Landscaping Pricing Guide for Salt Lake City, Utah
Whether you are upgrading your front yard, building a new patio, or planning a complete outdoor renovation, having a clear understanding of landscaping costs is the right place to start. At SLC Lawn Services, we work with homeowners throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding communities to design and build landscapes that are practical, durable, and suited to Utah’s climate.
With ongoing water conservation efforts and programs like Utah’s Flip Your Strip initiative encouraging the replacement of high-water turf, many projects today include xeriscaping, irrigation upgrades, and more efficient layouts. We help homeowners evaluate those options alongside patios, retaining walls, sod installation, and drainage improvements so the investment makes sense both financially and long term.
As a licensed and insured local contractor, our focus is on proper site preparation, solid base construction, and materials that hold up to freeze-thaw cycles and summer heat. Every estimate is built around real site conditions, not rough guesswork.
Below is a general breakdown of what different investment ranges can typically accomplish in the Salt Lake City area:
Pre-Sale Curb Appeal & Clean Ups ($2,500 - $7,500)
This entry-level investment range works well for homeowners getting ready to list their property or simply wanting a noticeable improvement without major construction. The focus is on cleaning up, sharpening details, and addressing visible problem areas that affect first impressions.
Typical services in this range may include:
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- Complete property landscape cleanups including pruning, edging, and debris removal
- Garden bed refreshes and seasonal planting updates
- New mulch or decorative rock installation for a clean, consistent finish
- Minor irrigation adjustments and small landscape lighting repairs
- Trimming or removal of overgrown shrubs and unwanted plant material
Projects at this level are typically completed within a few days and can quickly improve the overall appearance of the property, making it look maintained, organized, and ready for showings.
Mid-Range Landscaping ($7,500 - $25,000)
This investment range allows for more substantial upgrades that enhance both performance and curb appeal. Many homeowners in the Salt Lake City area use this level to modernize aging landscapes, improve irrigation efficiency, and start reducing high-water turf in response to seasonal watering restrictions and water conservation goals.
At this stage, projects often combine softscape improvements with light hardscape additions to create a more defined, functional layout while keeping the scope manageable.
You might choose:
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- New sod installation or partial lawn renovation
- Landscape bed redesign with drought-tolerant or low-water plantings
- Decorative edging, curbing, or low retaining walls
- Landscape lighting installation for walkways and focal areas
- Drainage corrections or light grading adjustments
This tier is a practical option for homeowners who want noticeable improvements, better water efficiency, and a more cohesive design without committing to a full-scale renovation.
Full Front Yard Redesign or Small Backyard Projects ($25,000 - $50,000)
At this investment level, projects move beyond simple updates and into coordinated redesigns that combine hardscaping, planting, and structural improvements. Many Utah homeowners use this range to reduce high-water turf due to summer watering restrictions and to participate in programs like Utah’s Flip Your Strip initiative.
Typical projects may include:
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- Custom planting plans with drought-tolerant and native species
- Lawn replacement or partial xeriscape conversion
- Paver patios and outdoor living additions
- Paver walkways and decorative retaining walls
- Landscape lighting systems and upgraded drainage solutions
This range is ideal for homeowners seeking a cohesive upgrade that improves function while reducing long-term water use and maintenance.
Landscape Transformations & New Construction Landscaping ($50,000 - $100,000+)
This investment level is ideal for homeowners starting from scratch or planning a comprehensive outdoor upgrade. With a clear design and proper preparation, we can deliver a complete landscape that improves function, reduces water use, and adds long-term value.
Projects at this tier can include:
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- Full property grading and sod installation or yard layout
- Structured planting plans with privacy trees and seasonal color
- Xeriscape conversions aligned with Utah water conservation goals
- Retaining walls, patios, and connected hardscape features
This range works well for new construction, larger properties, or phased landscape builds, especially when reducing turf through programs like Flip Your Strip.
Luxury Landscaping for Estate Homes & Complete Property Renovations ($75,000 - $150,000+)
This investment level is intended for full-property transformations where the landscape is redesigned to match the scale and quality of the home. These projects often accompany new construction or major exterior renovations.
With this level of investment, your landscape may include:
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- A cohesive property-wide master plan connecting front and backyard spaces
- Expanded outdoor living patios, custom walkways, and upgraded hardscape features
- Layered planting designs with privacy trees and structured layouts
- Engineered retaining walls to terrace slopes and define usable areas
- Integrated shade structures, lighting systems, and focal features like fire elements
The result is a unified outdoor environment built for long-term durability, Utah’s climate conditions, and everyday use.
What Impacts the Cost of Landscaping in Salt Lake City?
Landscaping costs can vary from property to property. Knowing what drives pricing helps you set realistic expectations and prioritize the features that matter most for your home and budget.
