Whether you intend to add some flower beds or build a new patio, a likely question is how much does landscaping cost? In general, the average landscaping project cost is $3,650, according to Angi, but it can be much lower or higher, depending on the project scope.
Landscaping covers a wide range of home improvements — from simply hiring someone to mow and maintain your lawn to installing an inground pool and outdoor kitchen for entertaining. So, your landscaping costs will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of your project.
What are some average landscaping costs?
Landscaping projects can range from simple lawn maintenance to full-scale backyard makeovers. To help you with planning and budgeting for your landscaping needs, here are some average costs. These may vary based on the scope of your project and the cost of materials and labor in your area.
Basic landscaping and maintenance
Examples: Lawn mowing, mulching, planting, trimming.
Planting trees/shrubs/plants.
Estimated range for basic services: $50-$3,000.
Intermediate landscaping projects
Examples: Sprinkler systems, lighting, paver patios.
Sprinkler system installation.
Paver patio (200 square feet).
Estimated range for intermediate services: $1,025-$6,000.
Major landscape projects
Examples: Backyard renovation, outdoor kitchens, inground pools, retaining walls.
Outdoor kitchen installation.
Retaining wall construction.
Estimated range for major services: $3,250-$100,000+.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If President Trump’s current tariff rates continue, it’s likely to increase the cost of some landscaping costs for consumers. Landscaping businesses often source items — like mowers, trimmers, irrigation systems, lighting components and fertilizer — outside of the U.S., subjecting these goods to reciprocal tariffs. Tariffs are also affecting hardscaping materials, such as lumber, aluminum and steel. As costs increase for landscaping businesses, it’s likely that some of that cost will be passed to customers.
Yard size can affect landscaping cost
The size of your yard plays a big role in what you will pay for landscaping. Larger areas require more labor, time, planning and materials.
According to Angi, typical landscaping costs range from $4.50 to $12 per square foot, depending on scope of the work. Here are some estimates for projects like lawn installation, planting and simple design elements. More complex projects can push the per square foot cost higher.
Other landscaping cost considerations
When getting an estimate, ask for a breakdown of materials, labor and overall project cost. Some items, like mulch installation or laying sod, are likely to be charged by the cubic foot or yard. Landscapers may charge for labor costs by the hour, usually about $50 to $100 per hour. If you require the services of a landscape designer or architect, your cost could be up to $150 hourly. Having this breakdown makes it easier to compare estimates and ensure nothing is missing.
Also, check to see if your project (especially large, hardscaping projects) will require a local building permit. If so, expect an additional cost of about $500 to $2,760.
8 ways to save on landscaping costs
Get competitive quotes. Among landscaping providers, prices can vary widely for the same project. You may not necessarily want to hire the cheapest person or company, but getting multiple quotes can help ensure you aren’t overpaying.
Check references. Before hiring someone, even if it’s just for monthly mowing, ask for references and photos of previous work — and look for photos of their work on Yelp or another review platform. Hiring someone who doesn’t do quality work can increase your cost when having to redo or repair shoddy work.
Choose a licensed and insured contractor. If you can’t find the license number on their website, ask for it, then look it up on your state’s licensing board website. Also, ask to see verification of their insurance.
Tackle projects in phases. Spreading work out can make the cost more manageable, and it can improve cost efficiency. For example, it’s best to install irrigation before laying sod. Laying sod and deciding you need sprinklers later can drive up your cost.
Use native plants and perennials. Determine what plants are likely to live longer and cost less long-term. Perennials usually come back each year, as opposed to annuals that normally last only one season. Identify which plants are native to your area, meaning they’re more likely to thrive in extreme cold, heat or drought conditions.
Do work off-season. If you’re a DIY person, shop for perennial plants, tools and other materials at end-of-season sales. Landscaping contractors may also charge less during their off-peak season.
Repurpose materials. Keep leftover bricks, stones, pavers and other materials to be creatively used for other projects.
DIY when it makes sense. If you have the ability to do so, handle planting, mulching or simple projects — like building a firepit — to save on labor costs.
When it comes to landscaping, I’ve always been more of a DIY homeowner — mainly because it’s a hobby I enjoy. But, several years ago I developed a swampy area in one corner of my yard. It was so bad that I had to wear rain boots to wade in and weed eat instead of mowing. An inspection revealed the cause was a natural spring that had popped up. Given that it wasn’t a DIY project, I hired a professional landscaping company to install a drain and large rock bed, then I added native shrubs and flowers myself. At the time, mortgage interest rates had dropped significantly since I took out my original home loan. My solution was a cash-out mortgage refinancing loan. I refinanced to a lower interest rate, received cash to pay for an attractive rock garden and lowered my monthly mortgage payment at the same time.
Ways to finance a landscaping project
You may have money saved to cover the cost of smaller landscaping projects, but if you need financing to pay for larger projects, here are some possible solutions.
Your landscaping contractor may offer financing (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — and maybe better — financing options available.
Home equity loan or HELOC
Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing through a contractor’s lender, as well as possible tax benefits. Both options use your home as collateral.
Home equity loan. This may be a good option if you just want to pay for a single landscaping project and won’t need ongoing access to money for additional home improvements. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years
Home equity line of credit. HELOCs work more like a credit card, so you have ongoing access to money as you need it. You usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit and pay interest only on the HELOC amount you use. Most lenders have an option for interest-only payments during that time, after which you’re required to pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time.
Personal loan
Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you get behind on payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and late payments can negatively impact your credit. Here are NerdWallet’s picks for the best home improvement loans.
Credit card
Credit cards are an option for lower cost projects than you intend to pay off quickly. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that give you extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you choose one of the best credit cards for home improvements.
Final thoughts about landscaping costs
Whether you’re looking to refresh your front yard or redesign your entire outdoor space, knowing the typical landscaping costs can help you plan effectively. By understanding the factors that affect price, exploring financing options, and finding ways to save, you can create a beautiful landscape that fits both your vision and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Does landscaping increase a home’s value?
What is meant by softscaping, hardscaping and xeriscaping?
