Landscaping can completely transform your home’s curb appeal and outdoor living space. Whether you’re planning a simple lawn cleanup or a full yard makeover, one big question usually comes up first: How much does landscaping cost? The answer depends on the size of your yard, the complexity of your design, the materials used, and whether you hire professionals or do it yourself.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about landscaping costs. From lawn care basics to full outdoor renovations, we’ll walk you through average prices, what influences them, and how to get the most for your money.
What Is Landscaping?
Before we talk numbers, let’s define landscaping. Landscaping includes any work done to improve the appearance or functionality of your yard or outdoor space. This can range from mowing the lawn to installing stone pathways or outdoor kitchens.
Common Landscaping Services:
- Lawn mowing and maintenance
- Planting trees, shrubs, or flowers
- Installing sod or artificial turf
- Building patios, walkways, or retaining walls
- Irrigation systems
- Outdoor lighting
- Water features like fountains or ponds
- Hardscaping (use of stone, brick, or concrete)
Average Landscaping Costs by Project Size
Landscaping costs can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the work. Whether you’re looking for simple yard upkeep or a full transformation, it’s important to understand the typical price ranges for different levels of landscaping. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Basic Landscaping
Estimated Cost: $500 – $2,000
Basic landscaping is perfect for homeowners who want to improve their yard’s appearance without major changes. This level of service is generally considered routine maintenance or small cosmetic updates. It’s also the most affordable option and a good starting point for those on a limited budget.
What’s Typically Included:
- Lawn mowing and edging
- Leaf raking or removal
- Hedge and shrub trimming
- Planting seasonal flowers or ground cover
- Basic mulching of garden beds
- Weed control and fertilizer application
Best For:
- Homeowners who want quick curb appeal improvements
- Maintenance of existing landscaping
- Preparing a property for sale
2. Intermediate Projects
Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $6,000
Intermediate landscaping projects involve more design and labor than basic upkeep. These upgrades enhance both the appearance and functionality of your yard. They may take a few days to complete, depending on the size of your property and materials used.
What’s Typically Included:
- Installing sod or artificial turf
- Planting trees, shrubs, and perennial flower beds
- Adding garden borders or decorative edging
- Building small hardscaping features like paver walkways or garden walls
- Installing simple irrigation or sprinkler systems
- Landscape lighting (low-voltage options)
Best For:
- Creating a more structured and appealing yard
- Making a previously bare yard feel landscaped
- Increasing property value with more permanent fixtures
3. Major Landscaping or Renovations
Estimated Cost: $6,000 – $20,000+
Large-scale landscaping projects offer a complete transformation of your outdoor space. These jobs are typically handled by professional landscape designers or contractors and involve multiple phases, skilled labor, and high-end materials. Timelines can range from several weeks to a few months.
What’s Typically Included:
- Custom patios, decks, or outdoor kitchens
- Retaining walls, water features, and fire pits
- Full-property irrigation system
- Large-scale tree and plant installations
- Outdoor lighting for pathways, trees, and entertainment areas
- Excavation or grading work for leveling or terracing
- Installation of fences, pergolas, or privacy screens
Best For:
- Homeowners wanting a luxury outdoor living space
- New construction homes that need complete landscaping
- Long-term property investments and resale enhancement
Cost Breakdown by Service Type
Understanding the individual services that make up a landscaping project can help you better estimate your total costs. Here’s a closer look at common landscaping services and what you might expect to pay for each.
Lawn Care and Maintenance
These services are typically performed on a recurring basis to keep your lawn looking healthy and neat:
- Lawn mowing costs between $30 and $80 per visit, depending on yard size and terrain.
- Fertilizing your lawn usually costs $50 to $100 per application and is done several times a year.
- Aeration (removing small plugs of soil to improve air flow) costs $75 to $200 per session.
- Weed control services range from $65 to $150 per treatment.
Sod Installation
Sod is pre-grown grass that gives you an instant lawn. It’s priced by the square foot:
- Average cost: $1 to $2 per square foot installed.
- For a 5,000 square foot yard, expect to pay $5,000 to $10,000 total, including labor and materials.
Tree and Shrub Planting
Planting greenery adds life and structure to your landscape. Prices vary based on the type and size of plant:
- Small trees cost around $150 to $300 each, including labor.
- Large trees, which require more work and equipment, can cost $500 to $2,000+ each.
- Shrubs are more affordable, usually $25 to $75 each, depending on the variety.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping involves non-living elements like patios and walls that require materials and skilled labor:
- A paver patio costs $10 to $30 per square foot, depending on the material and layout.
- A walkway made of pavers or stone ranges from $8 to $25 per square foot.
- A retaining wall—used for both style and erosion control—can cost $25 to $50 per square foot.
- A fire pit, whether built-in or portable, can range from $300 to $2,500.
