Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Largely newer homes built post-2000, many still under 20 years old. Electrical and plumbing is generally in good shape — common work is upgrades and additions rather than replacements. Strong growth area with high tradie demand. North Lakes is in outer Brisbane — tradies from the inner city often add $35–$69 travel. Using a local Hills District tradie avoids this.
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Parking & access in North Lakes
Ample parking throughout. Modern estate with wide streets. Not a factor.
How North Lakes compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: Modern housing stock in the Hills means most jobs are faster and cheaper than older suburbs. Ask for fixed-price quotes rather than hourly — on modern homes, experienced tradies work quickly and fixed pricing gives you certainty. Check if your home is still under builder’s warranty before paying for defect-related repairs.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
Suburb
Landscaper rate
Zone
Tradie supply
Mango Hill
Nearby
Good
Griffin
Nearby
Good
Kallangur
Nearby
Good
Deception Bay
Nearby
Good
Narangba
Nearby
Good
Most landscaping jobs in North Lakes cost $5,028–$20,102
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard North Lakes backyard. Hourly rates run $55–$110/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $15,079 and can exceed $63,480.
+5.1%Landscaping costs in North Lakes have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in North Lakes
$120
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$60–$152
Emergency Rate
$253–$704
Common Job
$152–$400
Budget $78/hrAverage $120/hrPremium $202/hr
Landscaping in North Lakes costs $55–$110 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,028–$20,102 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $15,079–$63,480 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across North Lakes and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in North Lakes costs $55–$110 /hr, with most averaging $78 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free North Lakes quotes →
Detailed Pricing — North Lakes 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$55/hr
$78
$110
Garden design / plan
$805per plan
$2,010
$5,028
Natural turf — supply & lay
$17/sqm
$28
$40
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$51/sqm
$74
$124
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$147/sqm
$304
$501
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$253/sqm
$455
$704
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$51/sqm
$101
$179
Irrigation system
$1,619total
$2,820
$4,545
Paving / pavers
$60/sqm
$101
$161
Decking (hardwood)
$304/sqm
$501
$750
Basic backyard makeover
$5,028total
$12,061
$20,102
Full landscape (new home)
$15,079total
$30,153
$63,480
Prices verified April 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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What to Know About Landscaping Work in North Lakes
North Lakes is a rapidly growing master-planned community north of Brisbane. The housing is predominantly modern (2000s–2020s) with electrical systems that are generally in good condition. Electricians here focus on additions and upgrades — home theatre wiring, outdoor entertainment areas, EV charger installations, and solar panel systems. The modern builds mean less rewiring work but strong demand for new circuit additions and smart home integration.
Common landscaping issues in North Lakes: New estates need full garden establishment. Builder-supplied landscaping is typically minimal — homeowners invest in proper gardens after 2–3 years. Large flat blocks allow comprehensive designs including pools.
Landscaping rates in North Lakes typically range from $44–$115/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $69/hr. This reflects North Lakes's position in the hills zone of Brisbane, where good tradie supply and easier access keep prices below the Brisbane metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in North Lakes
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in North Lakes ($5,028–$20,102) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($15,079–$63,480). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $60–$161/sqm, decking at $304–$750/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $17–$40/sqm, plants, mulch) in North Lakes. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in North Lakes all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit North Lakes'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 ($1,619–$4,545 in North Lakes) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($805–$5,028 in North Lakes) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in North Lakes
1
Get quotes from licensed North Lakes landscapers — scope and pricing vary enormously
2
Start with a professional design plan for projects over $8,740 — it pays for itself in avoided mistakes
3
Choose drought-tolerant and native plants suited to North Lakes'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 North Lakes quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in North Lakes?
Landscaper hourly rates in North Lakes are below the Brisbane average, reflecting modern housing stock that is quicker and easier to work on. 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. Good tradie supply serving the Hills District keeps pricing competitive, so getting three quotes for any project over $1,840 is always recommended.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in North Lakes?
Backyard makeover costs in North Lakes 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 North Lakes's mostly 1980s–2020s homes in established estates and new 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 North Lakes?
Turf supply and installation in North Lakes 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 North Lakes, where mostly 1980s–2020s homes in established estates and new 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 Brisbane.
How much does decking cost in North Lakes?
Decking in North Lakes 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 North Lakes's mostly 1980s–2020s homes in established estates and new 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 $9,200 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 North Lakes, 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 North Lakes's mostly 1980s–2020s homes in established estates and new developments, good access keeps projects on schedule. Weather delays are common for soil and planting work — allow buffer in your timeline, especially during Brisbane'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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