Landscaping is not only a mere improvement in outdoor areas but also a complete makeover and has the power to change outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional ones. Many homeowners are curious about the applicable costs. This guide will look into the question: how much does landscaping cost? It will give an overview of several factors that influence the process of pricing as well as provide estimates for various landscaping projects.
Understanding Landscaping Costs
The beauty of landscaping is that the landscaping price can be anywhere, with such diversity in the factors that influence it. In other words, the space of the property, the specific traits, and the materials involved form the base of the differences. Constructing indoor spaces using landscaping may be as costly as twenty dollars, and could go up to several hundred dollars, depending on your design
Factors Affecting Landscaping Costs
- Property size
- Design complexity
- Materials chosen
- Labor requirements
- Geographical location
Average Cost of Landscaping
For basic landscaping, the average cost of a residential property might be as low as $3,000 but not less than that. In the case of a medium-sized yard, this exaggerated estimate covers all the necessary services for the placement of flowers, lawns, patios, etc. In case, of how much landscaping costs for more complex and extensive projects, we can say that prices range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more.
Front Yard Landscape Cost

Having a well-manicured landscape in the first place is important since it is the first thing you see when you get home. The cost of a front yard landscape can be as little as $1,500, and up to $5,000. This can be done in 6 months if you plant the grass and get a maintenance fertilizer, and this can be your one project for that autumn. The price may vary, however, whether the garden is huge or the features are many.
Backyard Landscaping Cost

Backyard projects involve a lot of hassle in general. The range of backyard landscaping is from $5,000 for an average project to $20,000 for an extensive one. These usually include the installation of a patio, decks, or even outdoor kitchens. The price of a backyard landscaping project is different according to the design (whether it’s simple or complicated) and the amenities that come with it.
If you’re working with a smaller backyard space, you might find our tips on decorating small spaces helpful for maximizing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
How Much Do Landscapers Charge?
Landscapers can charge by the hour or by the project. A variety of ways could be landscapes charging customers on a per-project basis, or even based on an hourly rate. Valued at between $50 and $100, may be the hourly fees that landscapers commonly impose. For instance, if it’s a big project, the landscapers will give the homeowners prices based on the total rate. Do landscapers charge separate fees for particular services? Below is a service breakdown:
- Lawn mowing: $30 – $80 per visit
- Tree trimming: $200 – $760 per tree
- Flower bed installation: $650 – $3,000
- Sprinkler system installation: $1,740 – $3,400
Keep in mind that these are general figures, and the actual average hourly rates for landscapers in the US will depend on factors like your specific location and the landscaper’s experience. Home improvement platforms like Angi can provide more localized estimates for the cost of hiring a landscaper in your area.
Landscaping Cost Breakdown
To better understand what costs are included and/or should be excluded from the landscape budget, let’s look at an example of the cost of each element.
Softscaping Costs
Softscaping is a type of landscape with living elements. It indicates the following:
- Sod installation: $0.90 – $2 per square foot
- Tree planting: $150 – $3,000 per tree
- Flower bed creation: $10 – $30 per square foot
- Shrub planting: $25 – $50 per shrub

Hardscaping Costs
Hardscaping, which constitutes non-living materials, is the other half of the typical landscape. The hardscapes are quite pricey and might vary according to the following:
- Patio installation: $8 – $20 per square foot.
- Retaining wall: $20 – $50 per square foot.
- Walkway installation: $6 – $12 per square foot.
- Water feature installation: $1,500 – $8,000.
For more ideas on enhancing your home’s exterior with features like patios and walkways, see our article on exterior home remodel ideas.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost for Different Project Types?
Landscaping costs can differ significantly from one project to another. Here is a breakdown of some common landscaping projects and their associated costs:
Basic Lawn Care

Mowing, edging, and fertilizing the lawn- these are the basic services you will have to get every month. The fact is that such treatments will cost you about $100 to $200 each month. This means that it is a recurrent cost, but it aids in maintaining the health and appearance of your lawn.
Garden Design and Installation

Designing a new garden or reworking an old one will cost from $3,000 to $15,000. The whole range includes design expenses, soil pre-treatment, plant varieties, and installation.
Irrigation System Installation

