How much does landscaping cost in Portland, ME?

Most Portland homeowners spend between $3,400 – $17,100 on landscaping, with an average around $8,550. Local labor prices 14% above the national average, so Portland quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is landscaping more or less expensive in Portland than elsewhere?

Licensed trade labor in Portland runs about 114% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer. Maine weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Portland and why.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Portland, Maine?

Most Portland, ME projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Portland?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Maine contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Portland metro market.

How much does landscaping cost?

$3,000 to $15,000 for a typical yard project. A general rule is budgeting 5% to 10% of your home value for full landscaping.

What is the cheapest way to landscape a yard?

Mulched beds with young native plants and seeded lawn. That approach can transform a yard for $1,000 to $3,000.

Does landscaping increase home value?

Quality landscaping typically returns 100% or more of its cost and measurably speeds up a sale.

Sod costs $1 to $3 per square foot and looks finished immediately. Seed costs pennies per square foot but takes a full season.

How much is a paver patio?

$15 to $30 per square foot installed, so $4,500 to $9,000 for a typical 300 square foot patio.

When is the best time to landscape?

Early spring and fall for plantings. Hardscape can be built any time the ground is not frozen, and off-season booking often saves 10% to 15%.

Home/Cost guides/Landscaping/Portland, ME

Portland metro · Maine

Landscaping cost in Portland, ME

Portland homeowners typically pay $3,400 – $17,100 for landscaping. Local labor and materials price 14% above the national average.

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Portland average

$8,550

Typical low

$3,400

Typical high

$17,100

Per square foot

$5 – $46

Sample ZIP

What drives Portland pricing

Local labor

Licensed trade labor in Portland runs about 114% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer.

Permits & code

Most Portland, ME projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not.

Climate & conditions

Maine weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Portland and why.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Area to landscape1,500 square feet

Type of work

Site conditions

Irrigation

Design services

Estimated project cost

$1,710 – $6,840

Most homeowners pay around $4,275

Compare type of work

Cost by material in Portland

Installed Portland pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Sod	$1 – $3	Instant lawn	Needs heavy watering to establish
Hydroseed / seed	$0 – $1	Cheapest lawn by far	Weeks to months to fill in
Mulch beds	$2 – $7	Cheap, retains moisture	Refresh annually
Gravel / xeriscape	$3 – $11	No irrigation, low upkeep	Hot underfoot, weeds
Paver patio	$17 – $34	Durable and repairable	Base prep is the hidden cost
Retaining wall	$28 – $68	Solves grade problems, adds usable yard	Engineering required over 4 feet

Where the money goes in Portland

A typical $8,550 Portland project, broken down by line item.

Labor45% · $3,848
Plants and materials30% · $2,565
Hardscape materials15% · $1,283
Design, permits and disposal10% · $855

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Portland quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Landscape lighting

$2,300 – $6,850

Sprinkler system

$2,850 – $7,400

Fire pit

$910 – $5,700

Drainage / French drain

$1,700 – $6,850

Mature tree planting

Per tree

$340 – $2,850

Sod removal

Per square foot

$1 – $3

Ways to save in Portland

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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More Portland research

Best landscaping companies in Portland Landscaping permits in Maine Landscaping near me All Maine prices

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Other project costs in Portland

Fence Installation in Portland

$1,710 – $4,560

Roof Replacement in Portland

$9,690 – $38,760

Kitchen Remodel in Portland

$20,520 – $108,300

HVAC Replacement in Portland

$6,270 – $20,520

Deck Building in Portland

$5,016 – $13,680

Window Replacement in Portland

$513 – $1,710

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