How much does landscaping cost in Long Beach, CA?
A Realistic Southern California Guide [Updated January 2026]
If you are planning a landscaping project in Long Beach, CA and trying to understand what it might actually cost, the honest answer is: it depends, but not as wildly as people think.
Most professional landscaping projects in Long Beach fall somewhere between the low five figures and well into the six figures, depending on site conditions, design complexity, and how much hardscape or construction is involved.
As a local landscape designer working throughout Long Beach, the South Bay, and Orange County, I have helped homeowners create everything from simple, plant-focused refreshes to full backyard transformations. This guide breaks down what really drives landscaping costs in Southern California and how to set realistic expectations before your first consultation.
Quick Answer: Landscaping Costs in Long Beach, CA
Most professional landscaping projects in Long Beach typically fall into these ranges:
• $13,000–$20,000
Plant-forward front or backyard refreshes with soil prep, mulch, drip irrigation, and drought-tolerant planting.
• $25,000–$40,000
Mid-tier front or backyard redesigns that include some hardscape such as patios or pathways, along with planting, irrigation upgrades, and lighting.
• $40,000–$75,000+
Full yard transformations with significant hardscape, grading, retaining walls, custom features, lighting, drainage, and permitting.
Professional design fees are typically an additional 10–15% of the total project cost, depending on scope and level of detail.
These ranges reflect what homeowners in Long Beach are currently investing in professionally designed and installed landscaping projects.
What Affects the Cost of Landscaping in Long Beach
Several factors influence the cost of landscaping in Long Beach and other parts of Southern California. Understanding them helps set realistic expectations before you start planning.
1. Site conditions
Your existing yard has a major impact on cost. Many Long Beach properties have compacted clay soil, poor drainage, or sloped terrain. These conditions often require grading, soil amendments, or retaining walls before new landscaping can be installed.
Older yards may also need demolition and haul-away of lawns, concrete, or debris. Depending on access and volume, this alone can add several thousand dollars to a project.
2. Design complexity
Simple layouts focused on planting and mulch cost less than projects that include hardscape, lighting, built structures, or multiple elevation changes.
Adding multiple materials, curved layouts, steps, or layered planting designs increases both design time and installation labor. In Long Beach, landscaping project complexity often matters more than total square footage.
3. Materials and finishes
Concrete, stone, and pavers vary widely in price and appearance. The difference between poured concrete and natural flagstone, for example, can double material costs.
Plant size and density also affect pricing. Larger specimen plants create a more finished look on day one, but they cost significantly more than small nursery stock.
Selecting durable, regionally appropriate materials helps your investment last longer in Long Beach’s coastal climate.
4. Labor and trades
Landscaping involves a mix of general labor and skilled trades such as masonry, carpentry, irrigation, and electrical work.
Skilled trades typically cost more per hour, but their expertise ensures better longevity, safety, and finish quality. Projects with outdoor lighting, drainage systems, or built features will naturally have a higher labor component.
5. Permits and accessibility
Tight access, narrow side yards, steep driveways, or limited parking are common in Long Beach neighborhoods and can affect how easily materials and equipment are moved on-site.
In some cases, the City of Long Beach requires permits for grading, structures, drainage, or irrigation modifications. Permits add both time and cost to a project.
Bixby Knolls Backyard Remodel
Example of a mid-tier backyard remodel in Long Beach featuring a small deck, pergola structure, gravel ground cover, and drought-tolerant planting.
What Different Landscaping Budgets Actually Buy You in Long Beach
Most homeowners find it easier to think in terms of total project ranges and outcomes rather than cost per square foot.
$13,000–$20,000 | Plant-Focused Front or Backyard Refresh
This budget range is typically appropriate for smaller yards or simple refreshes that focus on planting rather than construction.
It often includes:
Lawn removal
Soil preparation and amendments
Mulch
Drip irrigation
Drought-tolerant or native-leaning planting
Example:
Replacing a lawn with drought-tolerant planting and bark mulch in a 800 sq ft front yard in Long Beach typically costs $13,000–$18,000, depending on plant size, soil conditions, and irrigation needs.
$25,000–$40,000 | Mid-Tier Front or Backyard Redesign
This range covers many small-to-medium backyard or front yard remodels that include some hardscape along with planting.
It often includes:
A small patio or DG seating area
Walkways or stepping stone paths
Drought-tolerant planting
Low-voltage lighting
Irrigation upgrades
Example:
A 1,200 sq ft backyard in Long Beach with a DG or paver patio, pathways, planting, lighting, and new irrigation often lands around $28,000–$35,000.
$40,000–$75,000+ | Full Yard Transformations
This budget tier applies to more complex projects or full property remodels.
It often includes:
Grading and drainage improvements
Retaining walls or steps
Concrete or stone patios
Custom carpentry features
Detailed planting design
Outdoor lighting
Permits and inspections
Example:
A 1,500 sq ft backyard with slope correction, a concrete patio, low-voltage lighting, layered planting, and drainage work might cost $50,000–$75,000, depending on materials and site conditions.
Where Lawn-to-Garden Conversions Fit In
In Long Beach, lawn-to-garden conversions typically fall between $13,000 and $25,000 for small front yards and $20,000–$40,000+ for larger or more detailed conversions.
While rebates can offset part of the cost, long-lasting lawn replacements still require proper soil prep, irrigation retrofits, and thoughtful planting design. As a result, these projects are rarely as inexpensive as online rebate marketing makes them seem.
Designing for the Southern California Climate
In Long Beach landscaping, cost is not just about materials. It is about building something that will actually hold up in a dry, coastal climate.
Using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and permeable materials reduces maintenance while keeping your yard healthy through hot summers and mild winters.
At Sage Coast, I design landscapes that reflect Southern California’s natural beauty and each homeowner’s lifestyle. Every project balances design, function, and sustainability so that your investment adds real, lasting value.
Why Professional Landscape Design Is Worth the Cost
The ranges above reflect construction and installation only. Professional design fees are typically an additional 10–15% of the total project cost, depending on the level of detail and visualization needed.
A clear, well-thought-out design helps:
Prevent costly mistakes and change orders
Ensure proper drainage and irrigation planning
Create a cohesive layout that works long-term
Align the finished project with your budget and goals
For many homeowners, a few thousand dollars spent on design can save tens of thousands in construction mistakes or misaligned decisions.
If you have questions about design timelines, what’s included in a landscape design package, or how the process works, you can also visit my Landscape Design FAQ for more details
Who These Landscaping Price Ranges Are (and Aren’t) For
These cost ranges reflect professionally designed and installed landscapes built to last in Southern California’s climate.
This type of work is typically a good fit for homeowners who:
Plan to stay in their home for several years
Care about long-term durability and aesthetics
Want a low-maintenance, water-wise yard
Are budgeting realistically for five-figure outdoor projects
If you are hoping to transform your yard for a few thousand dollars or are mainly looking for the cheapest possible option, a professional landscaping project in Long Beach may not be the right fit.
Considering a Landscaping Project in Long Beach?
If you are planning a landscaping project in Long Beach or the surrounding area and want realistic guidance on scope, budget, and design direction, I offer landscape design services tailored to Southern California’s climate and lifestyle.
You can learn more about my design process and services or book a consultation to discuss your property and goals.