How Much Does Landscaping Cost

When it comes to the beauty and comfort of your house, landscaping plays a crucial role, as it not only enhances property value but also creates inviting outdoor spaces. So, you might be looking for exactly How Much Does Landscaping Cost. Well, its average cost ranges between $2,000 to $40,000, depending on some key factors like materials, project scope, size, and services.

Today, I’ll share with you the average landscaping cost that you should expect to pay, how landscaping factors impact its cost, and some budget friendly tips to consider when looking for landscaping projects. So let’s get started.

How Much Does Landscaping Cost In 2025?

As of 2025, the landscaping costs have increased a little bit. Simple landscaping projects start from $1,000, while complex designs can reach up to $40,000 and even more. However, its typical price ranges between $1,500 to $23,000, with the national cost averaging $12,250.

A simple guideline is to budget around 10% of your home’s value for landscaping. For example, aim to spend around $30,000 or less if you’re home’s worth is approximately $300,000.

What Is The Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot?

The cost of landscaping typically ranges from $4 to $17 per square foot, with an average cost of around $11 per square foot. Domestic areas cost below $10 per square foot, while commercial areas may cost over $15 per square foot. Please keep in mind that these landscaping prices may vary depending on your location, labor, conditions, and accessibility.

What Is The Landscaping Cost Per Hour?

It’s better to hire a pro if you’re not experienced with landscaping. Landscapers often combine hourly rates with material and labor costs. The national average hourly rate for landscaping is $50 to $100. While some professional landscape architects charge $50 to $150 per hour to handle tasks like providing expert advice on design and hard structures, material purchasing, and installation.

Some experienced designers also charge around $200 per hour for planning and designing, just like experienced firms charge $150 to $250 per hour. However, some specific tasks, like patio building or hedge trimming, may cost you $30 to $80 per hour. Additionally, some companies also charge 5 to 15% of the total project cost.

Key Factors Affecting Landscaping Cost

Many factors affect the total cost of landscaping. Its costs vary widely depending on the project scope, design, type, materials, maintenance, features, and services. Below are the key elements that decide the overall cost for landscaping.

1. Landscaping Permits

It’s important to grab a permit for tasks like yard grading, fencing, deck installation, pool, tall retaining walls, tree removal, and adding electrical, gas, or plumbing lines, before starting your landscaping work.

It may cost you between $20 to $700 to require a permit from local authorities. Check with your local government for specific requirements and fees, as they vary by state and county.

2. Demolition of Structures

After getting permits, you may start demolition your existing structures, which may cost you between $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the project’s complexity.

3. Hardscape Removal

If you don’t want to remove any existing hardscape, consider renovating it to give a new look. Other wise you can remove them by hiring hardscape removal services, costing you between $500 to $5,000. Removal of plants, patio covers, and other simple hardscaping costs lower compared to the large structures like concrete patios, driveways, pools, or decks.

4. Landscape Design

Start by making a unique landscape plan to bring all the elements together. You can hire a landscape architect and designers, which may cost you 8 to 15% or sometimes even 10 to 20% of the total project cost, or charge you $50 to $250 per hour, depending on their experience. This phase may cost you $2,200 to $6,180, depending on your design complexity, types of services, property size, and planning time.

Keep in mind that the landscape designers handle above-ground remodeling tasks like pathways, patios, and plants, while landscape architects also tackle structural and functional aspects like drainage systems. So, choose the right professional for your project’s needs.

5. Soil Testing

If you’re soil is contaminated or isn’t good for growing plants, trees, and flowers, you should do a soil test to know its quality. It may cost you between $10 to $150. You’ll collect soil samples and send them to a lab for testing. The test results will show your soil’s nutrients, pH level, and type, to choose the right plants for your yard.

6. Land Survey

A land survey is a must if you want to avoid boundary issues. Hiring a licensed land surveyor to map out your property lines will cost $310 to $750, depending on your property’s size, shape, and history.

