Last modified: 2023-01-19 | Approximate reading time 
6 mins
With the arrival of spring, it often happens that we look down and notice the sad state of our lawn. Thus, our mind begins to draw up the list of all the projects which must be carried out to restore its life and lustre.
Even if your task list is long, it’s still important to be sure that the work you take on is within your budget. To know if you can afford your ambitions, read on.
Landscaping: how much does it cost?
The cost for peat laying and sowing
Does your lawn look like it needs a little bit of life? It’s likely that after a long winter, you’ll need to seed it again. Alternatively, you may want to lay peat patches. But how much can you expect to pay to make your lawn look alive again?
If you decide to seed your land, you will first need to think about adding more garden soil, which will cost you around $600 for an area of 5000 square feet. For seeding a land of this surface area, expect to pay between $180 and $240.
Would you prefer to buy grass patches? To do this, remember that several precautions must be followed such as levelling the ground, alternating the joints when installing the plates as well as appropriate irrigation after their installation to ensure their viability. For peat installation, expect to pay about $1500 for 5000 square feet, so 30 cents per square foot.
The cost of installing a fence
Acting as a barrier for your yard and adding to your home’s curb appeal, a good-looking fence is an essential element for your property. If it can’t be repaired, you may be interested to know the costs of replacing and installing it per linear foot and by type of material:
- Aluminum: $42 to $120
- Ornamental iron: $36 to $66
- Chain link: $14,50 to $25
- Treated wood and PVC: between $30,50 and $60
- PVC: around $65
The cost of building a patio/deck
A patio is a perfect place to enjoy the beautiful summer days and temperatures. Generally, this is one of the main elements of a backyard and a place where you spend time with family and loved ones. If you already have one installed, your current patio may need an update.
Here’s a summary of the average prices currently in effect for a patio:
- Composite wood: between $60 and $72 per square foot;
- Western red cedar: $42 per square foot;
- In paving stones: between $18 and $30 per square foot;
- In roasted wood: between $60 and $72 per square foot;
- In treated wood: between $36 and $48 per square foot;
- Concrete: approximately $60 per square foot;
- Uncommon wood species (teak / IPE): between $12 and $14,50 (without installation);
- Fibreglass: $18 per square foot (between $2 and $4 for sanding).
Note that a limited lifetime warranty applies to treated wood as well as red cedar, while a 25-years warranty applies to composite wood.
For those who would like to make an ecological choice, you may consider buying bamboo, for which you will have to pay around $7 per square foot. As it grows quickly and is resistant to mould and insects (subject to the application of treatment for these purposes), it’s an excellent alternative to other exotic woods such as teak or PEI. Be aware, however, that it needs an oil-based treatment to avoid becoming greyish over time.
Are you unsure of the type of material to choose for your brand new patio? See our article Building a patio: shapes and materials
The cost for the construction of a pergola
This small haven of peace sheltered from the sun and intended for rest is often considered as an extension of the interior to the exterior. It’s a more complete structure than the traditional patio, and so you should expect its price to be higher.
Among the options available to you, we mention the attached, freestanding or removable pergola. The first one leans on the front of the terrace or your garden while giving a modern look to the terrace. The second, for its part, consists of a more independent installation. As for the latter, and as its name suggests, it’s mainly for temporary installation. Regardless of the type of pergola that your heart leans towards, the price you pay will be directly related to its material.
For an aluminum pergola, the prices will be between $3000 and $7200. For a vinyl model, you should plan to spend between $600 and $ 3600. What about the wooden or metal pergola? For each of them, you will have to pay between $1200 and $6000 and between $840 and $ 5640, respectively.
How much to pay for the services of a landscape architect or landscape designer?
If you’re thinking about re-conceptualizing your yard design or feel that the location of several elements needs to be redesigned, doing business with a landscape architect may be an idea to consider.
Following the analysis of your land and its particularities as well as taking into account your functional and aesthetic needs, they will submit several landscaping proposals. As an example, the construction of a facade and the completion of the plan necessary for its realization could be close to $12,000.
Not only will they be responsible for the conceptual dimension of your project, but they will also be able to supervise each step of its implementation. For the services of a landscape architect, you will have to pay between $55 and $130 an hour. As this is a considerable investment, don’t hesitate to request multiple quotes.
In the event that you mainly need professionals to carry out your work, you may decide to do business with a landscaper. Note that this is remunerated at a fixed rate depending on the extent of the work carried out. Once again, let us reiterate the importance of obtaining several quotes to be able to make an informed decision and get the best price.
Landscaping projects: how to save money?
When it comes to revamping your landscaping, are you working with a limited budget? If you need to save a few dollars, there are several tips that can help you do that. Among these, let us first mention the purchase of recycled materials in the eco-centers/recycling centers that are open in your area.
Second, keep an eye out and try to spot the specials offered by the plant stores in your area. Discount flowers or perennials can drastically lower the cost of your bill. Also, why not consider the possibility of exchanging plants with one of your neighbours? This is all the more possible since perennials can be separated and rearranging flower beds can make it so there are some plants that we need to get rid of.
Buying young trees can also save you precious dollars. Of course, you’ll have to be patient before you see your pretty trees reach their full splendour, but the savings are worth it. Similarly, buying young perennials is also a very economical idea. Indeed, they grow quickly and in one season, you will see them reach the same size as their buddies sold at term.
Did you know?
We often talk about the return on investment of interior renovation projects concerning the bathroom or kitchen. But, did you know that quality landscaping can also increase the value of your property? Indeed, it can increase the value of your home from 15% to 25%. Pretty interesting, no?
Price per type of landscaping project
| Building a deck | |
|---|---|
| Composite wood | Between $60 and $72 per square foot |
| Western red cedar | Approx. $42 per square foot |
| Torrefied wood | Between $60 and $72 per square foot |
| Treated wood | Between $36 and $48 per square foot |
| Concrete | Approx. $60 per square foot |
| Exotic wood | Between $12 and $14,50 without installation |
| Fibreglass | Approx. $18 per square foot |
| Paver stone | Between $18 and $30 per square foot |
| Installing a fence | |
| Aluminum | $32 to $120 per linear foot |
| Ornamental iron | $36 to $66 per linear foot |
| Chain link | $14 to $25 per linear foot |
| Treated wood and PVC | $30,50 to $65 per linear foot |
| Building a pergola | |
| Aluminum | Between $3000 and $7200 |
| Vinyl | Between $600 and $3600 |
| Wood | Between $1200 and $6000 |
| Metal | Between $840 and $5640 |
| Other types of projects (for a 5000 square foot land) | |
| Installing peat blocks | $1500 |
| Seeding | $600 for garden soil and between $180 and $240 for seeds |
| The rate to hire a landscape architect | Between $55 and $130 per hour |
| The rate to hire a landscaper | Varying package deals |
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