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| Typical costs: | - Depending on the size and location of the project, it can cost anywhere from $300-$2,500 to have a landscape designer create a detailed plan for your property. For simpler projects, it's also possible to get 1-2 hours of onsite verbal consultation for $50-$100 an hour. On the other end of the scale, "name" designers and architects might charge $6,000-$16,000 or more for detailed plans and drawings.
- Computer software programs can help you create your own detailed landscaping plan. Better Homes and Gardens offers a variety of software solutions at prices ranging from $60-$500, while Your Complete Landscape and Garden Designer by Valusoft retails for $20.
- Plan A Garden is a free online service from Better Homes and Gardens that lets you create a simple garden sketch using your computer. BHG.com also provides a wide variety of free online garden plans.
- Then there's the cost of buying and installing the plants, stones, pavers, fencing and other landscaping features. A lot will depend on your choices, but having someone do the work to create a naturalistic garden averages $11 a square foot, or $27,500 for every step of installing a 50x50-foot yard; a formal garden with water features, walls and more could run $17-$23 a square foot or more, which means $42,500-$57,500 for 50x50 feet. Of course, the more planting, seeding and other projects you do yourself, the cheaper it gets.
- High-end landscape architects working on new construction often charge a percentage of the project costs; if a homeowner is spending $60,000 on a new residential pool and all related features and landscaping, a Massachusetts firm quotes a design fee of 15-20% or $9,000-$12,000.
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| What should be included: | - A landscape plan can range from a concept design providing various ideas about what to do with the property, to master plan drawings showing a specific vision for the site, to a detailed construction plan that the homeowner or a contractor can use to create the entire project. A landscape plan should take into account soil conditions, drainage, area usage, sun, shade, slope, level of maintenance desired and other factors.
- Move.com offers a front yard facelift in seven easy steps; the University of Missouri gives a much more detailed look at front yard landscaping; and the University of Florida provides an in-depth explanation of the principles of landscape design.
- Check with your local planning department about setbacks, other requirements, and permits. If you're mostly prepping soil and adding plants or lawn on a small scale, you probably won't need a permit.
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| Additional costs: | - Better Homes and Gardens lists 18 ways to stretch your landscaping budget.
- If money is tight, have your property designed and landscaped in stages, as you can afford it.
- Some garden centers offer free design service if you buy all your plants there; be sure you like their selection and styles. Ask if you can see a portfolio of their designs and references from satisfied customers.
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| Shopping for landscape design: | |
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Article updated February 2007 |
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