Richmond, Virginia, known for its lush landscapes and historical charm, demands a well-maintained exterior to complement its picturesque environment. If you’re a homeowner in Richmond or its surrounding areas, understanding the pricing for grounds maintenance, landscaping, and hardscaping services is essential. At Glen Allen Grounds, transparency in our pricing is very important to us. Providing the level of service we expect of ourselves internally is not cheap, and we do everything we can to control costs. This guide will provide detailed insights into the costs associated with these services using data from the previous two years.
Grounds Maintenance
Grounds maintenance involves a variety of services designed to keep your property looking its best year-round. Let’s break down the costs and understand what you can expect when you opt for an annual contract with us.
Weekly Mowing
Weekly mowing ensures your lawn stays neat and healthy. Our typical growing season in Richmond is March 15- November 30th. The average cost for weekly mowing services in Richmond can vary depending on the square footage of the lawn. Our contracts typically include 35 weekly visits in the mowing season, while other contractors typically include 30-32. Weekly visits can range from $85-$500 depending on the level of detail that is required.
Shrub Maintenance
Regular shrub maintenance is crucial for the health and appearance of your bushes and hedges. This service is typically needed three times per year, but some properties require four. Plant material is monitored and catered to weekly to avoid long whips and dead clippings. Assuming quarterly visits, the annual cost of these visits could be as small as $500 for a property with 15 shrubs or less, or up to $15,000+ for larger estates with various amounts of plant material of all sizes.
Turf Fertilization and Weed Control
A well-fertilized and weed-free lawn enhances the overall appearance of your property. A typical program would include at least 7 visits annually, but could include 10 if disease control is included. Annual packages for turf fertilization and weed control generally cost between $350-$6,000, which includes multiple applications throughout the year.
Leaf Removal
Leaf removal is essential during the fall to prevent lawn suffocation and maintain aesthetic appeal. This service is one of the hardest to price, as there are so many variables that can change how long it takes. How many leaves fall, if they are wet or dry, the wind, and distance to wood lines or curbs all play a factor in leaf removal costs. We do offer vacuum services, which incur additional charges. Most leaf removal services, especially one-off ones, are done on a time and material basis, including travel. Labor rates for these types of services in Richmond can range from $65-$100 per man hour. Annual costs within a contract could range between $400-$3,000+.
Mulching
Mulching not only improves the appearance of garden beds but also helps in moisture retention and weed control. Mulching services generally cost between $85-$150 per cubic yard, including labor. These services include clearing beds of weeds and debris, fresh bed edges, and granular pre-emergent to slow weed germination (optional). Most properties in Richmond range from 10-20 cubic yards of mulch. Typically, the smaller the amount of mulch, the higher the cost per yard it would be to be installed.
Understanding pricing and scope descriptions within our maintenance contracts is very important. When considering a service provider, making sure you are looking at an apples-to-apples comparison is key. Some competitors may not have enough weekly visits, leaf removal visits, or suggest 7 applications vs. 10 on the turf. Our average maintenance cost over the previous years has been right around $550.00 per month.
Landscaping
Planting Bed Installation
Creating new planting beds or revamping existing ones can significantly enhance your garden’s beauty. We handle anything from a front foundation refresh to complete execution of an entire landscape design. Costs can vary, and the size of plant material is a big driver with that. A 7 gallon shrub is going to cost 25-40% more than a 3 gallon shrub, depending on the variety. Larger material has a larger root ball and can provide coverage and screening faster. Larger material can help soften the height of a newly constructed home, and a 8-10’ Balled & Burlap tree can provide a privacy hedge must faster than a six foot tree. A typical front foundation refresh can range from $3,500 to $7,000. Larger scale projects with larger variety of material, larger quantities, and overall expensive selections can be $10,000-$200,000+.
Drainage Solutions
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion. Installing drainage solutions, such as French drains or dry wells, is very common in Richmond. We are known for poor drainage! Drainage systems can be very time consuming and tricky. At the end of the day, the water is going to go where it wants to go. A small drainage project connecting a few downspouts could be around $2,500. We’ve been involved in larger drainage solution projects with multiple sump pumps and exit points that can be $40,000+.
