Landscaping Costs

[Michael 61]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

[retiredguy123]

Jamies and Choice Maintenance are two good companies, but they will be way more expensive than some others. Several years ago, I got six quotes that ranged from $800 to $5,000 to replace my grass with stones. The $800 quote would not have even been enough to buy the stones. Whatever you do, get a written quote, and do not pay any money in advance. Good luck.

[Michael 61]

First landscaper just left - bid is $9500 - That includes rock walls in front and side of home and theee robellini’s.

[Michael 61]

Not rock, meant brick

[Michael 61]

Not rock, meant brick

Meant to say brick walls not rock walls - but includes all rock in flower beds.

[Bogie Shooter]

Don’t forget ARC.

[billethkid]

Don't forget to inquire which plants are cold hardy/or not.
Robelini for example are not cold/frost tolerant palms.

______________________________________________

:censored:

[John Mayes]

First landscaper just left - bid is $9500 - That includes rock walls in front and side of home and theee robellini’s.

As mentioned before, be very careful of anyone that wants a percentage of the cost before work starts.

Did you mean landscape block or actual brick for the feature walls.

One other suggestion, make sure quote includes all irrigation re-routing and appropriate heads/nozzles.

You’ll get other good advice from others on TOTV.

Have fun with the project. It really transforms a home.

[gobuck827]

Don't forget to inquire which plants are cold hardy/or not.
Robelini for example are not cold/frost tolerant palms.

______________________________________________

:censored:

"Pygmy date palms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types. They are considered to be cold hardy to USDA zone 10A (30°F), but are widely grown in zone 9B (25°F). "

ENH-600/ST441: Phoenix roebelenii: Pygmy Date Palm (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST441#)

[dtennent]

We were pleased with the work by Distinctive Designs by Lori. She worries about all of the details and makes sure that you stay within the rules for landscaping placement. She has a website that you can check out that has pictures of some of her work.

Landscapers in the Villages - Distinctive Designs By Lori (https://distinctivedesignsbylori.com/)

[daca55]

Once you have a plan of what you want to do, you will need to get approval from the ARC. I have a patio villa and when I landscaped mine the ARC told me what I could and not do. They will give you a permit to do whatever they approve. Good luck!!

[BRN_RI_FL]

We had landscaping done on our first villa including rocks, walls and one Robellini about 5-6 years ago. The cost was about $4,400 which would probably be double today. After the first winter covering the Robellini during frost nights wearing heavy duty gloves to prevent stabbings and still having half of it turn brown from the cold we replaced it with a European fan palm.
Our present villa is one of the few in our area without any post-purchase landscaping done. I actually like the looks of the pine straw mulch compared to everyone’s rocks which will still eventually sprout weeds. When it needs to be refreshed we buy pine-straw bales at Home Depot/Lowe’s.

[La lamy]

I would think twice before putting palms on your property. Mine is huge and I can't imagine the cost of removing it at this point, but they seem to really affect the grass under them. Take a look at that aspect around your neighbourhood. Maybe some are worse than others for this issue. Have fun with your new landscaping!

[huge-pigeons]

We just landscaped our place. We didn’t put in any palm type trees nor any Robellini type trees, because all of our neighbors have had issues with these from the last 2 winters. 1 neighbor has had 2 large palms die during the last 2 winters and now he has to pay $800 to have it removed before he can spends thousands more again to put another tree in its place. We went with plants that you don’t have to worry about if we get a freeze

[crash]

We just landscaped our place. We didn’t put in any palm type trees nor any Robellini type trees, because all of our neighbors have had issues with these from the last 2 winters. 1 neighbor has had 2 large palms die during the last 2 winters and now he has to pay $800 to have it removed before he can spends thousands more again to put another tree in its place. We went with plants that you don’t have to worry about if we get a freeze

Used Magic Garden to remove a 40 ft Wueen Palm only charged $300. It was $125 to have stump ground for 1 then $25 for each additional stump.

