Impossible to say, right? With so many variables to factor in and seeing that each landscape project is unique-it is impossible to say right?

TerraVerde has done landscapes that were just 30,000 AED and landscapes that were 80 Million AED. It is safe to say that your project falls somewhere between those two extremes.

In this post, I will try to give an overview of a typical landscape renovation with some ballpark prices specific to Dubai, UAE.

Typical landscape project costs

For this discussion a "typical" landscape is on a residence, perhaps one that has recently been remodeled. The house is not brand new and the landscape is not a blank slate. There is some lawn and a small number of mature plants. Let's assume a typical lot size as well- 2,000 to 10,000 square feet. And you do not live on a slope or with really poor access for trucks and equipment.

This sort of project starts with a landscape consultation. If you need a landscape design it will cost in a range of 2,000-45,000+ AED. The costs will vary based on the size of the project and the level of detail required in the plans. However, many landscape projects can proceed with a detailed description and simple sketch- which probably won't cost you anything.

Let's assume that you are doing just the front yard (backyard landscaping is phase 2). The lawn will be smaller, but new grass is needed. A few of shrubs will be pruned and/or transplanted. 10-15 new plants and a couple trees will be installed. A few boulders are set too. What does this cost? This would usually be between 25,000 and 50,000 AED.

If you need an irrigation system, drainage, substantial grading, retaining, or low voltage lighting, then the price would obviously be higher.

Now let's consider the backyard. The back will be landscaped in a style similar to the front. Usually the backyard is larger than the front, and access is a little more difficult. So, a back yard landscaped similar to the description above would be AED 75,000-100,000.

Total this all together and you see that a solid, but fairly basic, landscape renovation starts at around 100,000-150,000.

What if you need (or want) more?

Let's add an irrigation system, 10 low voltage lights, and either some drainage work or light grading. This would usually add between30,000 and 45,000 AED to your project.

I realize that these numbers are very broad, and are only so useful. But maybe they can help you decide if you are ready to contact a landscaper about your project.

Live in Dubai, the information below is just for you!

Many people's journey towards a new landscape goes like this:

Find a Dubai area landscaper online, read their reviews, check out the portfolio, browse their blog if they have one and then schedule a meeting for a week or two later. The meeting goes well and leads to a proposal for the project about a week after that. You open the proposal and find that your tastes don't match your budget.

This is a bummer for you.

You wasted your time, got your hopes up, and had someone else expend a bunch of effort for nothing. Now you are back at square one and not sure where to go next.

Most residential landscape projects are somewhere between 300,000 and 700,000 AED

It is very difficult to give a price for new landscaping, as it varies wildly. But individual elements can be given a ballpark price, which may be helpful in determining your budget.

Dubai Landscaping Prices:

Landscape Design

• Landscape designs cost anywhere from 2,000-45000+ AED. (We don’t have a consultation fee)

Landscape design is the process of developing plans that can be used by you or a landscape contractor to install a new landscape. The final product you are paying for is drawings on paper.

The cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the scope of your project and prominence of your designer.

Some projects require a landscape architect and their rates are usually higher.

Patios or paved seating areas

• Patio or paved area prices

Now, choose a material for your patio. TerraVerde has built patios with gravel, decomposed granite, concrete, pavers, wood, ceramic, sandstone, precast concrete, and much more. Which one do you want?

-Ceramic tiles is 40-160 AED per square meter.

-Granite is closer to 350 AED per square meter.

-Interlock tiles are 70-90 AED per square meter. Precast concrete adds at least 30 AED per square meter.

-Non concrete Pavers are 120-160 a square meter.

-Slate is 70 Dhs per square meter.

The factors that can drive the price of a patio above these ranges?

Access. If it is difficult to soil out, or materials in, then the price will reflect that.

Demolition. Tearing out your existing patio will cost extra.

Season. Projects generally cost a little more during the busy season.

So in summary, Patios and pathways are 40-350 AED per square meter, largely dependent on the material you choose. 

Irrigation Systems

For a typical 5000 sq. ft. lot will be between 40,000 and 50,000 AED. Here is everything you need to know about irrigation systems.

Properly installed and well programmed irrigation systems do not have to use a ton of water. However, systems can be specifically designed to use very little water. Some of the tools that a low water use system can utilize:

• Drip systems are very efficient since they put water directly on the root ball of each plant.

• Smart timers use real time weather and soil information to control your watering.

A low water use irrigation system may add to your total budget in comparison to watering your plants manually, but should reduce water usage substantially. Some of our clients have seen a reduction by more than 40%. That's a lot of water! This is not only good for your bottom line in the long term but it is better for the environment.

Installing a sprinkler system is not a small investment. Remember, you will be using this system for years. A cheaply done system will waste water and need frequent repairs. Water is an extremely valuable resource for our communities. Use the basic information above to ensure that your irrigation contractor does it right.

Get Your Irrigation Done RIGHT 

Grass or no grass

A new lawn will cost 25-32 AED per sq.meter.

Another option in the emirates is to use artificial grass. There are a variety of qualities available. The less expensive, lose their color sooner and wear out faster. You pay for quality.

Plants

A simple plant installation for a typical front yard will be anywhere from  7,000 - 30,000 AED

Plants will be a major part of a landscape budget. However, unlike so many things on your property, they improve with age and grow in value. My advice: choose your plants wisely, take care of them well, and you will never regret the money spent.

Low voltage lighting

 Low voltage lighting systems cost 700-1200 AED per fixture. See our blog on lighting that is coming soon for more help in this area.

Still confused about how to approach your garden? Contact one of our specialists to help you.