Landscaping Pricing Guide for Wisconsin
How much does landscaping cost? It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the answer depends on the size of the project, site conditions, and the quality of materials and installation.
This landscaping cost guide is based on real projects completed by Boulder Ridge Landscaping for homeowners in Burlington, Waterford, Mukwonago, Rochester, East Troy, Franklin, Elkhorn, and Lake Geneva. These are realistic price ranges for professionally installed landscaping and hardscaping in southeastern Wisconsin, not generic national averages.
As a BBB-accredited business and Unilock Authorized Contractor, we price projects based on proper preparation, drainage, and construction standards that perform in Wisconsin’s climate. The ranges below are meant to help you plan, compare options, and budget with confidence.
Here’s what different investment levels can achieve:
Pre-Sale Curb Appeal & Clean Ups ($2,500 - $7,500)
This entry-level range is ideal for homeowners preparing to sell or those looking for a quick curb appeal refresh without major construction. We focus on cleanliness, color, and general repairs that make a strong visual impact.
Typical services in this range may include:
- Full-property landscape cleanup (pruning, edging, debris removal)
- Garden bed cleanup and seasonal planting
- Mulch installation for a uniform, polished look
- Minor outdoor lighting repairs
- Overgrown hedge trimming or plant removals
These projects are fast and effective, often completed in just a few days, and can make your home look cared-for and market-ready.
Mid-Range Landscaping ($7,500 - $25,000)
This budget range allows for meaningful upgrades that improve curb appeal, add structure and color, and correct common issues like drainage problems, uneven surfaces, or failing turf.
Projects in this range often include:
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- New sod installation or lawn renovation
- Garden bed redesign using native and ornamental plantings
- Decorative edging, curbing, or low garden walls
- Minor grading or targeted drainage improvements
- Paver restoration to relevel and refresh existing patios, walkways, or entry areas
- Smaller-scale paver work such as walkways, entry pads, or updated front steps
This tier is a good fit for homeowners who want to refresh their front yard, restore existing hardscape, or complete several moderate improvements without a full landscape overhaul.
Full Front Yard Redesign or Small Backyard Projects ($25,000 - $50,000)
In this range, we can begin integrating custom design, hardscape elements, and structural improvements for a complete transformation.
Typical projects may include:
- Custom planting plans with a mix of native, low-maintenance, or ornamental species
- Lawn replacement replacing an existing lawn that is brown, patchy, or overtaken by weeds
- Backyard paver patio with a basic outdoor kitchen
- Paver walkways, entry landings, or decorative retaining walls
- Drainage solutions like French drains, dry creek beds, or swales
This is a great budget for homeowners who want a cohesive, long-lasting upgrade to the front or side yard—and a touch of outdoor living design.
Landscape Transformations & New Construction Landscaping ($50,000 - $100,000+)
This investment level is for homeowners starting from scratch or looking to create a luxury outdoor living environment. With a detailed plan and the right materials, we can deliver an entire landscape package that enhances your home’s appearance, functionality, and long-term value.
Projects at this tier can include:
- Full property grading and lawn installation (sod)
- Large-scale planting designs with privacy screening and seasonal color
- Custom outdoor lighting
- Xeriscape design with native plants, stone groundcover, and water-wise planning
- Retaining walls to level slopes or define garden areas
- Integration with patios, fire features, and walkways (see our Hardscaping Pricing Guide for more detail)
This range is ideal for new construction homes, large properties, or homeowners planning a phased landscape build over time.
Luxury Landscaping for Estate Homes & Complete Property Renovations ($75,000 - $150,000+)
This investment range is ideal for large-scale front and backyard transformations on high-end or estate properties, including both new builds and renovations of aging landscapes.
With this level of investment, your landscape may include:
- A professionally designed master landscape plan for the entire property
- Paver driveway, custom walkway, and welcoming front landing
- Backyard patio or outdoor living space complete with a custom outdoor kitchen
- Garden bed construction and replanting, featuring native and ornamental species
- Privacy plantings and screening for pool areas or property borders
- Luxury poolside landscaping with integrated seating areas, accent lighting, and planting design
- Fire features or water features as statement pieces and gathering areas
This tier is tailored for discerning homeowners who want every element of their landscape to be thoughtfully designed, expertly built, and flawlessly integrated with the architecture and lifestyle of their home.
What Affects the Cost of Landscaping
Landscaping costs vary based on your property, design goals, and site conditions. These are the main factors that influence pricing for projects in the Burlington area and surrounding communities.
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- Plant and material selection – Native plants and standard mulch options are typically more affordable, while mature trees, specimen plantings, decorative stone, and premium materials increase cost
- Site conditions and preparation – Grading, clay-heavy soils, drainage issues, slopes, and overgrown areas common in southeastern Wisconsin can add labor and preparation time
- Project size and complexity – Small front yard updates cost less than multi-area projects involving front, side, and backyard spaces with detailed planting layouts
- Enhancements and special features – Add-ons like privacy hedges, rain gardens, dry creek beds, lighting, or irrigation increase cost but often improve long-term function and value
Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and ensures your landscaping investment is planned with performance and longevity in mind.
Why Landscaping Prices Vary So Much in Wisconsin
When you start comparing landscaping estimates in southeastern Wisconsin, it’s common to see wide price differences for work that looks similar on paper. While material costs are fairly consistent, pricing usually comes down to labor quality, planning, and long-term accountability.
Why Some Contractors Charge Less
Lower bids often mean corners are being cut somewhere. Common reasons include:
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- Inexperienced labor – Poor plant placement, skipped soil prep, and drainage problems that lead to early failure
- No real design or planning – Generic layouts with plant choices that struggle in Wisconsin soil and sun conditions
- Shortcuts during installation – Minimal grading, no soil amendments, and improper planting depth
- No warranty or follow-up – Once the job is done, support often disappears
- Limited stability – Smaller or uninsured operations that may not be around if problems arise
We’re frequently called to repair or replace landscapes that were installed cheaply but not correctly the first time.
Why Some Contractors Charge More
Higher prices can sometimes reflect added value, but not always. Here’s what may be behind them:
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- High overhead – Large companies with heavy marketing and administrative costs passing those expenses on to clients
- Unnecessary materials – Exotic plants or premium products that don’t always perform better in Wisconsin conditions
- Complex project scope – Multi-area designs, drainage engineering, or specialty features that require more planning and skilled labor
How Boulder Ridge Landscaping Prices Projects
At Boulder Ridge Landscaping, we focus on honest pricing tied to real work, not inflated margins. Our estimates account for proper grading, soil preparation, drainage, and installation methods that hold up in Wisconsin’s climate. We also help homeowners visualize and plan their projects clearly using our AI landscape visualizer, which allows you to explore layouts, features, and rough budget ranges before committing.
That clarity helps avoid surprises, aligns expectations early, and leads to better results.
A Fair Price for Work Done Right
We’re not the cheapest option, but we’re committed to doing the work correctly the first time. Our pricing reflects experience, planning, and long-term performance, so your landscape looks good now and continues to perform for years to come.
If you’re comparing estimates and want help understanding what you’re really getting, we’re happy to walk you through the differences and help you make an informed decision.
