Landscaping encompasses a wide array of services and features designed to enhance your home’s outdoor space. The cost of landscaping can vary significantly depending on the project’s scope and complexity. Generally, a professionally designed and installed landscape can range from $4,000 to $20,317. The national average for landscaping costs, considering both large and small projects, is approximately $12,825.
Maintaining an existing landscape also incurs costs. Monthly landscaping expenses typically range from $133 to $370, with a national average of $252 per month. This figure fluctuates based on yard size, complexity, and specific services like lawn mowing, garden care, and shrub trimming.
A common guideline suggests that total landscaping costs (front and back yard) should represent about 10% of your home’s value. For instance, a $250,000 home might allocate around $25,000 for landscaping, assuming no unusually expensive or budget-friendly features are planned.
Landscaping Costs: An Overview for 2025
- National Average Cost: $12,825
- Typical Price Range: $4,000 – $20,317
- Low-End Projects: $2,000
- High-End Projects: $38,333
The final price hinges on yard size and desired features. New landscaping installations typically cost between $4,000 and $20,317, averaging around $12,825.
Complex designs featuring custom water elements, rare plants, and unique installations can push costs up to $38,333. Simpler projects, like planting trees or flower beds, might only cost around $2,000. These estimates include both material and professional labor expenses.
Landscaping Cost Estimator by Yard Size
Yard size is a crucial factor in landscaping costs. Larger yards require more softscaping (plants) and hardscaping (inorganic elements). Landscaping prices generally range from $5 to $24 per square foot when hiring professionals.
For basic softscaping, multiply the project’s square footage by $5. For more elaborate projects like ponds or outdoor kitchens, use the high end of $24. Most homeowners find themselves somewhere in between, making $15 per square foot a reasonable average. When budgeting, focus on the areas you want to landscape, not the entire yard.
Pro Tip: Instead of calculating the cost for your entire property, concentrate on the specific areas you want to improve. Landscaping costs for backyards with extensive hardscaping will be higher than those for front yards with simple flower bed installations.
Keep in mind that landscapers usually don’t charge by the square foot directly. Bills reflect design choices and site challenges. However, estimating costs per square foot or acre can help you anticipate your budget.
Common Landscape Installation Services & Their Costs
The possibilities for landscape design are virtually limitless, allowing you to tailor your outdoor space to your exact preferences. Here’s a breakdown of common landscaping services and their average costs, including materials and labor:
Landscaping Services Costs
| LANDSCAPING SERVICES | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Landscape Design | $2,200 – $6,180 |
| Land Grading | $100 – $3,400 |
| Mulching | $17 – $68 per cubic yard |
| Planting Flower Beds | $650 – $3,000 |
| Planting Trees and Bushes | $25 – $3,000 per tree or bush* (depends on size) |
Landscape Design Costs
Landscape design integrates all landscape elements. You can either have your landscaper create the design or hire a specialist landscape designer or architect.
Landscape design costs depend on property size, design complexity, and planning time. Homeowners typically pay between $2,200 and $6,180 for professional landscape design.
Land Grading Costs
Land grading might be needed for specific landscape features, especially on sloped properties.
Even without major inclines, you might want to reshape your landscape for aesthetic or functional reasons. Professional land grading ranges from $100 to $3,400, depending on the amount of work required.
Mulching Costs
Mulch prevents weeds and enhances your yard’s appearance. You can opt for organic mulches like bark chips or straw or long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing options like rubber mulch or river rock.
The cost of mulch depends on the type of mulch and the size of your plant beds, ranging from $17 to $68 per cubic yard, including materials and labor.
Planting Flower Beds Costs
Alt text: Vibrant flower beds with a variety of colorful blooms, neatly arranged in front of a well-maintained home, enhancing curb appeal.
Flower beds add color and vibrancy to your landscape in an easy and affordable way. Costs vary based on flower choices, bed size, and other factors.
Professional installation of flower beds typically ranges from $650 to $3,000.
Planting Trees and Bushes Costs
The cost of landscaping with trees and bushes depends on the species. Larger or rarer plants will increase the cost.
Planting trees and bushes can cost from $25 to $3,000 per plant, with shrubs at the lower end and mature trees at the higher end. Bulk planting can sometimes lead to savings.
Lawn Care Services Costs
| LAWN CARE SERVICES | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Drainage Installation | $1,899 – $5,346 |
| Sodding | $0.87 – $1.76 per square foot |
| Sprinkler System Installation | $2,400 – $4,200 |
Drainage Installation Costs
Poor drainage can lead to flooding. Installing a yard drainage system can solve these issues.
System options include French drains, catch basins, and yard pipes, each with its own price point. The national average for installing a residential yard drainage system ranges from $1,899 to $5,346.
Sod Installation Costs
Alt text: Freshly laid sod being installed to create an instant green lawn, showing the seamless joining of the sod pieces.
Sod provides an instant, healthy lawn. Hiring a contractor involves paying for the sod and labor. The cost of sod is approximately $0.87 to $1.76 per square foot.
Sprinkler System Installation Costs
A sprinkler or drip irrigation system is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. A landscaping contractor can install a new system for around $2,400 to $4,200.
