Quick Cost Summary
- Basic Garden Makeover: $3,000-$8,000
- Mid-Range Landscaping: $8,000-$20,000
- Premium Garden Design: $20,000-$50,000+
- Lawn Installation: $25-$65 per m²
- Landscape Design: $50-$200 per m²
Landscaping Cost Breakdown Australia
Landscaping costs in Australia vary dramatically based on project scope, materials, design complexity, and site conditions. From simple garden refreshes to complete landscape transformations, understanding cost structures helps you plan your outdoor investment effectively.
Landscaping Project Categories
| Project Type | Cost Range | Typical Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Refresh | $3,000-$8,000 | New plants, mulch, basic paths, garden beds |
| Mid-Range Landscaping | $8,000-$20,000 | Design, lawn, plants, irrigation, basic hardscaping |
| Premium Landscaping | $20,000-$50,000 | Full design, quality materials, water features, lighting |
| Luxury Estate | $50,000-$200,000+ | Designer landscape, premium materials, complex features |
Landscape Design Costs
Professional landscape design forms the foundation of successful projects, with costs varying by complexity and designer experience:
Design Service Options
Basic Design Package
- Site measurement and analysis
- Concept plan and plant schedule
- Cost: $800-$2,500
- Suitable for simple projects
Comprehensive Design
- Detailed plans and 3D renderings
- Planting and construction details
- Cost: $2,500-$8,000
- Full project specifications
Consultation Only
- On-site design consultation
- Recommendations and advice
- Cost: $150-$500
- Perfect for DIY projects
Luxury Design Service
- Award-winning landscape architects
- Custom design and project management
- Cost: $8,000-$25,000+
- Premium estates and show gardens
Design Fees by Project Size
- Small Garden (50-150m²): $50-$120 per m² designed
- Medium Garden (150-400m²): $40-$100 per m² designed
- Large Property (400-1000m²): $30-$80 per m² designed
- Estate Landscaping (1000m²+): $25-$70 per m² designed
Lawn Installation and Turf Costs
Lawn installation represents a significant portion of most landscaping projects, with costs varying by turf type and site preparation:
Turf Types and Pricing
| Turf Type | Turf Cost per m² | Installation per m² | Total per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Grass | $8-$15 | $12-$25 | $20-$40 |
| Couch Grass | $6-$12 | $12-$25 | $18-$37 |
| Kikuyu Grass | $5-$10 | $10-$22 | $15-$32 |
| Zoysia Grass | $12-$20 | $15-$30 | $27-$50 |
| Premium Hybrid | $15-$25 | $18-$35 | $33-$60 |
| Artificial Turf | $25-$80 | $15-$35 | $40-$115 |
Soil Preparation and Site Work
Proper soil preparation is essential for healthy lawn establishment:
- Soil Testing: $150-$400 per site
- Soil Improvement: $8-$20 per m² (compost, sand, gypsum)
- Levelling and Grading: $5-$15 per m²
- Drainage Installation: $15-$40 per m²
- Weed Control: $3-$8 per m²
Plant Supply and Installation Costs
Plants and trees form the backbone of landscape design, with costs varying by size, species, and origin:
Plant Categories and Pricing
Plant Cost Ranges
Small Plants & Ground Cover
- Seedlings/tubes: $3-$12 each
- 140mm pots: $8-$25 each
- 200mm pots: $15-$45 each
- Installation: $5-$15 per plant
Shrubs & Feature Plants
- 250mm pots: $25-$80 each
- 400mm pots: $60-$200 each
- Large specimens: $150-$800+ each
- Installation: $15-$50 per plant
Tree Supply and Installation
| Tree Size | Tree Cost | Installation Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (45L bag) | $80-$300 | $100-$200 | $180-$500 |
| Medium (100L bag) | $200-$600 | $200-$400 | $400-$1,000 |
| Large (400L bag) | $500-$1,500 | $400-$800 | $900-$2,300 |
| Specimen/Advanced | $1,000-$5,000+ | $600-$1,500 | $1,600-$6,500+ |
Hardscaping and Feature Costs
Hardscape elements provide structure and functionality to landscape designs:
Pathway and Driveway Options
Budget Pathways
- Gravel paths: $15-$35 per m²
- Concrete paths: $45-$85 per m²
- Basic pavers: $65-$120 per m²
- Stepping stones: $25-$60 per m²
Premium Pathways
- Natural stone: $100-$300+ per m²
- Designer pavers: $120-$250 per m²
- Exposed aggregate: $80-$150 per m²
- Timber decking: $150-$400+ per m²
Garden Structures and Features
- Garden Beds/Borders: $50-$150 per linear metre
- Raised Garden Beds: $200-$600 per bed
- Pergolas/Gazebos: $2,000-$15,000+
