What is Landscaping Cost?
Landscaping cost covers the design, materials, labor, and planting involved in transforming an outdoor space. Projects range from simple sod laying to complete yard redesigns with patios, planting schemes, water features, and lighting. For boundary work, also check the Fencing Quote Calculator.
The Formula
Total Cost = Area (sqft) × Cost per Sqft + Materials + Labor Days × Day Rate
Materials include hardscaping (paving, decking, walls) and softscaping (soil, plants, sod). Hardscaping typically costs 2-3x more than softscaping per sqft.
Worked Example
A 500 sqft yard redesign: $8/sqft for design and groundwork, $1,200 in materials, and 3 days of labor at $400/day.
- Design & groundwork = 500 × $8 = $4,000
- Materials = $1,200
- Labor = 3 × $400 = $1,200
- Total = $4,000 + $1,200 + $1,200 = $6,400
📌 The yard transformation costs $6,400, $12.80 per sqft, which is mid-range for a redesign including new planting and features.
Why This Matters
Return on investment
Well-designed landscaping can add 5-15% to property value. A $6,000-12,000 yard makeover on a $400,000 property can return $20,000-60,000, one of the best home improvement ROIs available.
Phased budgeting
Large yard projects can be split into phases. Prioritize hardscaping (patios, walkways, fencing) first as it's disruptive, then add planting and features in later phases to spread costs.
Water management and utility costs
Landscape choices directly affect water bills. A well-planned drought-tolerant landscape uses 50-75% less water than traditional lawn. In areas with water rates above $5 per 1,000 gallons, switching to xeriscaping can save $500-1,200 per year on irrigation.
Common Mistakes
❌ Not accounting for drainage
Hard surfaces (patios, driveways) create runoff that must be managed. Retroactive drainage solutions cost $1,000-4,000. Design drainage into the project from the start.
❌ Underestimating maintenance costs
A beautiful yard requires ongoing care. Complex planting schemes need $100-300/month in maintenance. Choose low-maintenance plants if you don't plan to hire a landscaper.
❌ Planting in the wrong season
Trees and shrubs planted in peak summer heat have a 30-50% higher failure rate than those planted in early spring or fall. Replacing dead plants costs $50-200 each plus labor. Timing the planting phase to cooler months dramatically improves survival rates.
Industry Benchmarks
| Category | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small yard (<500 sqft) | $3,000-5,500 | $5,500-9,000 | $12,000+ |
| Medium yard | $8,000-13,000 | $13,000-25,000 | $30,000+ |
| Project completion time (small yard) | 3-5 days | 1-2 weeks | 3+ weeks |
Source: Angi/HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide
Benchmark data sourced from Angi/HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide.