Cause and Cost of landscaping for Your House and Lot

How much does landscaping cost in the Philippines

The Philippines has a mild climate all year, yet it may be scorching hot at times and extremely rainy at others. As Filipinos, we are also very much aware of the different beautiful landscapes and Given this climate, landscaping in the Philippines can be given consideration depending on your need and the priority of the homeowner. Whether you are a plantita, nature lover, or just someone who would like to do gardening for food security, the first step of course is to identify how much landscaping costs in the Philippines but before we go there, let us first identify what is it for us to have landscapes in our homes.

Read also: House Extension Ideas for Your Bria House and Lot

What are the Benefits of Landscaping?

1. Food Security

We’ve been informed for a long time about the advantages of planting our own garden and growing our own fruits and veggies. But have you seriously considered edible landscaping? Growing your own food is an easy method to relieve stress on your wallet, the environment, and your overall health. That may no longer be a novel concept for some of us. Experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) suggested and highlighted the benefits of edible landscaping for this will greatly help in our food security given the uncertainties of the Pandemic.

2. Improves air quality

Increasing the number of plants, grass, and trees on your property can assist to reduce the amount of dust and smoke in the air. Furthermore, more plants mean more sources of pure, fresh oxygen and less CO2. As a result, adding additional vegetation to your home through gardening and landscaping can make your outdoor areas much safer and more comfortable to be in.

3. Economic advantages

Did you know that hiring landscaping services in the Philippines might increase the value of your home? People adore homes and buildings with beautiful landscaping and outside elements. Buyers of houses and lots claim that if a commercial facility has superior landscaping, they are more likely to enjoy their visit, and they also claim to spend more money on goods and services.

Landscaping can help save money on electricity by eliminating the need for a humidifier. This moisture contributes to the building’s cooling effect. People can congregate in factories, malls, and offices, which all require a lot of air conditioning. The firm is likely to have significant electricity expenses. As a result, indoor gardening can help to minimize the need for air conditioning, lowering the power bill. Lighting utility expenditures can be reduced and maintained by placing indoor plants in areas with sufficient natural light. In hot weather, the interior landscape garden can lower the temperature and keep the premises cool organically.

Read Also: The Best Indoor Plants for The Plantito and Plantita

How much does landscaping cost in the Philippines?

Landscaping is popular among house and business owners who wish to improve the aesthetic of their property. Small jobs are frequently do-it-yourself undertakings. Most homeowners, however, hire professional landscaping contractors for big landscaping work.

There are numerous factors that influence the cost of a landscape design in the Philippines. The size of your property, the items you wish to incorporate in the design (patio, water feature, fire pit, arbor, outdoor kitchen, landscape lighting, etc.), and the fees paid by the landscape designer or landscape architect are just a few of them.

Cost of Landscaping through Local landscaping services

Here are some of the helpful guidelines that you need to take note of to know how much landscaping would cost if you are considering availing landscaping services:

1. Travel to the landscaping site

Ask your landscape architect to visit the area and measure the width and length to be landscaped. Given this measurement, they will calculate the cost of the mulch for the landscaping job. You may use this link for easy reference.

You may also ask your landscape architect to make a list of the spots that get sun and shade to figure out what plants you’ll need.

2. Consult for a Design and the calculation of the cost of the mulch for the landscaping job.

Local landscape architects follow a pricing schedule set by the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA), which varies depending on the magnitude and type of project. This determines how much each landscaping design cost in the Philippines.

Landscape design services typically account for 10-15% of the total project cost. The following is a typical payment breakdown:

  • 30% for preliminary design submission, 50% for final design, and a 20% retention payable upon project completion.
  • Professional fees cover expenditures such as site inspections, the cost of attending project meetings, overhead costs for document preparation, and staff wages
  • Members of the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects follow a predetermined fee structure for advisory and design services based on the scope and magnitude of the project. This guarantees that the client pays acceptable costs and that the professional is adequately compensated for services done.
  • Other, less obvious factors that influence the cost of your landscape design include your current space and features; the topography of your site; your location; if you have a site plan or other measurements of your property; the level of detail required on the plan; and the landscape designer’s or landscape architect’s expertise. In general, the more time and experience that goes into the planning and design of a landscape, the more money it will cost. Many people find it difficult to comprehend the amount of effort that goes into the landscape design. The total time it takes for your landscape plan to be completed could include time for the landscape designer or landscape architect to: take measurements and conduct a site analysis of the property; enter the property site measurements and notes into CAD to create a base plan (for a designer who does hand-drawings, this would be the time it takes to draw the base plan); and research property codes, setbacks, restrictions, and other factors.

