How Much Does Landscaping Cost?
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In addition to enhancing outdoor enjoyment, well-designed landscaping improves curb appeal and increases property value. Wondering “How much does landscaping cost?” The typical range is $1,277 to $5,856, with most homeowners paying $3,415 on average.
Highlights
- The typical range for landscaping costs is $1,277 to $5,856, with most homeowners paying a national average of $3,415.
- Cost factors for landscaping projects include the project type, service type, project size and scope, the size of the property, terrain, accessibility, time of year, labor, and materials.
- Some reasons for homeowners to consider professional backyard landscaping include reduced energy bills, customization options, professional knowledge, improved air quality, environmental benefits, and high return on investment (ROI).
- Some landscaping projects are simple enough for a homeowner to DIY, but professional landscapers have the expertise, specialized equipment, and access to materials required to produce the best results.
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Designing and maintaining a beautiful landscape is about more than just mowing and watering the yard. According to Linda Greenberg, landscape designer and owner of Linda Greenberg Landscape & Design, LLC, landscaping includes “basically anything to do with the outdoor spaces. A garden is an extension of the home’s architecture, lay of the land, setting, lifestyle and budget.” Angi and HomeAdvisor report that the typical cost for landscaping a yard ranges from approximately $1,277 to $5,856, with a national average of about $3,415.
Costs vary depending on several factors, including the type and scope of the project, yard size, and going rate of labor. The type of equipment required to complete the project can also affect the overall costs. This guide will help homeowners learn more about how much landscaping costs and how they can optimize their investment in their property.
Factors in Calculating Landscaping Cost
While the national average cost of landscaping is about $3,415, the cost in an individual community can vary depending on numerous factors. For example, landscapers may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $40,000, or even more, for their services. Multiple factors affect the cost, such as the size of the yard, significant additions like retaining walls, and material quality.
Project Type
The type of landscaping project is also a substantial factor in the price scenario. Landscaping projects that involve construction, such as installing retaining walls to prevent erosion, may require the services of a landscape architect or engineer, which will add to the costs. These professionals may charge $50 to $100 per hour for their services.
Service Type
At the lower end of the price range are basic landscaping services, such as dethatching a lawn, planting seasonal flowers, or performing essential landscape maintenance tasks, including mowing and other lawn services that occur throughout the growing season. Homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $250 for the best lawn care services to take care of these tasks. Stump grinding or stump removal costs as much as $700.
When the services and projects become more complex, the cost rises. The addition of landscape curbing averages between $780 and $2,150, while even larger projects, such as xeriscaping, might run as much as $3,000 to $24,000. Any preparation that is necessary may incur additional costs; for example, the cost to level a yard is about $2,122.
| Service | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| Aeration | $220 to $870 |
| Fertilization | $150 to $500 |
| Mulching | $150 to $400 |
| Stump grinding | $275 to $600 |
| Stump removal | $200 to $700 |
| Tree trimming | $175 to $750 |
| Weed control | $65 to $150 |
| Yard cleanup | $200 to $500 |
Project Size and Scope
One of the most significant factors in cost fluctuation relates to the size and scope of the landscaping project. Basic landscaping services, such as planting a flower bed, can cost as little as $2,000. More in-depth services, such as installing a fence, can run as much as $4,500.
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Property Size
Along with the type and scope of a landscaping project, the size of the property is also a factor in pricing. For standard services such as turf installation, homeowners can expect to pay around $2,000 to $4,000 per acre. Landscapers may give a cost-per-foot or cost-per-acre discount for large properties that small properties may not get. This is because once the landscaping company comes out and sets up shop, it’s less expensive to remain and service a more extensive area than pack up and go to another project.
For small projects, landscaping companies may charge by the square foot, leaving homeowners wondering “How much is a yard in square feet?” While lots often vary in size, even within the same development, a standard quarter-acre yard is 10,890 square feet.
Terrain and Accessibility
If portions of the property are difficult to access, landscaping costs are likely to go up. Factors like steep slopes or narrow access between a neighboring home can add hundreds of dollars or more to the final tally.
A typical patio ranges in cost from $1,950 to $5,600, including excavating the site, constructing the forms to hold the concrete, and then pouring the concrete in the forms. If a concrete batch truck can’t back up to dump the concrete directly in the forms, a pump truck may be needed to transfer the concrete, adding to the patio cost. When specialty equipment is necessary, prices typically go up.
Likewise, soil type can be an issue. Excavating the ground for a pool or retaining wall is more complex and slow going if the terrain is rocky, which translates into added costs. The best landscaping companies will want to come out and look at the property before making an estimate.
Time of Year
Warm, dry weather is optimal for most landscaping projects, and many homeowners are champing at the bit in spring and summer to get their projects completed. However, scheduling landscaping projects during a company’s slow season may offer some savings. Typically, landscaping charges are relatively consistent year-round. Still, if a landscaping company faces a quiet time during the winter months, it may be willing to negotiate its fees to keep its workers busy.
