How Much Should You Spend on Landscaping in Philadelphia and the Main Line?
What Does Landscaping Cost on the Main Line, Philadelphia, and the NJ Shore?
Spring is here. If you’re dreaming of a landscape full of flowering hydrangeas, native perennials, and layered plantings that support pollinators, welcome guests to your home, and look beautiful year round, it may be time to start planning your landscape renovation.
One of the most common questions we hear at Union Landscape Design is:
“How much should we expect to spend on landscaping?”
The answer depends on the size of the property, the scope of the work, and the types of plants being used, but there are helpful guidelines that can give homeowners a realistic starting point when budgeting for professional landscape design and installation.
A Helpful Landscaping Budget Framework
For homes along the Main Line, in Philadelphia, and at the NJ Shore, we often recommend thinking about landscaping as a percentage of your home’s value.
As a general rule, homeowners investing around 3% of their home’s value can often achieve a meaningful landscape refresh with foundation plantings, ornamental trees, and improved curb appeal.
Projects closer to 5% of a home’s value typically allow for a more comprehensive landscape design with layered shrubs, seasonal color, privacy screening, pollinator-friendly gardens, and stronger year-round structure.
At the 7% range and above, homeowners can often create a fully developed landscape experience with mature trees, extensive evergreen screening, specialty specimen plantings, and detailed outdoor garden spaces throughout the property.
What Factors Affect Landscape Pricing?
Every landscape installation project is unique, and several factors influence overall cost.
One of the biggest variables is the proportion of trees versus shrubs and perennials. Larger trees create immediate visual impact but can significantly increase project budgets depending on size and quantity.
Plant selection also matters. Evergreen landscapes generally cost more than landscapes focused primarily on deciduous plants because evergreens grow more slowly and are typically installed at larger sizes to create screening and structure.
Other factors that affect landscaping costs include:
Property size
Drainage and grading conditions
Accessibility for installation
Quantity of planting beds
Privacy screening needs
Use of native plants and pollinator gardens
Desired level of year-round interest
Why a Landscape Plan Makes the Process Easier
If planning a landscape renovation feels overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.
A thoughtful landscape design plan with clear visuals helps homeowners understand exactly what their future landscape can look like before installation begins. Professional landscape planning also creates a roadmap for budgeting, prioritizing projects, and making informed decisions about plant selection and long-term goals.
At Union Landscape Design, we believe good design reduces stress and helps homeowners move forward with confidence.
Landscaping Projects Can Be Phased Over Time
One of the biggest misconceptions about landscape renovation is that everything needs to happen at once.
In reality, many homeowners choose to phase landscape installation over multiple seasons or years. With a clear master plan in place, planting projects can move forward intentionally while staying aligned with financial goals.
A phased landscape approach allows homeowners to prioritize key planting areas first while maintaining a cohesive long-term vision for the property.
Beautiful landscapes are rarely created overnight. They develop thoughtfully over time through careful planning, strong plant selection, and intentional installation.
Landscape Design and Installation Packages
Union Landscape Design offers landscape design and planting packages tailored to properties throughout the Main Line, Philadelphia, and the NJ Shore.
Our Small Garden projects typically range from $5,000–$15,000 in installation costs and are ideal for focused foundation planting updates and smaller residential properties.
Medium Yard projects often range from $17,500–$27,500 and allow for more comprehensive planting plans with trees, shrubs, and layered perennial gardens.
Larger Home projects commonly range from $28,000–$45,000 and may include extensive screening, mature trees, and multiple planting zones throughout the property.
For larger properties and estate-scale landscapes, Custom Estate projects begin around $45,000 and are tailored to the unique goals and character of the home.
Start Planning Your Landscape
If you’ve been considering updating the landscape around your home, this is a great time to begin planning.
Whether you’re looking for a native planting design, pollinator-friendly landscape, evergreen privacy screening, or a complete landscape renovation, Union Landscape Design can help you create a landscape that feels intentional, timeless, and uniquely suited to your property.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and let’s start planning your perfect outdoor retreat.
Explore our Pricing Packages to see real examples and find the right starting point for your project.
— Union Landscape Design
