How Much Does Landscaping Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,258 - $6,030
The average landscaping project costs $3,501 but ranges between $1,258 and $6,030, depending on the scope.
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Professional landscaping costs an average of $3,501 or between $1,258 and $6,030, but it can add serious curb appeal—and value—to your home. Landscaping costs vary widely. You might spend $750 on the cost to remove a tree or plant some border blooms, but an entire backyard remodel could set you back $6,010 or more. We break down the average landscaping costs so you can maximize your funds.
- Average
- $3,501
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $14,000
Landscaping Cost Factors
Since there are so many options when it comes to landscaping, there are a lot of cost factors to consider. Details such as your yard size, the type of landscaping, and the landscaper labor prices all play a role in the overall cost of this project. Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved in the bottom line.
Yard Size
Depending on the extent of the work, landscaping costs generally range between $4.50 and $12 per square foot. However, if you’re tackling a tear-out and major remodel, you could have to budget up to $40 per square foot.
Cost to Landscape Front Yard vs. Back Yard
As a rule, backyard landscaping costs are steeper than those for fixing up your front yard. A full backyard renovation averages between $15,000 and $50,000 compared to between $1,500 and $5,000 for the cost of landscaping a front yard. Of course, installing a driveway, well-appointed walkways, or other high-price hardscaping means you’ll need to bump up your front yard budget.
New Homes
If you’re landscaping a new home, expect to boost your budget even more. Typically, you’ll pay around 10% of your property value for new landscaping or more if you add expensive fixtures like a pool. For example, if you purchase a $400,000 home, you might pay around $40,000 for hardscaping and softscaping across your front and back yards.
Project Size
Beyond the size of your yard, the size and complexity of the project is a significant cost factor when it comes to landscaping. For example, if you’re only looking to remove a tree or add some flowers to your flower bed, you’ll be paying a lot less than if you were to add a deck or pool to your backyard.
Landscaper Costs
For small jobs, like reseeding a lawn or laying sod, your landscaper might charge between $50 and $100 per hour. When it comes to major makeovers, contractor landscaping prices are typically set by project. Your final landscaper costs could be anywhere from $1,000 to $40,000. If you hire a landscape designer to take ownership of your project, you can expect to pay around $2,000 to $7,200 for their services.
Materials
Beyond the landscaper’s labor expenses, it’s also important to consider the cost of materials for your project. For example, if your landscaping project only involves plants or concrete, you’ll spend less overall than if you were to need materials like lumber. It’s important to note that if the landscaper needs to ship in materials or tools from another location, you could end up paying a premium price.
| Landscaping Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sod | $0.35–$0.85 per square foot |
| Turf | $2–$6 per square foot |
| Grass seed | $3–$10 per pound |
| Topsoil | $12–$55 per cubic yard |
| Rocks or gravel | $40–$100 per cubic yard |
| Mulch | $0.20–$0.60 per square foot |
| Retaining wall blocks | $3–$40 per square foot |
| Fencing | $11–$90 per linear foot |
| Pavers | $1–$25 per square foot |
| Border plants | $2–$50 per plant |
| Pool installation materials | $20,000–$65,000 |
| Patio materials | $1–$35 per square foot |
Type of Landscape
Believe it or not, there are a few different types of landscaping. Each type is specific to the type of project, and each has its own cost range to consider when planning for this project.
| Landscape Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Xeriscaping | $3,000–$24,000 |
| Softscaping | $800–$10,000 |
| Hardscaping | $300–$30,000 |
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is common landscape practice for homeowners in hotter climates (think Arizona, Nevada, and Texas). This form of landscape design helps maximize the water in yards in areas where it’s common to lack available water. Homeowners can add plants to their yard that don’t require much water, or they might install artificial grass to keep their lawn looking lush. The average cost to xeriscape a yard is $17,000, depending on the yard size, materials, and labor costs.