[crash]

We just landscaped our place. We didn’t put in any palm type trees nor any Robellini type trees, because all of our neighbors have had issues with these from the last 2 winters. 1 neighbor has had 2 large palms die during the last 2 winters and now he has to pay $800 to have it removed before he can spends thousands more again to put another tree in its place. We went with plants that you don’t have to worry about if we get a freeze

Used Magic Garden to remove a 40 ft Queen Palm only charged $300. It was $125 to have stump ground for 1 then $25 for each additional stump.

[BadgerRed]

I am recommending Morgan’s Whole 9 Yards. Robert Morgan owner. 352-203-8410. He revamped our neglected yard to the delight of our neighbors and us. As his company name says he does everything. He is a native to this area so knows what works and what doesn’t.

[jimbo2012]

you should have one plan and shop that plan rather then having each landscaper suggest doing something different.

That's the only way to compare prices.

I think $10,000 is on the high side for a small lot

[westernrider75]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

When we moved here I said I’m not living in Florida without a palm tree. We have a courtyard villa so not a huge yard so we opted for a brick wall, which we did ourselves, and a robellini palm which we just love. It won’t get too big for our space and gives us the Florida look I wanted. Good luck to you, it’s a lot of decisions.

[coconutmama]

you should have one plan and shop that plan rather then having each landscaper suggest doing something different.

That's the only way to compare prices.

I think $10,000 is on the high side for a small lot

Good advice.

Personally the only palm I would plant is either a Roebelenii or a European palm, and only one. Make sure it is well away from the birdcage, home, walkway or your lamp post. Everything in FL grows faster than you think. These palms stay at a reasonable height but do require maintenance. You will need to protect the Roebelenii when it is young, when our temps get into the 20’s for any length of time. The European is good to 10 degrees but hopefully we don’t see that here

[bp243]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much
others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

Ray who owns and runs Goney’s Landscaping does it all. It’s a family business that’s local and Ray has an eye for the best overall look along with reasonable prices. Plus, he stands by anything planted. We did a refresh in our yard and couldn’t be happier. (352) 753-7007

[PurePeach]

Don't forget to inquire which plants are cold hardy/or not.
Robelini for example are not cold/frost tolerant palms.

______________________________________________

:censored:

True. We covered our new robelini last winter and it is sluggish coming back this year. Village Palms told us it was cold-hearty, but not so. :cus:

[Nell57]

Beware of any fruit bearing trees, even date palm. When the fruit is mature you’ll have rats flocking to your yard.

[Ktygrett]

I think Sabal palms are the best
For landscaping.
Landscapers often oversell and overplant. Plants grow very fast
In florida, so I would make sure you leave a lot of open space.
$10,000 sounds like too much for a patio villa, since the yards are small.
I would strongly advise you keep it simple. You can always put pots out later.

[ttc1991@aol.com]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

We have a corner lot too and did the front, side and back yards. We used Goney's Landscaping. We are thrilled with the results! I helped with the layout and plant selection but they did a super job! I can't tell you how many people stop by and tell us how beautiful it turned out! Feel free to contact me for our address and you can drive by and see for yourself.

[KatieRN]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?
We live in a designer home in Richmond and just signed a contract with P & E Landscaping to do our front yard. We are doing the brick walls etc. His price for us was 7900.00. I spoke to Edwin and he came out the same day. Said he will get Arc approval. We were very impressed. He was really nice to deal with. Took my ideas for plants and trees and also offered lots of suggestions. I know multiple people who have had there's done by them and are very happy. P & E Landscaping 352-361-9037.

[Karmanng]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

Who did the lanai and what was the cost?

[Karmanng]

Once you have a plan of what you want to do, you will need to get approval from the ARC. I have a patio villa and when I landscaped mine the ARC told me what I could and not do. They will give you a permit to do whatever they approve. Good luck!!


