What Landscaping Actually Costs in Putnam County
Landscaping in Putnam County costs 5-12% more than national averages, which makes it the most affordable option in the region. Lawn mowing runs $35 to $70 per visit for a typical quarter-acre lot. Landscape design and planting costs $2,000 to $7,000 depending on the size of the project. A patio installation (pavers or bluestone) runs $3,500 to $9,000. Retaining walls cost $3,500 to $11,000 depending on height and material.
The county's rural character affects landscaping in specific ways. Deer pressure is severe here, more so than in Westchester or Rockland. Anything you plant needs to be deer-resistant, or you'll watch it get eaten within weeks. Rock ledge is common, which complicates excavation for patios, retaining walls, and plantings. And if you're in Kent or Putnam Valley, some landscapers charge travel fees, though local companies usually waive them.
Older properties in Cold Spring and along Lake Mahopac often have drainage issues or mature trees that complicate landscaping projects. Addressing drainage can add $1,500 to $5,000 to your budget, but it's often necessary before you install a patio or retaining wall.
Putnam County Landscaping Costs (2026)
Average costs for common landscaping projects in Putnam County.
| Project Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn mowing (per visit) | $35 - $70 | Quarter-acre lot, weekly service |
| Landscape design + planting | $2,000 - $7,000 | Design, plants, mulch, edging |
| Paver patio (200 sq ft) | $3,500 - $9,000 | Excavation, base, pavers, labor |
| Bluestone patio (200 sq ft) | $4,500 - $11,000 | Premium material, more labor |
| Retaining wall (3-4 ft high) | $3,500 - $11,000 | 50 linear feet, material varies |
| Sod installation (per sq ft) | $1.50 - $3.50 | Prep, sod, labor |
| Mulch delivery + install | $400 - $1,200 | Whole property, 3-inch depth |
How Costs Vary Across Putnam Towns
Carmel and Mahopac have the most landscapers, so pricing is competitive and you'll find faster service. Lawn mowing here runs $35 to $60 per visit, and landscape design projects come in toward the lower end of the range. Lakefront properties along Mahopac sometimes pay more if access is tight or if drainage work is needed.
Brewster sits in the middle. Pricing is similar to Carmel, but the contractor pool is smaller. Many landscapers here also work in Dutchess County, so if you're flexible on timing, you might get a better rate when they're bundling jobs in the area.
Cold Spring and Philipstown have older properties, many with mature trees and drainage challenges. Retaining walls and patios here often require more excavation due to rock ledge, which adds $500 to $2,000 to your budget. Deer pressure is extreme, so plant choices are limited to deer-resistant species.
Kent and Putnam Valley are the most rural. Lawn mowing costs $40 to $70 per visit, and some landscapers charge travel fees ($50 to $150) for jobs in these areas. Local landscapers who live in the area usually waive travel fees. Deer pressure is severe, and rock ledge is common, so projects here often take longer and cost more than in Carmel or Mahopac.
Permits and Deer-Resistant Planting
Most landscaping work doesn't require a permit in Putnam County. But if you're building a retaining wall over 4 feet high or making significant changes to drainage that affect your neighbor's property, check with your town.
Fences: Carmel and Kent exempt fences under 6 feet from permits. Other towns require permits for all fences. Check with your town before installing.
Town Building Departments: - Carmel: (845) 628-1500 - Southeast (Brewster): (845) 279-2123 - Philipstown (Cold Spring): (845) 265-5202 - Kent: (845) 225-3900 - Putnam Valley: (845) 526-2377
Deer: If you're not planting deer-resistant species (boxwood, lavender, ornamental grasses, catmint), expect your plants to get eaten. Deer pressure in Putnam County is severe. Ask your landscaper for deer-resistant options upfront.
When to Schedule Landscaping Work
Spring and early summer are peak season for landscaping. You'll wait longer for contractors and pay toward the higher end of the range. Fall is the best time for planting perennials and trees because cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock. Late summer and early fall are great times for hardscape work (patios, retaining walls) because contractors are less busy and you can often negotiate better pricing.
If you're planning a patio or retaining wall, schedule the work for late summer or early fall. You'll get better availability and sometimes 5-10% discounts compared to spring pricing.
Lawn care companies book up fast in April and May. If you want weekly mowing, lock in a contract in March to guarantee a spot.
How to Save Money
Plant deer-resistant species from the start. Replacing plants that get eaten costs more than choosing the right plants upfront. Boxwood, lavender, catmint, ornamental grasses, and Russian sage all survive deer pressure well.
Do your own mulching. Mulch delivery costs $400 to $1,200 for a whole property. If you're willing to spread it yourself, you can save $200 to $600 in labor. Just make sure you order enough. Most properties need 3 to 5 cubic yards.
Bundle hardscape projects. If you're planning a patio and a retaining wall, hire the same contractor for both jobs. You'll pay less than if you hire separately because excavation and base prep can be done at the same time.
Get multiple quotes for big projects. Retaining wall pricing can vary by $2,000 or more for the same job. Make sure each quote includes excavation, base prep, materials, and cleanup. Some contractors lowball the initial quote and add extras later.
Common Questions About Landscaping in Putnam County
Frequently asked questions about landscaping in Putnam County.
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Alex Colombo is the founder of Westchester AI, a technology consulting firm serving businesses across Westchester County and the tri-state area. When he's not helping local companies modernize their operations, he's researching what home improvement actually costs in the area so homeowners don't walk into quotes blind.