How Much Does Landscaping Cost in 2025?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Professional landscaping costs about $3,649 on average, with most homeowners spending anywhere from $200 to $15,000. Costs vary based on several factors, including project scope, property size, and local labor rates. Your landscaping design can boost curb appeal and property value, so make sure to include both installation and maintenance costs (monthly and seasonal) into your budget. Keep reading to learn how much landscaping costs for different projects. 

Landscaping Cost Factors

Several factors affect the cost of landscaping, from the size of your yard to the complexity of the design. 

Materials

Softscaping projects may only call for a handful of shrubs, plants, or trees. Hardscaping (like decks, outdoor kitchens, ponds, or pools) will increase costs because you’re adding higher-end materials such as stone, concrete, and specialty lumber.

Yard Size

The bigger the yard, the higher the bill. Most homeowners spend $4.50–$12 per square foot on landscaping, but a full tear-out or an outdoor-kitchen build can push costs to $40 per square foot. Here’s a breakdown of the average landscaping costs based on yard size:

Landscaping Location

In general, backyard landscaping costs are higher than front yard costs. A full backyard renovation averages between $15,000 and $50,000, while front yard landscaping ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.

Backyard

If you’re just adding a few shrubs, plan on $25–$300 apiece. Dreaming bigger? Set aside $6,000–$25,000 for an outdoor kitchen, $20,000–$65,000 for pool materials, and $2,000–$5,800 for a new patio.

Front Yard

Front yard makeovers generally cost less because they rely on plants and fresh sod instead of big-ticket hardscape features. The project may include a front porch or deck design, but homeowners often focus more on adding flowers, trees, and shrubs. Expect to pay up to $3,000 for a flower bed, while planting multiple trees could cost upwards of $2,500.

Brand-New Landscaping Installation Costs

Building a brand-new landscape from the ground up typically runs about 10% of your home’s value. For a $300,000 home, that’s around $30,000 for hardscaping, softscaping, and water features.

You may need several pros—such as gardeners, tree services, and pavers—to complete the job.

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Cost 

Live in a drought-prone area? A landscape pro can design a water-smart yard that looks great and trims your utility bills. Both synthetic turf and xeriscaping can save you money over time by saving water and labor.

• Indigenous planting: Use native plants that thrived before modern irrigation and do well in your climate without extra water.

• Synthetic turf: Costs $2–$ 8 per square foot and provides a green lawn without watering. Modern turf looks softer and more natural than before.

Water Features and Decor

For a more inviting backyard, you might add water features like fountains or ponds. Water fountain costs can be as low as $150, while pool materials run $20,000–$65,000.

Landscaping Maintenance Cost

After installing new landscaping, you should budget for maintenance. Lawn mowing runs $50–$250 per visit, and tree trimming costs $270–$1,800. Annual services like fertilization and pruning keep your yard healthy. If you’re short on time, consider hiring local lawn fertilization services or other pros. 

Labor Cost for Landscaping Professionals 

Consider tackling simple chores like planting or mowing yourself, and bringing in a landscaper for the heavy lifting. 

• Local landscaping professionals charge about $50–$100 per hour with equipment included.

• A landscape designer costs $50–$150 per hour for design and planning. 

• Landscape architects usually cost $70–$100 per hour. These professionals plan cohesive outdoor spaces, including soft and hardscapes.

Cost by Landscaping Type

There are three main types of landscaping: softscaping, hardscaping, and xeriscaping. Here are the average costs of the different landscaping types: 

Softscaping Costs

Softscaping refers to the soil, lawn, and plants of your outdoor space. It could be as simple as reseeding the lawn or as complex as installing a brand-new flower bed.

Softscaping costs between $800 and $10,000, depending on the scope of your installation. Adding a single bush to your softscaping can cost as little as $25. However, installing sod and planting flower beds can cost $10,000 or more.

Hardscape Costs

Hardscaping, which involves adding inanimate features such as patios, walkways, and gazebos, costs anywhere from $300 to $30,000 or more. The only limits are the size of your yard, design, and budget. Here are the average costs of different hardscape installations:

Xeriscaping Cost

Xeriscaping costs $3,000 to $24,000 and covers your entire outdoor area, from the front yard to the back. Xeriscaping utilizes plants, shrubs, ground covers, and rocks that need very little water to thrive. Common xeriscaping expenses include the cost of rock installation and the cost of landscape edging . While far more expensive than simple sod, the maintenance and water costs are low by design.

Landscaping Cost by Project 

Individual landscaping projects vary by size and complexity. You’ll need to consult a landscaping pro near you for exact quotes. The table below offers estimates for some common tasks, from trimming trees to installing sod:

Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?

Strategic landscaping can boost curb appeal, privacy, and everyday function—and homeowners often see that effort pay off at resale. Thoughtful plantings, well-placed hardscape, and smart lighting help your yard look polished while delivering an ROI that rivals many indoor upgrades. Indeed, landscaping can have an average ROI of up to 200%.

Budgeting for Landscape Installation

To keep landscaping costs down, check out of the following tips:

• Ask garden centers about bulk discounts on plants and materials.

• Get at least three quotes from local landscapers before you pick a pro.

• Bring in a landscape designer; solid planning can save money in the long run.

• Consider doing smaller projects, such as planting trees and flowers, by yourself.

• Choose softscaping instead of hardscaping to keep costs down.

• Rely on materials and features that already exist in your yard. 

• Break work into smaller phases to stick with your budget.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.