Labor
How much do landscapers cost? The landscaping cost per hour for labor is between $50 and $100. “Labor and operational costs have increased significantly over the last few years,” says Greenberg. “Those costs should be respected and considered throughout before signing on the dotted line.” The more workers a project requires, the higher the costs will be. However, labor costs vary from region to region, so the going rate of labor in any given community will also be a factor. Hiring a general laborer rather than a large landscaping company may help keep costs down, but homeowners will want to keep in mind that the speed with which a crew or laborer can finish the project will also impact the final labor charges.
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Supplies
The type and quality of materials will impact the project’s cost because some materials are much more costly than others. Choosing exclusively high-end materials is sure to keep prices higher than the average landscaping cost. A patio ranges in price from around $2,000 to $5,800, and concrete is typically one of the more affordable construction materials. Building a deck with lumber can cost as much as $11,900, depending on size, because lumber can be expensive. Even the cost of landscaping rocks can range from $40 to $100 per cubic yard depending on the type that is chosen.
| Material | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Border plants | $2 to $50 per plant |
| Fencing | $11 to $90 per linear foot |
| Grass seed | $3 to $10 per pound |
| Mulch | $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot |
| Patio materials | $1 to $35 per square foot |
| Pavers | $1 to $25 per square foot |
| Pool installation materials | $20,000 to $65,000 |
| Retaining wall blocks | $3 to $40 per square foot |
| Rocks or gravel | $40 to $100 per cubic yard |
| Sod | $0.35 to $0.85 per square foot |
| Topsoil | $12 to $55 per cubic yard |
| Turf | $2 to $6 per square foot |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Landscaping encompasses a broad scope of projects, some of which may be necessary to ensure the safety of the property, like establishing a yard grade that controls water drainage or installation of retaining walls that stop soil erosion. These are factors for homeowners to consider when designing the whole landscaping project.
There may be additional costs for gardening or adding decorative features, such as water fountains or raised garden beds, or aerating the lawn and basic maintenance chores. Larger projects such as removing unwanted trees or installing a new sod lawn will typically come at a higher cost.
Permits
While smaller landscaping projects such as mulching or planting flower beds won’t require a permit, homeowners are advised to check with local authorities before scheduling larger projects to find out if a permit is needed. Installing a fence, putting in an in-ground pool, and building a pergola all generally require permits. Permits can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,750, depending on the project.
Resloping
Water and foundations don’t mix. When water pools around the edge of a foundation, it increases the risk of foundation problems, including leaks and movement. Getting the correct slope on a yard is essential to prevent foundation problems, and it may also be a zoning requirement in a community to ensure runoff doesn’t cut a path through a neighbor’s lawn or overwhelm storm drains.
Depending on the extent of sloping required, homeowners can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,225. The average national cost is about $2,100. This project will likely need to be completed before other landscaping projects can be undertaken, such as installing a sprinkler system or laying sod.
Enhancements and Improvements
A well-designed landscape can make a home more valuable. While it can increase the odds of potential homebuyers making an appointment to view the home, it can also increase a homeowner’s outdoor enjoyment.
Professionally installed landscape lighting ranges from about $3,500 to $4,500. Lighting can extend evening entertaining and add an element of safety for visitors who arrive after dark. Homeowners may also choose to add a pond to the yard to enhance the aesthetics and provide tranquility. The average cost to build a pond is around $9,000. Installing an outdoor kitchen will also add entertainment value, but it’s a big-ticket item, averaging about $13,000. Adding a swimming pool tops many homeowners’ wish lists and can cost as much as $50,000.
| Enhancement | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| French drain | $4,500 |
| Outdoor kitchen | $13,000 |
| Outdoor lighting | $3,500 to $4,500 |
| Pond | $9,000 |
| Pool | $50,000 |
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Location
Most homeowners’ front yard landscaping ideas typically include relatively low-cost features like expansive lawns, trees, and perennial beds. Installing sprinklers is one of the more common front yard projects and costs $1,675 to $3,550. Putting in a few of the best trees for a front yard will cost $150 to $300 per tree, while putting in the best black mulch might cost $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. Installing walkways starts at about $300. Having a new patio installed ranges from $2,000 to $5,800, while a gazebo could cost $2,750 to $9,600, depending on the size, type, and quality.
Backyard landscaping costs tend to be higher since the backyard is often where the residents will spend their outdoor time. Large-scale backyard landscaping projects, such as total renovations that include removing old landscaping, installing a new lawn, and planting new trees, can be a pricey prospect, averaging $15,000 to $50,000. At the low end, a modest upgrade on a small backyard that includes a new lawn and plantings could run about $5,000. Still, the sky’s the limit at the upper