Softscaping
Softscaping refers to the horticultural side of landscaping. This form of landscaping includes installing plants, trees, grass, or shrubbery in your yard. Due to the nature of this type of landscaping, it’s often the less expensive option than hardscaping or xeriscaping, depending on the yard and project size.
Hardscaping
As you can imagine, hardscaping is the landscaping of all things not horticulture related. This landscaping type includes installing firepits, pools, patios, walls, pergolas, and decks. This option tends to vary greatly in cost due to the vast amount of options available, but you can expect to pay around $5 to $25 per square foot.
Land Prepping
Before your landscaper can build the yard of your dreams, they may have to prep it. This process can include clearing out old brush, testing the soil for planting flowers, or removing existing trees. Not every project will need serious land prepping, but it’s a good idea to factor in these costs when determining how much your landscaping project will cost. Some common costs for land preparation include the following:
| Land Preparations | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Tree removal | $200–$2,000 |
| Tree stump removal | $300–$500 |
| Soil testing | $700–$2,050 |
| Land survey | $400–$750 |
| Sprinkler system | $1,700–$3,550 |
| Leveling or grading | $390–$6,110 |
Landscape Designers and Architects
Getting support with the design and structural aspects of your yard remodel can be a worthwhile payout, especially for major makeovers. The average cost to hire a landscape designer is $4,600, with an hourly rate of $50 to $150. They’ll support you by establishing your space's artistic direction, the types of plants to use, and aspects of project management.
You’ll pay around $70 to $150 per hour for the services of a local landscape architect. These are the pros to hire if you plan an ambitious hardscaping project or structural additions.
Permits
Depending on the project and local authority regulations, the cost for a building permit ranges from $500 to $2,750. When you’re tackling structural landscaping projects like installing an in-ground pool, building a high retaining wall, or removing large trees, you’ll likely need prior permission in the form of permits.
Landscaping Cost by Project
The more ambitious the landscaping project, the more it will cost. Planting a pretty perennial flower bed and settling in some shrubs might cost $2,000, whereas building an outdoor kitchen costs over $20,000. Here are the prices of some common landscaping projects to give you an idea of how to budget for them.
| Project Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Flower bed installation | $800–$3,000 |
| Tree installation | $100–$2,000 |
| Sod installation | $1,060–$3,000 |
| Patio installation | $2,000–$5,800 |
| Deck construction | $4,200–$11,900 |
| Fence installation | $1,750–$4,500 |
| Gazebo installation | $2,750–$9,600 |
| Retaining wall installation | $3,250–$9,000 |
| Swimming pool installation | $39,000–$70,000 |
| Landscape lighting installation | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Landscape curbing | $780–$2,150 |
| Fire pit installation | $200–$3,000 |
| Outdoor kitchen installation | $6,000–$25,000 |
| Pond installation | $300–$10,950 |
| Fountain installation | $150–$11,000 |
| Mulch installation | $30–$120 per cu. yd. |
| Artificial grass installation | $1,300–$14,600 |
| Drainage system installation | $500–$18,000 |
Flower Bed Installation
Hiring a professional gardener to plant spring tulip bulbs, sunny sunflowers, and all of your other favorite blooms will cost an average of $800 to $3,000 for a full garden. You may also need to factor in the cost to clear land, which ranges between $250 and $2,000 for a half-acre.
Tree Installation
Whether you plant a tree yourself or bring in a master arborist, tree installation costs between $100 and $2,000 for labor and the new tree itself. When it comes to landscaping costs and projects, this is one of the most significant ways to alter your backyard ecosystem in the long run.
Sod Installation
Typically, the most significant price of landscaping comes down to lawn care. New sod installation costs between $1,060 and $3,000, depending on the size of your lawn, the type of grass, and soil preparation before starting.
Patio Installation
Pave the way for the best backyard barbecues by installing a patio for between $2,000 and $5,800. Patio costs break down between $5 and $50 per square foot, depending on the material and whether you choose to go it alone.
