How much do landscapers charge to plant shrubs, flowers, and bushes?
How much do landscapers charge to plant shrubs, flowers, and bushes?
$50 – $100 cost per hour per landscaper
$25 – $85 average cost per shrub or bush
$15 – $45 average cost to plant flowers per square foot
Landscapers charge for planting plants
A landscaper charges $25 to $85 to plant a shrub. Charges for planting flowers are $10 to $30 per pot or $15 to $45 per square foot. Hedge planting costs $50 to $225 per 5’ length. The cost to plant a tree is $200 to $700.
| Project | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Planting shrubs and bushes (each) | $25 – $85 |
| Planting hedges (per 5' length) | $50 – $225 |
| Planting flowers (per pot) | $10 – $30 |
| Installing a new raised flower bed (5’x12’ size) | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Planting new grass seed | $0.25 – $0.70 per square foot |
| Installing sod | $1 – $2 per square foot |
| Planting a small to medium tree (up to 10’ tall) | $125 – $700 |
| Planting a large tree (10’ to 20’+ tall) | $400 – $1,300 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Landscapers charge to plant shrubs and bushes
Landscapers charge $25 to $85 to plant a shrub on average, including the plant and installation labor. The cost of shrubs alone is $5 to $35 each, depending on the type. Discounts typically apply for planting multiple bushes.
| Shrub height (feet) | Average cost to plant (each)* |
|---|---|
| 1’ | $25 – $35 |
| 2’ | $35 – $45 |
| 3’ | $45 – $65 |
| 4’ | $65 – $85 |
*Prices include plants and installation.
Cost to plant flowers
The cost to plant flowers is $10 to $30 per pot on average or $15 to $45 per square foot, including plants and installation. Planting flowers in an existing 5’x12’ garden bed costs $900 to $2,700 on average, or $1,200 to $4,000 for a new custom-built raised bed.
| Flower bed size | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 2' x 4' | $120 – $350 |
| 2' x 8' | $250 – $700 |
| 3' x 6' | $270 – $800 |
| 3' x 10' | $450 – $1,300 |
| 4' x 4' | $250 – $700 |
| 4' x 8' | $500 – $1,400 |
| 5' x 10' | $750 – $2,200 |
| 5' x 12' | $900 – $2,700 |
| 8' x 8' | $950 – $2,900 |
| 8' x 10' | $1,200 – $3,600 |
| 8' x 12' | $1,400 – $4,300 |
| 8' x 16' | $1,900 – $5,700 |
*Prices include plants and installation.
Hedge planting cost
Hedge planting costs $10 to $45 per linear foot, depending on the plant type and height. Most hedges are 50 feet long and cost $500 to $2,250 installed.
| Linear feet | Average cost to plant* |
|---|---|
| 5' | $50 – $225 |
| 10' | $100 – $450 |
| 25' | $250 – $1,125 |
| 50' | $500 – $2,250 |
| 100' | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| 250' | $2,500 – $11,250 |
*Prices for 1’ to 6’ tall hedges, including the plants and labor.
Landscapers charge to plant a tree
The cost to plant a tree is $200 to $700 on average or up to $1,300 for a mature tree 10’ to 20’ tall. Tree planting service costs depend on the soil quality, ground preparation, and yard accessibility. Costs to install a tree decrease when planting multiple trees.
| Tree size | Tree price only | Installation cost | Total cost to plant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapling | $10 – $40 | $50 – $100 | $60 – $140 |
| Small tree (under 6’) | $50 – $150 | $75 – $150 | $125 – $300 |
| Medium tree (6’ – 10’) | $100 – $400 | $100 – $300 | $200 – $700 |
| Large / mature tree (10’ – 20’+) | $250 – $800 | $150 – $500 | $400 – $1,300 |
Landscaping installation cost factors
Landscaping installation cost factors include:
Project size – Large jobs require more workers, increasing labor costs.
Landscape design – Working with complex layouts or on sloped land takes longer.
Plant choice – Rare plants cost more. Discounts typically apply when buying large quantities.
Accessibility – Limited-access yards or sites outside the standard service area have higher installation costs.
Land grading – The cost to level or regrade a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Soil preparation
Compost costs $75 to $25 per cubic yard and serves as an ideal soil conditioner.
Topsoil costs $10 to $50 per cubic yard delivered.
Mulch costs $35 to $70 per cubic yard installed.
The cost to fertilize a lawn is $65 to $100 per application.
Weed control costs $50 to $100 per hour to manually weed out an old bed.
Enhancements
Landscape curbing costs $5 to $18 per linear foot.
Landscaping rock prices are $85 to $310 per cubic yard installed.
Sprinkler / irrigation system
Sprinkler system installation costs $1,800 to $5,200.
Installing a drip irrigation system costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Maintenance
Full-service lawn care costs $100 to $400 per month.
Landscaping maintenance costs $100 to $200 per month.
