Installing a flower bed can add character and charm to your landscape. Flower bed installation costs anywhere from $1,100 to $3,175, including labor and materials. While the national average cost to install a flower bed is around $2,370, you can expect to spend as low as $480 to as much as $5,800, depending on factors like project size.
Whether you decide to install garden beds in your front, side, or backyard, it’s sure to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. But first, you must understand all the factors influencing the overall cost of your project.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average flower bed installation costs in 2024
| National average cost | $2,370 |
| Typical price range | $1,100 – $3,175 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $480 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $5,800 |
The national average price of flower bed installation is around $2,370, which already includes the material and labor costs. However, factors such as project size, design choice, plant or flower type, and location can influence the total costs.
If you only need a small flower bed, your project can cost as low as $480. On the contrary, a large project with a more complex design can cost as much as $5,800.
Flower bed cost estimator by size
The majority of lawn and garden professionals set a standard rate for installing garden beds instead of charging by the square foot. But for the purpose of estimating costs, you must know that the average cost to install flower beds per square foot is around $4.50 to $13.50.
To calculate your overall project cost, here’s a sample cost range for installing flower beds based on common sizes:
Other factors that affect cost
The cost to install a flower bed can vary depending on your project specifications and the amount of prep work involved. It also can change if you include special features or use premium materials for edging, mulch, and soil.
Prep work
Preparing an area for the installation of a garden bed is crucial – and it’s not free. For example, if you have grass or shrubs growing in the area, you will have to clear them first to make room for your new flower bed.
Some of the necessary prep work includes the following:
Grass removal
On average, grass removal costs between $0.88 and $1.84 per square foot. Removing the grass before installing a flower bed can help ensure better growth and establishment of your desired plants. Otherwise, it can compete with your newly planted flowers for nutrients.
Shrub removal
To create a clean slate for your flower bed, you also must remove shrubs from the area. Shrub and bush removal costs around $380 to $1,170, depending on the quantity and size of the bushes.
Concrete removal
Are you installing your garden bed in a location where there’s an existing concrete structure or edging? Rocks and concrete can hinder the growth of your plants. So, if you want your flower bed to have vibrant and healthy flowers, it’s also crucial to remove any concrete or big rocks from the installation area.
Leaf removal
Before installing a garden bed, hire a leaf removal service company to help you clear the area of leaves. If you don’t remove the leaves, they can decompose and cause nutrient imbalances in the soil.
Tree removal
Some homeowners choose to install a flower bed around a huge tree. However, a tree can compete with your new flowering plants for sunlight, nutrients, and water. Plus, its roots also can cause damage to the garden bed over time. So, you may choose to remove your tree from the installation area.
Also, remember to remove the stump if you want a level ground for your flower bed. For large trees with more complex root systems, stump removal may cost more.
Soil conditioning
After removing all obstacles from the area where you’re building a flower bed, the next step is to test the soil. Your soil test results will help you determine whether you have poor soil. Without healthy soil, your new flowering plants will not flourish, and your garden bed will be useless.
Some of the things you can do to condition your soil include:
- Aerating: If you have compacted soil, aeration services can help solve the issue by poking small holes in the soil. This allows nutrients, water, and air to penetrate the soil and reach the roots of your flowering plants.
- Tilling: An alternative to aeration, tilling also can help alleviate soil compaction. Using a plow or rototiller, you can turn over the soil to improve drainage and provide a healthier environment for the plants in your garden bed.
- Adding nutrients: You also may need soil amendments like compost or lime to balance the nutrients in your soil. If you need to add fertilizers, you can expect to spend around $103 to $343.
- Topsoil replacement: If adding soil amendments or loosening compacted soil will not fix the issue with your soil, you might have to replace it completely. The cost of topsoil for your new flower bed will vary depending on factors like the type of soil you purchase.
Weed barrier
The worst nightmare for your garden bed is being invaded by weeds. So, remember to add a weed barrier, such as landscape fabric or plastic sheet, to prevent weeds from sprouting and competing with your plants for nutrients.
Edging material
Another factor that considerably impacts flower bed installation costs is the material used to edge the garden bed. Depending on the material, the price of landscape edging or curbing ranges from $0.50 to $10 per linear foot.