Deck Construction
Adding a deck to your home is not just about livable outdoor space, but it can increase your home value as well. You'll pay between $4,200 and $11,900 for the cost to build a deck, but remember that there are often related landscaping costs to prepare the land and complement the new structure.
Fence Installation
Whether you need to fence in your yard for safer dog zoomies or simply love the white picket look, fence installation costs an average of $1,750 to $4,500, or between $1 and $45 per linear foot.
Gazebo Installation
Indulge your childhood dreams of adding a vine-covered gazebo to your backyard for between $2,750 and $9,600. While some small gazebos can be delivered and then installed on your own, more require a professional who can prepare the land and footings.
Retaining Wall Installation
Retaining walls are the backbone of oddly sloped lawns and one of the most popular hardscape projects. Retaining wall installation costs between $3,250 and $9,000 and is a great opportunity to take on extra landscaping projects, such as planting a flower garden.
Swimming Pool Installation
Yes, adding a swimming pool falls into the category of landscaping—even if it's pretty extreme landscaping. Installing a swimming pool costs approximately $39,000 to $70,000. The price includes materials, professional labor, permits, and extensive land preparation.
Landscape Lighting Installation
Hanging a few rustic twinkle lights is one thing, but running wire out to your lamppost is another. On average, a landscape lighting designer will charge between $2,000 and $6,000 for labor and materials.
Landscape Curbing
There are far more opportunities to line the soft elements of your landscape with a curb than just the sidewalk. Landscape curbing costs between $780 and $2,150, or $15 to $20 per linear foot. Be sure to consider the landscaping costs that come before and after adding a curb to your lawn or garden perimeter.
Firepit Installation
When it comes to safely roasting marshmallows in your backyard, you've got options. Firepit installation costs around $200 to $3,000. The wide cost range considers small firepits purchased at your home renovation store up to built-in stone structures.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation
Become the envy of the neighborhood by installing either a small or fully equipped outdoor kitchen for $6,000 to $25,000. The job will require a whole team of professionals, from masons to electricians.
Pond Installation
Add a small accent pond next to your garden or dig a large home for all of your new koi fish. Pond installation costs between $300 and $10,950 and calls for a handful of additional landscaping costs, such as adding proper drainage, water-loving plants, and safety lighting.
Fountain Installation
How about adding a classic fountain to the middle of your new pond? Outdoor water fountains cost around $150 to $11,000, depending on the design complexity.
Mulch Installation
Mulch is a must-have in many gardens, particularly those prone to erosion, changing temperatures, or drainage issues. Mulch installation costs between $30 and $120 per cubic yard. You may need to include a few landscape prices to your budget, including weeding, leveling, and related gardening.
Artificial Grass Installation
Last but not least, installing artificial grass costs between $1,300 and $14,600. While DIY artificial grass installation is an option, it's not always worth the work. Hire a professional landscaper for best results.
Drainage System Installation
When a lack of proper drainage around your property allows water to pool around your home, your foundation may experience water damage during heavy rain or melting snow. Installing a drainage system will send water in the right direction. The following are options for landscape drainage systems and their costs:
French drain: $500–$18,000
Ditches and swales: $250–$1,000
Yard inlet: $50–$100 per unit
Underground downspout: $200–$2,000 each
Ongoing Landscaping Costs to Consider
Don’t overlook ongoing maintenance costs when earmarking funds for your landscaping project.
Maintenance
After spending a pretty penny to get your dream backyard, it would be a shame to let it get run down and overgrown. Whether you take care of it yourself or pay a pro, don’t forget to factor in ongoing maintenance fees.
| Yard Maintenance | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Lawn mowing | $50–$250 per service |
| Tree trimming | $270–$1,800 |
| Flat rate | $50–$100 per hour |
| Yard cleanup | $190–$1,000 |
Operating Costs
Most water elements in your backyard will require ongoing operation costs as well. For example, the electricity required to run the motor for a pond in your backyard costs about $5 to $36 per month. Pool maintenance costs are a whole other kettle of fish, adding an average of $230 per month.