7. Lawn Mowing

The average cost for professional lawn mowing services ranges from $30 to $85 per visit, depending on your lawn size, complexity, and accessibility. You may also buy a lawn mower to save money in the long run. A push mower costs between $150 to $550, while a riding mower ranges $2,000 to $5,000.

8. Lawn Aeration

Lawn aeration improves water, air, and nutrient circulation to the roots by poking holes in compacted soil. It is typically charged by the square foot and may cost you $75 to $225. It’s usually needed every 2 years, but yards with hard soil like clay may require annual or bi-annual aeration.

9. Lawn Seeding

Lawn seeding helps make your lawn healthier and thicker over time. It’s great for fixing thin spots or renewing your entire lawn. It costs $0.04 to $0.20 per square foot, depending on yard size and seed type. It’s great for fixing thin spots or renewing your entire lawn.

10. Laying Sod

Laying sod means prepare the soil, putting the sod pieces in place, and water and care for it. It costs $1 to $2 per square foot. It helps by growing it into a healthy lawn.

11. Artificial Turf

Artificial turf offers many benefits, like no mowing, water conservation, reduced need for lawn care services, reduced groundwater pollution from chemicals, and long-term savings with low maintenance needs. It costs $6 to $20 per sq ft, depending on material and installation. It lasts 15 to 25 years.

12. Land Grading

Land grading means changing the shape of your yard to make it look better for new designs or work better, like fixing steep slopes or making it more level. It costs between $0.40 to $2.00 per sq ft, depending on yard size and the extent of corrections needed. It improves drainage on flat yards and reduces soil erosion on slopes.

13. Leaf Removal

Leaf removal costs between $150 to $350, depending on your yard size. A smaller or an average on ¼ acre may cost you $100 to $200, while large yards consisting of an acre or more may cost $400 to $800.

14. Landscaping Maintenance

General landscaping maintenance includes multiple tasks like weed removal, pest control, trimming, lawn mowing, and more. It may cost $100 to $200 per month, depending on yard size and work required.

15. Planting Flower Beds

To enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces with texture and color, consider planting flower beds. The average cost of a professionally installed flower bed ranges from $650 to $3,000, depending on plant selection, bed size, and site-specific factors. However, you may save some by choosing low-maintenance, native, or small plants. Blooming shrubs that resist weeds can also be considered.

16. Planting Trees/Bushes

You can choose whatever plants, trees, and bushes as per your liking and budget. It may cost you between $25 to $3,000, depending on your chosen trees.

17. Mulching

Mulching plays an important role in moisture retention, weed prevention, and aesthetic appeal. It costs $17 to $68 per cubic yard, depending on bed size and mulch type. However, DIY mulching can save around 50% on installation costs. A cubic yard covers 100 sq. ft. at 3″ depth.

18. Tree Trimming

Tree trimming boosts tree health and the yard’s beauty. It may cost from $200 to $900 per tree, depending on factors like tree size, height, health, and location. Regular trimming helps maintain tree health, shape, and safety around structures.

19. Tree Removal

Tree removal costs range from $150 to $2,000 per tree, depending on your location, tree size, and equipment needs.

20. Tree Stump Removal

Tree stump removal involves digging around the stump, cutting roots, and excavating the entire stump and root system. It often requires heavy machinery and may cost $100 to $400 per stump.

21. Land Clearing

Land clearing involves removing brush, trees, vegetation, stumps, or any other items to prepare the property for landscaping. It may cost you $1,150 to $3,680.

22. Retaining Wall

A retaining wall serves multiple purposes, like preventing soil erosion, controlling water drainage, and creating semi-private spaces or separating areas. It costs $15 to $30 per sq ft, depending on the material chosen, like poured concrete, cinder blocks, boulder, bricks, and stone veneer.

