Average Landscaping Cost: An Actually Useful Guide

How to Plan Your Landscape Project: The Basics

These are the 4 questions you must ask to plan a successful landscaping project:

1. What specific climate and soil conditions do I have? These questions help you decide between plant types, consider sod and grass seeding options, and select the proper lawn irrigation system.
2. Do I need a landscape designer or landscape architect? Expect to pay $100+ per hour to hire a landscape designer instead of a standard landscaping company. If you need drainage, hire a landscape architect instead of a designer.
3. What landscaping services make sense for my budget? You'd love an outdoor kitchen, water feature and tropical plant garden — but do the installation costs and future maintenance needs make financial sense?
4. What will be my landscape maintenance and water needs going forward? A smart landscaping budget includes future maintenance and water usage, not just upfront installation and labor costs. 

Let's look into each of these landscape project management questions in greater detail.

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How Your Climate and Soil Impact Landscaping Project Decisions

Climate and soil conditions are the 2 primary factors in selecting plants, trees, and natural materials like hardwood.

The stability of your landscape design depends on the local climate — temperature range, precipitation, wind, and amounts of direct and indirect sunlight. Use this handy data source from Climate.gov to find recent temperature, precipitation and climate averages for your zip code.

Soil quality directly determines the success of your lawn, sod and plants — specifically as it pertains to clay content. High levels of clay in your soil equal higher water retention. While that’s not ideal for your home’s foundation, clay soil provides a great anchor for plant roots that’s full of moisture and nutrients.

Use this helpful chart to determine the clay content in the soil where you live:

Hire local when choosing a landscaping service! A local landscaper has expert knowledge of the native plants that thrive in your climate and soil conditions. They’ll also use relationships with local supply yards to get you better prices on plants and hardscaping materials.

Do You Need a Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect?

A landscape designer and landscape architect don’t do the same things, and each has unique qualifications.

Hire a landscape designer if your primary landscaping needs are above-ground. Landscape designers are great at making aesthetic choices and selecting local native plants that will thrive in your yard. They succeed best on projects that involve lots of aesthetic choices, garden design and maintenance considerations.

Hire a landscape architect if your project involves upgrading your yard, terrain or drainage capacities. Landscape architects are well-versed in site planning and implementation of complex landscape features like underground drainage and irrigation systems. They’ll help you create an effective map of irrigation zones for your property.

Fitting Landscape Design Cost Into Your Budget

A basic landscape design costs between $250-$350 for most homeowners. Be sure to add this cost into your landscaping budget.

Do you have a more complex landscape design that requires a new sprinkler or irrigation system? Refer to our full lawn sprinkler system cost guide to build an accurate budget. 

If you have a specific vision for your yard, draw your own landscape design and present it to a landscape designer or architect. You’ll help ensure your vision is respected, and potentially save a few hours in project design and development costs.

Future Landscape, Lawn Maintenance and Water Needs

Your lawn and landscape are living things — don’t forget to budget for their growth! Plan ahead and build future landscape maintenance into your budget. You’ll walk into your new project with a full, accurate cost-benefit analysis of your new yard.

Here are 3 ongoing lawn maintenance costs to consider in your budget:

1. Water usage: How much water will your irrigation system use? The type of sprinkler heads your install impacts this number — a 6” pop-up sprinkler head uses 3 times the water of a bubbler head. 
2. Smart sprinkler controller: A smart controller can save homeowners over 7,000 gallons of water usage per year — and up to 50% on outdoor water bills per year. Smart sprinkler controller installation costs between $299-$599 per controller unit (for purchase and installation).
3. Lawn care and mowing: Are you hiring a lawn and landscaping service for weekly mowing? Lawn mowers charge $45-65 to cut an average-sized lot. 

Join HOMR and get your first 2 lawn cuts on us — 100% free!

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Average Landscaping Cost Guide: Labor and Materials

Let's establish average cost expectations for 8 popular types of home landscaping projects.

1. Landscape prep work
2. Sod installation
3. Artificial turf
4. Flower bed update and refresh
5. Shrubs and trees
6. Tree trimming
7. Hardscaping and outdoor living elements
8. Sprinkler and irrigation systems

Landscape Prep Work

The most common type of landscape prep work is simple yard cleanup. Expect to pay roughly $80-$100 per hour for a 2-man yard cleanup crew. 