Repairs
Hardscape elements of your backyard will often come with more ongoing repair costs than the softer ones. Remember these ongoing costs when envisioning your landscape design, as they can add up quickly. For example, deck repair costs average just over $2,000, while standard pool repairs prices range between $85 and $3,200.
How Much Does It Cost to Do Landscaping Yourself?
If you're a weekend warrior with plenty of time and energy to devote to a landscaping project, DIY may be the best route. However, you'll want to consider a few major factors, such as whether you have the skills and tools to handle the job.
When to Hire a Pro
Electrical or plumbing projects: These types of projects can be dangerous and costly to get wrong. Paying a pro with the proper training is always the best choice. Consider hiring an electrician or hiring a plumber for these difficult tasks.
Digging with heavy machinery: If you don’t have the appropriate license and training, leave handling heavy machinery to the pros. Call a local backyard landscaper instead.
Permitted work that requires a pro: There are plenty of things you can figure out from online research, but anything requiring a permit should be completed by a pro.
Tree removal: Cutting down trees requires unique skills and machinery and can be dangerous to you and your property if done incorrectly. It’s best to hire an arborist for this task.
Structural jobs: For complex pool or patio projects, it's often best to call a local landscaper, as they tend to have the expertise necessary for this job.
When to DIY Landscaping
There are a lot of DIY landscaping projects you can do on your own to save money. These don’t require as much time, know-how, or tools, and they still add a huge “wow” factor to your yard. Some projects to do yourself include the following:
Planting grass
Cost to Landscape Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Labor costs can take up more than 50% of your overall landscape costs. You can bring down your budget by DYing all or part of the work yourself, depending on the complexity of the task. Keep in mind that most professional landscapers charge between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the type of project. So if you’re planning a complex job that takes several days or weeks, like hardscaping, you’d likely save a few thousand dollars by doing it yourself.
Tips to Reduce Landscaping Prices
If you’re savvy, there are many ways to landscape your backyard on a budget. Some ideas include the following:
Have a realistic wish list: It’s easy to get carried away when you see all those pretty plants and fancy pavers at your local garden center. Carefully evaluate an affordable budget and try to stick to it to avoid disappointment.
DIY when possible: As mentioned above, you can save money by completing low-lift tasks yourself, such as planting trees and flowers.
Repurpose existing features: Recycling functional pavers and healthy plants saves money and is more sustainable.
Softscape, not hardscape: Start a lawn from seed and plant perennial borders rather than using more expensive pavers.
Change materials: If you’re opting for low-maintenance hardscaping, select a less expensive ground cover like pea gravel over more pricey and tricky-to-install pavers.
Buy young rather than mature plants: Young plants cost less. They might not make the same immediate statement, but with care and patience, they’ll grow with time.
Heather Ayer contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to make big changes to your landscape. You can achieve a lot for well under $5,000, especially if you like a DIY challenge. With a landscaping budget of $5,000, you could tackle a project like building a simple patio or deck, sprucing up your existing landscape with new plants, mulching, and tree trimming, or add an impressive water feature. You’ll have no shortage of possibilities if you budget wisely.
Yes, upping your curb appeal can help sell your home faster, and ambitious landscaping projects often mean you can command a higher price. Professional landscaping increases your home’s value by an average of 7%. Beyond increasing your home value, landscaping can increase privacy and reduce noise levels.
It’s not just home saleability and curb appeal that makes polished landscaping an excellent investment. An outdoor space you enjoy spending time in can lift your mood, bring family together, and lower stress levels. You can also increase your home’s energy efficiency with smart landscaping, such as increasing the humidity levels or protecting the sides of your home from extreme temperatures.