Real Landscape Budget Examples: What $50K–$400K Can Get You in the Diablo & Tri-Valley Area

Here’s a general breakdown of what different investment levels can cover when working with a skilled landscape designer and licensed installation team. Every design is customized, so these are simply examples. Materials, assets, and planting selections are fluid—not tied to any particular price tier.

Note: These price ranges are not guaranteed. They’re drawn from recent projects over the past few years in the Diablo and Tri-Valley Area and are intended to help you understand the general scope of work possible at each level. Final costs will vary based on your site conditions, materials, assets, and specific design choices.
Note: Larger lots or additional features will naturally increase costs at any tier.

Starting at ~$50K+ Landscape Installation

• (Planting/Softscape)
• Landscape for a typical suburban property — front yard, backyard, or whole property
• Usually, at this price point, homeowners are not adding significant amounts of hardscape
• Project might include:
  • Design ideas that improve the flow of the space
  • Powerwashing or minor repairs to existing hardscape
  • Grading, repairing fences, removal of old plants/trees
  • New softscaping (trees, plants, and groundcovers)
  • Brand new drip irrigation system
  • Low-voltage lighting
  • Add-on items many homeowners love that affect costs: extra pathways, shade structures, water features, fire tables, new mailboxes, dry creeks, large trees, furnishings

This tier is ideal for homeowners who already have nice hardscape — like patios, paths, or a driveway — but want something special in their landscaping that feels fresh, thoughtful, and current.

• Landscape design and installation across an entire property — often front, back, and side yards with multiple distinct zones
• Larger layout with integrated zones for dining, lounging, firepit, play, or gardens
• Upgraded hardscape finishes such as decorative concrete, large-format pavers, porcelain, or Techo-Bloc
• Integrated low-voltage lighting, drip irrigation, and smart irrigation controls
• Mature trees or custom planting zones with specialty soils or amendments
• Often includes:
• Small outdoor kitchen with BBQ, storage, or bar counter
• Fire feature, wall, or built-in seating
• Spa-ready electrical and pad placement
• Terracing or minor retaining walls
• Long walkways or extended driveways

3D design is especially useful here to help prioritize and visualize complex layouts before committing to final decisions or contractor quotes.

This tier is ideal for homeowners who want their property to feel completely reimagined — turning awkward or underused space into something beautiful and cohesive.