Table: Cost of Landscape Prep Work

*A Note About Landscaping Permits

Landscaping permits don’t exist in every state. Some states require a landscaping permit when you disturb more than 2,500 square feet of soil or change the grade more than 2 feet. 

Always check with your local building department to see if you need a permit for the following:

• Adding new electrical wiring and panels for landscape lighting and outdoor living areas.
• Any change to your gas lines for a fire pit or outdoor barbecue/grill.
• Installation or changes to your plumbing pipes for outdoor water features and pools.
• Construction or demolition of a shed, pavilion, or installing a new deck or patio.

Sod Installation: $450-$850 per pallet of sod (500 square feet)

We find the most accurate representation of sod cost is price per pallet. The average pallet of sod covers 450-500 square feet of lawn space.

One piece of sod measures 16” x 24” — about 2.75 square feet. Most pallets of sod contain roughly 180 pieces of sod. To calculate how much sod you need, divide your space by 2.75 — that’s how many pieces of sod it takes to cover your lawn.

Don’t skimp on quality when installing pallets of sod — look for trusted types of grass that flourish in your particular climate.

For hotter climates (southern U.S.):

• Bermuda grass
• Zoysia
• Bahia
• St. Augustine

For cooler climates (northern U.S.):

• Kentucky bluegrass
• Fescue
• Perennial ryegrass

Artificial Turf Installation: $10-$18 per square foot 

Artificial turf is generally priced per square foot — a reliable artificial or synthetic turf estimate will include all delivery and installation costs. 

Quality labor and delivery costs for synthetic turf installation are relatively standardized. Expect to pay roughly $3.75-$4.50 per square foot for labor and between $400-$700 for delivery.

The bulk of your artificial turf cost is in the materials themselves. Nylon is the most durable synthetic grass material, and costs $5-$6 per square foot. Polyethylene turf is softer and natural looking, and costs $3-$4 per square foot.

Want more information about installing artificial grass turf in your yard? Check back soon for HOMR’s updated guide to artificial turf cost and installation.

Flower Bed Update and Refresh: $125-$500

Expect to pay $125-$500 for a full flower bed update and refresh. This includes flower bed clean up, mulch refresh, and basic area maintenance.

If you want your landscaper to plant and provide new flowers, expect an additional hourly planting fee of $35-$125.

Table of Flower Costs by Type

Perennials are a smart investment for large garden spaces — they’re cheaper per unit and bloom for multiple years. Annuals and biennials generally offer greater pops of color, but you’ll replace them every 1-2 years.

Planting bulbs is another cost-effective way to build your flower bed from the ground up. You can find daffodil bulbs for $1-$1.25 apiece and nurture them to full bloom yourself.

Installing New Shrubs: $30-$80 per shrub

Landscapers charge between $30-$80 to plant new shrubs. If you are comfortable planting them yourself, you can purchase shrubs for $10-$35 apiece.

The best time to plant new shrubs is fall — the cool air and warm soil stimulates root growth. 

Native plants and shrubs require less water and fertilizer to survive. Check out our favorites, plus 8 other low maintenance landscape ideas that fit any budget.

Planting New Trees

The cost to plant a new tree is primarily driven by tree size and type. Fruit trees are almost always more expensive than non-fruit trees to purchase.

Plant a 30 gallon tree for the best chance of adaptation and success. Trees of this size are mature enough to survive transportation, but not so old that they resist acclimation to new soil.

Hire a tree service with an ISA certified arborist on staff if you’re planting multiple trees on your property. An arborist’s enhanced knowledge of tree diseases and pest control ensures every tree you plant is healthy, pest-free and safe for the rest of your plants.

Table: Cost Estimator by Tree Size

Tree Trimming: $200-$700 per tree

Tree trimming doesn’t just enhance your curb appeal, it’s vital to the health of your trees. Note that tree trimming companies charge flat fees based on the size and maturity of your trees, not by the hour.

Trim your trees in mid to late winter to derive the most benefit. Tree pruning during cold dormant months promotes early growth in spring, and prevents falling limbs and debris from damaging your roof line, gutters and siding.

Irrigation Systems: $2,500-$4,900 average cost

The average cost of a fully installed sprinkler system is between $2,500 and $4,900. Most contractors quote sprinkler jobs by zone — costs range between $500 and $900 per irrigation zone.

