This isn't a cost. It's an investment.
The figures on this page are real and we don't hide them — that's how AE operates. Treat them as planning ranges, not a site-specific quote. Your actual scope and price depend on design, site conditions, materials, and the work each written proposal includes.
When you compare proposals, compare what each includes — the scope, the materials, the exclusions, the warranty terms, and how changes are handled — not just the price tag. A lower total can reflect different scope, so ask each builder to clarify the differences.
Landscape Design Cost in Arizona — 2026.
Real Phoenix-metro ranges for landscape design and full design-build, from a Peoria-based team that has designed and installed thousands of Valley yards. Published pricing for both the design-only deliverable and the full build.
Educational estimate, not a quote. Ranges shown are Arizona-market planning estimates. Final pricing depends on site access, size, materials, engineering, drainage, utilities, permits, equipment access, existing conditions, and final scope. Binding pricing is only valid in a written proposal signed by an AE representative.
- AZ ROC 211530 · 347738 · 341002 · 340966
- Arizona-built since 2005
- President, Southwest Hardscapes Association
By deliverable (typical residential project)
- Design-only consultation (1–2 hour walkthrough, no plan deliverable): $350 – $850
- Full landscape design plan (printable, yours to build with anyone): $850 – $2,500
- Design plan + 3D rendering + plant palette document: $2,500 – $8,500
- Design + build (typical Valley front yard, full scope): $12,000 – $45,000
- Design + build (typical Valley backyard, full scope): $18,000 – $85,000
- Design + build (full property transformation, front and back): $35,000 – $185,000+
By project component (built into design + install)
- Irrigation re-zoning to separate plant-type schedules: $850 – $3,500
- Subsurface drip retrofit for existing landscape: $2,500 – $8,500
- Caliche remediation (per planting hole): $85 – $220
- Soil amendment and compost integration (per cubic yard): $95 – $180
- Low-voltage LED landscape lighting (per zone): $1,200 – $4,800
- Specimen tree (24-inch box, installed with caliche prep): $480 – $1,400
- Mature specimen tree (36-inch box+, installed): $1,400 – $4,500
- Boulder placement (per ton, includes equipment): $250 – $650
- Decomposed granite ground cover (per 100 sq ft installed): $180 – $380
Want a number for your own property?
Tell us the space and we'll come back with a real range for your site — no pressure, no "call for pricing."
What's included in AE's per-project price
- Site survey, soil test, caliche depth check, and existing-irrigation audit.
- Plant palette from AE-recommended species — what we warranty.
- Irrigation design and install with separate zones by plant type.
- Caliche remediation where present, with gravel drain chimneys at each hole.
- Soil amendment and proper backfill at each planting.
- Low-voltage lighting plan and install where included in scope.
- Photo-and-spec planting plan document for future-owner reference.
- AE workmanship warranty and plant-establishment guarantee (terms vary by species).
What drives the price up
- Caliche depth and remediation extent (some lots are caliche-heavy).
- Mature specimen trees (24-inch box and above) vs. 5-gallon establishment plants.
- Hardscape integration — boulders, dry creek beds, paver edging, retaining walls.
- Low-voltage lighting density and zone count.
- Complete irrigation system replacement vs. tune-up of existing.
- Removal and disposal of existing failed landscape.
What drives the price down
- Starting with 5-gallon plants and allowing 2–3 seasons for establishment vs. 24-inch box at install.
- Keeping existing irrigation backbone and re-zoning vs. full replacement.
- Phasing the install — front yard year 1, backyard year 2.
- Decomposed granite ground cover vs. extensive low groundcover plantings.
- AE-recommended plant palette only — no special-order or exotic species.
Common questions.
Plan before you sign anything.
Ready to plan your landscape project?
Tell us how you want to use the yard, what is already there, and which areas you want to improve. An AE team member reviews your request during normal business operations and follows up with the next step. Final pricing is confirmed in a written proposal after site review.
Plan My Landscape ProjectWhy this is an investment, not a cost.
An AE backyard is engineered to add daily livability and long-term home value. We publish honest ranges and build to code with a licensed and bonded Arizona crew. AE provides project-specific workmanship and manufacturer-warranty information in the signed agreement. Website summaries are for planning only.
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Arizona. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21). Most Arizona contracting work valued at $1,000 or more — or requiring a permit — must be performed by a properly licensed contractor, subject to statutory exemptions. Verify the legal entity, license status, and classification with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Real ranges, itemized scope. You see materials, finishes, equipment models, and a line-item budget before you sign — not a one-line "pool — $90,000."
Plan your investment with a designer.
Five minutes, a real range, and no sales pressure. Or vet any Arizona contractor (us included) before you spend a dollar.