Landscaping cost in Chico, CA
Chico homeowners typically pay $2,950 – $14,900 for landscaping. Local labor and materials price 1% below the national average.
Chico average
$7,450
Typical low
$2,950
Typical high
$14,900
Per square foot
$4 – $40
Sample ZIP
95926
What drives Chico pricing
Local labor
Licensed Chico contractors carry California workers' comp and prevailing wage pressure, and crews here quote roughly 1% below the national labor average. Demand in the Sacramento market peaks in spring, so booking early usually beats a rush premium.
Permits & code
Chico follows the California Building Standards Code, so most structural, electrical, plumbing and re-roof work needs a permit from the Chico building department plus Title 24 energy compliance. Sacramento-area jurisdictions add floodplain review in parts of the valley.
Climate & conditions
Chico sits in a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with wet winters, so expect heat-rated materials and exterior work scheduled outside the wet winter.
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Estimated project cost
$1,485 – $5,940
Most homeowners pay around $3,713
Compare type of work
Cost by material in Chico
Installed Chico pricing per square foot.
| Option | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Sod | $1 – $3 |
| Hydroseed / seed | $0 – $1 |
| Mulch beds | $2 – $6 |
| Gravel / xeriscape | $3 – $10 |
| Paver patio | $15 – $30 |
| Retaining wall | $25 – $59 |
Where the money goes in Chico
A typical $7,450 Chico project, broken down by line item.
- Labor45% · $3,353
- Plants and materials30% · $2,235
- Hardscape materials15% · $1,118
- Design, permits and disposal10% · $745
Common add-ons
Extras that show up on Chico quotes but rarely in the headline price.
Landscape lighting
Sprinkler system
Fire pit
Drainage / French drain
Mature tree planting
Per tree
Sod removal
Per square foot
Ways to save in Chico
- Phase the project: hardscape and grading first, plantings the following season.
- Use smaller plants — a 1-gallon shrub becomes a 5-gallon shrub in two years at a quarter of the price.
- Seed instead of sod where you can wait; the savings are dramatic.
- Do your own demo, mulching and cleanup and pay for skilled work only.
- Choose native plants to cut irrigation and replacement costs long term.
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