LANDSCAPING COSTS IN WA

Landscaper hourly rate

$55–$110/hr

Experienced, licensed

Garden design (small)

$500–$1,500

Plans and plant schedule

Turf supply and lay (per m²)

$18–$35/m²

Sir Walter/Kikuyu, prep included

Reticulation (new install)

$2,500–$6,000

Standard 600m² block

Reticulation (service/upgrade)

$400–$1,500

Controller, heads, repairs

Garden bed establishment

$40–$80/m²

Soil prep, mulch, plants

Retaining wall (limestone)

$250–$450/lm

Per linear metre, 600mm high

Synthetic turf (per m²)

$60–$100/m²

Supply and install, good grade

WA water restrictions — the defining constraint

Perth operates under permanent Water Wise Rules from the Water Corporation. Sprinklers and reticulation can only operate on assigned watering days (typically 2 days per week in summer) and not between 9am and 6pm. Any landscaping design that does not account for this will fail. A good Perth landscaper designs for water-efficient species, efficient emitter selection, and zones that match the watering day schedule. Ask specifically how the design accounts for WA water restrictions.

Sandy soil amendments

Perth's sandy soils drain rapidly and hold almost no nutrients. Establishing a garden without soil amendment — composted organic matter, clay minerals (bentonite), wetting agents — almost always results in failure in summer. The soil preparation cost is often where cheaper quotes cut corners. Ask for a soil test and a specific amendment plan before any planting, particularly in newer suburbs like Baldivis, Piara Waters and Alkimos where topsoil has often been stripped during construction.

Summer heat and establishment timing

Planting in Perth summer (November–March) is high risk without significant irrigation support. Experienced Perth landscapers plan planting around the autumn window (April–June) when soils are still warm but days are cooling and rainfall begins. Jobs quoted for summer start dates are either high-risk or have a significantly higher establishment watering cost built in. Ask about the proposed planting schedule and how establishment will be managed.

Reticulation and water efficiency

Reticulation in Perth is subject to strict requirements. Controllers must comply with WA water restrictions settings. Sprinkler head selection (fixed versus rotary) has a significant impact on water use — rotary heads apply water more slowly and suit sandy soils better. A well-designed reticulation system in Perth should include rain sensors (required by law for new installations) and soil moisture sensing for efficiency. Ask what heads and controller are specified.

What soil amendments are included and what is the specification?

How does the design account for WA water restrictions?

What watering days will this system be set to and how much water will it use?

Is the reticulation system Water Wise Rules compliant — does it include a rain sensor?

What turf species are you recommending and why for this aspect and soil?

When do you propose to plant — and how will you manage summer establishment?

What plant species are you specifying and are they drought-tolerant for Perth conditions?

Does any retaining wall require a Building Permit or engineering certificate?