How much does landscaping cost in NZ?

Landscaping costs vary hugely depending on scope. Basic garden makeovers start from $5,000 to $15,000. Mid-range projects with paving, planting, and a small retaining wall cost $20,000 to $60,000. Large projects with pools, extensive hard landscaping, and mature planting can exceed $100,000. Always get multiple quotes.

Do landscapers need to be licensed?

General landscaping (planting, lawns, garden beds) does not require a licence. However, if the project includes retaining walls over 1.5m, structural work, or drainage, those specific elements require an LBP or PGDB-registered tradesperson respectively.

Hiring a Landscaper Checklist — What to Check Before You Hire | Call A Tradie NZ

A great landscaper can transform your outdoor space into something you love coming home to. But landscaping covers a huge range — from planting and lawns to retaining walls, decks, and drainage. This checklist helps you find a landscaper with the right skills for your specific project.

Qualifications & Memberships

4 items

Ask about their qualifications and training

Look for a National Certificate in Horticulture (Landscaping) Level 4 or equivalent. A landscape design diploma adds value if your project includes a full design component.

Check if they are a member of LIANZ (Landscaping Industries Assoc NZ)

LIANZ members commit to industry standards and ongoing professional development. Membership signals a professional approach to landscaping work.

Confirm they hold LBP registration if building retaining walls or structures

Retaining walls over 1.5 metres and any structural work (decks, pergolas, fences over certain heights) may be restricted building work requiring an LBP.

Ask about their drainlaying registration if drainage work is involved

If your project includes stormwater drains or subsurface drainage, that work must be done by a PGDB-registered drainlayer. Some landscapers hold this registration.

Design & Planning

5 items

Ask to see a design plan or concept drawing

A professional landscaper should provide a detailed plan showing layouts, materials, plants, and levels. This ensures you agree on the vision before work starts.

Discuss plant selection and suitability for your area

Plants should suit your local climate, soil type, sun exposure, and maintenance preferences. Ask about native vs exotic options and long-term growth patterns.

Confirm whether building consent is required

Retaining walls over 1.5 metres, decks more than 1.5 metres above ground, and swimming pools all typically require building consent. Your landscaper should advise on this.

Ask about irrigation and drainage planning

Proper drainage prevents water pooling and foundation issues. An irrigation plan ensures new plantings get established. Discuss whether these are included in the scope.

Discuss long-term maintenance requirements

A good landscaper designs with maintenance in mind. Ask about ongoing care needs — pruning schedules, lawn maintenance, seasonal planting, and garden bed upkeep.

Quotes & Contracts

4 items

Get at least three detailed quotes

Landscaping quotes should itemise hard landscaping (paving, walls, structures), soft landscaping (plants, lawn, soil), materials, and labour separately.

Ask about their approach to variations and extras

Landscaping projects often uncover unexpected issues (rock, poor soil, drainage problems). Ask how variations are priced and approved before work continues.

Confirm the warranty on hard landscaping and plants

Hard landscaping (walls, paving, structures) should carry a workmanship warranty of 2 to 5 years. Many landscapers also offer a plant establishment guarantee (3 to 12 months).

Clarify the payment schedule

Standard practice: 10-20% deposit, progress payments at key milestones, and final payment on completion. Avoid paying more than 30% before materials are on site.

Insurance & References

4 items

Request proof of public liability insurance

Landscaping involves heavy machinery, excavation, and potential damage to underground services. Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong.

Ask for before and after photos of recent projects

A portfolio of completed work shows their range and quality. Ask for projects similar to yours in scale and style.

Contact at least two past clients for references

Ask references about the quality of work, adherence to timeline and budget, communication, and how the landscaper handled any problems.

Check they will locate underground services before digging

Before any excavation, underground services (power, gas, water, telecom) must be located using beforeUdig.co.nz. Failing to do this can result in costly and dangerous damage.

Red Flags to Watch For

No design plan or concept before starting work
Does not check for underground services before digging
No LBP registration for structural or retaining wall work
Cannot provide a portfolio or references
No public liability insurance
Does not discuss consent requirements for retaining walls or structures
Wants a large upfront deposit before any work or materials
Cannot explain maintenance requirements for the completed project
Uses non-compliant or substandard materials for retaining walls

Landscapers Hiring FAQ

Retaining walls over 1.5 metres in height generally require a building consent. Walls supporting a surcharge load (like a driveway or building above) may require consent regardless of height. Walls in certain hazard zones also need consent. Check with your local council for specific requirements in your area.