How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?
Updated March 2026 · Salt Lake City metro area · Based on BLS wage data and local market costs
Itemized Cost Breakdown
Estimated for Landscape project: 1 project · Mid-Range tier · Local cost index: 0.96x
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
Plants & trees Shrubs, perennials, ornamental trees, ground cover | $288 | $2,544 | $4,800 |
Mulch & soil Mulch, topsoil, compost, and amendments | $96 | $432 | $768 |
Sod or seed New lawn installation (sod or seed) | $192 | $1,056 | $1,920 |
Hardscaping Pavers, edging, retaining walls, stone features | $0 | $2,400 | $4,800 |
Irrigation Sprinkler system or drip irrigation install | $0 | $1,440 | $2,880 |
Grading & drainage Soil grading and drainage improvements | $192 | $816 | $1,440 |
Labor Landscape crew and design fees | $480 | $2,160 | $3,840 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,248 | $10,848 | $20,448 |
Costs adjusted for local market conditions. Actual prices vary based on project specifics, contractor, and material choices.
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View itemized breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Plants & trees | $288 | $4,800 |
| Mulch & soil | $96 | $768 |
| Sod or seed | $192 | $1,920 |
| Hardscaping | $0 | $4,800 |
| Irrigation | $0 | $2,880 |
| Grading & drainage | $192 | $1,440 |
| Labor | $480 | $3,840 |
| Total | $1,248 | $20,448 |
Estimates based on local cost data. Get quotes from licensed contractors for accurate pricing.
What Drives Landscaping Cost in Salt Lake City?
The average cost of landscaping in Salt Lake City, UT is $4,800 per project. Most homeowners pay between $960 and $14,400, 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 Salt Lake City earn an average of $22.6/hr — 1% below the national average. Labor typically accounts for 40-60% of total project cost.
Materials in UT are subject to 6.85% sales tax, which adds to the overall project cost. For a $4,800 project, expect roughly $132 in tax on materials alone.
Salt Lake City issued approximately 9,400 residential building permits in 2023, putting it in the mid-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 — Salt Lake City's cost index is 0.96x the national baseline
Best Time for Landscaping in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Construction season runs May through October. Winter ground freezing stops foundation and excavation work. The inversion season (winter smog) can delay some exterior finishing.
Best Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Lower demand often means better pricing and faster scheduling.
Peak Season (Higher Prices)
Dec, Jan, Feb
High demand can add 10-20% to project costs.
Monthly Weather in Salt Lake City
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg High | 37° | 43° | 54° | 62° | 73° | 84° | 93° | 91° | 80° | 65° | 49° | 37° |
| Avg Low | 21° | 25° | 33° | 39° | 48° | 57° | 65° | 64° | 53° | 41° | 30° | 21° |
| Rain (in) | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
Source: Open-Meteo historical data (2024)
Licensing & Permits in UT
Utah requires contractor licensing through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). General contractors, specialty contractors, and handyman exemptions for projects under $3,000.
Verify a contractor's license at Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
0How to Save Money on Landscaping
- Get at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors in Salt Lake City
- Schedule during off-peak months (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) for lower prices
- Clarify permit costs upfront — they vary by jurisdiction
- Consider mid-range materials for the best value-to-quality ratio
- Verify contractor licensing through Utah Division of Professional Licensing
- Ask about material package deals or contractor supplier discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does basic landscaping cost?
What is the cheapest landscaping option?
Does landscaping increase home value?
Landscaping Cost in Other Cities
Other Costs in Salt Lake City
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