The Complete Guide to Landscaping in Lincoln, NE

Your yard is the first thing people notice about your home. It’s also a space for you, family, and friends to enjoy the (all too brief) beautiful periods of weather.

In Lincoln, where we deal with everything from brutal winter freezes to summer droughts, getting your landscaping right matters more than you might think.

This guide covers what Lincoln homeowners actually need to know: which services make sense for our climate, what things cost around here, when to schedule different projects, and how to find a landscaper who won’t waste your time or money.

Why Landscaping Matters in Lincoln

Lincoln sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b to 6a. That means we see winter lows around -10°F to -15°F, and summer temperatures that regularly push past 95°F. Our clay-heavy soil holds water when we don’t want it to and turns rock-hard during dry spells.

These conditions create real problems for homeowners: drainage issues that flood basements, lawns that brown out every July, and plants that die after their first Nebraska winter.

Good landscaping solves these problems. It also adds real value to your property. Local realtors estimate that well-maintained landscaping can add 5% to 12% to a home’s sale price in Lancaster County. On a $300,000 home, that’s $15,000 to $36,000 in additional value.

Common Landscaping Services in Lincoln

Not every landscaping company does everything. Here’s what services are available in Lincoln and what each one involves.

Hardscaping

Hardscaping covers any non-living elements in your yard: patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor structures. These projects tend to be the biggest investments but also last the longest when done right.

Paver Patios

Paver patios have become the most popular hardscape project in Lincoln. Unlike poured concrete, pavers can flex with our freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. They’re also easier to repair—if one paver settles or breaks, you replace that one piece instead of tearing out a whole slab.

Most Lincoln homeowners spend between $6,000 and $12,000 for a 400 to 600 square foot patio. Material costs run $15 to $30 per square foot depending on the type of paver you choose. Concrete pavers cost less than natural stone but still look good and hold up well.

The key to a long-lasting paver patio is the base. Reputable installers dig down 6 to 8 inches, lay compacted gravel, add a sand bedding layer, then set the pavers. Shortcuts on the base lead to settling and shifting within a few years.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls serve two purposes: they hold back soil on sloped lots, and they create visual definition in flat yards. In Lincoln, where about 14% of Lancaster County sits in floodplains, retaining walls often work alongside drainage systems to manage water flow.

Small retaining walls (under 3 feet) typically cost $2,500 to $4,500. Larger walls can run $6,000 to $8,500 or more. Material choices include concrete block, natural stone boulders, and timber. Block walls tend to be most cost-effective; boulder walls cost more but create a natural look.

Any wall over 4 feet tall usually requires engineering and permits in Lincoln. Your landscaper should handle the permit process, but expect additional costs for the required structural calculations.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces

Fire features extend your outdoor season in Nebraska. A patio that’s too cold for evening use in September becomes comfortable again with a fire pit.

Lincoln has specific rules about fire pits. According to the city’s Air Pollution Code, wood-burning fire pits must sit at least 25 feet from any building or flammable material. The smoke can’t drift onto neighboring properties in amounts that affect health or safety. You also need fire-extinguishing materials nearby—a garden hose or bucket of sand works.

Gas fire pits avoid most of these restrictions since they produce minimal smoke. They cost more upfront (typically $3,000 to $7,000 installed with a gas line) but are easier to use and maintain.

Basic wood-burning fire pits start around $1,000 installed. Custom stone fire pits with seating walls can run $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens range from a built-in grill station to full cooking setups with sinks, refrigerators, and counter space. In Lincoln’s climate, you’ll use an outdoor kitchen heavily from May through October.

Basic outdoor kitchen setups start around $7,000. More complete installations with multiple appliances, countertops, and storage run $15,000 to $30,000 or higher.

If you’re considering an outdoor kitchen, plan for it during your initial patio design. Running gas lines, electrical, and water after a patio is built costs significantly more than including them from the start.

Drainage Solutions

Poor drainage causes more property damage in Lincoln than most homeowners realize. Water pooling against foundations leads to basement seepage, foundation cracks, and mold problems. Standing water in yards kills grass, creates mosquito breeding grounds, and makes outdoor spaces unusable.

