Get matched with top landscapers in Milwaukee, WI

Before you begin landscaping with rocks, put down a weed barrier or landscape fabric to prevent pesky weeds from poking through. 

Buying plants from a nursery is one thing, but ensuring that they are properly planted is another. While you might not need to hire a landscaper for every plant that you buy from a nursery, it’s a great idea to have their expertise and experience to plant larger items, like burlapped trees or specialty plants like rose bushes. Even better, before making a trip to a nursery to buy new plants, consult a local landscaper to test your soil for pH levels, soil texture, and phosphorus and potassium levels to help determine the best plants for your area.

The average cost for landscaping is around $3,500, but prices can range from as low as $200 for simple DIY projects to $14,000 or more for extensive work. Several factors influence the final price, including your geographic location, yard size, project scope, chosen materials, site preparation, and the type of landscaping involved. Professional landscaper labor costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.

For a smaller budget, you can focus on softscaping projects like adding mulch, flowers, and shrubs, which might only cost a few hundred dollars if you do the work yourself. A budget of around $5,000 could cover projects like a simple patio, new plants and tree trimming, or a water feature. More extensive hardscaping projects, such as pergolas, patios, and walkways, can push the budget to $14,000 or more. For example, a flower bed installation averages between $800 and $3,000, while landscape lighting installation can cost from $2,000 to $6,000.

Landscape design can be a simple service that includes a drawing or visual representation of how your yard can be set up and optimized for your intended purposes. But it can also include all of the manual labor to make your vision a reality. When you speak with your landscape designer, ensure everyone understands the specific services you want. Some add-on services may include the following:

• Sourcing and delivery of raw materials

• Professional installation of features, including pergolas, decks, and pathways

• Drainage system design

• Recommendations for specific plants and trees