fall reduce transplant shock — heat waves void warranties.
Lighting permit?
Low-voltage often exempt; line-voltage needs electrician and may need permit.
Tree removal?
Arborist for near structures — stump grind separate line item.
How long?
2–10 weeks depending on hardscape cure and plant availability.
Phasing?
Hardscape first, then irrigation, then planting — planner sequence matches that order.
HOA rules?
Submit plant palette before purchase — delays are common hidden calendar cost.
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