How Long Does It Take To Redo Your Backyard Landscaping?

Redoing your backyard is a wonderful project that lets you get to know your property better and also lets you try some new things, get creative, and really make an environment that feels like yours completely. By redoing your backyard landscaping, you are able to express yourself, learn a few things, and enjoy the great outdoors in some beautiful, relaxing, and stunning ways. 

But it’s not always cheap. In fact, many people spend more than $25,000 on backyard landscaping design projects, which is obviously a massive sum of money. That means that if you are going to embark on such a project, you need to know what to expect, how much it’ll cost, and how long it’ll take. 

Below, we will discuss the rough timeline of just how long it’ll take to redo your entire backyard landscaping project.  

Planning Phase

The first and possibly the most crucial part of redoing your backyard landscaping is careful planning. 

During this part, you as a homeowner will work with designers and architects to create a strong vision, establish a clear budget, and create a clear plan that lays out the entire scope of the project. Certain factors like the desired features, plant selections, hardscape elements, irrigation systems, and potential permits or zoning regulations are also carefully considered at this time too.

This phase usually lasts about one to two months, which allows sufficient time for revisions and the development of a complete blueprint that can be used as a guide for the next stages of the project.

Site Preparation

Once the planning is done and any needed permits are secured, the site preparation stage can begin. This phase involves clearing any existing vegetation, removing all debris, and addressing grading or drainage issues too. The length of this phase always depends on the size of the backyard, the complexity of the landscape, and the magnitude of changes.

For smaller projects, this may be completed quickly, sometimes even within a week, although a larger or more intricate landscape might need two weeks or even more as a way to ensure a well-executed process.

Hardscape Installation

The installation of hardscape elements - things like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor structures - is another critical part of all backyard landscaping projects. The length of this phase is affected by the intricacy and the scale of the features, as well as the materials that have been chosen.

Softscape Installation 

Then there are softscape elements, which include trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf or other ground covers. They will need to be installed next and they will contribute to the aesthetic of the landscape. The standard timeframe for installation usually depends on factors such as the size of the planting area, the plants chosen, and the requirements for different plant species.

For a well-planned and executed softscape installation, you can anticipate that this phase will take between two to four weeks. 

That being said, more time might be needed for the establishment of certain plants or if specialized care is needed.

Irrigation and Lighting

Installing the right irrigation system is also crucial when it comes to maintaining the health and look of your new landscaping. This part of the project involves laying out all irrigation lines, installing certain sprinklers or drip systems, and setting up the proper coverage for all areas. 

Additionally, adding outdoor lighting enhances the overall aesthetics and functionality of any space, giving it a level of ambiance and allowing you and your guests to use it late into the evening.

Depending on the sophistication of the irrigation system and lighting design that you have chosen, this part of the process usually takes about one to two weeks. Coordinating with your hired specialized contractors might be needed which could of course add to the overall timeline.

Finishing Touches and Final Inspections

As the big parts of the landscaping project are near completion, your attention will then turn to particular finishing touches that will elevate the appeal and functionality of your fancy, new-looking outdoor space. 

This includes the placement of any decorative elements, adding outdoor furniture, and other final adjustments that ensure everything is cohesive and meets your expectations.

Following the completion of the project, a final inspection may also be necessary as a way to ensure that the work aligns with all local building codes and regulations. 

This step, though usually quite short, might add another one to two weeks to your timeline.

Plant Establishment and Maintenance 

While the majority of landscaping projects are designed to thrive with minimal maintenance, the establishment period for newly planted vegetation varies. Some plants may require extra care during the initial weeks or months to ensure proper root development and adaptation to their new environment.

Challenges 

Several challenges and troubling factors might end up impacting the timeline of a backyard landscaping project. Stormy weather like heavy rainfall and extreme temperatures might mess up construction and installation. Other site issues, such as stumbling upon utilities buried under the ground or particular soil problems, might also contribute to some delays.

At the same time, changes in the scope of the project or the design can extend the timeline too. Clear communication and flexibility are essential at this point as a way to navigate these challenges and also maintain a cooperative connection between you and any landscaping professionals.

Final Thoughts

Redoing your backyard landscaping is a fun, exciting, transformative journey that requires some careful planning, execution, and patience too. 

The timeframe for such a project is never the same for any two homeowners and is influenced by factors ranging from the complexity of the design to external variables like weather conditions. 

A well-organized project that has a clear plan and really good communication between you and landscaping professionals generally can be finished within about two to six months, encompassing the different stages from planning to final touches.

The investment of time and effort in redoing your backyard landscaping is rewarded with an outdoor area that feels brand new and beautiful and is tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.