Hardscaping
Patios
A patio can serve as a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. The cost for patio installation varies widely based on the materials used and the design complexity. A common way contractors like to price jobs is by the square foot. There are just too many variables that prevent us from discussing pricing in that manner, however, expect to pay between $28-$55 per square foot on average for a standard patio. Quantity of square footage, types of material, access, and excavation depth all affect what the costs of a new patio could be.
Fire Features
Adding a fire feature, like a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, creates a cozy ambiance. Fire pits generally cost between $1,500 and $5,000 for wood burning kits, while more elaborate outdoor fireplaces can range from $15,000 to $40,000. Gas burners have become very popular in Richmond and can range from $3,000 to $12,000 just for the burners. Keep in mind you will need a plumber to hook the gas up, which will incur additional costs.
Pools
A swimming pool is a significant investment but can greatly enhance your outdoor living experience. Glen Allen Grounds is heavily involved in the construction of pools and everything around them. There are three main types of pools to consider: gunite, fiberglass, and liner pools. Each type has its unique benefits and price points.
Gunite Pools
Gunite pools are made from a mixture of cement and sand, sprayed over a rebar framework. These pools are highly durable and can be customized in various shapes and sizes. The cost for installing a gunite pool typically ranges from $55,000 to $250,000+. Gunite pools are shot in place and are less prone for causing issues with the hardscapes around them. Glen Allen Grounds specializes in the construction of gunite pools, offering expert craftsmanship and personalized designs to fit your specific needs.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are pre-fabricated and installed in one piece. They are known for their smooth surface, quick installation process, and lower maintenance requirements. The cost for a fiberglass pool installation ranges from $30,000 to $90,000. A fiberglass pool has a pre-manufacture size, shape, and depth called a “shell”. Fiberglass pools require a poured concrete collar a minimum of 3 feet around the perimeter of the pool for a coping bed and to prevent settlement within the voids of the shell.
Liner Pools
Liner pools use a vinyl liner over a steel or polymer frame. They are generally the most affordable option but require liner replacement every 7-10 years. The cost for installing a liner pool is typically between $15,000 and $40,000. These pools are challenging to work around from a hardscape perspective due to the lack of compaction of earth around them, if not properly completed.
A complete pool project requires a lot of work and a lot of scopes. The pool tends to be the least expensive scope when you include all of them:
Pool
120V Electrical
Natural Gas (if applicable)
Pool Coping
Dirt Hauling (if applicable)
Water Delivery (if applicable)
Hardscaping
Landscaping
Drainage
Irrigation
Grading
Sod
We’ve done basic pool projects for around $90,000. For routine projects, the minimum you should expect to spend is between $150,000 and $175,000. The larger ones with multiple scopes and high end selections typically run $400,000+.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are essential for managing slopes and preventing soil erosion, while also adding a structured look to your landscape. The cost for installing a retaining wall varies based on materials (such as concrete, stone, or brick) and wall size. Again, this is another scope that is tough to define a pricing range. Some walls may require an engineered drawing. There are code requirements in each county around Richmond that could detail height limitations and could require a permit or a structural drawing. Retaining walls can require a lot of excavation and backfill which could drive costs. This could be a requirement with related to your project with a price tag that is unavoidable.
Seating Walls
Seating walls provide both functional seating and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space, often integrating with patios or fire pits. The cost for installing a seating wall typically ranges from $3,500 to $15,000+, depending on the materials used, the design, and overall length of the wall.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your landscape. The cost for installing outdoor lighting can vary based on the number of fixtures and the complexity of the wiring. Typically, you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $25,000+ for a well-designed lighting system.
What to Expect from Glen Allen Grounds
Glen Allen Grounds is known for providing top-tier landscaping, hardscaping, and grounds maintenance services in Richmond and its surrounding areas. Their pricing is reflective of the high quality of service they offer. In summary, while maintaining and enhancing your outdoor spaces in Richmond, Virginia, can involve various costs, partnering with a reliable provider like us ensures you receive high-quality services tailored to your budget and preferences. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a complete landscape transformation, understanding the scope and pricing of these services will help you make informed decisions.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call us at 804-719-9156.