Brick
This edging material can add timeless beauty to your no-dig flower beds. Costing around $2 to $4 per linear foot, brick blocks are weatherproof and durable. However, they can be a bit tricky to use on curves.
Concrete
Another material that can withstand severe weather, concrete can cost anywhere from $2 to $9 per linear foot. The actual cost will depend on the thickness and design of your chosen concrete or cinder block.
Plastic
At around $0.50 to $3.25 per linear foot, plastic is the most affordable edging material you can use for your dig flower bed. It’s also flexible, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, weatherproof, and easy to install.
Rubber
Homeowners with young children or pets may choose rubber edging for its soft material. While it can cost between $2.25 and $4.25 per linear foot, rubber is more child-proof and presents less risk of injuries.
Steel
Among the most long-lasting edging options for garden beds, steel costs around $1.70 to $4.70 per linear foot. When subjected to sufficient pressure, this material can be bent without risk of breaking or shattering, making it perfect for flower beds with curved edges.
Stone
Stone edging is perfect for your flower beds if you want a rustic, natural look. Depending on the quality and type of the stone, you can expect to spend between $2.50 and $10 per linear foot. Keep in mind, though, that these stones often shift and can be a pain to maintain.
Wood
On average, wooden flower bed borders cost around $2.90 to $8 per linear foot. With different wood textures and colors available, you can find the best design to suit your taste. However, wood can be susceptible to decay and termite infestation. So, use treated wood and schedule regular maintenance to avoid these problems.
Note: If you build a three-sided border flower bed against a wall or fence, you’ll need less edging materials. On the other hand, a freestanding island flower bed will require more edging. However, you can be more creative with island garden beds and have more freedom with the design.
Mulch
Mulch is a vital addition to your flower bed, as it adds texture, improves soil moisture, reduces erosion, and improves plant health. The typical cost of mulch is around $30 to $110 per cubic yard or between $3.25 and $6.50 per bag. Remember to apply mulch every year to prevent your garden beds from drying out.
Trellis
If you have vines in your garden bed, consider installing a trellis. A trellis can provide support for your climbing plants and add visual height to your landscape feature.
Labor costs
Most landscaping companies charge around $50 to $110 per hour for labor, as constructing a new flower bed can take considerable time. Plus, it requires careful planning, depending on the size and kinds of plants you want to grow in the garden bed.
If you need to hire a landscape designer, it also will cost extra. However, a designer can help polish your layout design and assess factors like local climate and soil conditions to ensure optimal plant growth.
Type of flower
For most homeowners, the most fun part of installing a flower bed is shopping for flowers. However, the types of flowers you choose can influence the overall cost of your flower bed project. We recommend choosing native flowers, as they are widely available and low-maintenance.
See the table below for typical prices of some of the most popular flowers planted in flower beds and home gardens.
| Flower type | Average cost per plant |
| Marigold | $4 |
| Lobelia | $7 |
| Lavender | $8 |
| Daffodil | $10 |
| Sunflower | $12 |
| Touch-me-not | $20 |
| Rose | $24 |
| Calla lily | $30 |
Decorate your front yard with beds of vibrant flowers, and it will become a lovely sight for the eyes and a pollinator magnet. The following landscape and home improvement projects also can improve your outdoor space:
Landscaping
With good landscaping ideas, you can transform your yard into an attractive and vivid mood enhancer. Additionally, professional landscaping can help expand your living area, boost curb appeal, and raise home value. While the total cost of landscaping can vary greatly, it will depend on the size and type of landscape.
Lawn mowing
A well-maintained lawn is a must for a beautiful landscape. Even if you’ve replaced parts of your yard with garden beds, you’ll need regular lawn mowing services to keep your grass healthy and pristine.
If you don’t want to spend around $35 to $100 per mowing session, you can do it yourself. You just need to buy a lawn mower if you don’t already have one.
Fence installation
To keep your children and pets from playing in your new flower bed, you can install a fence around it. Additionally, a fence bordering your garden bed can enhance your garden’s visual appeal and protect your plants from critters such as moles and gophers. To keep out burrowing animals, your fence must extend underground.