- Garden Sheds: $800-$5,000+
- Fencing: $50-$250 per linear metre
- Gates: $300-$2,000+ each
Irrigation and Water Features
Proper irrigation ensures landscape longevity and reduces maintenance costs:
Irrigation System Costs
Irrigation Installation Pricing
- Pop-up Sprinkler System: $8-$25 per m² covered
- Drip Irrigation: $5-$15 per m² covered
- Smart Controller System: $800-$2,500 installed
- Micro-spray Systems: $6-$18 per m² covered
- Tap Points: $200-$500 each point
Water Feature Options
- Small Garden Fountain: $500-$2,500 installed
- Water Wall/Curtain: $2,000-$8,000
- Pond Installation: $3,000-$15,000+
- Swimming Pool Landscaping: $5,000-$25,000+
- Stream/Waterfall Feature: $5,000-$30,000+
Regional Landscaping Pricing Across Australia
Landscaping costs vary significantly across Australian cities due to labour rates, plant availability, and local conditions:
Sydney
- Labour: $55-$95 per hour
- Basic landscaping: $120-$250 per m²
- Premium landscaping: $250-$500+ per m²
- Highest costs due to labour and transport
Melbourne
- Labour: $50-$85 per hour
- Basic landscaping: $100-$220 per m²
- Premium landscaping: $220-$450+ per m²
- Good plant variety and competition
Brisbane
- Labour: $45-$75 per hour
- Basic landscaping: $90-$200 per m²
- Premium landscaping: $200-$400+ per m²
- Great growing conditions, lower costs
Perth & Adelaide
- Labour: $45-$80 per hour
- Basic landscaping: $85-$190 per m²
- Premium landscaping: $190-$380+ per m²
- Most affordable major city rates
Factors Affecting Landscaping Costs
Site Conditions and Access
- Easy Access: Standard pricing applies
- Difficult Access: +20-40% for narrow/restricted access
- Steep Slopes: +30-60% for terracing and stabilization
- Poor Drainage: +$15-$40 per m² for drainage solutions
- Rock/Hard Soil: +$20-$50 per m² for excavation
Project Timing and Seasonality
Seasonal Pricing Variations
Peak Season (15-25% Premium)
- Spring (September-November)
- Early autumn (March-April)
- Pre-summer preparation
- Post-winter restoration
Off-Peak Season (10-20% Discount)
- Winter months (June-August)
- Mid-summer (December-January)
- Better contractor availability
- Bulk material discounts
Design Complexity and Style
- Simple Native Garden: $50-$120 per m²
- Formal Garden Design: $120-$280 per m²
- Japanese/Zen Garden: $200-$450 per m²
- Tropical Paradise: $180-$400 per m²
- Mediterranean Style: $150-$320 per m²
Maintenance and Ongoing Costs
Understanding maintenance requirements helps budget for long-term landscape care:
Annual Maintenance Costs
| Maintenance Level | Cost per m² per year | Typical Services |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Maintenance | $8-$20 | Mowing, basic pruning, weeding |
| Standard Maintenance | $20-$45 | Regular care, fertilizing, pest control |
| Premium Maintenance | $45-$80 | Comprehensive care, seasonal planting |
| Luxury Maintenance | $80-$150+ | Full-service care, show garden standards |
DIY vs Professional Landscaping
DIY-Friendly Landscaping Tasks
Suitable for DIY
- Planting garden beds
- Mulching and composting
- Simple pathway installation
- Basic garden edging
- Small water features
Professional Required
- Irrigation system installation
- Major earthworks and grading
- Large tree planting
- Electrical work for lighting
- Complex water features
Cost Savings Comparison
- Plant Installation: Save 40-60% doing yourself
- Mulching: Save 50-70% with DIY application
- Basic Pathways: Save 30-50% with DIY installation
- Garden Edging: Save 60-80% DIY vs professional
- Total Project Savings: 25-40% with partial DIY approach
Return on Investment and Property Value
Quality landscaping provides excellent returns on investment in Australian property markets:
ROI by Landscaping Investment
Investment Return Examples
- Basic Garden Makeover ($8,000): Property value increase $6,000-$15,000
- Mid-Range Landscaping ($20,000): Property value increase $16,000-$35,000
- Premium Landscaping ($40,000): Property value increase $32,000-$60,000
- Average ROI: 80-175% depending on property and location
Specific Value-Adding Elements
- Mature Trees: $3,000-$8,000 value per established tree
- Quality Lawn: $15-$40 per m² property value increase
- Outdoor Living Areas: 100-200% ROI on investment
- Water Features: 60-120% ROI in premium suburbs
