How much does landscaping cost in Seattle, WA?

Most Seattle homeowners spend between $3,850 – $19,200 on landscaping, with an average around $9,600. Local labor prices 28% above the national average, so Seattle quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

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

Seattle trade labor is among the most expensive in the country and books months ahead. Persistent rain demands drainage detailing, flashing and rot-resistant materials.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Seattle, Washington?

SDCI permits and inspections are required for most exterior and structural work. 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 Seattle?

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

Seattle · Washington

Landscaping cost in Seattle, WA

Seattle homeowners typically pay $3,850 – $19,200 for landscaping. Local labor and materials price 28% above the national average.

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Seattle average

$9,600

Typical low

$3,850

Typical high

$19,200

Per square foot

$5 – $51

Sample ZIP

98101

What drives Seattle pricing

Local labor

Seattle trade labor is among the most expensive in the country and books months ahead.

Permits & code

SDCI permits and inspections are required for most exterior and structural work.

Climate & conditions

Persistent rain demands drainage detailing, flashing and rot-resistant materials.

Instant cost calculator

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Area to landscape1,500 square feet

Type of work

Site conditions

Irrigation

Design services

Estimated project cost

$1,920 – $7,680

Most homeowners pay around $4,800

Compare type of work

Cost by material in Seattle

Installed Seattle pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Sod	$1 – $4	Instant lawn	Needs heavy watering to establish
Hydroseed / seed	$0 – $1	Cheapest lawn by far	Weeks to months to fill in
Mulch beds	$3 – $8	Cheap, retains moisture	Refresh annually
Gravel / xeriscape	$4 – $13	No irrigation, low upkeep	Hot underfoot, weeds
Paver patio	$19 – $38	Durable and repairable	Base prep is the hidden cost
Retaining wall	$32 – $77	Solves grade problems, adds usable yard	Engineering required over 4 feet

Where the money goes in Seattle

A typical $9,600 Seattle project, broken down by line item.

Labor45% · $4,320
Plants and materials30% · $2,880
Hardscape materials15% · $1,440
Design, permits and disposal10% · $960

Common add-ons

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

Landscape lighting

$2,550 – $7,700

Sprinkler system

$3,200 – $8,300

Fire pit

$1,000 – $6,400

Drainage / French drain

$1,900 – $7,700

Mature tree planting

Per tree

$385 – $3,200

Sod removal

Per square foot

$1 – $4

Ways to save in Seattle

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.

Seattle FAQs

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More Seattle research

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Landscaping cost near Seattle

Landscaping cost in Bellevue, WA

$3,970 – $19,800

Landscaping cost in Tacoma, WA

$3,459 – $17,250

Landscaping cost in Everett, WA

$3,549 – $17,700

Landscaping cost in Kent, WA

$3,579 – $17,850

Landscaping cost in Renton, WA

$3,609 – $18,000

More Washington cities

Spokane Vancouver Olympia

Other project costs in Seattle

Fence Installation in Seattle

$1,920 – $5,120

Roof Replacement in Seattle

$10,880 – $43,520

Kitchen Remodel in Seattle

$23,040 – $121,600

HVAC Replacement in Seattle

$7,040 – $23,040

Deck Building in Seattle

$5,632 – $15,360

Window Replacement in Seattle

$576 – $1,920

See every Seattle cost guide