How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Charlotte, NC?

Updated March 2026 · Charlotte metro area · Based on BLS wage data and local market costs

Charlotte Average Cost (per project)

Low

$940

Average

$4,700

High

$14,100

BudgetMid-RangePremium

Itemized Cost Breakdown

Estimated for Landscape project: 1 project · Mid-Range tier · Local cost index: 0.94x

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Plants & trees Shrubs, perennials, ornamental trees, ground cover	$282	$2,491	$4,700
Mulch & soil Mulch, topsoil, compost, and amendments	$94	$423	$752
Sod or seed New lawn installation (sod or seed)	$188	$1,034	$1,880
Hardscaping Pavers, edging, retaining walls, stone features	$0	$2,350	$4,700
Irrigation Sprinkler system or drip irrigation install	$0	$1,410	$2,820
Grading & drainage Soil grading and drainage improvements	$188	$799	$1,410
Labor Landscape crew and design fees	$470	$2,115	$3,760
Total Estimated Cost	$1,222	$10,622	$20,022

Costs adjusted for local market conditions. Actual prices vary based on project specifics, contractor, and material choices.

Cost Calculator

Adjust project size and material tier to estimate your cost.

Landscape project

Material Tier

Your Estimated Cost

Low

$1,222

Average

$10,622

High

$20,022

View itemized breakdown

Item	Low	High
Plants & trees	$282	$4,700
Mulch & soil	$94	$752
Sod or seed	$188	$1,880
Hardscaping	$0	$4,700
Irrigation	$0	$2,820
Grading & drainage	$188	$1,410
Labor	$470	$3,760
Total	$1,222	$20,022

Estimates based on local cost data. Get quotes from licensed contractors for accurate pricing.

What Drives Landscaping Cost in Charlotte?

The average cost of landscaping in Charlotte, NC is $4,700 per project. Most homeowners pay between $940 and $14,100, depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and contractor experience.

Professional landscape design and installation including plants, hardscaping, grading, and irrigation.

Local Labor Costs

Construction workers in Charlotte earn an average of $22.15/hr — 3% below the national average. Labor typically accounts for 40-60% of total project cost.

Materials in NC are subject to 7.25% sales tax, which adds to the overall project cost. For a $4,700 project, expect roughly $136 in tax on materials alone.

Charlotte issued approximately 24,100 residential building permits in 2023, putting it in the upper range of US construction markets. High permit activity can mean busier contractors and longer wait times for scheduling.

Factors That Affect Cost

Yard size
Design complexity
Plant selection
Hardscaping elements
Irrigation needs
Drainage requirements
Soil conditions
Contractor experience — Established contractors with strong reviews may charge 10-20% more
Local cost of living — Charlotte's cost index is 0.94x the national baseline

Best Time for Landscaping in Charlotte

Charlotte has four distinct seasons with mild winters and warm summers. Spring and fall are ideal for most projects. Brief winter freezes can delay concrete and masonry work.

Best Months

Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Lower demand often means better pricing and faster scheduling.

Peak Season (Higher Prices)

Jan, Feb, Jul

High demand can add 10-20% to project costs.

Monthly Weather in Charlotte

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High	51°	55°	63°	73°	80°	87°	91°	89°	83°	73°	62°	53°
Avg Low	31°	33°	40°	49°	57°	66°	70°	69°	62°	50°	40°	33°
Rain (in)	3.5	3.3	4	3.1	3.6	3.7	3.9	3.7	3.5	3.3	3.1	3.4

Source: Open-Meteo historical data (2024)

Licensing & Permits in NC

North Carolina requires a general contractor license for projects over $30,000. Licensed through the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. Specialty trades have separate licensing.

Verify a contractor's license at NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.

In NC, a contractor license is required for projects over $30,000. Always verify before hiring.