3. Determine the cost of plants and of extra materials.

Tally the type and amount of each plant used in the landscaping project. Here are some Landscape Plants with Prices: 

  • Golden Miagos –Php 200.00
  • Eugenia Plant Orange – Php300.00
  • Thunbergia Vine – Php500.00
  • Golden Chinese bamboo plants – Php1,000.00
  • Philodendron Selloum “Selloum“ – Php150.00 
  • Garlic Vine – Php150.00
  • Pink Angel – Php100.00 Some Landscape
  • Sansevieria “Bacularis” Pl ant – Php100.00

*The costs shown are simply estimations. It is best to check current prices in stores. Different vendors might also be consulted and verified.

Tip: Ask the local landscaping service to write an itemized bid so that you know exactly how much of your money will be spent so that you can understand more the cost of your preferred landscape design. Ask also the local landscape architect to provide sketches of the landscaping project so that you can make adjustments before you start.

Read also: Affordable Landscaping Ideas for Your House and Lot

Cost of Landscaping through Do-it-yourself

Let’s face it: landscaping could be expensive. While it is crucial to keep the garden well-kept and attractive, the cost of doing so means that many gardens slip into disarray. Don’t allow yours be one of them, even if money is tight. There are numerous methods to breathe new life into your landscape without spending a fortune.

1. Finalize your budget

You can create your own tiny paradise for P5,000 or less, where you can meditate and care for your favorite plants. After you’ve completed your budget, decide where you want to develop your garden. According to Franco, the starting point and range for the pricing is P1,500 (for 3sqm) and P2,500 (for 2sqm), which includes all materials needed to finish the space. When it comes to measuring the areas, remember to get professional assistance.

You can create an accent wall with hanging plants, compacted pebbles, and a mobile bench, depending on your budget. Those with extra cash can also invest in a personalized indoor waterfall fountain as well as a stylish sitting piece where you and your visitors can relax.

Here are materials you would need and an estimated *cost breakdown:

  • White garden pebbles—P400 per sack—approximately 3 sacks per square meter = P1,200
  • Codo stone (gray pebbles)—P200 per sack—approximately 3 sacks per square meter = P800
  • Compacted 3/4 gravel bed (placed before pebbles)—P1,000
  • Grass—P500 to P700 per square meter (including garden soil and labor)
  • Pots—P500 to P2,500 per piece (depending on the type of pot. Note that Terracotta pots cost around P900 while the price of glazed pots range from P2,500 to P5,000)
  • Potted plant—consider working with Spineless Yucca; it costs P2,800 to P3,500 per piece (at 6ft. to 8ft.). The Spineless Yucca has a clean body and is quite easy to maintain.

Optional features:

  • Water wall—around P15,000 to P25,000 (It depends on the size and design. This can be customized as well.)
  • Accent wall—around P3,000 per square meter; including labor

*The costs shown are simply estimations. It is best to check current prices in stores. Different vendors might also be consulted and verified.

2. Clean the yard and plant a new tree

Remove weeds and dead grass from the garden and cut the lawn to a reasonable height to ensure you’re starting with a clean slate. Then, after the landscape is tidy, it’s time to introduce a new component. New shrubs or even a tree may suddenly refresh an aged garden. The best garden decorations are the plants themselves. So pick ones that stand out.

Also to give seclusion and shade, a tree might be planted near the entryway. When guests arrive at your door, line the path up to the house with blooming plants to make them feel right at home.

3. Install curved edging

Edging is a tried-and-true way to give your garden some personality. Flower beds and plants with curved borders are even more intriguing and appealing. This is a simple and inexpensive approach to improve the appearance of your garden, whether you use stones, bricks, or other materials.

Are you enthusiastic to do this in your yard now that you have a landscaping idea? So, now is the time to get to work on your Bria House and Lot and make the most of it. We are here to help you achieve your dream property,

Visit BRIA’s website and like and follow their social media sites to learn more about their affordable residential properties.

Written by Raine Sanchez