How much does landscaping cost in Sacramento, CA?

Most Sacramento homeowners spend between $3,250 – $16,200 on landscaping, with an average around $8,100. Local labor prices 8% above the national average, so Sacramento quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

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

Sacramento labor is meaningfully cheaper than the Bay Area while material costs stay similar. Long hot summers raise demand for HVAC capacity and shade-tolerant finishes.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Sacramento, California?

City and county permits apply to most remodel, roofing and fence projects. 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 Sacramento?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured California contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Sacramento 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/Sacramento, CA

Sacramento · California

Landscaping cost in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento homeowners typically pay $3,250 – $16,200 for landscaping. Local labor and materials price 8% above the national average.

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Sacramento average

$8,100

Typical low

$3,250

Typical high

$16,200

Per square foot

$4 – $43

Sample ZIP

95814

What drives Sacramento pricing

Local labor

Sacramento labor is meaningfully cheaper than the Bay Area while material costs stay similar.

Permits & code

City and county permits apply to most remodel, roofing and fence projects.

Climate & conditions

Long hot summers raise demand for HVAC capacity and shade-tolerant finishes.

Instant cost calculator

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Area to landscape1,500 square feet

Type of work

Site conditions

Irrigation

Design services

Estimated project cost

$1,620 – $6,480

Most homeowners pay around $4,050

Compare type of work

Cost by material in Sacramento

Installed Sacramento 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 – $6	Cheap, retains moisture	Refresh annually
Gravel / xeriscape	$3 – $11	No irrigation, low upkeep	Hot underfoot, weeds
Paver patio	$16 – $32	Durable and repairable	Base prep is the hidden cost
Retaining wall	$27 – $65	Solves grade problems, adds usable yard	Engineering required over 4 feet

Where the money goes in Sacramento

A typical $8,100 Sacramento project, broken down by line item.

Labor45% · $3,645
Plants and materials30% · $2,430
Hardscape materials15% · $1,215
Design, permits and disposal10% · $810

Common add-ons

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

Landscape lighting

$2,150 – $6,500

Sprinkler system

$2,700 – $7,000

Fire pit

$865 – $5,400

Drainage / French drain

$1,600 – $6,500

Mature tree planting

Per tree

$325 – $2,700

Sod removal

Per square foot

$1 – $3

Ways to save in Sacramento

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.

Sacramento FAQs

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More Sacramento research

Best landscaping companies in Sacramento Landscaping permits in California Landscaping near me All California prices

Landscaping cost near Sacramento

Landscaping cost in Roseville, CA

$3,280 – $16,350

Landscaping cost in Elk Grove, CA

$3,220 – $16,050

More California cities

Los Angeles San Diego San Jose San Francisco Oakland Fresno Long Beach Anaheim

Other project costs in Sacramento

Fence Installation in Sacramento

$1,620 – $4,320

Roof Replacement in Sacramento

$9,180 – $36,720

Kitchen Remodel in Sacramento

$19,440 – $102,600

HVAC Replacement in Sacramento

$5,940 – $19,440

Deck Building in Sacramento

$4,752 – $12,960

Window Replacement in Sacramento

$486 – $1,620

See every Sacramento cost guide