| I need new landscaping in my front yard (i.e. removal of existing shrubs, re-shaping some areas, new plantings and mulch). I have no idea what all of this should cost (I've gotten two estimates $1,500 & $1,900) which seems high and out of my budget. What can I do to give myself some sort of guidline to go by (i.e. measuring area & quantities of plants)in hopes of not getting ripped off? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Vivian |
| Vivian, Pricing a landscape job is very difficult. Prices vary considerably from one area of the country to another. As a rule of thumb figured that a landscaper is going to charge you the price of the plants at their cost increased by 50 to 100% and then add in their labor. The prices you quoted would not necessarily be out of line at all depending on how much work was being done. I suggest you visit with some friends who have had work done or talk with other landscapers and get bids to compare. Space you can also do it yourself and hire labor to help you. This way you can do the work a little at a time as finances allow and also get the enjoyment of doing things yourself. Your County extension office may have some information on hand to help guide you in choosing plants for your area and they may also have classes on gardening that could provide some additional education to help you. Thanks for the question. Please stop in again soon! |
