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. But we want to be honest about how to read them. Your landscape design and install isn't a line-item expense; it's an investment in your home's value, your family's daily experience, and a space you'll use for the next twenty to thirty years.
When you compare bids, compare what you're investing in — the spec, the crews, the warranty, the company that will still be standing in year ten — not just the price tag. The lowest bid is almost always the most expensive build over time.
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.
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
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.
Get a real number on your landscape design and install.
Tell us the square footage, the existing condition, and what you want the yard to do — we'll get you a realistic range with a phased plan within 48 hours.
Get My Landscape EstimateWhy 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."