Underground sprinkler systems are best for most homeowners. They’re simpler to automate, and allow you to divide your yard into separate zones. This allows your system to properly water each section of your yard — lawn, garden, flower beds, trees, etc. — with separate types of sprinkler heads and amounts of water.

Need a deeper dive into the cost of a lawn sprinkler system? Check out our comprehensive guide to home irrigation system installation and repair costs.

So, How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

The average American homeowner pays between $8,000 and $14,000 for 1,000 square feet of landscaping work. The national average cost per square foot of landscaping work in 2023 was $11/sf.

Expect to pay above these average costs if any of these 4 items are part of your landscape design:

1. Smart irrigation (add $500-$900 per irrigation zone)
2. New sod installation ($450-$850 per pallet of sod)
3. Highly diverse landscaping projects (multiple distinct areas with different irrigation and maintenance needs — gardens, flower beds, etc.)
4. Deck, patio or hardscaping elements

Your landscape contractor may also charge a premium if your yard is steeply sloped or features several curved edges.

How Long Will My Landscaping Project Take?

Once you’ve agreed on landscape designs and architectural elements, the average landscaping project is completed in one day.

Schedule 2 days for the installation if your landscape project involves stonework, hardscaping and extensive design. 

Your project may take 3-4 days to complete if you’re making underground changes, especially ones that involve trenching and multi-zone irrigation systems.Plan ahead — water may be turned off to your home for part or all of this project.

Irrigation systems can get expensive — start smart with a free project quote!

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Cost Estimator: Ongoing Landscaping Maintenance Cost

The average American homeowner pays between $1,440-$2,160 per year in landscape maintenance costs ($120-$180 per month). This cost includes general lawn care, mowing, spring seeding, and spring and fall clean up. 

This cost estimate does not include water bills for your pool, sprinkler system, lawn irrigation or water features. 

Top 2 Cost Drivers of Landscaping Maintenance and Lawn Care

The 2 primary cost drivers of ongoing landscaping maintenance are water usage and lawn care.

Water usage includes all water in your pool, spa and lawn sprinkler system. The average American family pays $875 per year in water bills.

Here are 3 ways to drastically reduce your outdoor water costs:

1. Install the right irrigation zones. Use bubbler heads for young trees, misting heads for flower beds, and rotary zones for lawns. Proper separation of landscaping zones allows smart usage of water — you’ll save 15-20% on yearly water bills.
2. Choose a smart sprinkler controller. A quality smart sprinkler controller from Rain Bird or Rachio costs $149-$249 to purchase and $199-$299 to install. You’ll save over 7,000 gallons of water annually, and up to 50% on water bills.
3. Cover your pool. An uncovered pool loses about ¼ inch of water per day — that’s almost 600 gallons a week in an average pool. An impermeable floating pool cover reduces water loss by nearly 100%.

Lawn care includes weekly and bi-weekly lawn mowing, seasonal pruning and grass seeding, weed management and fertilization. The average American family pays $1,375 for 25 lawn mowing and care appointments per year (roughly $55 per cut).

Here are 2 easy ways to reduce your lawn care costs:

1. Mow your own lawn. The average push mower costs between $150 and $550, and the average riding mower costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Past that upfront cost and occasional gas purchases, you’ll save $45-$65 per week on lawn mowing.
2. HOMR $200 landscaping credit. You read that right! HOMR offers new members a $200 landscaping credit after irrigation system installation.

Finding the best sprinkler repair companies in Dallas is a big deal — we need our lawns protected! See who tops our updated Dallas sprinkler repair rankings.

How Does a Landscaping Warranty Work?

HOMR strongly prefers landscaping companies who offer warranties and satisfaction guarantees. At minimum, a landscaping company should offer 90-day replacement guarantees for small plants and young trees, and 1-year plant warranties on 3-inch plants and mature trees.

Landscape contractors can go above and beyond by offering workmanship warranties on labor, or 24-hour courtesy fixes on weekly mowing. These exceptional service guarantees help us find HOMR featured partners, like North Dallas Landscapes.

Your landscaping warranty doesn’t apply if you neglect or harm your plants. This includes under-watering, improper application of pesticides and herbicides, and physically damaging your plants. 

We ranked the landscaping companies near you — ask us for a free referral!

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HOMR Members: Most Popular Landscaping FAQs

These are some of our members' most frequently asked questions about landscaping, lawn maintenance and care.

FAQs About Sod

Can I grow sod now? 

