How Much Does Landscaping Cost? Key Takeaways
- The cost for Santa Fe landscaping with Urbanna Landscaping can range from $20,000 for basic enhancements to over $300,000 for full outdoor makeovers
- The price depends on project size, material and plant choices, and whether you hire professionals or do the project alone
- DIY landscaping can save money and give you more control, but is more time- and effort-consuming
- Hiring professionals ensures a long-lasting, beautiful, and functional landscape that brings joy to you and your loved ones
- To reduce overall expenses, work on your project in phases, choose more affordable materials, install during the off-season, and choose a company that has budget-friendly estimates
A peaceful flagstone patio with colorful wildflowers dancing in the breeze, the whisper of a fountain, or a fireplace for evening gatherings under the New Mexico sky…
Maybe it started as a passing thought during a visit to a friend’s garden, or you’ve been considering that for months. Either way, you’re now wondering: how much does landscaping cost in Santa Fe?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The average cost of landscaping
- The factors affecting the price
- The pros and cons of DIY vs. professional landscaping services
- How to save on landscaping projects
How Much Does Landscaping Cost?
Professional landscaping costs in Santa Fe can cover a very broad range, from $2,000 for basic enhancements to half-a-million projects or more for full outdoor transformations.
In many cases, the lowest price range reflects basic materials, generic designs, and short-term solutions.
At Urbanna Landscaping, we don’t aim to be the cheapest. Our goal is to deliver the most thoughtful, lasting, and Santa Fe-specific landscapes available. This means:
- Using climate-resilient native plants
- Crafting custom hardscapes with regionally sourced materials
- Working with licensed, insured crews
- Providing warranty for our work
Our tailored solutions start at $20,000 for small projects and go beyond $300,000 for large-scale, custom landscapes.
4 Factors Influencing Landscaping Costs
In addition to personal preferences and needs that may affect customization, there are a few key factors determining the final number on your landscaping invoice.
1. Project Scope and Complexity
If you love larger or technically demanding landscapes, be ready to fork out more. While a simple refresh of gravel and plants may cost under $5,000, the price soars if you decide you need:
- Soil grading for drainage
- Custom stone walls or paths
- Hardscape features like flagstone patios, outdoor fireplaces, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, or lighting
Materials and Plant Selection
The choice of materials can also add zeroes to your bill. Decomposed granite, gravel, or wood are great options if you’re doing a landscape on a budget.
Flagstone, steel edging, stucco walls, and native stone are elegant alternatives that turn heads, and as such, are priced higher.
Plant choice impacts both initial cost and long-term care. Ideal for Santa Fe’s dry climate, Agastache, Big Sage, and Winterfat don’t need much water and maintenance to add charm and color to your yard.
However, they can be more expensive upfront than mass-produced nursery plants.
Geographic Location
Due to Santa Fe’s remote location, some materials need to be transported from other cities like Albuquerque or Denver.
Labor availability can also vary, impacting hourly rates. Specialized knowledge and transport costs can lead to higher prices compared to urban centers.
Seasonality
Spring and early summer are high-demand seasons, when crews are booked and prices are higher.
Late summer and fall, on the contrary, can cost you less due to easier scheduling and discounts on materials and labor.
DIY vs. Professional Landscaping
Cost can vary depending on whether you want to do the job yourself or trust your project with professional landscapers.
DIY Landscaping
DIY might be a good option if you need to do minor upgrades like mulch beds, planter boxes, or installing a gravel path, provided you have enough knowledge.
In this case, you’ll only have to pay for the materials, without calculating your time and efforts.
DIY Pros:
- Saves money if you already have tools and some knowledge
- Full control over choices, from layout to mulch color
- Real satisfaction in seeing your own hands’ work come to life
DYI Cons:
- Can take up weeks and months depending on the scope
- Lacks expert insights, which may show over time
- Small mistakes can lead to into costly repair jobs later
Professional Landscaping
Experts can provide top materials, trusted plant sources, and warranties, leading to better long-term outcomes.
Professional Landscapers Pros
- Covers everything: planning, permits, materials, and execution
- Uses experts who understand Santa Fe’s conditions
- Better long-term results with drainage and plant selection
- Includes warranties and liability so you have less to worry about
Professional Landscapers Cons:
- Higher upfront investment, especially for complex landscapes
- You have less control over details
- Scheduling can take time, especially in peak seasons
Hybrid Approach
Many homeowners use a combination of the two approaches, hiring professionals for complex tasks like grading, irrigation, or hardscape construction, while doing the planting or lighting themselves.
Hybrid Approach Pros
- Keeps your budget in check as you’re handling simpler tasks yourself
- Lets you personalize parts of the design
- You can spread the project over time
Hybrid Approach Cons
- Requires good planning and timing between phases
- You might notice a difference in tasks done by yourself and pros
- No warranty for your part of the job
Tips To Save on Landscaping Costs
Are you feeling desperate to think your dream Santa Fe landscape is drifting away? Whether working alone or partnering with experts, you don’t have to overspend to create a beautiful landscape.
- Plan in phases: Don’t do everything at once. Start with the landscape skeleton: irrigation, pathways, a few walls. Then move to plants and details when your budget allows.
- Choose cost-effective materials: Use affordable options to replace the more costly alternatives, for example, decomposed granite instead of flagstone for walkways or gravel mulch over bark or decorative rock.
- Consider timing: Start your installation in late summer and fall. You’ll benefit from lower contractor prices, end-of-season plant sales, and better climate conditions for planting.
- Get multiple quotes: Collect estimates from several companies and compare prices for materials, design, and plants. Check for warranties and experience with Santa Fe conditions.
Create Your Dream Landscape With Urbanna
With 24 years in business, Urbanna Landscaping has transformed hundreds of Santa Fe’s backyards and gardens into extra living spaces full of warmth, charm, and color.
Are you a fan of stone patios and retaining walls? Or probably you prefer the beauty and fragrance of native wildflower gardens? Dreaming of river rock landscapes and murmuring water features to cool the hot Santa Fe afternoon?
You can have it with Urbanna. Our experienced team builds landscapes that touch the heart, with attention to every small element that makes your outer space puzzle complete.
We offer:
- Various services, including landscaping, hardscaping, xeriscaping, lighting, and irrigation
- Free consultations and custom design plans
- Region-specific plant and material sourcing
- Licensed installation and ongoing maintenance
How Much Does Landscaping Cost? FAQs
Can landscaping increase my home value?
Certainly. Landscaping can boost home value by up to 20%. Features like flagstone patios, native plantings, and professionally built retaining walls improve curb appeal and long-term property health.
Can I have a landscape with Urbanna for under $10,000?
Most of our projects begin at $20,000, but we’re always open to hearing your ideas. If your budget is tight, we may be able to recommend phased options or focused enhancements that align with your vision and still deliver lasting impact.
Are native plants expensive?
Some native plants may cost more due to limited nursery supply. However, the price is compensated over time with lower maintenance, better survival rates, and reduced water use.