French Drains

French drains are trenches filled with gravel and perforated pipe that collect and redirect water underground. They’re the most common solution for yards with persistent wet spots or water pooling near foundations.

A typical French drain installation in Lincoln costs $2,500 to $8,000 depending on length and complexity. The drain needs to run to a suitable outlet—either the street, a storm drain, or a lower area of your property where water can disperse safely.

Properly installed French drains last 15 to 25 years with minimal maintenance. The main upkeep is keeping inlet areas clear of debris.

Grading and Surface Drainage

Sometimes the problem is simpler: your yard slopes toward your house instead of away from it. Soil next to foundations settles over time, creating low spots where water collects.

Regrading involves adding or moving soil to create proper slope away from structures. Combined with downspout extensions that carry roof water at least 6 feet from the foundation, regrading solves many drainage issues without underground pipe systems.

For larger drainage problems, dry creek beds offer both function and aesthetics. These shallow channels lined with river rock move water during heavy rains while looking like a natural landscape feature when dry.

Landscape Design and Planting

What you plant matters as much as how you arrange it. Lincoln’s climate demands plants that handle both extreme cold and summer heat.

Native Plants for Lincoln

Native Nebraska plants evolved to survive here. They need less water once established, rarely need fertilizer, and resist local pests and diseases better than non-native species.

Popular native grasses include Little Bluestem (Nebraska’s state grass) and Prairie Junegrass. Both add texture and movement to landscapes while requiring minimal maintenance.

For color, native perennials like Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, and Butterfly Milkweed attract pollinators and return year after year. Butterfly Milkweed specifically supports monarch butterflies, whose populations have declined significantly.

Native trees suited to Lincoln include Bur Oak (extremely hardy and long-lived), Eastern Red Cedar (evergreen, drought-tolerant), and Redbud (smaller ornamental with spring flowers).

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Lincoln averages about 30 inches of rain per year, but it doesn’t fall evenly. July and August often bring weeks of dry weather right when plants need water most.

Drought-tolerant landscaping doesn’t mean cactus and gravel. It means choosing plants adapted to periods of low water and grouping plants with similar water needs together. This approach, sometimes called xeriscaping, can cut outdoor water use by 50% or more.

Many native plants are inherently drought-tolerant. Ornamental grasses, sedums, and certain perennials thrive with minimal irrigation once their root systems establish.

Trees and Shrubs

Trees provide shade that can significantly reduce summer cooling costs. A well-placed shade tree on the south or west side of your home blocks afternoon sun and can lower indoor temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees.

When choosing trees for Lincoln, consider mature size. A tree that looks perfect at 10 feet can become a problem at 60 feet if it’s too close to your house, power lines, or septic system.

Wind is a factor in Lincoln. We get sustained winds that can damage weak-wooded trees like Silver Maple and Bradford Pear. Stronger species like Oak, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Hackberry handle Nebraska winds better.

Lawn Care and Maintenance

Most Lincoln lawns consist of cool-season grasses: Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, or a blend of both. These grasses grow actively in spring and fall but slow down or go dormant during summer heat.

Seasonal Lawn Care Schedule

Spring (March through May)

Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach 55°F (usually late March to early April) to prevent crabgrass
Begin mowing when grass reaches 3.5 inches, keeping it at about 3 inches
Light fertilization with slow-release nitrogen helps spring green-up
Core aeration if soil is compacted

Summer (June through August)

Raise mowing height to 3.5 to 4 inches to shade roots and retain moisture
Water deeply but infrequently—about 1 inch per week including rainfall
Avoid fertilizing during hot weather
Some browning is normal and not harmful—grass goes dormant to survive heat stress

Fall (September through November)

Best time for overseeding bare or thin spots
Core aeration helps grass recover from summer stress
Fall fertilization strengthens roots before winter
Keep leaves cleared to prevent smothering grass

Winter (December through February)

Avoid walking on frozen grass—it causes damage that shows up in spring
Keep ice melt products away from lawn edges
Good time to service lawn equipment

For a more detailed timeline, check out our blog: Nebraska Lawn Care Schedule

Landscaping Costs in Lincoln

What you’ll pay depends on project scope, materials, and site conditions. Here are typical ranges for Lincoln landscaping projects.

