Landscaping costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
The average cost for a standard residential landscaping project in Boston, MA, is $2,867, depending on yard size.
Your final project total will depend heavily on the specific plant materials chosen and your unique property layout.
You should also budget for necessary ongoing maintenance tasks like seasonal yard cleanup, which costs between $210 and $1,090.
Hiring a landscaping pro in Boston, MA provides reliable help with yard work and saves you valuable time.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Landscaping in Boston, MA, runs $2,867 on average, with most projects falling between $974 and $4,774. Your total landscaping price depends heavily on the size of your yard, the specific types of native plants or hardscaping materials you choose, and current local labor rates. Reviewing these costs early in the process helps you plan a beautiful, lasting outdoor space that aligns with your financial goals.
When you hire landscaping professionals to upgrade your property in Boston, MA, several variables influence your final bill. The size of your yard, the materials you choose, and the scope of the design all play a direct role in determining your total expenses.
The total square footage of your project area directly dictates how much material and labor you need. In Boston, MA, where the cold, snowy, windy, and variable climate limits the planting season, larger yards require more extensive work to establish resilient greenery. A modest 200-square-foot space costs between $975 and $2,600. If you are overhauling a sprawling 2,000-square-foot lawn, the price increases to $9,750 to $26,000. Most homeowners find their total project falls between $974 and $4,774, with an overall average of $2,867.
| Landscaping Area Size (Square Feet) | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | $975–$2,600 | $900–$2,400 |
| 500 | $2,440–$6,500 | $2,250–$6,000 |
| 1,000 | $4,880–$13,000 | $4,500–$12,000 |
| 2,000 | $9,750–$26,000 | $9,000–$24,000 |
Backyard overhauls demand a higher budget than front yard touch-ups because they involve more complex designs and privacy features. Enhancing your front yard in Boston, MA, focuses heavily on curb appeal, while backyards transform into comprehensive outdoor living spaces.
Starting with a blank slate on a newly constructed property requires a comprehensive design plan, from grading the soil to planting the first shrubs. Establishing a fresh yard in Boston, MA, means building a resilient foundation that withstands harsh Nor'easters and heavy snow.
Simple tasks like planting a few perennial borders take minimal time, whereas installing custom hardscapes or intricate water features requires specialized engineering. In Boston, MA, complex designs must account for the freeze-thaw cycle, ensuring structures do not crack during the snowy winters. If your project involves extensive tree removal or grading, your overall tree trimming costs increase alongside the landscaping work.
The expertise required to execute your design safely and correctly makes labor a significant portion of your budget. Hiring skilled landscaping professionals in Boston, MA, ensures your yard is graded properly to prevent coastal flooding impacts and seasonal drainage issues. Labor rates vary depending on whether you need basic yard cleanup or specialized landscape architecture.
The quality and type of materials you select—from basic mulch to premium natural stone—heavily influence your bottom line. Sourcing durable materials in Boston, MA, is essential to ensure your hardscaping and plants survive the variable, snowy winters. Laying down fresh mulch is highly economical, running just $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. Conversely, building structural elements with retaining wall blocks requires an investment of $5 to $45 per square foot.
| Landscaping Material | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sod | $0.35–$0.85 per square foot | $0.35–$0.85 per square foot |
| Turf | $5–$10 per square foot | $2–$6 per square foot |
| Grass seed | $5–$15 per pound | $3–$10 per pound |
| Topsoil | $15–$60 per cubic yard | $12–$55 per cubic yard |
| Rocks or gravel | $45–$110 per cubic yard | $40–$100 per cubic yard |
| Mulch | $0.20–$0.60 per square foot | $0.20–$0.60 per square foot |
| Retaining wall blocks | $5–$45 per square foot | $3–$40 per square foot |
| Fencing | $15–$100 per linear foot | $11–$90 per linear foot |
| Pavers | $5–$30 per square foot | $1–$25 per square foot |
| Border plants | $5–$55 per plant | $2–$50 per plant |
| Pool installation materials | $21,700–$70,400 | $20,000–$65,000 |
| Patio materials | $5–$40 per square foot | $1–$35 per square foot |
Different landscaping styles require distinct materials and varying levels of ongoing care, which shifts the initial price tag. Whether you choose lush softscaping or structured hardscaping in Boston, MA, your design must accommodate the distinct four seasons. Focusing on plants and grass through softscaping ranges from $870 to $10,900. If you incorporate non-living elements like patios and walkways, hardscaping runs between $325 and $32,500.
| Landscape Type | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Xeriscaping | $3,250–$26,000 | $3,000–$24,000 |
| Softscaping | $870–$10,900 | $800–$10,000 |
| Hardscaping | $325–$32,500 | $300–$30,000 |
Before any new plants or patios go in, your yard needs a clean, level foundation to ensure proper drainage and growth. Prepping the soil in Boston, MA, involves clearing debris left behind by heavy winter blizzards and testing the earth for nutrient deficiencies. Conducting thorough soil testing costs between $760 and $2,230. If your property requires leveling or grading to correct slopes, the service costs $425 to $6,620. Proper land preparation pairs well with sprinkler system installation to guarantee your new lawn receives adequate hydration.
