The Outback Blog

How Long Does the Landscape Design Process Take? Key Timelines & Realistic Expectations

Written by Chase Coates | June 30, 2026

If you’re already imagining what you could grill out on your amazing new patio, hold up a sec.

Have you contacted your patio designer yet?

The landscape installation process takes time. But how much time?

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How long does it take to install a backyard landscape project? It varies, since no landscaping project is the same, but expect it to take a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your project.

Some basic landscape projects take only 1-2 weeks to complete once ground is broken. But more complex projects involving outdoor kitchens, grade changes, or intricate hardscapes will take longer.

If you plan far enough in advance, we can usually complete your landscaping project in about six weeks from the start of work.

The Landscape Planning Process Starts with the Design

The backyard renovation timeline at Outback Landscape begins with a 15-minute “discovery call” to ensure we’re the right fit for your project.

Next up: an on-site consultation to see your space and walk through it with you.

What happens during a landscape design consultation? The fun starts here.

Your Idaho Falls landscape designer will sit down with you for a conversation about your wants and needs.

Outback landscape designer Kim Rubert starts asking about landscape function first. Sure, you want your landscaping in Rexburg or Pocatello to look amazing. But it has to suit your lifestyle, too.

What will you do out there? Do you have kids? Pets? Do you entertain a lot? Do you need a spot for morning yoga? Evening wine tasting parties? Saturday afternoon soccer practice? A serene space where nobody can find you when it’s your turn to load the dishwasher?

The answers help her narrow in on how your Idaho custom landscape design should function — not just how it will look.

Need privacy? Some plants, like Swedish aspen, North privet and zebra grass, offer a nice natural screen. Are there dogs in your family? Rubert has sturdy ground covers up her sleeve that stand tough against scampering paws. Curious toddlers? Plants can’t be toxic. And maybe you need a fun backyard play area.

Bring in photo examples of what you like and don’t like to give your designer a sense of what you want out there.

Rubert will want to know your budget, too. Give this some thought before your design consultation. You should be ready to share how much you want to spend. These details will help you choose materials, determine the project's size, and decide whether to do it in phases or all at once.

This is your chance to ask questions about the landscape installation process, too. Some good ones: What kind of maintenance will this design require? How many revisions are included in the design process? Are there ways you can help me stay within my budget?


Once the initial site visit is complete, the landscape designer will take 3-4 weeks to complete your design. It’s the master plan for your new outdoor life.

Estimating the cost of your project happens here, too, as your Idaho Falls landscape designer checks current prices of everything from plants to hardscape materials to labor.

Rubert will create a 3D rendering for you to review at our design studio, along with a list of plants and materials. We’ll also show you samples of the materials so you can get a real feel for the space.

You’ll take a look at the first draft and decide what you like and what needs tweaking. The second revision will be very close to what you want. The third revision should be spot on.

When Should Homeowners Start Planning a Landscape Project?

It’s normal to start daydreaming about a great new landscaping project once spring is in the air and you smell your neighbor grilling hot dogs. Fear of missing out hits hard.

But if you want to be grilling shrimp fajitas or relaxing in your backyard sauna by spring or summer, your planning should start in the fall or winter. Your Rigby ID outdoor living project timeline starts then. If your toes are freezing and there’s a snowman in your front yard, it’s time to think about your summer landscaping project.

Here at Outback, we typically start construction projects in April, but if weather permits, we can start in March. Most Idaho Falls landscape construction is scheduled between April and the end of November.

But we design landscapes year-round, even as the snow flies, so you can get your project started in the fall or winter. That’s a smart move.

Don’t wait until April to start the process. That means you’ll spend the precious summer watching construction crews instead of enjoying s’mores around your fire pit.

Also, the best landscaping companies book up fast. Remember, a backyard renovation timeline involves many steps. Materials have to be ordered and delivered. Revisions often happen along the way. Weather happens. Start planning early so you can enjoy your new outdoor space while the weather is still nice.

What Factors Affect Landscape Project Timelines?

You know that saying about the best-laid plans? It’s true. Stuff happens.

Even when everything is going great and you’ve already bought a new yoga mat for your backyard wellness area, a variety of issues can set landscaping crews back and delay your installation.

What kind of issues affect your Ammon, ID, landscape design timeline?

  • Permits and approvals. Local building permits or HOA reviews can add weeks to a start date.
  • Material availability. Custom pavers, lighting, or specific plants require extra time to order and deliver.
  • Mother Nature. Rain, snow, or extreme heat can delay work.
  • Site surprises. Hidden tree roots, underground utilities, or poor soil quality often require unplanned fixes.
  • Client revisions: Changing your design mid-project delays work and ordering. Having a comprehensive consultation with your Idaho Falls landscape designer and a solid plan from the beginning helps avoid this kind of delay.

Next Up in Your Landscape Installation Process: Construction Begins

Once your design is completed and you’ve approved it, construction starts. Now it starts to seem real.

Your Idaho Falls landscape contractor will take care of applying for permits, arranging inspections and handling most of the technical details for you—they know how to complete the paperwork to get the build pushed through quickly.

At Outback Landscape, our team includes project managers, designers and crew foremen who each do their part to bring your design to life.

Yes, you’ll have to put up with some construction mess (you might want to warn your neighbors), but the hard part is over for you. You’ve made all your decisions and chosen your materials. Now relax, grab a snack, and watch it come to life.

If you know any 4-year-olds, you might want to invite them over to watch the big piles of dirt and roaring machines. It’s pretty cool to watch old plants come out and new ones go in. Big pallets of pavers suddenly become a patio.

Our project management process means you get weekly updates so you always know exactly what’s going on.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Landscape Design Process

Q: When should homeowners start planning a landscape project?

A: Sooner than you think, here in Idaho Falls. Our construction season here is fairly short, so you'll want to plan ahead to ensure crews can start in March or April. You should meet with your landscape designer in the fall or winter to get going on your spring or summer project.

Q: What time of year should a landscaping company be planting trees and plants?

A: Here in Idaho Falls, spring and fall are the best times for planting. Planting in these two seasons allows plants to establish roots before the extreme temperatures of summer and winter.


Q: How much does professional landscape design cost?

A: Most backyard remodel designs cost $1,500. Designs for more complex projects can cost from $2,500 to $5,000.

The best Idaho Falls landscaping experts make all of this easy, with detailed planning and frequent communication that keep you in the loop.

Outback Landscape pros guide you through every stage of the process with transparency, organization, and realistic expectations, while delivering high-quality outdoor living spaces you’ll love for years to come.

Ready to Start the Landscape Design Process? Trust Outback

Excited? We are, too. Let’s get started.

At Outback Landscape, we have skilled, creative in-house landscape designers who will love bringing your ideas to life.

We love matching our clients with their dream landscape design plan and watching their excitement as the process unfolds.

And we make it easy, from your first meeting with our landscape designers right through to the exciting final walk-through.

Remember, to ensure your landscape installation stays on schedule, contact us well before our spring installations begin. If you’re sipping cocoa with thick socks on, you’re right on time.

Bring all your questions, ideas and excitement.

Outback Landscape offers full-service landscape installation in Idaho Falls and surrounding East Idaho communities, with a comprehensive list of services, including landscape design, construction, maintenance, lawn care, snow and ice removal, lighting, and irrigation.

We install beautiful, functional landscapes. But our work doesn’t stop there. We’ll stay with you for the long haul, taking care of your property through all four seasons.

We serve residential and commercial properties in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello, Idaho, as well as Bonneville, Madison and Bannock counties, and Jackson, WY. Call us at 208-656-3220 or schedule a no-obligation meeting with a member of our team.