Small Projects ($500 to $2,500)

Flower bed installation or refresh
Mulch delivery and installation
Small tree or shrub planting
Basic drainage corrections
Spring or fall cleanup

Medium Projects ($2,500 to $10,000)

Paver patio (200 to 400 square feet)
Small retaining wall
French drain installation
Fire pit with basic seating area
Front yard landscape redesign
Irrigation system installation

Large Projects ($10,000 to $30,000+)

Complete backyard transformation
Large paver patio with fire feature and seating walls
Outdoor kitchen
Multiple retaining walls with extensive drainage
Pool landscaping
Full property landscape design and installation

Factors That Affect Price

Access: Tight spaces requiring hand labor cost more than areas accessible by equipment
Soil conditions: Rocky soil or heavy clay increases excavation time
Slope: Grading and retaining structures add cost on uneven lots
Material choices: Natural stone costs more than concrete pavers; exotic plants cost more than natives
Existing features: Removing old concrete, trees, or structures adds to project cost
Permits: Some projects require city permits and inspections

When to Schedule Landscaping Projects

Timing affects both project success and contractor availability.

Best Times by Project Type

Hardscaping (patios, walls, walkways): April through November, though spring and fall are ideal. Frozen ground stops most hardscape work from December through March.

Planting trees and shrubs: Early fall (September to mid-October) is best in Lincoln. Plants establish roots before winter without the stress of summer heat. Spring planting works but requires more attention to watering.

Seeding or sodding lawn: Late August through mid-September is prime time for cool-season grass. Spring seeding (April to early May) is second choice.

Drainage work: Best done in drier months when soil isn’t saturated. Late summer and early fall often work well.

Landscape lighting: Can be installed most of the year but easier to test and adjust when days are shorter (fall through early spring).

Booking Timeline

Good landscaping companies in Lincoln book out 4 to 8 weeks during peak season (April through June and September through October). For major projects, start getting estimates 2 to 3 months before you want work done.

Winter is a good time to plan. Many contractors offer design consultations in January and February when their schedules are lighter. You can finalize plans and get on the spring schedule before the rush starts.

How to Choose a Landscaper in Lincoln

Finding the right contractor prevents headaches and wasted money. Here’s what to look for.

Credentials to Check

Insurance: Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation. A contractor without proper insurance exposes you to liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
Certifications: ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) certification matters for paver work. NCMA (National Concrete Masonry Association) certification applies to retaining walls. Nebraska Certified Nursery Professional indicates plant knowledge.
References: Ask for contact information from recent clients with similar projects. Actually call them.
Portfolio: Look at photos of completed work, ideally projects in Lincoln or similar climates.

Questions to Ask

How long have you been doing this type of work?
Will you pull necessary permits?
What’s your typical timeline for a project like mine?
What warranty do you offer on materials and labor?
Who will be on site managing the project?
What happens if we have problems after the job is done?
What’s your payment schedule?

Red Flags to Avoid

Demanding full payment upfront (10% to 30% deposit is reasonable)
No written contract or vague contracts
Unwilling to provide insurance documentation
Pressure to sign immediately or accept a “today only” price
Bids significantly lower than all competitors (often means shortcuts or hidden costs)
No physical business address or only a P.O. box

Getting Started

Whether you’re planning a small garden update or a complete backyard transformation, the process works best when you start with clear goals.

Think about how you actually want to use your outdoor space. Do you need a place to entertain? A safe play area for kids? Low-maintenance plantings that look good without constant attention? Your answers guide which services and features make sense.

Get multiple estimates—three is usually enough to understand the market. Compare not just price but what’s included: material specifications, warranty terms, timeline, and payment schedule.

Don’t rush the decision. A good landscaping project adds value and enjoyment to your home for decades. Taking time to plan it right pays off.

Ready to start your landscaping project? Contact us for a free consultation and estimate. We’ll visit your property, discuss your goals, and provide clear pricing for the work you need done.