Landscaping is an umbrella term that covers many services and features installed outside your home. On average, homeowners pay $1,400 to $1,660 for professional landscaping services.
However, you can pay as little as $77 to install a cubic yard of mulch and as much as $14,500 for a fancy pond. Costs vary greatly, depending on the complexity of your yard and the specific features you need.
This guide gathers data from our survey of big and small cities across the U.S., so you can get a better estimate of the costs of your project in your region.
Cost by Location
Labor costs also vary from market to market. The average price for landscaping is generally higher, for example, in a large metropolitan city than in a small rural town due to the higher labor costs. See the table below for a snapshot of the costs of landscaping across different U.S. cities:
| City | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Providence, RI | $1,513 – $1,790 |
| New York, NY | $1,779 – $2,102 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $1,186 – $1,405 |
| Orlando, FL | $1,251 – $1,481 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $1,416 – $1,675 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,521 – $1,799 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $1,313 – $1,555 |
| Seattle, WA | $1,531 – $1,812 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $1,252 – $1,483 |
| Roswell, NM | $1,261 – $1,494 |
| San Diego, CA | $1,439 – $1,703 |
Cost Estimator by Size
The size of your yard dictates how much space your landscape designers and installers have to work with. More yard means more softscaping (plants such as shrubs and flowers) and hardscaping (inorganic features like lighting or pavers).
To have a pro landscaper work on your project costs, on average, $4.50 to $14.50 per square foot. Using these numbers, you can figure out your estimated budget:
| Yard Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
| 200 | $900 – $2,900 |
| 500 | $2,250 – $7,250 |
| 1,000 | $4,500 – $14,500 |
| 2,000 | $9,000 – $29,000 |
If you only want simple softscaping, your project’s cost will be closer to the lower end, but if you want something more involved, such as a man-made pond or full-on outdoor kitchen, expect to pay closer to the higher end.
Tip: Remember, when estimating your budget, you don’t have to consider the entire yard, only the areas where you want new landscaping.
Cost by Feature
There are as many different options for designing a landscape as there are people to come up with them. You can combine countless elements and features to create an outdoor space that truly suits you and your home.
The following are some of the most common features of pro landscape projects. We’ve estimated the cost of adding each one to your project, including the cost of materials and a professional landscaper’s fees.
There are mainly two types of features you can add to your landscape: general landscaping and hardscaping features.
General Landscaping Features
Think of these as the upgrades that shape how your yard looks and feels. Costs in this bucket cover big-picture work like landscape design plans and lawn care structures, plus finishing touches, also known as softscaping, such as planting flower beds, trees, and shrubs.
| LANDSCAPING FEATURES | AVERAGE COST |
| Landscape design | $1,390 – $6,850 |
| Land grading | $1,175 – $3,645 |
| Mulching | $77 – $94 per cubic yard |
| Planting flower beds | $865 – $3,000 |
| Planting trees and shrubs | $565 – $680 per tree $25 – $230 per shrub |
| Sodding | $0.60 – $1.65 per square foot |
| Sprinkler system | $0.29 – $0.48 per square foot |
Landscape Design
Your landscape pro may be able to create a design for you, or you may decide to hire a separate designer or landscape architect who specializes in planning. The exact cost of your landscape design depends on the size of your property, the complexity of the design, and how long it takes to finalize the plans.
Land Grading
Installing certain landscape features might mean reshaping your property, especially if it includes a drastic incline that would be difficult to build on. Even if that isn’t the case, you may want to reslope your landscape for other aesthetic or practical reasons.
Mulching
Installing mulch in your plant beds can help prevent weeds and give your whole yard a finished look. You could choose an organic, eco-friendly mulch, such as bark chips or straw, or go for something more aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting, such as rubber mulch or river rock.
The type of mulch you use and the size of your plant beds will determine the cost of mulch for your project.
Planting Flower Beds
Adding a flower bed or two to your landscape is an effective, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to add pops of color to your outdoor space. Costs vary immensely based on the size of the bed, the flowers you use, and other site-specific factors.
Planting Trees and Shrubs
How much you’ll pay for new trees and shrubs depends on the species you decide to plant. The larger the tree or shrub you want planted, the more you’ll pay. Choosing plants that are rare in your area will also result in a higher cost.
Sod Installation
Homeowners wanting a luscious, healthy lawn overnight might consider installing new sod. If you hire a contractor to do it for you, you’ll have to pay for the sod itself plus hourly labor fees. The cost of sod varies depending on the type of grass you choose.
Sprinkler System Installation
Is a traditional sprinkler system or a more water-efficient drip irrigation system more appropriate for your home? Either way, your landscaping contractor can most likely install a new system in your yard. Yard size, placement of the sprinklers, and the type of sprinklers you choose influence your final cost.
Hardscaping Services
Hardscaping brings structure and gathering spaces to your yard. Expect higher price tags for permanent fixtures like decks and fencing, but also year-round function.
| HARDSCAPING SERVICES | AVERAGE COST |
| Decks | $19 – $86 per square foot |
| Fencing | $26 – $69 per linear foot |
| Fire pits | $200 – $5,000 |
| Gazebos | $5,358 – $9,058 |
| Landscape edging | $3.50 – $8.80 per linear foot |
| Landscape lighting | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Outdoor kitchens | $5,057 – $17,276 |
| Walkways | $9 – $20 per square foot |
| Patios | $8 – $24 per square foot |
| Pergolas | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Ponds | $3,680 – $14,500 |
| Retaining walls | $3,500 – $9,400 |
Decks
Similar to a patio, a deck can be a nice place to relax outdoors, and you can customize your deck design to fit your property and your needs. The cost to build a deck will depend on the material you choose, whether it’s wood, composite, or other materials.
