Most homeowners pay $1,250–$6,100 for a landscaping project, with a national average of about $3,500, or roughly $4.50–$12 per sq. ft. installed. A full new installation or backyard makeover usually runs $3,000–$16,000, and complex designs can pass $40,000 (Angi, HomeGuide, Lawn Love and LawnStarter data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 3 more. National US estimates.
You may be planning a front-yard refresh to sell, a backyard you can actually use, or full landscaping for a new-build lot. The price depends on how much ground you cover and whether you mostly plant (softscape) or build (hardscape, such as patios, walls and walkways).
This guide gives average costs by yard size and by project, a line-item budget for a typical job, and ways to save. If your project is mostly about grass, compare our sod installation cost guide, which covers new lawns in detail.
Average cost
Typical landscaping project totals, labor and materials included, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small job: flower beds, mulch, a few shrubs | $750–$3,000 | Border plantings run about $750; a new flower bed $800–$3,000 |
| Typical project on a standard lot | $1,250–$6,100 | Angi national average about $3,500 |
| Front yard makeover | $1,500–$5,000 | Plants, mulch, edging, small path |
| Full new installation or backyard renovation | $3,000–$16,000 | Design, grading, lawn, plants, a patio or wall |
| Complex backyard with hardscape and features | $15,000–$50,000 | Patios, walls, lighting, water features, outdoor kitchen |
Landscaping cost by yard size
At $4.50–$12 per sq. ft. for typical work (Angi; Lawn Love reports up to $17 for higher-end work):
| Area landscaped | Typical cost | Higher-end work |
|---|---|---|
| 200 sq. ft. | $900–$2,400 | up to $2,900 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $2,250–$6,000 | up to $8,500 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $4,500–$12,000 | up to $17,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $9,000–$24,000 | up to $34,000 |
Common landscaping projects and prices
| Project | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Landscape design (designer or architect) | $700–$6,800 |
| Sod installation | $1–$2 per sq. ft. |
| Flower bed installation | $800–$3,000 |
| Tree planting | $120–$2,500 per tree |
| Mulch installation | $30–$120 per cubic yard |
| Yard grading | $1,025–$3,300 |
| Sprinkler system | $1,700–$3,550 |
| Patio | $2,000–$5,800 |
| Retaining wall | $3,250–$9,000 |
| Landscape lighting | $2,000–$4,500 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for landscaping about 500 sq. ft. of front yard with new beds, shrubs, mulch, edging and a small sodded area. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Plants and materials | $700–$2,000 | Shrubs ($25–$230 each), perennials, mulch, soil, sod, edging |
| Labor | $1,000–$3,000 | Crew at about $50–$100 per hour; usually 40%–65% of the total |
| Design consultation or plan | $100–$300 | Two-hour consultation; a full design plan costs more |
| Site prep and debris removal | $150–$500 | Removing old plants and turf, light grading, haul-away |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $200–$500 | Poor soil, extra plants, drainage fixes |
| Estimated total | $2,150–$6,300 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor is the largest line on most landscaping bills, so the hours a design requires matter as much as the plants you choose.
What affects the price
- Yard size. Most contractors price by area: typical work runs $4.50–$12 per sq. ft., so 500 sq. ft. costs about $2,250–$6,000 and 2,000 sq. ft. about $9,000–$24,000. A full tear-out and remodel can reach $40 per sq. ft.
- Design complexity. A simple plan of beds and mulch needs little design time, while curved beds, multiple levels and focal features usually call for a designer at $50–$150 per hour, or $700–$6,800 for a full plan.
- Plants and hardscape. Softscaping (plants, lawn, mulch) usually costs $800–$10,000, while hardscaping such as patios, walkways and retaining walls can run from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more. Mature trees and large shrubs cost far more than small container plants.
- Irrigation. Adding an in-ground sprinkler system typically adds $1,700–$3,550; drip lines for beds are cheaper. See our sprinkler system cost guide for zone-by-zone prices.
- Labor rates in your region. Labor accounts for roughly 40%–65% of the total. Landscapers charge about $50–$100 per hour, with higher rates in large metro areas; LawnStarter's data show the same project costing about 50% more in New York than in Dothan, Alabama.
Ways to save
- Phase the project: install the hardscape and main beds first, then add plants and features over the next one or two seasons.
- Pay for a one-time design consultation ($100–$300) instead of a full design, then hire an installer or do the planting yourself.
- Buy smaller plants. Young shrubs and trees cost a fraction of mature specimens and catch up within a few years.
- Do the easy labor yourself, such as removing old plants, spreading mulch and planting perennials; labor is the biggest part of the bill.
- Choose drought-tolerant, native plants to cut watering and replacement costs, and check whether your water utility offers turf-replacement or smart-irrigation rebates.
- Get at least three itemized quotes and schedule installation outside peak spring demand when crews have more availability.
Related questions people ask
What is the average landscaping cost?
The average landscaping project costs about $3,500, according to Angi's 2026 data, with most homeowners paying $1,250–$6,100. Lawn Love's average is higher (about $8,700) because it includes larger full-yard installations.
What is the cost of landscaping per square foot?
Expect $4.50–$12 per sq. ft. for typical professional landscaping, and up to $17 per sq. ft. for higher-end plantings and materials. Projects heavy on hardscape, such as patios and walls, cost more per square foot than planting and mulch.
How much does landscaping cost for a backyard?
A modest backyard update with beds, lawn repair and a small patio often runs $6,000 or more, while a full backyard renovation typically costs $15,000–$50,000 depending on hardscape and features.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured landscapers for written, itemized quotes, and give each one the same information:
- The approximate area you want landscaped (in sq. ft.), photos of the site, and any slope, drainage or soil problems you know about.
- Your plant list or design goals, and any hardscape you want (patio, walkway, retaining wall), with preferred materials.
- Whether you need irrigation, lighting, grading or removal of existing plants, trees or turf.
- Ask what is included: design, permits, debris removal, plant warranty (often one year) and the schedule.
FAQ
How much should I budget for landscaping a new home?
A common guideline is about 10% of the home's value for complete landscaping of a new home, such as about $40,000 for a $400,000 house. Most owners phase that spending over several years.
Does landscaping add value to a home?
Usually yes. HomeGuide cites value increases of 10%–30% depending on quality, and well-kept front-yard landscaping helps curb appeal at resale.
Do I need a permit for landscaping?
Planting and mulching rarely need one, but grading, retaining walls, decks, pergolas and some drainage work often do. Grading permits commonly run $50–$400; check local rules on pesticides and water use as well.
More Lawn & Garden costs
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Landscaping Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 23, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Landscaping Cost? (2026) (Feb 4, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Lawn Love — How Much Does Landscaping Cost in 2026? (updated Apr 21, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- LawnStarter — How Much Does Landscaping Cost in 2026? (updated Apr 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.