Landscapers in
Merced, CA

In the Merced, CA metro area, landscaping and groundskeeping workers earned a median of $20.79 an hour ($43,230 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $17.20–$30.21. About 420 people work in this occupation in the metro area. These are what workers earn, not what landscapers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

The typical home in Merced was built in 1985, and 43% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $372,600. 66% of Merced's homes are single-family detached houses, the homes most likely to have their own yard to maintain. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.

Merced is dry, with about 13 inches of precipitation a year, so drought-tolerant plants and efficient drip irrigation make a big difference to water use. The average temperature in Merced is 61°F; summer afternoons average 93°F and winter nights 37°F. It gets about 13 inches of precipitation a year. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Landscaping costs in Merced range from $50–$150 per visit for basic maintenance to $2,500–$12,000+ for comprehensive design and plantings. Hardscaping projects tend to be the most expensive.

Merced homeowners have access to a wide range of landscaping services including lawn installation and maintenance, tree and shrub planting, irrigation systems, hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls), outdoor lighting, landscape design, and seasonal cleanup. Many contractors in Merced also offer specialized services like drainage solutions, sod installation, and xeriscaping.

Most basic landscaping in Merced doesn't require a permit, but projects involving retaining walls over a certain height, irrigation systems connected to city water, grading that affects drainage, or tree removal may require permits. Contact the Merced building department for permit requirements. Check with your local building department before starting any major landscaping project in Merced.

On Ratedeed, you can browse landscapers serving Merced who specialize in everything from lawn maintenance to complete outdoor transformations. Look for professionals experienced with Merced's local climate and soil conditions. Read reviews from other Merced homeowners, request free quotes, and ask for photos of completed projects in the area.

The best plants for Merced depend on your specific location, sun exposure, and soil type. Local nurseries and landscapers familiar with Merced's climate can recommend native and adapted species that thrive with minimal maintenance.