An irrigation system installation can cost between $1,800 and $5,000. The exact price is determined by the size of your property and the complexity of the system.
Outdoor Living Spaces

The setups of outdoor living spaces like patios, decks, or outdoor kitchens are very influential as to ‘How much does landscaping cost?’ These are projects that can start with $5,000 for a simple patio and go up to $50,000 or more for a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
Factors That Influence Landscaping Costs
Many factors can play a notable role in the entire cost of the landscaping project:
Property Size

Property dimension ranks first as the most important item to be looked at in terms of landscaping costs. More materials and labor are needed to complete larger properties that have the effect of increasing the overall cost.
Existing Landscape

The current state of your landscape is one of the reasons affecting the prices. If the plantation needs a lot of clearing or grading, then the total pricing will be higher.
Design Complexity

More sophisticated designs that come with a personal touch always make the project more expensive than the direct and simple layouts.
Material Selection

The variety of materials used from plants to hardscaping ones, will determine the cost of backyard landscaping or a front yard.
Labor Costs

The cost of labor can fluctuate based on the location and complexity of the project. Especially, more experienced labor for special tasks will almost cost more.
Tips for Managing Landscaping Costs
As you decide how much landscaping costs, here are some suggestions that will help to control your expenditures:
- Plan in phases: Start dividing large projects into smaller phases, which you can handle easier and more effectively.
- Do some work by yourself: You could try taking on some simpler tasks to cut down on labor costs. For inspiration on undertaking DIY projects around your home, even if it’s for a different area, you might find our article on DIY Thanksgiving Centrepieces Ideas interesting, showcasing the potential for homeowner involvement.
- Choose native plants: Indigenous plants are generally more budget-friendly to buy and cultivate in the long run within the US. Furthermore, they are often better adapted to the local climate, potentially leading to cost savings with native landscaping in America on water and maintenance. To explore local native plant resources in the United States and learn more about their benefits, consider visiting the website of your state’s Native Plant Society or a national organization like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
- Compare quotes: Try and get some quotes from a few different landscapers to see who is the best value for money.
- Look at the long-term costs: Spend some money on quality materials and proper installation to avoid maintenance in the long run.
The Value of Professional Landscaping
Landscape costs may seem exorbitant, but conspicuous landscaping holds a great prospect of worth:
- Increased property value.
- Enhanced curb appeal.
- Improved outdoor living space.
- Better ecological advantages.
- Fewer maintenance costs over the long haul.
If you want to know the price of landscaping, you need to include not only the price for the material but also the benefits you will have. Along these lines, the use of natural landscaping will be an enhancement to all of your other investments.
For more ideas on improving your home’s exterior and creating a welcoming entrance, explore our article on home front design ideas.
Conclusion
So, the question of how much does landscaping costs is so complex that there isn’t a definitive answer for it. The cost of landscaping can vary widely depending on factors such as property size, design complexity, materials used, and labor costs.
The easiest jobs might require just a few thousand dollars, and very ambitious landscaping projects can cost a fortune. No matter if you are concerned with the front yard landscape cost or think about how much backyard landscaping costs, in every case, the specific project is individual.
When considering landscaping, it’s essential to think about both the initial investment and the long-term value it brings to your property. By understanding the factors that influence costs and planning carefully, homeowners can create beautiful outdoor spaces that fit their budgets and enhance their quality of life.
Discover the true cost of landscaping with our comprehensive guide! Get expert tips, pricing breakdowns, and budget-friendly solutions. Start planning your dream outdoor space today—read now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the average cost of landscaping for a typical home?
The average cost can range from $3,000 to $15,000 for a medium-sized yard.
2. How much do landscapers charge per hour?
Landscapers typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
3. What’s the price for backyard landscaping?
Backyard landscaping can cost between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the size and features.
4. How much does it cost to landscape a front yard?
Front yard landscaping usually costs between $1,500 and $5,000.
5. Can I save money by doing some landscaping myself?
Yes, doing simple tasks yourself can reduce labor costs.
6. How much should I budget for ongoing landscape maintenance?
Budget about $100 to $200 per month for basic lawn care and maintenance.