What Is the Cost of a Living Wall?

Living walls are also known as green walls or vertical gardens.

These systems can be installed indoors or outdoors. They're designed to bring greenery into places where ground space is limited.

But how much do living walls cost? 

The answer depends on several factors. These include the size of the wall, the plants selected, and the type. 

Location, ease of maintenance, and accessibility can also affect costs. For example, indoor living walls can cost more to set up than outdoor ones.

The cost of a living wall can be as low as $300 per square metre for basic DIY setups. High-end, professionally installed systems can cost over $1,500 per square metre. 

If you want to know more about how much this project will cost you, keep reading.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Living Wall

The cost of a living wall can vary widely, depending on these factors:

1. The type of the wall
2. The size of the wall
3. Plant species and density
4. Infrastructure needs
5. The complexity of the setup
6. Location (indoor vs. outdoor)
7. Lighting and access to electricity
8. Irrigation systems and the location of water

There are different kinds of green walls. 

Modular walls come in pre-made panels and are quick to install, but they can be more expensive. 

Custom or non-modular walls are built on-site. They may be cheaper, but they take more time and work. 

That's because more components are involved in the building process.

The bigger the wall, the more it will cost. More plants, more materials, and more labour are needed for larger walls, along with engineering plans. 

A small wall may cost a few thousand dollars, while a large one could cost tens of thousands.

Some plants are cheap and easy to care for, like ferns or native groundcovers. Others are more expensive, especially tropical or rare types.

These green spaces need support systems. This may include frames, irrigation, lighting, and drainage. 

Some walls and structures also require professional waterproofing.

The more complex the setup, the more it will cost to build.

Some walls are simple and can be set up in a day. Others need custom design, plumbing, and electrical work, especially if indoors. 

A complex setup takes more time and skilled labour, which increases the price.

Indoor walls often cost more. They need artificial lighting, climate control, and extra care to prevent water damage. 

Outdoor walls use natural light and rain, which helps reduce costs. But they must handle weather changes and strong winds.

Some local climates will change and affect the appearance of the plants chosen. That's why it's important to understand the normal growth cycle of these plants.

Size and Total Cost

The total cost of a living wall often starts around $1,500 for a small setup. This could be a simple feature wall in a home or small office. 

As the size increases, so does the cost.

For medium-sized walls (5–10 square metres), the price can range between $5,000 and $15,000. 

This includes structure, plants, irrigation, and installation.

Large walls (over 20 square metres) may exceed $30,000. These are green walls on building exteriors or in commercial spaces.

The type of building matters, too. 

Installing a green wall on a new build can be cheaper if planned early. Thorough and early planning can help reduce the price.

Retrofitting an older wall may require more time and care, increasing labour costs.

Think of it like this: more square metres means more plants, more materials, and more time. 

But it also means a greater visual impact and more benefits. For instance, better air quality and insulation.

If budget is a concern, you can start small and expand later. 

Modular systems allow you to build in stages. Just make sure to plan the infrastructure ahead of time to avoid future costs.

Cost of a Living Wall per Square Metre

The cost per square metre of a living wall typically ranges between $800 and $1,500. But these numbers can vary. 

Note that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) isn't included in this price range. But it does include the structure, plants, irrigation, and often the installation.

Let's break it down a bit. 

If you source materials yourself, you might spend as little as $300 per square metre on a basic DIY green wall. 

But for a professionally installed system, expect costs at the higher end. This system can include automated watering, drainage, and lighting.

High-end systems can go above $1,500 per square metre.

These usually include custom designs, exotic plants, and high-tech monitoring systems.

Some suppliers offer modular systems. These can reduce costs, especially if you're covering a large area. 

The type of plants used also affects the square metre cost. 

Plants need to be chosen based on the location and climatic conditions the wall is exposed to.

These plants may be harder to find and grow in larger numbers in nurseries that may not commonly grow certain species. 

A green infrastructure professional should always be the lead designer when choosing plants.

Finally, consider hidden costs. These include:

• Site preparation
• Waterproofing
• Structural checks
• Long-term upkeep

The upfront price might be reasonable. But, long-term maintenance can impact the value.

These walls will appreciate over time through the condition of the landscape. But the structure they grow on will depreciate. 

Condition reports will be necessary. 

Components of the Cost

The total price of a living wall is made up of several parts. Understanding each component can help you plan your budget better.

The components of the cost include:

1. The plants you want to use
2. The planter and irrigation systems
3. Maintenance requirements

Plants

Plants are the heart of the wall. Their cost depends on the type, size, and number needed. 