Yard size, sprinkler placement, and sprinkler type affect the final cost.
Hardscaping Services Costs
| HARDSCAPING SERVICES | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Decks | $3,920 – $10,540 |
| Fencing | $1,330 – $5,550 |
| Fire Pits | $240 – $2,400 |
| Gazebos | $5,358 – $9,058 |
| Landscape Curbing | $730 – $1,720 |
| Landscape Lighting | $100 – $200 per light |
| Outdoor Kitchens | $5,057 – $17,276 |
| Pathways | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Patios | $2,363 – $5,909 |
| Pergolas | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Ponds | $3,680 – $14,500 |
| Retaining Walls | $3,500 – $9,400 |
| Water Fountains/Waterfalls | $1,141 – $3,692 |
Deck Installation Costs
Similar to patios, decks offer outdoor relaxation space that can be tailored to your needs.
Decks can be built from wood, composite, or other materials, influencing the cost. Expect to pay from $3,920 to $10,540 for professional deck building services.
Fence Installation Costs
Fence costs depend on the intended function.
Privacy fences require more materials and are more expensive than aesthetic picket fences.
The cost of most fence projects ranges from $1,330 to $5,550, influenced by height, length, material, and style.
Fire Pit Installation Costs
Alt text: Outdoor fire pit constructed of stone, surrounded by comfortable seating, creating an inviting space for evening gatherings.
Adding a fire pit enhances outdoor living spaces for nighttime enjoyment.
Most fire pits cost about $240 – $2,400, depending on size and stone type.
Gazebo Installation Costs
Gazebos offer secluded outdoor living spaces. You can hire a landscaper or purchase a prefabricated gazebo kit.
Gazebos are available in various materials, styles, and sizes.
Installing a gazebo involves construction work for securing the base. The cost of a gazebo typically ranges from $5,358 to $9,058.
Landscape Curbing or Edging Costs
Alt text: Landscape curbing made of concrete, neatly separating a green lawn from a garden bed filled with colorful plants.
Landscape curbing includes pre-built blocks and custom-poured concrete. Pre-built options range from concrete to flagstone.
The price depends on the material and the amount needed. Expect to pay around $730 to $1,720 overall for professional edging.
Landscape Lighting Costs
Landscape lighting complements other features. Spotlights highlight plants, while string lights enhance outdoor living spaces.
The price of your lighting project averages $100 to $200 per light, including lights and installation.
Outdoor Kitchen Costs
Alt text: A fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring a grill, countertop, and cabinetry, designed for outdoor cooking and entertaining.
Outdoor kitchens range from simple grills to fully functional spaces with sinks, stoves, and countertops. Features requiring electrical or plumbing hookups increase costs.
Overall, the cost of an outdoor kitchen ranges from $5,057 to $17,276.
Pathway Installation Costs
Pathway costs depend on the chosen material, with gravel being the cheapest and flagstone the most expensive.
The average price of a professional pathway installation is $8 to $22 per square foot.
Patio Installation Costs
Alt text: A backyard patio made of pavers, furnished with comfortable seating and tables, creating a relaxing outdoor living space.
Patios are popular for backyard comfort and usable space.
The cost of a patio is subjective due to paver types, shapes, and sizes. A typical patio costs between $2,363 and $5,909.
Pergola Installation Costs
A pergola frames outdoor spaces and offers partial coverage. The cost of a pergola ranges from $2,100 and $6,000, depending on size and material.
Cedar is cost-effective, while fiberglass is durable and low-maintenance.
Pond Installation Costs
Alt text: A small decorative pond with aquatic plants and rocks, adding a serene water feature to a backyard landscape.
Pond prices depend on location, size, and liner material. A small decorative koi pond costs less than a large recreational pond.
Installing a pond will cost between $3,680 and $14,500, including labor, liner, materials, and aquatic life.
Retaining Wall Installation Costs
Retaining wall costs depend on the material. Cinder blocks are affordable, while poured concrete is more expensive.
Expect to pay between $3,500 and $9,400 for retaining wall installation.
Water Fountain/Waterfall Installation Costs
Alt text: A decorative water fountain in a garden, enhancing the landscape with the soothing sound of flowing water.
Water features require plumbing or land grading. Custom-built features cost more than pre-built models.
Landscaping contractors charge about $1,141 to $3,692 to install a water fountain or waterfall, including materials and labor.
Common Landscape Maintenance Services Costs
Regular maintenance keeps your landscape well-manicured. Some homeowners handle yard work themselves, while others hire professionals.
Here are typical maintenance services and their costs for a one-time job. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly plans can result in savings per visit.
| SERVICE | NATIONAL AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing | $30 – $65 |
| Lawn Fertilization | $88 – $540 |
| Bush Trimming | $50 – $75 per hour OR $6 – $15 per bush |
| Lawn Aeration | $75 – $225 |
| Yard Cleanup | $170 – $375 |
| Tree Trimming | $315 – $700 |
| Lawn Seeding | $680 – $1,815 |
Lawn Mowing Costs
Mowing is essential for a tidy yard and a common lawn care service.
Lawn mowing costs depend on yard size and complexity.