- Native Gardens: Increasingly valued for sustainability
Sustainable and Native Landscaping
Eco-friendly landscaping reduces ongoing costs and environmental impact:
Native Plant Benefits
- Lower Water Requirements: 50-70% reduction in irrigation needs
- Reduced Maintenance: 30-50% less ongoing care required
- Pest Resistance: Fewer chemical treatments needed
- Wildlife Habitat: Attracts native birds and beneficial insects
- Climate Adaptation: Better tolerance of Australian conditions
Water-Wise Landscaping Costs
Drought-Tolerant Garden Pricing
- Native Plant Establishment: $50-$120 per m²
- Mulch and Soil Preparation: $15-$35 per m²
- Drip Irrigation System: $8-$20 per m²
- Rainwater Tank Integration: $2,000-$8,000
- Total Water-Wise Garden: $75-$180 per m²
Landscaping Project Management
Typical Project Timeline
Small Garden Project (2-4 weeks)
- Week 1: Design and planning
- Week 2: Site preparation
- Week 3: Installation and planting
- Week 4: Finishing and establishment
Large Landscape Project (6-12 weeks)
- Weeks 1-2: Design development
- Weeks 3-4: Site preparation and earthworks
- Weeks 5-8: Hardscaping and structures
- Weeks 9-12: Planting and finishing
Why Choose Mates Rates for Landscaping Projects?
0% Service Fees for Landscapers
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our qualified landscapers and garden designers keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value for your landscape investment.
Low 10% Fee Capped at $60
You'll only pay a 10% service fee capped at maximum $60, compared to Airtasker's uncapped fees that could add $800-$4,000+ to your landscaping project.
Verified Landscaping Professionals
All landscapers are verified, qualified, and experienced with Australian native plants, growing conditions, and design styles.
Local Gardening Expertise
Australian-owned platform with deep understanding of local climate zones, native species, and regional growing conditions.
Choosing the Right Landscaping Professional
Professional Qualifications
- Landscaping Certification: Diploma in Landscape Design/Horticulture
- Business License: Current ABN and appropriate licenses
- Insurance Coverage: Public liability and professional indemnity
- Portfolio of Work: Examples of similar landscape projects
- Plant Knowledge: Understanding of local species and conditions
Questions to Ask Potential Landscapers
- Can you provide a detailed written quote with material specifications?
- Do you offer landscape design services or work with designers?
- What warranty do you provide on plants and workmanship?
- Can you provide references from recent landscaping projects?
- Are you familiar with local council requirements and permits?
- How do you handle irrigation and drainage requirements?
- What maintenance services do you offer after installation?
- Do you specialize in particular landscape styles or native plants?
Ready to Get Landscaping Quotes?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscaping cost in Australia?
Landscaping costs range from $3,000-$8,000 for basic garden makeovers to $20,000-$50,000+ for premium landscape designs. Most mid-range projects cost $8,000-$20,000 including design, plants, and installation.
What is the most expensive part of landscaping?
Labour typically represents 40-60% of landscaping costs, followed by large trees and hardscaping features. Design fees, irrigation systems, and premium plants also contribute significantly to project costs.
How long does a landscaping project take?
Small garden projects take 2-4 weeks, while comprehensive landscape makeovers require 6-12 weeks. Timeline depends on weather, site access, and project complexity.
Do I need permits for landscaping in Australia?
Most landscaping doesn't require permits, but check council requirements for tree removal, major earthworks, or structures over certain heights. Pool landscaping may have special requirements.
What's the return on investment for landscaping?
Quality landscaping typically provides 80-175% ROI in Australia. Well-designed gardens can increase property values by $15,000-$60,000 depending on the investment level and location.
How much can I save using Mates Rates instead of Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $800-$4,000+ on an $8,000-$20,000 landscaping project by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.