You can install sod at most times of the year — but the best time to grow sod depends where you live.

In warmer climates, install your sod in spring. If you live in cooler climates, early fall is ideal to lay down new sod before the winter freeze.

Why does my sod keep dying?

The overall health of your sod depends on 2 factors — climate and shade.

If your sod keeps dying, chances are you’re installing the wrong sod for your climate. If you’re in a warmer climate, try Bermuda, Bahia, St. Augustine or Zoysia grasses. If you’re in a cooler climate, opt for Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fescue or a turf and fescue mix.

If you have the right sod for your climate, look at specific areas where your sod is dying. Chances are it’s not getting enough sun. Warm climate sod like St. Augustine and Zoysia handles shade well, but other grass types need more sun to thrive.

FAQs About Plants and Gardens

Can I grow annuals and perennials together?

Not only can you plant annuals and perennials together, it’s encouraged. Annuals provide pops of color during different seasons in garden spaces and flower beds, while perennials provide constant greenery throughout the year.

DIY gardeners are also mixing perennial flowers with annual vegetables. Perennial flowers bring pollinators into your vegetable garden, creating stronger and hardier annual crops.

As a general rule, plant your annuals and perennials 6-8 inches apart in flower beds and garden areas. 

What are the benefits of planting ground cover?

Ground cover plants are tremendous barriers against erosion and drought. Their low-laying density and intricate root systems are excellent for new topsoil, and require little effort to maintain.

Ground cover also thrives in shady areas, and functions as a “second lawn” in areas where grass doesn’t grow well. 

Aesthetically pleasing ground cover plants include creeping phlox, periwinkle, alyssum and Japanese painted fern.

Do I still need to water drought resistant plants?

Yes! Drought resistant plants still need water, just not as much of it. If you like xeriscaping — landscaping with minimal water use, past natural precipitation — you should still monitor your plants in the event of a long dry spell.

Native, drought-tolerant plants prefer long, infrequent soaks to regular watering. Water your xeric garden for 20-30 minutes every 2 weeks, rather than in a few short bursts. 

Hey Dallas Fort Worth residents! We just updated our annual rankings of the best DFW lawn care companies — see our top 2 picks for most homeowners. 

FAQs About Trees and Shrubs

How close should I plant trees to my house?

When you plant a tree, measure its distance from your home by how wide its mature canopy will be — not how wide it is now.

Divide the maximum mature canopy width of your tree in half — this is a safe distance to plant that tree from your home. 

For example: if your tree will grow to a maximum canopy width of 50 feet, plant it at least 25 feet from your home. 

How do you prune shrubs and trees?

While every plant has unique needs, there are 4 rules to follow when pruning shrubs or trees:

1. When to prune: If your plant flowers before June 1st, prune it shortly after flowering. If your plant flowers after June 1st, prune it in late winter or early spring.
2. Where to prune: Prune back to (or just above) a growing point, either a branch or bud. 
3. What to remove: Completely remove dead branches, or branches that grow towards the center of the plant (which may impede future healthy growth).
4. Don’t overdo it: Don’t prune more than 25% of the plant, as this can cause permanent damage and an inability to retain nutrients.

FAQs About Lawn Irrigation

Is a smart sprinkler controller worth it?

A smart sprinkler controller is one of the best pure value propositions in landscape design. It costs between $199-$299 to install a quality smart controller. Here are the prices of 3 top smart controller brands:

• Rachio 3: $149-$249
• Orbit B-Hyve XR: $169-$199
• Rain Bird ARC8: $149

Once installed, a smart sprinkler controller can save over 7,000 gallons of water per year, and up to 50% on your home water bills. For the average American household, that’s $430 per year.‍

TLDR: Smart sprinkler controller installation pays for itself after 12-18 months of water bill savings.

We spoke to Chris Klein, CPO and co-founder of Rachio. Read his thoughts about direct customer feedback and user experience in our updated guide to the top 5 residential smart irrigation controllers.

Should I install a regular sprinkler system or a drip irrigation system?

Choosing between standard sprinklers and a drip irrigation system is all about plant selection.

Choose a sprinkler system to water large areas, like grass lawns or large sod areas.

Choose a drip irrigation system to deliver targeted, efficient water use to gardens, flower beds and rows of plants.

If your landscape design includes a mix of large lawn areas, flower beds, garden spaces and trees, ask your landscape designer about a lawn irrigation system with multiple zones.