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How should you budget for landscaping?

  • Writer: Terese quartier
    Terese quartier
  • May 14
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 21

Building Your Dream Landscape—Within Budget

Every great outdoor project starts with a realistic budget. Whether you’re redesigning your existing yard or starting fresh with new construction, understanding what to expect financially is key to a smooth and successful experience.

In Castle Rock, CO (80104) and surrounding areas—Parker, Larkspur, Franktown, Sedalia, and Castle Pines—landscaping costs vary by design goals, materials, and property size. But with careful planning and the right professional guidance, you can achieve a space that balances quality, beauty, and cost.

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Understanding the Average Landscaping Budget

A common rule of thumb for landscape design in Castle Rock is to allocate around 10% of your home’s value for a complete outdoor renovation when hiring a contractor.

That total typically includes:

  • Hardscaping (≈50%): Patios, pavers, concrete, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and water features.

  • Soft-scaping (≈50%): Plants, trees, irrigation, lighting, and turf installation.

Keep in mind that every property and design is unique, so costs can shift depending on your site conditions, materials, and desired features.


Step 1: Identify Essential Landscaping Elements

Before finalizing a budget, define the non-negotiables—the functional elements that make your space livable and lasting.

  • Irrigation Systems: Essential for plant health in Colorado’s dry climate.

  • Access Features: Walkways, pathways, and steps for safety and flow.

  • Year-Round Use: Do you want to host large gatherings, or create a private, tranquil space?

  • Outdoor Amenities: BBQ areas, fire pits, Jacuzzis, or shaded lounges can transform your space into an extension of your home.

  • Privacy & Ambience: Screening plants, fencing, or low-light designs for stargazing may also be priorities.

Pro Tip: A local Castle Rock landscape designer can help you identify which elements are essential and which can be phased over time to fit your budget.


Step 2: Define Your Design Style

Your style directly impacts your material choices and overall cost. Think about what inspires you when you look at landscape photos or outdoor spaces:

  • Modern: Clean lines, minimalism, and sleek materials like steel and concrete.

  • Natural/Colorado Rustic: Native plants, boulders, and wood elements that blend with the mountain landscape.

  • Cottage or Lush Gardens: Layered plantings, color, and texture for a softer, organic look.

  • Year-Round Color: Evergreen trees and shrubs to maintain visual appeal even through the winter.

Knowing your style helps your designer narrow down materials, plants, and layout ideas that complement both your home’s architecture and your lifestyle.


Step 3: Establish a Realistic Price Point

Once you have a vision, it’s time to decide how much you’re comfortable investing.

  • Invest Wisely: Quality craftsmanship lasts longer and prevents costly repairs.

  • Avoid Overspending: Focus on features you’ll actually use.

  • Collaborate: Share your ideas and dream features with your designer—they can help tailor your goals to fit your financial plan.

A professional Castle Rock landscape contractor can also help you phase your project—tackling essentials first, while leaving room to expand over time.


Step 4: Estimate Common Colorado Landscaping Costs

While prices fluctuate with market conditions, here’s a general guide for planning your Castle Rock landscaping budget:

Feature

Average Cost

Notes

Basic Ground Cover (rock, sod, mulch)

~$3 per sq. ft.

Does not include plants, irrigation, or patios.

Plants

Trees: $900–$1,200 each; Shrubs: $35–$85 each

Price depends on size, maturity, and nursery warranties.

Fencing

~$46 per linear foot

HOA rules may dictate height and materials—verify before installing.

Pools

$120,000–$170,000+

Costs vary by size, materials, and complexity—be cautious of low bids.

Pro Tip: Always confirm contractor reviews and licensing, especially for larger investments like pools or retaining walls.


Step 5: Plan Ahead for Your Ideal Timeline

If you want your yard ready for summer entertaining, start the design process early—ideally in January or February. This allows time for design revisions, permitting, material sourcing, and construction scheduling before peak season hits.


🌟 Smart Budgeting = Smart Design

Balancing beauty and budget is at the heart of great landscape design. By defining your priorities, understanding costs, and working with a trusted Castle Rock landscape design professional, you can create an outdoor space that enhances your home’s value and your quality of life.



📞 Ready to Start Your Landscape Project?

Let’s bring your dream yard to life—on budget and on schedule.

  • Call us: 720-740-0716


  • Schedule your consultation: In-person or virtual design sessions available


We proudly serve Castle Rock (80104) and nearby communities within 30 miles, including Parker, Larkspur, Castle Pines, Sedalia, Franktown, and Elizabeth.

Plan smart. Design beautifully. Build confidently—with the Colorado landscape experts who know how to make every dollar count.


 
 
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