Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Predominantly 1950s–70s brick homes and apartments alongside more recent development. The electrical and plumbing in these homes is often original but functional — many owners are upgrading rather than replacing. Most Melbourne tradies service Essendon at standard rates, though some add a small travel fee of $20–40 depending on their base.
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Parking & access in Essendon
Good parking throughout. Residential suburb with driveways. Not a factor.
How Essendon compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: Premium area tradies sometimes quote higher because they can. Counter this by getting quotes from tradies based slightly further out — Bayside operators servicing the lower Inner North, or upper Inner North tradies servicing harbourside suburbs. The quality is often identical at a lower rate.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
Suburb
Landscaper rate
Zone
Tradie supply
Moonee Ponds
Nearby
Good
Strathmore
Nearby
Good
Ascot Vale
Nearby
Good
Niddrie
Nearby
Good
Airport West
Nearby
Good
Most landscaping jobs in Essendon cost $5,810–$23,230
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Essendon backyard. Hourly rates run $65–$125/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $17,425 and can exceed $69,000.
+5.1%Landscaping costs in Essendon have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Essendon
$140
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$70–$175
Emergency Rate
$290–$815
Common Job
$175–$465
Budget $95/hrAverage $140/hrPremium $230/hr
Landscaping in Essendon costs $65–$125 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,810–$23,230 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $17,425–$69,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Essendon and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Essendon costs $65–$125 /hr, with most averaging $95 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Essendon quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Essendon 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$65/hr
$95
$125
Garden design / plan
$930per plan
$2,325
$5,810
Natural turf — supply & lay
$17/sqm
$32
$46
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$60/sqm
$85
$140
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$170/sqm
$350
$580
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$295/sqm
$525
$815
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$60/sqm
$115
$205
Irrigation system
$1,870total
$3,255
$5,250
Paving / pavers
$70/sqm
$115
$185
Decking (hardwood)
$350/sqm
$580
$870
Basic backyard makeover
$5,810total
$13,940
$23,230
Full landscape (new home)
$17,425total
$34,845
$69,000
Prices verified April 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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What to Know About Landscaping Work in Essendon
Essendon has a stable housing market with Californian Bungalows and post-war brick homes predominating. Electricians work on a mix of renovation and maintenance — switchboard upgrades in 1950s–1970s homes, ceiling fan installations, and lighting upgrades. The suburb's proximity to the airport means some properties need additional earthing and surge protection.
Common landscaping issues in Essendon: New development landscaping is a significant market. Established homes being renovated include garden redesigns. Coastal conditions require salt-tolerant plant selections.
Access & parking: Generally good except near the town centre construction zone.
Landscaping rates in Essendon typically range from $50–$130/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $80/hr. This reflects Essendon's position in the north shore zone of Melbourne, where moderate demand and mixed housing stock keep prices close to the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Essendon
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Essendon ($5,810–$23,230) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($17,425–$69,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $70–$185/sqm, decking at $350–$870/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $17–$46/sqm, plants, mulch) in Essendon. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Essendon all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Essendon's climate and are cheaper long-term (less water, less maintenance). Premium materials like natural stone paving cost 2–3x more than basic options.
Irrigation
An irrigation system ($1,870–$5,250 in Essendon) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($930–$5,810 in Essendon) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Essendon
1
Get quotes from licensed Essendon landscapers — scope and pricing vary enormously
2
Start with a professional design plan for projects over $10,100 — it pays for itself in avoided mistakes
3
Choose drought-tolerant and native plants suited to Essendon's climate to reduce long-term water costs
4
Stage larger projects if budget is tight — hardscaping first, then softscaping
5
Ask about soil quality and drainage before planting — poor soil prep leads to plant failure
6
Check if the Essendon quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Essendon?
Landscaper hourly rates in Essendon are at the upper end, reflecting the premium area and steeper terrain that adds labour time. However, most landscaping work is quoted per project rather than hourly — a fixed quote gives you more cost certainty. Hourly rates are more common for maintenance visits and smaller jobs. Higher-income area where tradies often quote at the top of their range, so getting three quotes for any project over $2,000 is always recommended.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Essendon?
Backyard makeover costs in Essendon scale dramatically with scope. A basic tidy-up with new plantings and mulch costs far less than a full design-and-build with hardscaping, retaining walls, and irrigation. In Essendon's Federation homes, inter-war bungalows, and newer apartments, larger blocks allow comprehensive designs but increase total project size. Always get a detailed written quote with a plant list and materials schedule.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Essendon?
Turf supply and installation in Essendon includes soil preparation, levelling, the turf itself, and initial watering setup. Couch and kikuyu are the most affordable varieties; buffalo (like Sir Walter) costs more but handles shade better. In Essendon, where Federation homes, inter-war bungalows, and newer apartments creates varying garden conditions, turf selection should match your garden's sun exposure, foot traffic, and maintenance commitment. Spring and autumn are the best times to lay turf in Melbourne.
How much does decking cost in Essendon?
Decking in Essendon depends on deck size, height above ground, timber species (or composite), and subframe complexity. Treated pine is the most affordable; hardwood (merbau, spotted gum) costs significantly more but lasts longer. Composite decking has a higher upfront cost but minimal ongoing maintenance. In Essendon's Federation homes, inter-war bungalows, and newer apartments, good access keeps delivery and construction efficient. Council approval may be needed for elevated decks.
Do I need a landscape design?
For projects over $10,000 or involving significant structural elements (retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, pools), a professional landscape design pays for itself in avoided mistakes and better outcomes. For simpler jobs — garden bed refreshes, new turf, basic planting — a design may not be necessary. In Essendon, many landscapers offer a design-and-build service where the design cost is credited against the construction quote.
How long does a landscaping project take?
Timelines vary hugely with scope. A garden refresh (clean-up, mulch, new plants) takes 1–3 days. A full backyard makeover with hardscaping, retaining walls, and planting takes 2–6 weeks. In Essendon's Federation homes, inter-war bungalows, and newer apartments, good access keeps projects on schedule. Weather delays are common for soil and planting work — allow buffer in your timeline, especially during Melbourne's wetter months.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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