Can I ask what they told you that you could and could not do? I want to replace my grass with stones in front but backyard should be ok? It is a walled courtyard

[retiredguy123]

We live in a designer home in Richmond and just signed a contract with P & E Landscaping to do our front yard. We are doing the brick walls etc. His price for us was 7900.00. I spoke to Edwin and he came out the same day. Said he will get Arc approval. We were very impressed. He was really nice to deal with. Took my ideas for plants and trees and also offered lots of suggestions. I know multiple people who have had there's done by them and are very happy. P & E Landscaping 352-361-9037.
I would let the contractor get the ARC approval, but I would insist that I get a copy of the ARC approved document before any work is started.

Some contractors will agree to get ARC approval or a permit so they can start as soon as possible. Then, when you ask to see the permit, they say that they still haven't received it.

[Sully2023]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

I used Luis Landscaping and very pleased with the recommendation he made as well as the cost. He was 30percent cheaper than other estimates I received. I started with a 10k budget and ended up at about 12500.

I have neighbors who spent over $20k on their landscaping. The plant you recommended putting in has needles that can kill a person. I would not have used it if I was starting over again. I love all my flowering plants and mule palm. Mule palms also have needles that can kill but look great. Get multiple estimates and compare apples to apples. My landscaping turned out great! Good luck.

[kar guy]

Call E&B LANDSCAPONG
3524616500. They did mine and8 neighbors
.

[Stu from NYC]

I do not think ARC will allow you to remove Magnolia if is still in reasonable condition.

[Michael 61]

I do not think ARC will allow you to remove Magnolia if is still in reasonable condition.

For new homes, you are allowed to remove before it gets too big - most of my neighbors have removed theirs.

[Rande]

There are some beautiful rustic landscapes that don’t have brick that I think Terrascapes has done. Very different. They’re on 301. You may want to.give them a call. If you drive thru Elijah Villa off Marshbend in Deluna you’ll see one they did. It’s on the right side, the 3 or fourth house. Very well done b

[NoMo50]

Mule palms also have needles that can kill but look great.

No, they don't. Mule palms are a hybrid created by crossing a Pindo palm with a Queen palm, and have feathery fronds. They do not have "needles" (thorns). Two palms that are extensively planted here in The Villages are Roebellini and Sylvester palms. Both of those do have thorns, but certainly not the Mule.

[coconutmama]

I would let the contractor get the ARC approval, but I would insist that I get a copy of the ARC approved document before any work is started.

Some contractors will agree to get ARC approval or a permit so they can start as soon as possible. Then, when you ask to see the permit, they say that they still haven't received it.

Great advice.

Also, one might ask a potential contractor for the addresses of past clients, to look at how the jobs look now. The home owners might tell you how they like the job now, several years later. Our contractor made some mistakes that we were too naïve at the time to avoid

[derkster]

Just be sure and submit your plan for approval by ARC.

[rogerk]

Get your own ARC approval. Very simple process, the form is in your phone book. Call them, or go in, they are easy to work with and VERY HELPFUL! Don’t rely on a contractor, some are good and others are either no good or just lazy. Oh, that was okay last time so I figured it would be okay here! Not always true! Talk to the Master Gardener group about the palms and plants that do well in our climate zone. They can also advise on the pros and cons of different plants. They are usually Villagers who have done extensive studying. They have no skin in the game.

[maistocars]

I would think twice before putting palms on your property. Mine is huge and I can't imagine the cost of removing it at this point, but they seem to really affect the grass under them. Take a look at that aspect around your neighbourhood. Maybe some are worse than others for this issue. Have fun with your new landscaping!
Totally agree on the palms! People need to be ready for maintenance headaches.

[golfnut]

We have 10 palms on our property, never had any headaches just normal maintenance, same as grass and bushes. If you don't want to pay for maintenance don't plant any.

[Michael 61]

I’m still in decision process of what to do / plant / which landscaper to hire / etc.

My first bid wants to put in three robelini palms (remember I have a corner lot with a wrap around lanai -so more area to landscape). I already have a berm just a few feet from the side of my property that is landscaped and managed by the developer, along with three fairly mature palm trees they planted along with seasonal ground-covered flowers. I feel like all this landscape is part of my property, and I get to enjoy the view from my lanai.

