A Guide to Landscaping Costs in Canada

Everything to Know About Landscaping Costs

There are several reasons to look into landscaping services for your property. Landscaping not only boosts curb appeal, but it can also support safety and yard health. There are a wide range of landscaping services available, and alongside them, plenty of choices in materials, add-ons and other site-specific factors to consider. Read on to get the ins and outs of landscaping costs.

In this Price Guide we will talk about:

1. What You Need to Know About Landscaping Costs
2. A Breakdown of Landscaping Costs
3. Material Costs
4. How Much Do Yard Regrading and Drainage Work Cost?
5. Hidden Costs
6. Different Roles in Landscaping Projects
7. Common Questions
8. Further Reading: Landscaping Rates Across Canada

What You Need to Know About Landscaping Costs

Whether planning for simple upkeep or designing a high-end custom yard, the cost of landscaping is important to consider when planning out your project. From labour to materials to maintenance, landscaping projects come with cost factors that differ from other kinds of work. Some minor jobs can be done on your own, but especially for major landscaping projects, DIY attempts often lead to mistakes or extra costs. Professionals bring expertise that ensures your outdoor space is safe, functional, and visually appealing.

Potential cost risks of DIY or untrained landscaping:

• Site preparation errors: Improper grading, debris removal, or drainage work can cause soil erosion or water pooling, costing hundreds to thousands to fix.
• Hardscape mistakes: Patios, retaining walls, fences, and decks installed incorrectly may shift or fail, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
• Plant selection and placement: Choosing unsuitable species or poor layout can lead to dead or struggling plants, adding replacement and maintenance costs.
• Irrigation and seasonal care issues: Incorrect or missing watering systems, and lack of seasonal planning, can harm plants and soil, increasing ongoing maintenance expenses.

Hiring a landscaping professional ensures safe, efficient, and durable results while helping you avoid these costly pitfalls and keeping your project on budget.

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

Labour is a major component of any landscaping project and can represent 30% or more of the total cost. Landscaping crews typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour depending on the type of work, equipment required, and project complexity.

Here are some of the other common cost factors to consider when budgeting for your landscaping project:

• Design and Planning: Landscape design services generally range from $1,500 to $8,000 or more depending on property size, layout complexity, and whether detailed construction drawings are required.
• Site Preparation and Grading: Clearing, excavation, soil removal, and leveling can cost between $1,000 and $10,000. Drainage corrections or significant regrading will increase this amount.
• Hardscaping: Patios, walkways, retaining walls, and driveways often represent the largest share of a budget. Costs typically range from $15 to $60 per square foot, with full installations commonly totaling $10,000 to $40,000+.
• Softscaping and Plant Selection: Sod, garden beds, shrubs, and trees vary widely in price. Smaller planting projects may start around $2,000, while mature trees and dense planting plans can push totals to $15,000 or more depending on plant size and quantity.
• Irrigation and Drainage Systems: Automated sprinkler systems generally cost $2,000 to $5,000. Additional drainage solutions such as French drains or catch basins can add $2,000 to $10,000.
• Outdoor Features and Finishing Elements: Lighting, pergolas, fencing, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens vary significantly. Basic lighting systems may cost $1,500 to $4,000, while custom outdoor living spaces can raise the total price to over $50,000.

Explore garden paving solutions

HomeStars Tip: Start by mapping how you use your outdoor space throughout the year. Identifying high-traffic areas, sun and wind exposure, and seasonal needs can help your landscaping professional create a design that’s both practical and enjoyable year-round.

What Are the Material Costs of Landscaping?

Whether you’re looking for basic cleaning or a full custom design, there are a variety of materials available for your landscaping project. Some materials involve more upfront costs while others involve more maintenance costs further down the line, and this is important to discuss with your landscaping pro. In order to make informed choices and budget effectively, it helps to have an idea of the costs for different options.

Typical Landscaping Material Costs

Landscaping Feature	Cost
Sod	$2 – $5 per sq ft
Topsoil	$30 – $60 per cubic yard
Mulch/wood chips	$50 – $100 per cubic yard
Gravel	$50 – $100 per ton
Pavers	$10 – $50 per sq ft
Retaining wall blocks	$15 – $45 per block
Trees and shrubs	$50 – $500+ each

Landscaping materials can represent a significant portion of your budget, especially for larger projects or specialty items. Choosing the right combination of materials can enhance both the appearance and longevity of your outdoor space.

