Drought-Tolerant Landscape Design Cost in California (2026)

How to use this calculator step by step

Follow these steps to create a budget range quickly.

Step 1: Enter project area

Start with your best estimate of total square feet for the area you want to convert or build.

Step 2: Choose Residential or Commercial

Pick the category that matches your property. Commercial projects usually run higher due to coordination and site requirements.

Step 3: Select your scope

Choose Design + Installation if you want a full build estimate. Choose Design Only if you’re hiring separate installers or budgeting plans first.

Step 4: Pick finish/complexity level

If you’re unsure, start with Mid-Range. Move up to High-End if you want premium materials, more detailed hardscape, or specimen plants.

Step 5: Choose your California region

Select the closest region to your city. This adjusts costs to reflect typical labor and pricing patterns.

Step 6: Set lawn removal and irrigation

If you have existing turf, select partial or full removal. Then choose irrigation scope—tune-up, partial drip conversion, or full drip + smart controller.

Step 7: Choose plant density and hardscape coverage

Set the planting intensity and slide hardscape percentage to match your vision. More hardscape generally increases cost faster than adding a few plants.

Step 8: Open Advanced Options (only if needed)

Add grading, soil, lighting, demolition, permits, renderings, rainwater features, or maintenance allowances if they apply.

Step 9: Use Custom Labor & Material settings (optional)

If you’ve received contractor numbers, enter a labor rate and adjust materials/markup to better match quotes.

Step 10: Click Calculate and review the breakdown

You’ll get:

• A total low–high cost range
• estimated design fee

A line-item breakdown showing what drives your total