I drove around many different villages south of 44 yesterday. The robelini palm issue concerns me. I love the look, and many that I saw were in excellent condition, however an equal number were sickly looking from our freezes this past winter - I guess it’s just luck of the draw whether they survive a freeze or not (or maybe the owners covered them up to be pro-active - don’t know if that is really any help or not).

Maybe I just go with one robelini, and if that one withers this winter, it’s only one plant I need to replace vs three. If no robelini, then what? I would need an alternative palm or tree or large bush/shrub, for the circular areas that will be created by the brick work (one in front of house, one at side of lanai, and one on the rear corner of house, that is visible from side exposure to street).

I’m just really confused right now, as everyone is giving me different and often conflicting advice (which I appreciate by the way), but there is no real consensus, and I doubt there will be.

I know this isn’t “Sophie’s Choice”, and maybe I just need to pull the trigger on what I like, and can modify later if I feel I planted something that didn’t work out. If I go with palms, I do realize there is some added maintenance for them, and I’m OK with that.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! 😀

Retirement is good!

[villagetinker]

I would let the contractor get the ARC approval, but I would insist that I get a copy of the ARC approved document before any work is started.

Some contractors will agree to get ARC approval or a permit so they can start as soon as possible. Then, when you ask to see the permit, they say that they still haven't received it.

If you have YOUR email address on the ARC form, you will get a copy of the final determination within 1 or 2 days of the hearing, I just went through this with a contractor. Also, inform the contractor, that they can NOT start any work until you see the reply.

[Jackie147]

Just added a wrap-around birdcage to my new patio villa home, so now it’s time to move on to Landscaping. I’ve been here in my new villa neighborhood now for 5 months, so I’ve been able to see what many of my neighbors have done with landscaping. I’ve also been going on golf cart rides to more established villa neighborhoods to get ideas. I’m going to start get estimates, and want to do something tasteful (not going over-board), but still want to make a statement with my landscaping. Looking at some brick work as well. I like the Robellini palms, but that seems to be very common to plant. I have a front yard to landscape, and also the entire side of my home, as I have a corner lot. I want to ditch the Magnolia that came with the house - not sure to replace with another a tree, a palm , or just have no tree in front yard. I know my landscaper will help me with all these questions. I’m thinking of budget of $10,000 for landscaping. Does this seem in the ballpark cost wise? Curious how much others have spent on landscaping when purchasing a brand new home?

We have had a really great experience with S & J Landscaping (352-874-4775). The reason we chose them is he has his own nursery, so you can visit and decide which plants and trees you would like to have. Also, he will replace any plants that have failed in 6 months and trees are guaranteed for a year. He gave us a quote and did not expect payment until after he was done, and surprising came under what he originally gave us. All of his plants are so healthy, if fact three have grown so much we had him come back and replace them with smaller ones and he did so at no charge. Honest and very reliable.

[Ozzello]

WOW!! The biggest problem in The Villages landscaping scene (from a guy landscaping this area 40 years) is the landscaping people think was a good job ( because it looks fine, and the guys were GREAT) was poorly designed and needs more and more maintenance with each year, and though a REAL professionally designed landscape will actually look better and better for 10-15 years GAINING VALUE... 80% of the Landscapes need a serious overhaul in 5 years. THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE PALM TREES! This is about porrly constructed/engineered hardscapes, poor location/design etc. Go see a job your landscaper did 10 years ago or more. Ask about EDUCATION in THE FIELD. Look up the suggested shrubs and see what the actual NATURAL size is ( trimming ain't low maint.) There are less than 5 designers in this area capable of work that can pass standard landscape architect approval, and fewer than that who are willing to put in that effort with easy money so readily available. Go ahead and listen to "happy neighbors" who moved here 2 years ago, and know nothing about horticulture or civil engineering, and you can join the 80% that are out here ripping up landscapes they paid for 5 years ago that are devaluing their home instead of adding value to it.

[Calisport]

Pygmy Date Palms or very messy and prickly after a few years. I had some at an old house and thought it was a mistake.
Also plants that will grow way over the wall height on the side will be discouraged by ARC. I did all the landscaping on the side, I am on the end, since it is not in view of others.