Once you see a living wall, chances are, you’ll want one.
These impressive vertical gardens turn blank walls into colorful, creative works of art — created from vibrant, living plants.
Here at Greenscape, Inc., we’re known for our innovative living walls, and we love pushing the limits of creativity with each new installation.
So, what is a living wall? How do they work? And the question everybody wonders: how much do they cost?
What Is a Living Wall?
A living wall is a structural system that supports plants vertically, creating a striking green display. Structural panels are affixed to the wall with sturdy brackets. Plants are added into small cells, then watered and maintained just like potted plants.
Typically, panels last for about six months before being refreshed with seasonal plants or removed altogether.
Why Invest in a Living Wall?
Nothing attracts attention quite like these unique works of living art. They add instant visual impact to a property, draw visitors, and even inspire selfies. It’s landscaping as marketing — engaging and memorable.
Living walls can be designed as wall-mounted art pieces or freestanding installations, making them versatile for retail centers, office spaces, hospitality venues, and more.
How Much Do Living Walls Cost?
Each living wall is custom-designed, so costs vary.
- Initial installation: $500–$2,000 (not including plants).
- Summer panels: $280–$350 each (20 x 20 inches, depending on plants and design).
- Winter panels: $375–$415 each, due to the higher cost of perennials.
Summer panels often feature annuals like begonias, lantana, angelonia, herbs, and trailing vinca. Winter panels are planted with hardier perennials such as mondo grass, sedges, and sedums.
How Many Plants Are in a Wall?
A typical 20 x 20-inch panel includes 45 cells, each holding one plant. Depending on the design, some cells may contain two plants — meaning up to 90 plants per panel.
The Work Behind the Cost
Installing a living wall requires precise craftsmanship. Supporting brackets must be level and secure, irrigation systems carefully fitted, and panels installed with exact alignment to create seamless, polished designs.
A typical installation takes a crew of six to eight people about a week to complete.
How Long Do Living Walls Last?
Panels need replacing every six months. They can either be swapped out with new plants to match the season or removed entirely.
How Are Living Walls Watered?
Each panel is fitted with a modified drip irrigation system that flows from the top down, ensuring every plant receives adequate water.
If there’s a water source nearby, irrigation can be connected to a timer for easy maintenance. Greenscape crews can also manage irrigation and maintenance directly.
During summer, living walls typically need watering every other day.
Maintenance Needs
Like any container plants, living walls require regular care:
- Fertilization every two weeks
- Occasional pruning
- A maintenance contract for consistent upkeep
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the wall, ranging from $300 to $1,000 a month.
Best Uses for Living Walls
Living walls are most impactful in spaces where people can interact with them up close, such as retail centers, office buildings, hotels, and public gathering spaces.
They can even incorporate branding, like company logos, or themed designs to match an event or campaign.
Creative Design Options
The possibilities are endless. Living walls can feature:
- Bold 3-D shapes like hummingbirds or geometric patterns
- Edible gardens with herbs, lettuces, and cherry tomatoes
- Seasonal or themed displays
- Artistic recreations, symbols, or commemorative walls
They can even be temporary — perfect for rebranding, events, or short-term marketing campaigns.
Plan Ahead
Living walls require careful planning and plant sourcing, so lead time is essential. Expect to allow four to five months for design, approvals, plant ordering, and installation.
With the right planning, a living wall can become a true showpiece that elevates your property.
Trust Greenscape, Inc. With Your Living Wall
Make your property a destination with an innovative, one-of-a-kind living wall.
We’ve been serving the full-service landscaping needs of commercial and residential customers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary areas for more than 35 years. Our services include landscape management, lawn care, design and build, irrigation, landscape lighting, and more.
Call us at 919-552-7742 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation and learn how we can transform your landscape.
We can’t wait to hear from you.