Fencing
The height, length, material, and style of your fence will determine fence installation prices. The most common fence materials are vinyl and wood, but if you’re on a budget, you can opt for a chain-link fence.
Fire Pits
Along with your patio or other outdoor living space, you might want to install a fire pit so you can enjoy your landscape even after dark. Firepit prices depend on the size and the specific type of stone you use.
Gazebos
A gazebo is a less common outdoor living space you can set away from your house. If you want a new gazebo, you can either hire a professional landscaper to build you one from scratch or purchase a prefabricated gazebo kit, which may be easy enough for you to install on your own.
Whatever kind of gazebo you want, installing it will take at least some light construction work to secure the base. The cost of a gazebo can get quite high, depending on the materials and features you choose.
Landscape Edging
For landscape edging, you have two basic options: pre-built blocks or custom-poured concrete. Within the pre-built blocks category, you have dozens of options for the material you want to use, including something simple like concrete or luxurious like flagstone.
The price of landscape edging on your specific property depends on both the material you choose and how much edging you need.
Landscape Lighting
Adding lights to your landscape can complement the other features in your yard. For example, you could install spotlights to highlight specimen plants you’re particularly proud of after dark.
Because there are so many different kinds of outdoor lights and ways to use them in a landscape, the price of your lighting project varies depending on how many lights you need. That cost includes the lights themselves and the labor it takes to hook them up to your home’s electricity.
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen can be anything from a grill with a small covering to a fully functional cooking space with a sink, stove, countertops, and cabinets. When you start installing features that need electrical or plumbing hookups, the price of an outdoor kitchen can skyrocket.
Walkways
The cost to install a walkway depends on which material you choose. Paver walkways are among the most common types, also bringing elegance to your yard.
Patios
Backyard landscaping is all about comfort and usable space, and a patio is one of the most popular features homeowners use to meet those needs.
Since there are so many different kinds of patios, the cost of a paver patio will differ from the cost of a concrete patio, for example. However, they usually cost between $8 and $24 per square foot.
Pergolas
A pergola can frame your outdoor space and provide some coverage, similar to a gazebo, but it’s more affordable and easier to install. The size of your pergola and the material it’s made of will influence the cost, with the most cost-effective pergolas being built with cedar, while the most durable, low-maintenance, and expensive ones are fiberglass.
Ponds
If you want to build a new pond in your yard, you’ll have to pay for the labor to dig the pond, the liner, ornamental materials, and any fish or other wildlife you want in and around your pond. The costs to install a pond will vary depending on the features that you want in it.
Retaining Walls
When budgeting for a retaining wall, the first thing you have to do is choose your material. Cinder blocks are a versatile and affordable option, while poured concrete is more expensive. Other popular choices include bricks, boulders, and stone veneer.
Common Landscape Maintenance Services
After installation, your landscape needs regular attention to stay well-manicured. Following are some of the services that typical homes require on a regular basis. The prices here represent the cost of a one-time job. Signing up for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly plan can result in savings per visit.
| SERVICE | NATIONAL AVERAGE COST |
| Lawn mowing | $49 – $147 |
| Lawn fertilization | $67 – $405 |
| Lawn aeration | $107 – $202 |
| Yard cleanup | $216 – $462 |
| Tree trimming | $430 – $640 per tree |
| Lawn seeding | $427 – $1,514 |
For more information on other lawn care maintenance services, check out our article: How Much Does Lawn Care Cost?
Cost of Installing a New Landscape DIY
Many landscape features (such as a pond or retaining wall) are too difficult for most homeowners to install on their own, but some are relatively simple, such as planting flower beds.
You’ll spend around $160 on tools (if you don’t have anything at home), which include things like work gloves, a spade, and a shovel. For materials, you can expect to spend around $187 on mulch, the flowers, plastic edging, and landscape fabric, but the prices will vary depending on the flowers you choose.
For other landscaping projects, especially hardscaping, hiring a pro will ensure things are done correctly. Proper footings, drainage, and code-compliant builds are critical for some structures, and even small mistakes can lead to disastrous results.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Certain aspects of your property can add extra costs to your landscaping estimate. For an accurate yard landscaping cost estimate, consider these factors, along with adding up the cost of each individual landscaping service you need.
Soil Type
Especially for a new property you aren’t familiar with yet, it’s a good idea to test your soil (or have a professional test it) before you start planning your landscape.
Your soil type will dictate what kind of plants are best for your yard, which will affect the overall cost of your project. You may also find out that your soil needs enhancements, which will be an added fee to your landscaping rates.
Permits
For landscaping projects that involve construction work, such as building a fence or resloping land, you may need to pay for a permit before you get started.
If you’re working with a contractor, the company will probably obtain any necessary permits for you, but you’ll still have to pay the fees, which can range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the laws where you live and what you’re building.
FAQ
Yes, landscaping can increase your home’s value. Many landscape features boost curb appeal, and having a well-maintained yard can increase your property value, too. Homes with landscaping tend to have a 5% to 12% cost advantage over similar homes with no landscaping.
Healthy trees and shrubs, front pathways, functional outdoor lighting, outdoor living spaces in the backyard, and automatic sprinkler systems are some of the best landscape features for increasing property value. So, be sure to include them in your backyard landscaping budget.
Hire a Pro for Landscaping and Maintenance
For a big landscape makeover, the smartest move is to bring in a seasoned landscaping pro. They’ll set every stone, shrub, and sprinkler exactly where they belong so your yard looks picture-perfect from day one.
Once the heavy lifting is done, hand the baton to a lawn care pro who can mow, fertilize, and spot-treat pests on schedule.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Main Image: Landscaped garden with trimmed hedges. Image Credit: bmak / Adobe Stock