| Land Preparations | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tree removal | $220–$2,170 | $200–$2,000 |
| Tree stump removal | $325–$545 | $300–$500 |
| Soil testing | $760–$2,230 | $700–$2,050 |
| Land survey | $435–$815 | $400–$750 |
| Sprinkler system | $1,850–$3,850 | $1,700–$3,550 |
| Leveling or grading | $425–$6,620 | $390–$6,110 |
Standard landscaping tasks focus on installing and upgrading the living elements of your yard. In Boston, MA, these services ensure your property recovers beautifully after long, snowy winters. Adding vibrant color with a flower bed installation costs between $870 and $3,250. If you want an instant lawn, sod installation ranges from $1,030 to $4,660.
| Service | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Planting xeric trees and shrubs | $30–$325 each | $25–$300 each |
| Artificial grass installation | $5–$10 per sq. ft. | $2–$8 per sq. ft. |
| Irrigation system installation | $5.50–$5.50 per sq.ft. | $2.50–$4.50 per sq.ft. |
| Rock and stone installation | $15–$30 per sq. ft. | $10–$25 per sq. ft. |
Building permanent, non-living structures enhances the functionality and layout of your outdoor space. Hardscaping in Boston, MA, requires proper foundational work to prevent shifting during the winter freeze-thaw cycles. Creating a durable gathering space with a patio installation costs $2,170 to $6,290. Erecting a retaining wall to manage soil and slopes requires an investment of $3,520 to $9,750.
Opting for drought-tolerant designs reduces your water usage and minimizes ongoing upkeep. While Boston, MA, receives ample precipitation, xeriscaping remains an excellent choice for low-maintenance, resilient yards. Laying down artificial grass costs $5 to $10 per square foot. Incorporating textured ground cover through rock and stone installation runs $15 to $30 per square foot.
Keeping your yard pristine requires regular attention long after the initial installation is complete. Routine upkeep in Boston, MA, prepares your property for the hot, humid summers and clears away debris after intense Nor'easters. Hiring a pro for routine lawn mowing costs $55 to $275 per service. Scheduling a comprehensive yard cleanup is a flat one-time cost of $210 to $1,090. Factoring in the lawn aeration price alongside your standard maintenance budget keeps your grass healthy year-round.
| Yard Maintenance | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn mowing | $55–$275 per service | $50–$250 per service |
| Tree trimming | $295–$1,950 | $270–$1,800 |
| Flat rate | $55–$110 per hour | $50–$100 per hour |
| Yard cleanup | $210–$1,090 | $190–$1,000 |
Hiring a landscaping professional in Boston, MA, ensures your yard withstands harsh winters and humid summers. When budgeting for your project, you will pay $55 to $110 per hour for standard landscaping labor. If your property requires complex structural changes or specialized grading, hiring a landscape architect costs $75 to $110 per hour. Account for the 6.25% sales tax in Boston, MA, applied to any hardscaping materials, plants, or supplies your contractor purchases for the installation.
Before starting landscaping, confirm whether your project requires permits in your area and who is responsible for obtaining them. Permit requirements and costs vary by location, but most landscaping permits range from $500 to $2,750, depending on the scope of work and your local municipality. Working without the proper permits can lead to fines, project delays, or complications when selling your home. If you're hiring a landscaper, review your contract to ensure they will handle the permitting process and inspections. To verify permit requirements, visit your city or county's official building department website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Hiring a landscaping professional in Boston, MA, saves you hours of heavy yard work while adding lasting value to your property. We recommend bringing in an expert to safely operate heavy machinery and protect your physical well-being.
Experts understand the local New England climate and choose plants guaranteed to thrive in your soil.
Pros bring commercial-grade mowers, aerators, and grading tools to complete your project efficiently.
Contractors design cohesive layouts that prevent drainage issues and protect your foundation from water damage.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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I was looking for high quality and that is what I received. Painting surrounds your whole place, so always keep quality in mind. Ecopainting was very impressive with the details. They completed to scope and on time. Perfect!
California Pro Painting CorpMy experience with this company was great. Professional, timely and caring staff who went above and beyond to help me with my Landscaping goals! Will absolutely use them again in the future.
All Aligned LandscapingLegends of the game (landscape design and installation). Great value. Great teamwork. Great to deal with.
Urban Green Land EscapesWe worked with Edison from Madison Landscape Solutions recently and it was a great experience!! We needed a dry well diagnosed & likely replaced in the front garden at a brown stone in downtown Boston. From quote, to performing the work, to completion, it was a pleasure working with...
Madison Floral & Landscape SolutionsWe worked with Edison from Madison Landscape Solutions recently and it was a great experience!! We needed a dry well diagnosed & likely replaced in the front garden at a brown stone in downtown Boston. From quote, to performing the work, to completion, it was a pleasure working with Edison!...
Chris at Cedar Tree was amazing! They're responsive, efficient, cost-effective, and did an absolutely beautiful job on a very challenging landscape renewal. I'd highly recommend them, and I'm looking forward to working with them more in the future.
They do a good job. They did some landscaping for my home. Look forward to working with them again soon.
Mays Property ServicesI needed to install an awning on my second house and I contacted Italian pergola. The price I paid for the quality had no match. Job well done! Thank you guys
Italian Pergola & AwningsElmer and his crew response promptly and work on time and efficiently. Will hire them again for landscaping and masonry jobs.
Elmer's Landscaping and ConstructionThe 2 men did an excellent job in cleaning up my lawn. I definitely would recommend D Alas Landscaping.
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