💰 Quick Answer
How much does landscaping cost in San Francisco?
Average Project Costs:
- • Basic design & install: $5,000-$15,000
- • Mid-range renovation: $15,000-$30,000
- • Complete makeover: $30,000-$75,000+
Cost Per Square Foot:
- • Basic landscaping: $5-$10/sq ft
- • Mid-range: $10-$20/sq ft
- • High-end: $20-$50+/sq ft
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Landscape Design Costs
| Service | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $0-$200 | Site visit, basic recommendations |
| Basic Design Plan | $500-$1,500 | 2D drawings, plant list, basic layout |
| Detailed Design | $1,500-$3,000 | 3D renderings, detailed plans, materials specs |
| Full Design Package | $3,000-$10,000+ | Complete plans, irrigation, lighting, hardscape |
Installation Costs by Service
| Service | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Installation | $2-$4/sq ft | Sod, soil prep, grading |
| Lawn Removal | $1-$2/sq ft | Includes disposal, soil amendment |
| Plant Installation | $3-$8/sq ft | Includes plants, soil, mulch, planting |
| Drip Irrigation System | $2,000-$5,000 | Complete system for avg yard |
| Sprinkler System | $2,500-$6,000 | Automated system with timer |
| Retaining Wall | $25-$75/sq ft | Material dependent (wood/stone/concrete) |
| Patio Installation | $15-$50/sq ft | Pavers, concrete, or flagstone |
| Deck Installation | $30-$75/sq ft | Wood or composite materials |
| Outdoor Lighting | $2,000-$8,000 | Path, accent, and security lighting |
| Tree Planting | $150-$1,500/tree | Size and species dependent |
Monthly Maintenance Costs
Basic Maintenance
$150-$250/month
- ✓ Lawn mowing (weekly)
- ✓ Edging and trimming
- ✓ Basic pruning
- ✓ Leaf cleanup
- ✓ Irrigation checks
Best for: Small yards (under 2,000 sq ft)
Full-Service Maintenance
$250-$600/month
- ✓ Everything in Basic
- ✓ Fertilization & feeding
- ✓ Seasonal plantings
- ✓ Mulch refresh
- ✓ Pest control
- ✓ Detailed pruning
Best for: Larger properties, high-end landscapes
Real Project Examples
Small Front Yard Makeover
$6,500Size: 600 sq ft | Neighborhood: Noe Valley
Removed 400 sq ft lawn, installed drought-tolerant garden with California natives, drip irrigation, decomposed granite pathways, and landscape lighting.
Breakdown:
- • Lawn removal: $500
- • Soil amendment: $400
- • Plants (20 natives): $800
- • Drip irrigation: $1,500
- • Pathways & mulch: $1,200
- • Lighting: $800
- • Labor & design: $1,300
Complete Backyard Renovation
$38,000Size: 1,500 sq ft | Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
Full backyard transformation with patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, custom planting beds, automated irrigation, and landscape lighting.
Breakdown:
- • Design & permits: $3,500
- • Demolition & grading: $4,000
- • Paver patio (400 sq ft): $12,000
- • Outdoor kitchen: $8,000
- • Fire pit: $2,500
- • Planting & irrigation: $4,500
- • Lighting system: $3,500
Cost Factors Specific to San Francisco
Why SF Costs More
- Higher labor costs: SF has some of the highest landscape labor rates in California ($50-$100/hour vs $30-$60 elsewhere)
- Difficult access: Many SF properties have limited street parking, steep slopes, or narrow side yards requiring hand-carrying materials
- Permit requirements: SF has strict regulations for hardscaping, grading, and tree work
- Material costs: Higher delivery fees and limited storage increase costs 10-20%
- Microclimates: Diverse conditions require more plant variety and expertise
How to Save Money
1. Phase Your Project
Do hardscaping year 1, planting year 2. Saves 20-30% vs all at once.
2. Use Smaller Plants
1-gallon vs 5-gallon plants saves $5-20 each. They catch up in 1-2 years.
3. Get SFPUC Rebates
Up to $2,000 for lawn conversion, $150 for smart controllers. Free money!
4. DIY Maintenance
Handle mowing/weeding yourself, hire pros for technical work only.
5. Choose Drought-Tolerant
Native plants cost same upfront but save $600+/year in water & maintenance.
6. Off-Season Discounts
Book in winter (Nov-Feb) for 10-15% discounts during slow season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is landscaping tax deductible in San Francisco?
Answer: Generally no, unless it's for a business property. However, water-saving upgrades may qualify for SFPUC rebates (up to $2,000) and potential state tax credits.
Do I need permits for landscaping in SF?
Answer: Permits required for: retaining walls over 3ft, decks, structures, significant grading, and protected tree work. Most planting and irrigation doesn't need permits.
How much should I budget for a typical SF garden?
Answer: Budget $10-15/sq ft for mid-range work. A typical 1,000 sq ft yard costs $10,000-$15,000 for complete renovation including design, plants, irrigation, and hardscaping.
Get Accurate Pricing for Your SF Property
Every SF property is unique. Get a free, detailed estimate from our licensed landscape contractors. We'll visit your site, understand your vision, and provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.