Landscape edging
Edging or curbing draws attention to and emphasizes landscape features that could otherwise blend in and go unnoticed. It can make your garden bed stand out from the surrounding bushes, trees, and flowers. On average, landscape curbing costs around $630 to $1,710, but small projects like flower bed edging can cost as low as $360.
Outdoor lighting installation
With strategically arranged outdoor lighting, you can showcase your new flower bed even after the sun goes down. While hiring a professional to install your outdoor lighting will cost extra, it can help make strolling through your garden safer at night. You can even use solar lighting to save money on energy costs.
Bush and shrub trimming
If you are building the garden bed near existing bushes and shrubs, you may want to hire a lawn care company to trim them. Shrub and bush trimming costs around $48 to $75 per hour or between $6 and $16 per bush, depending on factors like the size and type of bushes.
Tree trimming
Did you build a flower bed around an existing tree? You’ll want to trim the tree regularly to avoid compromising the health of your flowers in the garden bed. Additionally, regular tree trimming can help prevent injuries from falling branches.
Remodeling flower beds
If you already have a flower bed, remodeling it can be more affordable than installing a new one. Since you don’t have to do any prep work anymore, remodeling will simply involve tasks like pulling weeds, replacing old plants, aerating the soil, adding new mulch, or repairing the edging.
Sprinkler system installation
The plants in your garden bed will thank you if you install a sprinkler system to provide them with consistent and adequate watering. With automated watering, you can save time and effort while ensuring your flowers get the right amount of water when they need it.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Making a new flower bed where you can plant colorful flowers is one of the most fun and rewarding DIY projects you can do to improve your landscape. If you’re up for the job and have the necessary skills, you must know how to prepare a flower bed before embarking on this project.
You’ll also need the following tools to get started:
| DIY equipment | Average cost |
| Utility knife | $11 |
| Work gloves | $12 |
| Garden shovel | $20 |
| Trowel | $11 |
| Pruning shears | $14 |
| Soil testing kit | $14 |
| Spading fork | $36 |
| Spade | $22 |
| Rake | $32 |
| Garden hose | $33 |
| Landscape fabric (weed barrier) | $15 |
| Flowers | $4 – $30 (depending on species) |
| Mulch | $3.25 – $6.50 per bag |
| Total DIY cost | $227 – $256 |
Building a DIY flower bed is, no doubt, more affordable than hiring a professional landscaper to do the job on your behalf. For the labor costs alone, you’ll be able to save around $50 to $110 per hour. Apart from helping you save money, you’ll also have better control over the entire project. Plus, it can be a fun activity you and your family can enjoy together.
Cost of installing a flower bed by location
Flower bed installation costs can fluctuate depending on where you live because both labor and material costs are based on supply and demand. The average prices in this cost guide do not reflect prices in your local market; rather, they are based on national average costs.
For a more accurate cost estimate, you must contact a professional landscaper in your area.
FAQs
To what depth do I need to dig a flower bed?
Since most plants need around 10 inches of topsoil, you need to dig deep to accommodate it. You also must make enough room to add sharp sand underneath the topsoil. This type of sand can help retain moisture in the plant roots for effective nourishment and growth.
For homeowners who don’t want to dig, installing a raised flower bed can be the solution. With a raised garden bed, you’ll also find it easier to maintain the flowers since they are at a more manageable height.
Why do landscapers put liners in flower beds?
Most landscapers use cotton liners in garden beds to provide better moisture retention. Apart from keeping moisture in the soil, flower bed liners also help maintain the bed’s shape and prevent weeds.
Can I use a stock tank for my flower bed?
Yes. While stock tanks are primarily used for storing water for animals, they also can be great for edging your flower bed.
Hire a pro to install your flower beds
Installing flower beds can be a fun DIY project. However, it can take a lot of time and effort, especially if this is your first time doing this kind of project.
So, if you don’t have time to work on your garden, you can hire a landscaping company. While professional flower bed installation costs an average of $1,100 to $3,175, it’s the best option for building garden beds without getting your hands dirty.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo By: Elliott Brown / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