23. Concrete Patio

A concrete patio is a flat outdoor space made of concrete and can be customized with different colors and designs. It may cost you between $1,953 to $5,722, depending on concrete thickness and quality.

24. Deck Installation

Deck installation serves as an outdoor living space for relaxation and may cost you $3,000 to over $30,000, depending on size and material.

25. Fence Installation

Fencing provides security, privacy, and aesthetic enhancement to your landscape. It may cost you $1,000 to $5,000 and more, depending on the type of fence, materials, and height.

26. Pergola

A pergola is a patio frame with a roof that can enhance your outdoor space, providing some coverage and partial shade. They are available as prefabricated or custom-built options and cost between $4,000 to $10,000, depending on size and materials.

27. Gazebo

A gazebo is a freestanding outdoor structure, featuring a raised floor and solid roof that can be custom-built or prefabricated. It offers better weather protection than a pergola. They cost between $8,000 to $15,000, depending on various materials, style, and sizes.

28. Arbor

Arbors are arch-shaped structures that are used to support climbing plants. You can either build a custom one or purchase a prefabricated one. It may cost you $500 to $5,000, depending on materials.

29. Fire Pit

To create a cozy atmosphere in your yard, consider installing a fire pit, which may cost you $700 to $5,600, depending on your chosen size, type, and materials.

30. Landscape Curbing

Landscape curbing helps define spaces and enhances curb appeal. Its cost ranges from $400 to $2,200, depending on the material and the amount of edging needed. However, flat curbing tends to be more expensive than slanted curbing.

31. Outdoor Water Fountain

If you have the budget to install an outdoor water fountain, consider having one in your yard to enhance its beauty. It may cost you $1,500 to $8,000, depending on its size and features. However, it can increase your electricity bill unless it’s solar-powered.

32. Garden Pond

Building a garden pond can cost between $1,800 and $17,000, depending on its size, materials, type, and location. Ponds can also help with yard drainage and attract wildlife.

33. Irrigation System

To save time and water, consider installing an irrigation system. The average cost to install an irrigation system ranges between $1,800 to $5,200. Please note that these irrigation systems are not only budget-friendly, but DIY kits are available for $50 or less, offering a cost-effective option.

34. Drainage System

A proper drainage system is crucial for a healthy garden. The cost of a drainage system ranges from $1,500 to $11,000, depending on materials and type.

35. Rainwater Collection System

A rainwater collection system is a great alternative for watering lawns and gardens and can cost between $200 and $2,500, depending on the size and type of system.

36. Mosquito Misting System

A mosquito misting system costs $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your chosen kitchen.

37. Outdoor Lighting

Landscape lighting ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the number, types, and quality of the fixtures, the length of the wire run, and the timing of the installation.

38. Inground Pool

If you have a huge budget, consider installing inground pool. It may cost you between $21,947 to $84,836, depending on type, material, size, location, and other factors.

Bottom Line

Landscaping your yard can increase your home’s value and create a beautiful outdoor space. However, it may cost you from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your chosen design and elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is It Cheaper To Do Landscaping Yourself?

Yes, DIY landscaping can be cheaper upfront, but it depends on your skills and the project’s scope. You may save on labor, but you need to invest in tools and materials. However, complex projects may require more time and expertise.

What Affects The Cost Of Landscaping?

Landscaping costs vary based on plant choices, yard size, soil condition, design complexity, materials like stone or sod, hardscaping features, site prep, labor.

What Time Of Year Is Best To Landscape?

The best times for landscaping are fall and early spring. These seasons have mild temperatures, allowing plants to develop strong roots before extreme weather sets in.

Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?

Yes, landscaping can boost a home’s value by 10 to 20% by improving curb appeal and making it more desirable to buyers. It offers strong ROI on features like fire pits, patios, and lighting.

How Can I Save Money With Landscaping?

You can save money with some landscaping tips, like choosing low-maintenance and native plants, focusing on DIY projects, selecting long-term material, and planting or mulching yourself.