How Much Does Landscape Design Cost? A Guide for Homeowners & Property Managers

Landscape design can transform a simple yard, rooftop terrace, or urban outdoor space into a lush, functional, and beautiful extension of your home or building. But before you get excited about planting trees or adding walkways, one question always comes up: how much does landscape design cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – every property is unique, and costs vary widely based on size, complexity, materials, and what you want the final space to become. At NY Horticulture Group, we’ve helped homeowners, building managers, and city dwellers across NYC create landscapes tailored to their vision and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into pricing a landscape design, typical cost ranges, and tips for budgeting wisely.

What’s Included in “Landscape Design Cost”

Before we dive into numbers, it helps to understand what you’re paying for when you hire a landscape designer or firm:

Site visit and consultation: assessing existing conditions, soil, sun exposure, drainage, etc.
Concept and layout plans — this might include drawings, mood boards, plant palettes, hardscape ideas (paths, patios, planters), lighting, etc.
Material and plant selection: choosing plants, pavers, stones, planters, lighting, irrigation, soil amendments, etc.
Optional extras: 3D renderings or visuals, structural features (raised beds, retaining walls, terraces), irrigation or drainage solutions, sustainable / native plant planning.
Project management when installing: overseeing planting, hardscape work, installation, clean-up.

Because so much goes into design — not just drawing plans but thinking about function, environment, maintenance, and aesthetics — cost reflects that variety.

Typical Cost Ranges

Based on recent data across the United States, here are typical price ranges for landscape design services:

The average cost for a landscape design plan is around $4,590, with many falling between $1,955 and $7,220.
On the lower end (for small spaces, simple gardens or minimal design) costs might start around $500–$2,000.
For more complex designs that involve hardscaping, terraces, lighting, custom features, or large landscapes: typical design-only costs may range from $2,000 to $6,000+, depending on scope.
Some designers charge by the hour — commonly around $50–$150 per hour, especially for smaller consultations or iterative design work.

Important: these numbers refer to the design portion only. When you factor in materials (plants, paving, soil, fixtures) and installation (labor, hardscape work), total project costs will be significantly higher.

What Drives the Cost: Key Factors to Consider

Understanding what influences cost helps you budget better and avoid surprises. Here are the main variables:

1. Size of the Space

A small rooftop terrace or balcony will cost far less to design than a full backyard, garden, or multi-level urban yard. Larger spaces require more planning, more plants or materials, and often more complex design — which increases cost.

2. Complexity & Scope of the Design

Simple plant arrangements or lawn redesigns are cheaper. But when you begin incorporating features like:

patios or walkways
terraces or retaining walls
custom planters or raised beds
lighting, irrigation, or drainage systems
hardscape elements (stone, pavers, decking)

3. Material and Plant Quality

The choice of materials (premium stone vs basic pavers, rare or mature trees vs small shrubs, imported stone vs local, lighting fixtures vs simple solar lights) affects cost significantly. Higher-end materials or mature plants raise both design and implementation budgets.

4. Site Conditions & Preparation Needs

Some spaces — especially in a city like New York — might need soil improvement, drainage solutions, structural reinforcement (for rooftop gardens or terraces), or water management. These factors add complexity and cost to both design and execution.

5. Customization & Unique Features

If you want a truly bespoke landscape — maybe a rooftop garden that fits exactly to the architecture, or sustainable plantings that require research for native species, or integrated lighting and irrigation — expect the design fee to reflect that.

6. Professional Expertise & Reputation

Established firms with years of experience (especially in city settings) tend to charge more, but they also bring deep knowledge of local climate, building codes, maintenance requirements, and practical solutions — which can save you from headaches down the road. At NY Horticulture Group, we’ve been doing this across NYC for decades; that expertise matters.

How to Budget Smartly: Tips from Our Experience

Because costs vary so much, here are some helpful budgeting tips:

Start with your must-haves vs want-to-haves. Prioritize essential landscaping elements (plants, basic layout, drainage) before splurging on extras (ornamental features, lighting, water features).
Request a clear, itemized breakdown. A good design quote should show labor, materials, consultation, and optional add-ons.
Think long-term. Investing more now in good materials, drainage, and proper design often saves money over time by reducing maintenance, plant replacement, or redesign costs.
Phase the project. If budget is a concern, consider staging — start with the main layout and hardscape, then add plants, lighting, or decorative elements later.
Match design to maintenance goals. If you want low-maintenance landscaping (especially for city living), plan for sustainable plantings or hardscape-heavy designs — this often costs less over the long run.

Why Investing in Professional Landscape Design Is Often Worth It

It might be tempting to DIY landscaping — especially for small projects — but professional design offers benefits that go beyond aesthetics:

Functionality & Sustainability: Professionals understand soil, drainage, plant growth, climate, and maintenance needs.
Cohesive Vision: Designers think about how every element works together — plant height, seasonality, spacing, flow, hardscape-softscape balance.
Regulatory & Site-Specific Knowledge: In a city environment or shared property, there may be codes or constraints — seasoned designers know how to navigate them.
Long-Term Value: Well-designed landscaping improves property value, enhances curb-appeal, and reduces future maintenance hassles.

At NY Horticulture Group, our commitment is to designs that are as beautiful as they are functional. We craft custom landscapes that don’t just look good on day one — they grow, evolve, and thrive.

What to Expect Moving Forward

So, how much does landscape design cost? The answer depends on many factors — space size, design complexity, materials, site conditions, and how bespoke your vision is. On average, a landscape design plan might run somewhere between $2,000 and $6,000, with simpler designs starting lower and highly customized ones going higher.

But more important than the number is clarity: knowing what you’re getting, why it costs what it does, and planning based on your priorities. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush rooftop oasis or a low-maintenance urban garden, a thoughtful design — done right — can transform your outdoor space and add real value to your home.

If you’d like help estimating a project for your space or want a personalized design plan, the NY Horticulture Group team is here to help — because every landscape is unique, as are your dreams for it.