Get matched with top Landscapers in Plainwell, MI

When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local landscaper guidelines.

Landscapers typically charge $25 to $50 per person per hour, which equals around $50 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew. These rates can vary depending on your location, the size of staff needed for the job, and overall job type. For example, a larger crew will be needed for structural additions and hardscaping versus planting flowers. 

Landscaping costs around $3,500 but varies widely from $200 to $14,000. Factors that play a part in your final landscaping price tag include:

• Location

• Yard size

• Project size

• Materials

• Land preparation

• Type of landscaping

Considering so many factors, it’s not surprising that the overall costs can differ. A typical landscaping project is flower bed installation, which averages between $800 and $3,000. However, landscape lighting installation is a higher-end project, with a price tag of $2,000 to $6,000. 

If you are an avid DIYer and have plenty of time to dedicate to your yard, doing your own landscaping (or at least some of it) can be an affordable option. Projects like planting a tree, planting grass, laying sod, or building a firepit can realistically be done without the need for a landscaping professional. However, these projects can take considerable time and some landscaping knowledge, so having a pro might save you in the long run.

Projects that are dangerous, like digging with heavy machinery or removing a tree, should always be done by a professional. 

If you want landscaping done but want to save some money on the overall fees, you can do a few things at every stage. Some ways to save money on your landscaping include:

• Repurpose existing features and materials

• Softscape instead of hardscape

• Choose the more inexpensive materials

• DIY when you can

• Buy young plants instead of mature ones