For a lush green wall, you might need 20 to 40 plants per square metre. 

More may be required depending on plant habits and growth patterns.

Basic greenery like ferns and grasses is more affordable and can spread quickly. Exotic plants or those needing special conditions will cost more.

Indoor walls might use tropical plants. Outdoor ones may rely on natives that can withstand the location and environmental conditions.

Planter and Irrigation Systems

Planter systems hold the plants and give them space to grow. 

These range from simple felt pockets to modular panels with built-in pots. Modular systems are more durable and flexible but cost more.

Irrigation is key. Manual watering may be okay for small setups. But an irrigation system is mandatory for long term success. 

For larger or indoor walls, an automated irrigation system is best. It may include a timer, pump, and sensors to manage water use.

Expect to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the size and tech.

Drainage also matters. Without it, excess water can damage walls and floors. 

Proper drainage adds to the upfront cost but prevents long-term issues. 

Drainage systems can also be designed to recirculate the water.

Maintenance

Living walls need regular care. This includes:

• Watering system checks and seasonal programming
• Trimming and plant cleaning
• Replacing dead plants (if required)
• Cleaning the filtration system
• Fertilising
• Checking for pests or plant diseases
• Inspecting structural parts

You should engage professional help every month or two. These professionals will understand the best maintenance routine for your wall. 

They can also see issues with the wall that an untrained eye might miss. 

Some companies offer maintenance packages. They start from $200 to $2,000 per month, depending on the size, setup, and access to the wall.

All these elements are combined to form the full cost of your living wall. 

Cutting corners in one area often means higher costs down the line.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Living Walls

Indoor and outdoor living walls have different needs and costs.

Indoor walls usually need more infrastructure, including:

• Special lighting
• Controlled temperature
• Designed irrigation 

Without sunlight or suitable light levels, you will need LED grow lights, which add to the price. 

Also, drainage must be carefully managed to avoid indoor water damage.

Indoor systems tend to be smaller but more complex. They have more needs for climate control and added tech. That's why they cost more.

Outdoor walls are exposed to natural light and rain. 

This can lower the cost of lighting and irrigation. But they need to withstand wind, sun, and seasonal changes.

Plant exposure to the climate can affect the growth and longevity of some plants. That means you should choose hardy plants and sturdy materials.

Outdoor setups may need council and engineering approval, especially for larger walls on building exteriors. 

You might also need to think about wind load, wall strength, and waterproofing.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Doing it yourself can save money. But advice from a professional should be sought prior to starting the project. 

A DIY green wall kit may cost around $300 to $800 per square metre. 

If you're handy and the setup is simple, it's a great option. DIY is best for small indoor or patio walls.

But there are downsides. A DIY setup may not last as long or perform as well. 

Mistakes in irrigation or drainage can damage your wall or plants. Maintenance might also be harder without the right tools.

Professional installation is more expensive, usually $1,000 to $1,500 per square metre. 

But it comes with benefits. Experts handle design, plant choice, irrigation, and setup. The result is often more durable and better-looking.

Many companies also offer support and maintenance after installation. This ensures your wall stays healthy.

If you want a long-lasting, low-maintenance wall, a professional is a smart choice. For small projects and tight budgets, DIY might do the trick.

Maintenance and Longevity

A living wall isn't a "set and forget" feature. 

It needs care to stay healthy and attractive. Regular maintenance includes watering, trimming, checking for pests, and replacing dead plants.

Some systems have sensors and timers that make care easier to manage. 

But you'll still need to check them often. Without proper care, plants can die, and the wall can look messy.

Hiring a professional to do maintenance may cost $200 to $2,000 per month, depending on size. 

Some companies offer annual contracts that include regular visits and plant replacements.

A well-maintained wall can last 10 years or more. But poorly kept walls may need a full replant in just a year or two. 

Green walls will cost more year on year as the wall matures. This needs to be addressed alongside your professional maintenance company.

Choose hardy plants and a good system, and you'll save money over time.

Understanding the Cost of Green Walls

Living walls are a beautiful way to green up your space, but they come at a cost. Prices range widely depending on size, location, and quality.

You can go the DIY route for a small setup or hire experts for a polished look. 

Either way, plan for the long term. Proper maintenance is key to keeping your wall lush and lasting. 

With the right setup and care, a living wall can be a lasting and valuable investment.

If you're thinking about adding a living wall to your home or business, Evergreen Infrastructure is the expert you can trust. 

We have years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining green walls. Our team delivers high-quality, low-maintenance solutions tailored to your space. 

Contact us if you want to know more about our green wall services.

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