The overall cost to have your lawn mowed should be about $30 to $65.
Lawn Fertilization Costs
Fertilizing your lawn adds nutrients to the soil for healthy growth.
Fertilizing the lawn costs between $88 and $540, depending on the fertilizer and yard size.
Bush Trimming Costs
Alt text: A worker using hedge trimmers to trim bushes, shaping them neatly and maintaining the garden’s appearance.
The price of bush trimming depends on plant size and location.
Costs range from $50 to $75 per hour or $6 to $15 per bush.
Lawn Aeration Costs
Aeration involves poking holes in compacted soil to improve airflow.
Most contractors charge for aeration by the square foot, and the average homeowner pays $75 to $225 total.
Yard Cleanup Costs
Alt text: A general yard cleanup in the fall, including raking leaves and removing debris to keep the yard tidy.
A yard cleanup includes various services for maintaining your yard.
How much you would pay for a yard cleanup depends on property size and the services you need, most likely falling between $170 and $375.
Tree Trimming Costs
The cost for trimming trees depends on job complexity and tree size.
Expect to pay $315 to $700 per tree for trimming.
Lawn Seeding Costs
Seeding a typical lawn costs about $680 to $1,815, depending on the size of the yard and the type of seed you use.
Other Factors Affecting Landscaping Costs
Several property-specific factors can influence your landscaping estimate.
Soil Type
Alt text: A person examining a handful of soil, checking its texture and quality to determine the best plants for the environment.
Testing your soil is crucial for determining suitable plants and potential soil enhancements.
Permits
Construction projects may require permits, ranging from $20 to $400.
Land Survey
A land survey, costing around $350 to $700, ensures you build within your property lines.
DIY Landscaping Costs
Installing a basic landscape DIY is possible for many homeowners, saving money on labor costs.
Equipment Needed for Plant Beds
| TOOL | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Work Gloves | $10 |
| Protective Safety Glasses | $16 |
| Spade | $16 |
| Sod Cutter | $26 |
| Round Point Shovel | $44 |
| Rubber Mallet | $16 |
| Ground Stakes | $16 for 4 |
| Mason’s Line | $15 |
| TOTAL | $159 |
Materials Needed for Plant Beds
| MATERIAL | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Mulch | $17 |
| Flowers | $22 |
| Organic Soil Amendments | $34 |
| Plastic Landscape Edging | $47 |
| Small Trees | $51 |
| Shrubs | $53 |
| Landscape Fabric | $101 |
| TOTAL | $325 |
Equipment Needed for Paver Pathway
| TOOLS | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Rope | $18 |
| Tape Measure | $18 |
| Dust Mask | $19 per pack |
| Level | $21 |
| Shovel | $23 |
| Push Broom | $31 |
| Finishing Trowel | $36 |
| Garden Hose with Nozzle | $42 |
| Landscape Rake | $48 |
| Hand Tamper | $62 |
| Leaf Blower | $156 |
| Concrete Saw | $211 |
| TOTAL | $685 |
Materials Needed for Paver Pathway
| MATERIAL | AVERAGE COST *per item | TOTAL COST *per 30-foot long, 3-foot wide path |
|---|---|---|
| Pavers | $4 apiece | $400 |
| Paver Base Sand | $5 per 0.5 cubic foot | $150 |
| Construction Adhesive | $7 per 10 oz tube | |
| Polymeric Sand | $70 per 50-pound bag | |
| Crushed Gravel | $884 per 2,200-pound bag | |
| TOTAL | $1,511 |
Equipment Needed for Landscape Maintenance
| TOOL | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Safety Glasses | $10 |
| Work Gloves | $10 |
| Garden Shears | $20 |
| Tarp | $10 |
| Rake | $28 |
| Push Lawn Mower | $331 |
| String Trimmer | $177 |
| TOTAL | $586 |
DIY vs. Professional Landscaping Costs: A Comparison
A basic DIY landscape with plant beds and a paver pathway costs around $2,680 for equipment and materials. Hiring a professional for the same landscape costs around $3,438. DIY maintenance involves a one-time cost of about $586 for equipment, while professional maintenance runs around $133 to $370 per month.
Landscaping Costs by Location
Material prices (lumber, stone) vary by region. Local materials are generally cheaper. Labor costs also differ, with higher prices in metropolitan areas.
FAQ About Landscaping
1. Does Landscaping Add Value?
Yes, landscaping increases home value by boosting curb appeal. Well-maintained yards can provide a 5% to 12% cost advantage over homes without landscaping.
2. What Landscaping Adds the Most Value to a Home?
Healthy trees and shrubs, front pathways, outdoor lighting, outdoor living spaces, and sprinkler systems add the most value.
3. What are the Elements of Landscape Design?
Key design elements include line, color, form, texture, and scale.
Hire a Pro for Landscaping and Maintenance
Professional landscaping costs range from $4,000 and $20,317 for installation and $133 to $370 per month for maintenance. DIY saves money but requires more effort. If you prefer relaxation, call a landscaping pro near you today.
Alt text: An aerial view of a beautifully landscaped backyard featuring a lush green lawn, colorful flower beds, and a well-designed patio area.