1. Planting & Material Choices
The selection of plants, trees, turf, decorative rock, pavers, and other materials plays a major role in overall cost. Drought-tolerant and native plantings are often more efficient long term, while large-caliper trees, specialty stone, and premium hardscape materials increase investment.
2. Existing Site Conditions
Grading issues, compacted clay soil, drainage problems, or removal of old concrete and overgrown landscaping can add labor and equipment time. In Utah, freeze-thaw cycles and water management requirements often mean additional preparation before installation begins.
3. Scope & Design Detail
A small planting bed update is very different from a full front and backyard renovation. Projects that include patios, retaining walls, lighting systems, irrigation upgrades, and coordinated planting plans require more design work and construction time.
4. Added Features & Water-Wise Upgrades
Enhancements such as outdoor lighting, expanded hardscape areas, shade structures, or xeriscape conversions in line with Utah’s water conservation efforts can raise the overall investment. These additions often improve long-term durability, reduce maintenance, and increase property value.
If you want to schedule an estimate for your brick or paver construction project then please give us a call (801) 637-8931 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.
Why Landscaping Quotes Can Vary from One Contractor to Another
As you gather estimates in the Salt Lake City area, you may notice a wide range of pricing for projects that seem similar on the surface. It is reasonable to ask why one proposal is significantly higher or lower than another.
In most cases, core material costs such as plants, sod, pavers, and decorative rock are fairly consistent. The difference usually comes down to installation standards, site preparation, design planning, experience, and long-term accountability.
Why Some Landscaping Contractors Come in Lower
Minimal Site Preparation
Lower bids often reduce excavation depth, base material, soil amendments, or drainage work. In Utah’s clay soils and freeze-thaw conditions, skipping these steps can lead to settling patios, struggling plants, or water issues down the road.
No Clear Design Plan
Without a defined layout or planting strategy, projects can lack structure and long-term performance. Proper planning takes into account sun exposure, irrigation efficiency, slope, and water conservation practices, especially with local watering restrictions.
Unlicensed or Uninsured Operations
Some lower-cost contractors are not properly licensed or insured. That may reduce their overhead, but it increases your risk if something goes wrong.
Limited Warranty or Follow-Up
If there is no workmanship guarantee or follow-up support, repairs or plant replacements may become your responsibility shortly after installation.
Why Some Landscaping Contractors Charge More
Higher Overhead Structures
Large companies with extensive administrative teams, showrooms, and advertising budgets may carry higher operating costs. Those expenses are often reflected in their pricing.
Premium Materials or Specialty Features
Certain projects call for upgraded pavers, advanced lighting systems, or engineered drainage solutions. These elements can legitimately increase the overall investment when they are part of the design.
Detailed Planning & Engineering
Comprehensive landscape designs, complex grading adjustments, retaining walls, or large-scale xeriscape conversions aligned with Utah’s water conservation programs require more technical planning and skilled labor.
A Practical Approach to Pricing
At SLC Lawn Services, our pricing reflects the actual work required to build a landscape that performs well in Utah’s climate. We focus on proper preparation, durable materials, and clear communication throughout the project. We encourage homeowners to compare estimates carefully and make sure each proposal includes the same level of detail, preparation, and accountability.
Our goal is straightforward: complete the project correctly the first time so you can enjoy your landscape for years without unnecessary repairs.
Our Clients Love Us!
Here's What They Say
RatingWilliam was responsive and got a quote out to me quickly. The price was reasonable so I had them zero scape my park strip. They got it all done in a day and it looks great.
I'm so glad called SLC Lawn Services for a quote on a new sprinkler system! They came out that day and I had the estimate by the end of the day. They had the best price and availability for my schedule. They brought a big crew and had the whole front & back yard done in a couple days. They are my new favorite! Definitely recommend.
Team showed up ahead of schedule and did a great job. William was easy to get in contact with and responded quickly to all questions and needs.
They did my entire yard and new sprinkler system. Great professional work.
We hired SLC lawn services for the retaining wall, sprinkler, and sod installation in our backyard. It turned out very well! William is easy to talk with and his crew is friendly.
2019/20 was our first year to use SLC for our neighborhood private road snow removal (10 houses). We found William and his crew to be professional, timely and good value for money. We would certainly recommend their service.
I found these guys on google in spring 2016. These guys are like clockwork. They have come to both of my homes without fail. April 2017, I called them up and like clockwork they come in and take care of my lawn. These guys really have been great! **May 2020, I still stand by my 5 Stars for these guys. They have taken care of our lawn since 2016. These guys have also come to do spring clean-up. You cannot go wrong with these guys!
I have used SLC Lawn Services to fertilize, aerate and cut my lawn for over five years. They consistently exceed my expectations with the quality of work performed. I wouldn't go any where else!
