Landscaping can greatly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. However, transforming your yard into an attractive, usable area requires careful planning and often a significant financial investment. Landscaping costs vary widely based on the size and scope of the project, materials used, special features included and labor rates in your region. Understanding the key factors that influence landscaping costs can help you budget appropriately and set realistic expectations.
Average Landscaping Costs
According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, the average nationwide cost to landscape a home’s yard is between $3,029 and $7,127. However, most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $5,000 for common landscaping projects like:
- Lawn installation: $1,000 to $1,500 per 1,000 sq ft
- Sod installation: $0.50 to $0.90 per sq ft
- Seeding an existing lawn: $0.15 to $0.80 per sq ft
- Planting shrubs: $25 to $80 per shrub
- Mulching: $2 to $6 per cubic yard
- Tree trimming: $150 to $1,500 per tree
Extensive landscaping projects with hardscaping like patios, retaining walls and water features can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more. The specific materials, special features and amount of labor will significantly influence overall costs.
Key Factors That Impact Landscaping Cost
Many variables affect the price of landscaping projects. The major factors that influence costs include:
Size of Yard
The overall square footage of the yard matters more than just the lot size. Pricing landscaping materials and services on a per square foot basis provides the most accurate estimate. Larger yards require more materials, plants and labor hours to complete the work.
Scope of Work
Simple projects like mulching, planting flowers or building a planting bed usually cost less than installing an in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen or water feature. The more features and enhancements included in the landscape design, the higher your costs will be.
Materials
Using premium materials like natural stone, pavers, high-end plants and bricks costs more than opting for gravel, treated lumber, native plants and concrete blocks. If your budget is tight, look for ways to cut material costs without sacrificing quality.
Labor
Professionally installing landscaping elements costs $35 to $75 per hour per worker. Complex projects or work requiring specialized skills like operating excavation equipment warrant paying the higher labor rates. DIYing as much of the work as your skill level allows saves significantly on labor.
Site Preparation
Major grading, excavating, clearing vegetation and addressing drainage issues can add thousands to the project costs. The more site prep required, the higher your overall investment will be.
Design
Hiring a landscape architect to develop a customized yard design costs approximately $1,500 to $5,000, but their expertise helps avoid costly mistakes. If opting for a DIY or template plan, budget extra contingencies for making revisions.
Geographical Location
Like real estate values, landscaping costs vary regionally. Labor, material prices and project costs tend to be higher in metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles than rural towns and suburbs.
Landscaping Prices Breakdown by Project Type
Landscaping encompasses a wide variety of projects to enhance different sections of your yard. Here is an overview of what specific landscaping features commonly cost:
Lawn Installation & Care
A healthy, lush lawn instantly improves curb appeal and expands usable space in your yard. The cost to install or improve an existing lawn includes:
- Sod installation – $0.50 to $0.90 per sq ft
- Seeding new/existing lawn – $0.15 to $0.80 per sq ft
- Hydroseeding – $0.35 to $0.90 per sq ft
- Regular mowing – $30 to $80 per visit
- Aerating – $70 to $150 per treatment
- Dethatching/raking – $70 to $250 per treatment
- Fertilizing – $30 to $80 per application
Trees, Shrubs & Plants
Flowers, bushes, hedges and trees infuse color, texture and visual interest into yard landscapes. Plant costs vary significantly based on type, size and how many you need.
- ** Flowers** – $5 to $40 per plant
- Shrubs – $25 to $80 per shrub
- Hedges – $15 to $45 per linear ft
- Trees – $100 to $1,000 per tree
- Mature trees – $1,000 to $5,000+ per tree
Hardscaping
Constructing structures like patios, walkways and retaining walls creates useful living spaces in your yard. Popular hardscape projects include:
- Concrete patio – $5 to $15 per sq ft
- Paver patio – $10 to $30 per sq ft
- Gravel patio – $2 to $5 per sq ft
- Wood deck – $15 to $50 per sq ft
- Brick or stone walkway – $10 to $50 per linear ft
- Timber garden beds – $5 to $20 per linear ft
Landscape Design & Installation
Hiring pros to handle the design and installation of your new landscape ensures the work is done properly but adds to the project costs. Expect to pay:
- Landscape design fees – $1,500 to $5,000+
- Landscape installation – $5,000 to $15,000+
Water Features
Integrating water features like ponds and fountains into your landscape instantly makes it more tranquil and visually appealing but also costs more.
- Small pond with waterfall – $1,500 to $4,500
- Large pond with waterfall – $4,500 to $15,000
- Fountain – $100 to $3,000
Smart Ways to Reduce Landscaping Costs
If your budget is limited, you can reduce landscaping costs in a few key ways:
- Do portions of the work yourself – Save on labor by tackling tasks you feel capable of. Prepare the site, build garden beds, install pavers, plant shrubs, spread mulch and other DIY-friendly jobs.
- Purchase materials at wholesale rates – Check with local nurseries and landscape supply centers about purchasing bulk materials directly from their wholesale sources.
- Opt for lower-cost material alternatives – For structures like patios and walkways, use materials like gravel and treated lumber instead of pavers and natural stone.
- Use native plants – They cost less and require less maintenance than exotic varieties.
- Develop a multi-phase master plan – Break the project into affordable phases focused on certain areas like the patio, pool area, flower beds, etc.
- Work with landscaping students – Landscape architect programs sometimes offer design services at reduced rates as part of students’ training.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost? – FAQs
Landscaping a yard involves weighing many options and factors that affect project costs. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about landscape prices and budgets:
How much does basic landscaping cost?
For a typical suburban yard between 5,000 – 10,000 sq ft, you can expect to spend $5,000 to $15,000 for basic landscaping. This includes grading the site, installing an automatic irrigation system, planting grass and trees, adding mulch and gravel borders and constructing a simple patio or wooden deck.
How much does a full front yard landscape cost?
Transforming a moderate 1,500 sq ft front yard with a few existing trees into an attractive, designed landscape costs $15,000 to $30,000 on average. This includes grading, irrigation, laying sod, planting shrubs and ornamental trees, adding mulch beds, installing lighting and building hardscape features like a paver walkway and patio.
How much does a full yard landscape cost?
For a 1/4 acre yard (approx. 10,000 sq ft), you can expect to spend $25,000 to $50,000+ to install a complete landscaping package. This includes clearing and grading the entire space, laying sod and planting trees/shrubs, adding retaining walls, patios, lighting, irrigation and other features.
How much should a simple backyard landscape cost?
Transforming a small backyard of about 800 sq ft into a usable outdoor living space with sod, a paver patio, timber garden beds, trees and mulched plantings typically costs $7,000 to $15,000. Keeping the design simple is key to meeting smaller backyard landscaping budgets.
How can I landscape my yard cheaply?
The most budget-friendly approach is doing much of the work yourself using inexpensive/recycled materials for structures, buying native plants in bulk, limiting high-cost features like water features, and installing yard upgrades incrementally over time as your budget allows.
How much does a professional landscape designer cost?
You can expect to pay a landscape designer or landscape architect between $1,500-$5,000 for their services designing a plan for a typical suburban yard. Complex designs for large properties cost more. Many designers charge hourly with rates ranging from $50-$200 per hour.
Conclusion
Revamping your yard with beautiful landscaping can pay off for years to come in improved home value, functionality and peace of mind. Carefully assessing your needs, creating a detailed budget and looking for opportunities to save on costs will help you get the maximum return on investment from your landscape project. With some thoughtful planning upfront, you can create the outdoor oasis of your dreams!