How much does landscaping cost in Essendon?
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.
Good parking throughout. Residential suburb with driveways. Not a factor.
How Essendon compares to nearby suburbs
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 |
Landscaping in Essendon costs $55–$110 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,000–$20,000 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $15,000–$60,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Essendon, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Essendon 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (hourly rate) | $55/hr | $80 | $110 |
| Garden design / plan | $800per plan | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Natural turf — supply & lay | $15/sqm | $28 | $40 |
| Synthetic turf — supply & install | $50/sqm | $75 | $120 |
| Retaining wall (timber sleeper) | $150/sqm | $300 | $500 |
| Retaining wall (concrete sleeper) | $250/sqm | $450 | $700 |
| Garden bed (plants + mulch) | $50/sqm | $100 | $180 |
| Irrigation system | $1,600total | $2,800 | $4,500 |
| Paving / pavers | $60/sqm | $100 | $160 |
| Decking (hardwood) | $300/sqm | $500 | $750 |
| Basic backyard makeover | $5,000total | $12,000 | $20,000 |
| Full landscape (new home) | $15,000total | $30,000 | $60,000 |
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Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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 inner north-west 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 ($5,000–$20,000) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($15,000–$60,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $60–$160/sqm, decking at $300–$750/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $15–$40/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 ($1,600–$4,500 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 ($800–$5,000 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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 price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no tradesperson can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed July 2026. Read our full methodology →