Last Updated on March, 2025
Ever wondered, How long does landscaping typically take?
The answer varies depending on the landscaping project, its scope, and other various factors.
Whether you’re planning to create a simple garden or a complete transformation of your outdoor space, timelines range from a few days to several weeks or even a few months. Let’s explore how long it might take to turn your yard into the space of your dreams.
Quick Summary
- Simple landscaping tasks take a few days to a week, moderate projects like patios or walkways take a few weeks, and large-scale transformations may take several weeks to months.
- Project complexity, permitting processes, weather conditions, site preparation, and material availability are major factors influencing how long landscaping takes.
- Landscaping involves consultation, design, permits, site preparation, installation, and finishing touches, with delays minimized by planning ahead and sticking to readily available materials.
Time it Takes to Complete Landscaping
Simple Landscaping Jobs: A Few Days to a Week
For smaller tasks, like planting new plants, mulching, or creating a basic landscape design, the installation process might take only a few days. These kinds of projects are quick to complete because they don’t require heavy landscape construction or permits.
Adding a small retaining wall or refreshing an existing patio might stretch to about a week. These landscaping jobs are perfect if you want to spruce up your yard without too much cost or wait.
Moderate Landscaping Projects: A Few Weeks
When the scope of the project includes features like patios, walkways, or even an outdoor kitchen, you’ll need a few weeks. These projects require careful planning, as well as sourcing all the materials and ensuring a smooth installation process.
During this phase, your landscape designer will refine the initial design and oversee the work. If you want to add features like hardscape features or intricate water features, expect the timeline to grow slightly.
These projects usually involve varying factors, such as weather, site preparation, and utility installations, which can affect how long it takes to complete the entire landscaping process.
Large Landscaping Projects: Several Weeks to a Few Months
Dreaming of a big transformation?
Larger projects like custom landscape construction, pools, or large-scale water features can take several weeks to a few months. These designs often have multiple phases and require significant preparation and coordination.
For example, building an outdoor kitchen with plumbing and gas lines, along with a custom patio and decorative landscaping, might take six weeks or more.
These projects often involve excavating, grading the soil, and working with a team of professionals to ensure the best results.
If your budget allows, you can phase these projects over time to spread the cost and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Relevant guides:
Factors That Determine How Long Landscaping Takes
1. Project Scope
The size and complexity of the landscaping project are major factors. A simple garden refresh might only take a few days, while redesigning the entire yard with multiple features could take several weeks or a few months.
2. Permitting Process
If your project involves construction, you’ll likely need permits. The permitting procedure can take two weeks to six months, depending on local regulations and the scope of the project. Delays in permits can also push your schedule back.
3. Weather Conditions
Inclement weather is one of the most common reasons for delays. Rainy conditions can make the site muddy and difficult to work with, while extreme heat might halt outdoor activities.
It’s always smart to plan your project around predictable weather patterns, such as the summer season.
4. Soil and Site Preparation
Your soil plays a key role in the timeline. Poor soil may need amendments like compost or topsoil before planting. Grading and levelling the site also adds time to the process.
5. Materials and Features
Some materials take longer to source, especially if they’re custom-made or shipped from afar. If you’re adding unique hardscape features or rare plants, this can extend your timeline. On the other hand, opting for readily available materials can help things move faster.
6. Design Complexity
The initial landscape design and design phase can also affect how long the project takes. Simpler designs are quicker to execute, while detailed layouts with layered plantings, pathways, and custom features will take more time to complete.
Step-By-Step: The Landscaping Process
- Initial Consultation
Every project starts with an initial consultation. This is where you share your idea, budget, and goals for your outdoor space. Your landscape professional will help determine what’s possible within your schedule and cost.
- Design Phase
Next comes the design phase, where the landscape designer creates a detailed plan. This phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to six weeks, depending on the complexity. The better your initial design, the smoother the entire landscaping process will be.
- Permits and Approvals
For larger landscaping projects, permits might be necessary. The permitting process varies by location but can overlap with the design and planning stages to save time.
- Site Preparation
Once the permits are approved, the site is prepped. This includes clearing old landscaping, levelling the land, and preparing the soil for planting. Depending on the yard’s condition, this can take a few days to a few weeks.
- Installation Process
Now comes the fun part: the installation process. This stage covers everything from building patios and pathways to planting shrubs and flowers. Smaller jobs might take a week, but bigger ones with multiple features could take six weeks or more.
- Finishing Touches
The last step is adding decorative elements, like mulch, lighting, and edging. These final touches wrap up the entire process, and after a quick cleanup, your outdoor space is ready to enjoy.
How to Avoid Landscaping Delays?
- Plan Ahead: Start planning in the winter or early spring if you want your project completed during the summer.
- Be Honest About Your Budget: Discuss your budget during the initial consultation to avoid delays caused by last-minute changes.
- Stick to Available Materials: Using readily available materials can help you avoid unnecessary waiting.
- Stay Flexible: Unforeseen circumstances, like bad weather or back-ordered items, can happen. Be prepared to adjust your schedule.
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
If you’re tackling a small landscaping job, like planting plants or adding mulch, a DIY approach might work.
But for massive projects involving landscape construction, permits, or utilities, hiring a landscape professional is your best bet. They’ll manage the entire process and ensure everything is done right.
So, How Long Does Landscaping Typically Take to Complete?
The timeline depends on the scope of the landscaping project, the materials, and even the weather. Smaller projects can take a few days to a few weeks, while larger ones might stretch to several weeks or a few months.
Ready to transform your yard?
Give us a call to get started on your dream outdoor space today. Whether it’s a small refresh or a major landscaping project, we’ll help you create a space you’ll love without the dreaded sticker shock!