Hiring a gardener costs $75 to $250per visit on average.
Lawn mowing costs $30 to $85 per visit.
Tree trimming costs $200 to $900 per tree.
Landscaping design
Landscape design costs $700 to $3,000 on average for an initial consultation and creating conceptual plans. Designers charge $50 to $150 per hour for plan modifications and other additional work.
Cost to plant grass
The cost to plant grass depends on the grass type and planting method:
The cost to seed a new lawn is $0.25 to $0.70 per square foot.
Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
The cost to resod a yard is $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot to replace existing sod.
Lawn replacement costs $1 to $3 per square foot for grass removal, new topsoil, seeding, and fertilizing.
Hydroseeding costs $0.07 to $0.22 per square foot, excluding ground prep work.
Installing artificial turf costs $6 to $17 per square foot.
Garden décor and water features
Options for more garden décor and water features include:
The cost to build a pond is $2,900 to $15,600.
Installing a water fountain costs $1,500 to $8,800.
An outdoor misting system costs $1,800 to $3,400.
A mosquito-misting system costs $2,000 to $3,500 on average.
The cost to build a concrete patio is $4 to $12 per square foot, or $1,200 to $4,300 on average.
The cost to build a walkway with pavers is $10 to $20 per square foot.
The cost to build a pool is $1,850 to $5,000 when above ground, or up to $55,000 for an inground pool.
The cost to add waterfall to a pool or pond is $2,000 to $13,600, depending on the type.
Landscaping installation FAQs
What are the best shrubs to plant?
The best shrubs to plant will depend on the climate, soil conditions, shrub purpose, and maintenance level desired.
| Shrub purpose | Best shrub types |
|---|---|
| Best shrubs for hedges |
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| Best fast-growing shrubs |
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| Best low-maintenance shrubs |
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When is the best time to plant shrubs and bushes?
The best time to plant shrubs and bushes is in fall or early spring, depending on the plant variety, climate, and location.
| Type | Season |
|---|---|
| Deciduous shrubs | Fall |
| Evergreen shrubs | Spring |
| Container shrubs | From fall to early spring |
| Spring-flowering bulbs | Fall |
| Summer-flowering bulbs | Spring |
Where is the best place to plant shrubs and bushes?
The best place to plant shrubs and bushes depends on the property layout, shrub size at maturity, and the plants’ sun or shade requirements. Planting shrubs or bushes too close to the house may damage the siding with excess moisture and attract pests.
Typical planting distances include:
2’ to 5’ away from the home’s foundation.
3’ to 8’ away from property lines.
5’ to 10’ away from the edge of underground gas or electrical lines. Landscapers should only plant flowers with shallow roots and grass above utility lines.
How far apart to plant shrubs and bushes
How far apart you plant shrubs and bushes depends on sizes and layouts:
For large focal-point shrubs, leave enough space around the plant so that it can reach its expected mature width without interference.
To create hedges, plant each shrub at a distance of half the mature width away from each other. Plant 4-foot-wide shrubs 2 feet apart, for example.
Ask landscapers to get spacing advice specifically for each plant type.
How often do you need to water newly planted shrubs?
Newly planted shrubs need daily watering for the first 1 to 2 weeks and every 2 to 3 days for the next 1 to 2 months. The exact watering frequency depends on the shrub type, soil conditions, and climate. Don’t water again when the soil is still moist.
Getting planting estimates from landscapers
Before hiring a landscaping company near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple estimates from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Verify they have a business license, bonds, and liability insurance.
Check if your state requires a Landscaping Contractor license for gardeners.
For large projects, check for more credentials like:
Landscape architect licensing
Landscape designer training
National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) certification
Confirm they have a commercial applicator license to spray any fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides on the property.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get copies of a written estimate with all costs and the contract.
Avoid the cheapest quotes that often result in low-quality work.
Never give a full payment up front.
Questions to ask
Can I get a free onsite estimate?
How long have you been a landscaper?
Can I see your reference list and photos of past jobs?
How much is your minimum job cost, and how do you price for planting?
Have you studied horticulture?
Which plants thrive in this climate with my soil type?
Where do you get your plants from?
Will you show me a design plan of where you’ll install each plant type?
If I want to expand or rebuild my beds, how much more will it cost?
How many weeds do you need to remove?
Do you offer any plant warranties?
How long should this job take?
Which plants should I keep for pollinators?
Can I get discounts with a lawn and garden maintenance plan?
Do you use chemical-based or organic fertilizers?
Will cleanup and yard-waste disposal cost more?
Does this bid include all materials, labor, and equipment fees?
Are you familiar with my homeowner’s association landscaping rules?
Do you use subcontractors, and how should I contact their manager?
When will you reschedule in case of bad weather?
Am I in your regular service area, or will you charge extra travel fees?
Should I prepare the site before your arrival?
Do you call the utility company to mark underground lines first?