The average landscaping project costs $3,651 but ranges between $1,249 and $6,280, depending on the scope.
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Professional landscaping costs an average of $3,651 or between $1,249 and $6,280, 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.
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.
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.
| Landscaping Area Size In sq. ft. | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $900–$2,400 |
| 500 | $2,250–$6,000 |
| 1000 | $4,500–$12,000 |
| 2000 | $9,000–$24,000 |
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 budget for landscaping.
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.
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.
For small jobs, like reseeding a lawn or laying sod, your landscaper might charge an hourly rate. When it comes to major makeovers, contractor landscaping prices are often set by project. Your final landscaper costs could be anywhere from $1,000 to $40,000. You may bring in a landscape designer for more complex projects and full remodels, and if your project includes hardscaping or major structural changes, a landscape architect will plan the project and ensure it’s executed correctly.
Landscaper: $50 to $100 per hour
Landscape designer: $50 to $150 per hour
Landscape architect: $70 to $100 per hour
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 |
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.
Xeriscaping uses drought-resistant plants and eliminates water-hungry lawns, and is often found in hot, arid regions. Xeriscaping can be pricier than traditional softscaping, which uses plants and grasses to provide a lush green landscape. Adding hardscaping to your project can add to the cost—features like patios, fire pits, pergolas, and retaining walls come with a higher price tag.
| Landscape Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Xeriscaping | $3,000–$24,000 |
| Softscaping | $800–$10,000 |
| Hardscaping | $300–$30,000 |
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 |
You can create just about any landscape design on a hill, but if you have a severe slope a professional landscaper can help install new drainage. Pooling water can lead to damaged plants and yards.
Depending on the project and local authority regulations, you may need a permit for landscaping projects. 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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Yes, adding a swimming pool falls into the category of landscaping—even if it's pretty extreme landscaping. Installing a swimming pool can cost anywhere between $14,000 and $135,000. The price includes materials, professional labor, permits, and extensive land preparation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 in your budget, including weeding, leveling, and related gardening.
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.
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:
| Type of Drainage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| French drain | $500–$18,000 |
| Ditches and swales | $250–$1,000 |
| Yard inlet | $50–$100 per unit |
| Underground downspout | $200–$2,000 each |
Don’t overlook ongoing maintenance costs when earmarking funds for your landscaping project.
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 |
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.
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.
Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you can save a lot by DIYing your landscaping. Projects like adding plants to an existing landscape, laying sod, or building a fire pit are easy to tackle on your own. For projects that involve excavation, electrical work, tree removal, structural work, or work that needs a permit, hire a local landscaper or other pro to ensure the job is done safely and meets any local regulations or codes.
Large landscaping projects often come with added costs you may not have considered. Some common landscaping add-ons include:
Junk or debris removal: $130–$375
Lawn aeration: $75–$200
Wildlife removal and relocation: $190–$600
Lawn pest control: $100–$260
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.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 30,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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 adding 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.
