What Does Landscaping Actually Cost?
Landscaping covers everything from weekly lawn mowing to complete property transformations. Costs vary widely depending on what you need.
Recurring Maintenance Costs
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly lawn mowing | $30–$80/visit |
| Bi-weekly mowing | $40–$100/visit |
| Spring/fall cleanup | $200–$600 |
| Mulch application (per yard) | $30–$50/yard installed |
| Hedge trimming | $50–$150/visit |
| Lawn fertilization (per application) | $50–$150 |
| Aeration and overseeding | $150–$400 |
| Irrigation winterization | $75–$150 |
One-Time Project Costs
| Project | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Flower bed installation | $300–$1,500 |
| Tree planting (per tree) | $150–$500 |
| Sod installation (per 1,000 sq ft) | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Paver patio | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Retaining wall | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Outdoor kitchen | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Irrigation system | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Full landscape design + install | $5,000–$15,000+ |
| Drainage solution | $1,000–$5,000 |
What Affects Landscaping Prices
Yard size: The obvious factor. Most landscapers price mowing by the ¼-acre increment. A ½-acre lot costs roughly double a ¼-acre lot.
Terrain and access: Slopes, retaining walls, poor drainage, and difficult access (no gate for equipment) all increase costs.
Soil condition: Rocky or clay soil requires more work for planting and can increase hardscape costs by 20–30%.
Plant selection: Native plants cost less and require less maintenance. Exotic or mature specimen trees can cost $500–$2,000 each.
Hardscape materials: Concrete pavers ($8–$15/sq ft) cost less than natural stone ($15–$30/sq ft). Stamped concrete ($12–$18/sq ft) falls in between.
Maintenance Plans: The Best Value
Most landscapers offer seasonal or annual maintenance plans that bundle services at a discount:
- Basic plan ($100–$200/month): Mowing, edging, blowing, basic weeding
- Standard plan ($200–$400/month): Basic + fertilization, mulch, seasonal cleanup
- Premium plan ($400–$800/month): Standard + irrigation management, pest control, flower rotation
Plans save 15–25% compared to paying per visit and ensure consistent care.
How to Budget for Landscaping
Starting from scratch: Budget 10–15% of your home's value for a complete landscape. For a $350,000 home, that's $35,000–$52,000 for a full property design. But you don't have to do it all at once.
Smart phasing: Start with the items that have the biggest impact:
- Phase 1: Lawn, basic plantings, and mulch ($2,000–$5,000)
- Phase 2: Patio or outdoor living area ($3,000–$8,000)
- Phase 3: Irrigation, lighting, and specialty features ($2,000–$5,000)
How to Get the Best Price
- Get three estimates with line-item pricing—not just a lump sum
- Schedule in winter for spring installation — off-season planning discounts of 10–20%
- Choose native plants — lower purchase cost, lower maintenance, higher survival rate
- Ask about plant warranties — reputable landscapers warranty plants for 1 year
- Don't skip drainage — poor drainage destroys even the best landscaping