Landscaping in South Boston
Compare local landscaping pros in South Boston and get free quotes — no obligation, no call-backs you didn't ask for.
Typical price: $1,500–$50,000
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Landscaping prices in South Boston
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front yard refresh Beds, mulch, shrubs, and edging on an average front yard | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| New lawn (sod) installation Strip, grade, soil prep, and sod for an average yard area | $1,500 | $3,000 | $6,500 |
| Patio installation Excavation, compacted base, and pavers for a standard patio | $3,000 | $6,500 | $15,000 |
| Full backyard landscaping Design, hardscape, planting, lighting, and irrigation for a typical backyard | $8,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 |
| Retaining wall Engineered block or timber wall with drainage, typical residential run | $3,000 | $7,000 | $18,000 |
How to hire a landscaping pro in United States
- Check state contractor licensing: several states require a landscape contractor license for construction work (e.g., California's C-27); maintenance-only work usually doesn't need one
- Verify general liability insurance ($1M+) and workers' comp for crews
- Call 811 before any digging — the free national utility-locate service is legally required before excavation
- Check whether your project needs permits: retaining walls above certain heights, drainage changes, and structures commonly do; your city building department or the contractor should confirm
- In HOA neighborhoods, get architectural review approval before signing a contract
- Get 3 itemized bids specifying sub-base depths, material grades, and plant sizes
- Structure payments: 10-30% deposit, milestone draws, final on completion — never large sums upfront
US landscape construction licensing is state-by-state: California requires a C-27 landscape contractor license, and many states license contracting above dollar thresholds, while pure maintenance is generally exempt. Calling 811 for utility location before digging is required nationwide, and municipal permits commonly apply to retaining walls and drainage work.
Budgeting first?
See the full breakdown of what drives landscaping prices — job sizes, unit rates, and how to save.
Frequently asked questions
What deposit is normal for a landscaping project?
10-30% at signing is typical, often structured as deposit, staged payments at milestones, and a final payment on completion. Be wary of demands for 50%+ upfront — materials for early stages don't cost that. Never make the final payment before snagging is done and you've walked the finished job.
Does landscaping add value to a property?
Tidy, structured, low-maintenance landscaping consistently helps sale prices and time-on-market; overpersonalised or high-maintenance designs don't. The reliable value plays: healthy lawn or paved entertaining area, defined beds, screening for privacy, and solved drainage. If resale drives the project, spend on structure and simplicity, not exotic planting.
Should I phase a big landscaping project or do it all at once?
One mobilisation is cheaper per unit of work — machinery hire, waste logistics, and crew setup get amortised. But phasing spreads cash and lets you live with the garden before committing to later stages. If you phase: do groundworks, drainage, and irrigation conduits first, even for areas finished later. Retro-digging finished areas is the expensive mistake.
Is irrigation worth including in a landscaping project?
If your climate has a dry season, yes — and it must go in before paving and planting, not after. Drip irrigation to beds costs modestly during construction and multiples more retrofitted. In hot markets irrigation isn't optional; in temperate ones, at minimum lay conduit under any new hardscape so water and power can be added later.
How much does landscaping cost?
Landscaping is project work priced by scope, not time. The two big cost drivers are hardscape share (paving, walls, decking cost 2-4x planting per unit area) and access (tight access means hand-carrying materials). A planting-only refresh sits at the bottom of the range; a full redesign with paving, lighting, and irrigation sits at the top. Get itemised quotes so you can see where the money goes.
What does landscaping cost in the US?
Angi's 2026 data puts typical projects at $1,000-$14,000 with an average around $5,000-$8,500; full backyard remodels run $15,000-$50,000+. Per square foot: $4-$8 for planting-focused work, $8-$12 for balanced designs, $15-$30 for hardscape-heavy builds. Coastal metros run well above the national average.
Do I need a permit for landscaping work in the US?
Usually not for planting, turf, or low borders — but commonly yes for retaining walls above your city's height threshold (often 3-4 feet), significant grading or drainage changes, and any structures or electrical/gas lines (outdoor kitchens, lighting circuits). The contractor should pull permits; a contractor who suggests skipping them is transferring the risk to you.
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