Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Predominantly post-war and 1970s–80s freestanding brick homes on generous blocks. Tradies from inner Melbourne will typically add a travel surcharge of $34–80 for Frankston — using a local Frankston tradie avoids this entirely. Frankston is in outer Melbourne — tradies from the inner city often add $34–$70 travel. Using a local Western Melbourne tradie avoids this.
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Parking & access in Frankston
Good parking throughout — not a factor for any trades.
Most landscaping jobs in Frankston cost $4,890–$19,550
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Frankston backyard. Hourly rates run $55–$105/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $14,665 and can exceed $69,000.
+5.1%Landscaping costs in Frankston have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Frankston
$115
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$60–$145
Emergency Rate
$245–$685
Common Job
$145–$390
Budget $80/hrAverage $115/hrPremium $195/hr
Landscaping in Frankston costs $55–$105 per hour for a landscaper, or $4,890–$19,550 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $14,665–$69,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Frankston and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Frankston costs $55–$105 /hr, with most averaging $80 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Frankston quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Frankston 2026
Local tip for this area: Western Melbourne is the most price-competitive trade market in the metro area. Even so, prices vary 30%+ between tradies for identical work — always get at least three quotes. Local Facebook community groups often have reliable tradie recommendations specific to your suburb.
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$55/hr
$80
$105
Garden design / plan
$780per plan
$1,955
$4,890
Natural turf — supply & lay
$17/sqm
$27
$39
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$48/sqm
$75
$120
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$145/sqm
$295
$490
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$245/sqm
$440
$685
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$48/sqm
$100
$175
Irrigation system
$1,575total
$2,740
$4,420
Paving / pavers
$60/sqm
$100
$155
Decking (hardwood)
$295/sqm
$490
$730
Basic backyard makeover
$4,890total
$11,730
$19,550
Full landscape (new home)
$14,665total
$29,325
$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 Frankston
Frankston is the major service centre for Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula fringe. The housing stock is predominantly 1960s–1990s brick veneer, with many homes needing electrical upgrades to support modern loads. Electricians in Frankston handle a high volume of air conditioning installations, switchboard upgrades, and solar panel wiring. The larger block sizes typical of outer suburbs mean more outdoor electrical work including shed power supplies and garden lighting.
Common landscaping issues in Frankston: Largest backyards in the dataset — many over 500sqm. Pool installations, sheds, and full garden designs. Hot dry summers demand smart irrigation and drought-tolerant plant selections.
Access & parking: Excellent everywhere — wide streets, large blocks, and easy access.
Landscaping rates in Frankston typically range from $43–$110/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $70/hr. This reflects Frankston's position in the west zone of Melbourne, where good tradie supply and easier access keep prices below the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Frankston
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Frankston ($4,890–$19,550) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($14,665–$69,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $60–$155/sqm, decking at $295–$730/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $17–$39/sqm, plants, mulch) in Frankston. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Frankston all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Frankston'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 ($1,575–$4,420 in Frankston) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($780–$4,890 in Frankston) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Frankston
1
Get quotes from licensed Frankston landscapers — scope and pricing vary enormously
2
Start with a professional design plan for projects over $8,500 — it pays for itself in avoided mistakes
3
Choose drought-tolerant and native plants suited to Frankston'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 Frankston quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Frankston?
Landscaper hourly rates in Frankston are the most affordable in Melbourne, thanks to strong competition and easier working conditions. 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. The largest pool of tradies in Melbourne creates strong price competition, so getting three quotes for any project over $2,000 is always recommended.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Frankston?
Backyard makeover costs in Frankston 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 Frankston's post-war brick homes, modern estates, and newer townhouse developments, 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 Frankston?
Turf supply and installation in Frankston 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 Frankston, where post-war brick homes, modern estates, and newer townhouse developments 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 Frankston?
Decking in Frankston 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 Frankston's post-war brick homes, modern estates, and newer townhouse developments, 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 Frankston, 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 Frankston's post-war brick homes, modern estates, and newer townhouse developments, 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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