Water Features
Water features bring a sense of calm and beauty to your yard:
- A simple fountain typically costs $500 to $2,000, depending on size and complexity.
- Larger projects like a pond or waterfall can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000+, especially if they require excavation or custom rock work.
Irrigation Systems
Keeping your lawn and plants watered properly is key to long-term success:
- A complete irrigation system for an average yard costs $1,500 to $4,000.
- Drip irrigation systems, used mainly for gardens and shrubs, cost $1,000 to $2,500.
- A sprinkler system for lawns typically costs $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the size of the property and number of zones needed.
Landscape Lighting
Outdoor lighting enhances safety and adds ambiance:
- Pathway lights cost around $100 to $300 each, depending on the type and installation method.
- A full yard lighting system, including installation and transformer, typically runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Factors That Affect Landscaping Costs
Understanding what drives landscaping prices up or down helps you make smart, budget-friendly decisions. Whether you’re refreshing your lawn or doing a full outdoor renovation, these key factors can impact your final cost:
1. Yard Size
The size of your outdoor space plays a major role in how much you’ll spend.
- More area means more materials, like sod, mulch, or pavers.
- Labor hours increase with larger spaces since workers need more time to complete tasks.
- Irrigation systems also cost more as you add sprinkler zones to cover the entire lawn.
If you have a small front yard, expect lower costs. But large backyards with multi-zone plans can add thousands.
2. Design Complexity
A simple layout is more affordable than one with lots of creative details.
- Basic designs include flat lawns, a few flower beds, and straight walkways.
- Complex designs involve curved paths, retaining walls, elevation changes, or tiered planting zones.
- Features like koi ponds, built-in seating, or custom stonework require more time and technical skill.
The more detailed your design, the higher the planning, material, and labor costs.
3. Materials
What you choose for your landscaping makes a big difference in price.
- Budget materials: concrete pavers, gravel, standard mulch, and common shrubs.
- Mid-range options: stamped concrete, decorative bricks, composite decking, and evergreen trees.
- High-end upgrades: natural flagstone, imported tiles, exotic plants, custom lighting, and outdoor sound systems.
Material choice affects not only appearance and durability, but also how much you’ll spend upfront.
4. Labor
The cost of professional help varies by service and experience level.
- DIY projects can save on labor but take more time and skill.
- Freelance workers or handymen may charge lower rates but might not offer full design services.
- Full-service landscaping companies often include design, planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance—but at a higher cost.
Some projects, like irrigation or electrical work, may require licensed specialists, which also increases labor costs.
5. Location
Where you live can significantly affect the overall cost of landscaping.
- Urban areas often have higher labor rates due to cost of living.
- Rural or suburban regions may offer lower prices but can have limited access to specialty materials or designers.
- Climate conditions play a role—hot, dry regions may require drought-tolerant plants and irrigation, while wetter areas may need drainage solutions.
- Seasonal timing also matters: landscaping during peak spring or summer seasons can come with a premium price tag.
DIY vs. Professional Landscaping
DIY Landscaping
Pros:
- Saves on labor costs
- You control the pace
- Satisfying hands-on experience
Cons:
- Takes more time and effort
- May lack professional polish
- Mistakes can be costly in the long run
Hiring a Professional
Pros:
- Professional results
- Quicker project completion
- Expert advice and planning
Cons:
- Higher overall cost
- Less personal control
How to Save Money on Landscaping
You don’t have to overspend to get a beautiful yard. Here are ways to cut costs while still getting great results:
- Start with a plan. Avoid impulsive purchases by mapping out your design.
- Work in phases. Tackle your yard in sections over time.
- Choose native plants. They need less water and maintenance.
- Reuse materials. Reclaimed stone or wood can lower costs.
- Do some of the work yourself. Even basic prep work like digging or mulching can save hundreds.
Budgeting Tips for Landscaping Projects
Not sure how much to budget? Try these tips:
- Get multiple estimates. Compare pricing from at least 3 landscapers.
- Ask for itemized quotes. This shows what you’re paying for and where you can cut back.
- Include maintenance in your budget. Fresh sod and flowers look great—but they’ll need care.
- Use landscaping financing options. Some companies offer payment plans or seasonal discounts.
Is Landscaping Worth the Investment?
Absolutely—well-done landscaping can boost your home’s value by up to 10%. It also makes your property more enjoyable and functional.
Benefits:
- Better curb appeal
- Increased property value
- More usable outdoor space
- Energy savings (with shade trees and windbreaks)
Final Thoughts
So, how much does landscaping cost? It depends on your goals, yard size, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself. You can spend as little as a few hundred dollars for basic improvements—or tens of thousands for a full backyard makeover.
No matter your budget, a little planning goes a long way. Focus on features that matter most to you and choose cost-effective materials where possible. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space without overspending.