If you’re looking for more specific yard maintenance costs, we have several dedicated guides including for lawn mowing costs and tree removal costs that you can check out.

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Are There Hidden Costs in Landscaping Projects?

Even the most well-planned landscaping projects can generate unexpected expenses that raise the overall cost. Some issues only become apparent once work is underway, such as compacted soil, hidden debris, or old landscaping materials that need removal or replacement. Issues like these can add several hundred or even thousands of dollars to the budget, but planning for them beforehand helps you budget more accurately and avoid additional costs for any additional rectifying work.

Below are some of the most common landscaping costs that pop up during a project:

• Permits and inspections: Some projects, especially those involving retaining walls, drainage, or structures, may require municipal permits or inspections, typically $100 to $500.
• Soil amendments and disposal: Poor soil may need compost, topsoil, or sand to support plants, and removing old soil, concrete, or debris can add $500 to $3,000.
• Delivery and fuel surcharges: Heavy materials like stone, mulch, or gravel often include delivery fees, which can range from $100 to $500 depending on distance and quantity.
• Irrigation adjustments: Existing irrigation lines may need modification or replacement, costing $500 to $2,000 depending on system complexity.
• Plant replacement and failure: Some plants may not survive initial planting due to weather or soil conditions, requiring additional purchases.
• Access issues or property obstacles: Narrow pathways, slopes, or hidden utilities can slow work or require specialized equipment, increasing labour costs.

Bringing these potential issues up with your landscaping contractor during initial discussions supports better planning and increased efficiency while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Architect vs Designer vs Landscaper: Which one is right for me?

Landscaping pros aren’t all the same. Architects, designers and landscapers each play a different role in installing a new yard or garden, so choosing the right professional depends on what you want to accomplish.

Here’s a brief overview of the roles and costs of each:

Landscape Architect

• Works on large-scale or complex projects, including commercial sites or new residential builds.
• Requires a degree; provides construction drawings and coordinates with contractors and engineers.
• Costs: $60–$104/hr for junior staff, $195–$290/hr for principals; typical homeowner projects average around $20,000.

Landscape Designer

• Focuses on residential design plans, plant selection, and layout recommendations.
• No degree required; does not execute the work. Costs: typically $65–$195/hr; with total landscaping prices usually around $2,000–$6,000.

Landscaper

• Executes the physical work: planting, lawn care, hardscape installation, and maintenance.
• May specialize in patios, decks, walkways, water features, or pools.
• Costs: Costs for landscapers are typically per square foot; average project around $4,100 (range $1,900–$7,168).

Once you know which pro fits your needs, you can compare quotes and hire a professional to ensure your landscaping project is done efficiently and to a high standard.

Connect with Landscaping Pros on HomeStars

Hire landscaping pros through HomeStars and give your yard the makeover you’ve been waiting for. Our platform offers access to vetted professionals who are ready and waiting to take on your landscaping project. Benefit from transparent quotes, allowing you to choose the right fit for your project without hassle. Post your project on HomeStars today!

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FAQs About Landscaping Costs

How long does a typical landscaping project take?

Timelines vary based on project size and complexity, ranging from a few days for minor planting to several weeks for full hardscape and plant installations.

Can landscaping increase property value?

Well-designed landscapes with functional outdoor spaces can improve curb appeal and may increase resale value, though the exact impact depends on market and neighbourhood standards.

What maintenance is required after new landscaping is installed?

Ongoing tasks may include seasonal pruning, fertilization, irrigation adjustments, and replacing plants that don’t establish well in their first year.

What are some eco-friendly landscaping options?

Using native plants, rain gardens, permeable paving, and efficient irrigation systems can reduce water usage and support local ecosystems.

How do seasonal changes affect landscaping work?

Certain projects, like sod installation or tree planting, are best done in spring or fall, while drainage or hardscape work can sometimes proceed year-round depending on weather conditions.

Explore Landscaping Rates in Other Areas

HomeStars has prepared other in-depth cost guides for you to know how much landscaping services costs per city. Check it out:

• Landscaping Costs in Canada
• Landscaping Costs in Toronto
• Landscaping Rates in Calgary
• Landscaping Quotes in Edmonton
• Landscaping Pricing in Ottawa
• Landscaping Costs in Vancouver
• Landscaping Costs in Hamilton
• Landscaping Costs in Barrie
• Landscaping Quotes in Oshawa