Landscaping in St. Louis
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Typical price: $1,500–$50,000
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Landscaping prices in St. Louis
| 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
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.
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.
What's the difference between softscape and hardscape, and why does it matter for price?
Softscape is living material — turf, plants, trees, soil. Hardscape is built structure — patios, paths, walls, decks, pergolas. Hardscape typically costs 2-4x more per square metre because it involves excavation, sub-bases, and skilled construction. Shifting your design 20% from hardscape to planting is the single biggest lever for cutting a landscaping quote.
What maintenance does a new landscape need in year one?
The first year decides whether planting establishes: regular deep watering (especially trees and hedging), mulch top-ups, formative pruning, and quick replacement of failures. Many landscapers offer a 12-month establishment package or plant warranty conditional on documented watering. Budget 5-10% of project cost for year-one care, or the planting investment erodes.
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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