How much does Landscaping services cost?

A professional landscaping company can transform your yard into a beautiful and practical outdoor living space.

Landscapers generally take care of planning, installation, and maintenance of both softscapes (natural vegetation) and hardscapes (constructed outdoor features). Their services run the gamut from planting new trees, gardens, and native plants to installing patios, decks, and walkways. 

In addition to one-time services, landscaping services can also provide continual expert yard care, such as maintaining lawn mowing, sprinkler systems, and your garden and flower beds, plus doing annual tree trimming and lawn aeration.

In this cost guide, you’ll learn about the typical prices you’ll pay for professional landscaping services.

To learn more about lawn care services, read Expert tips for growing a lush lawn.

Here are the overall price ranges for landscape design, installation, and maintenance.

Landscape design and installation. The average cost of planning and creating new landscaping is about $8,500. But cost estimates vary widely, depending on the scope and size of your project. From planting trees to a high-end outdoor transformation, landscape installation costs can range from $2,000–30,000+. 

Landscape maintenance. For ongoing maintenance, weekly pricing is most common. Weekly landscape maintenance costs range from $30–150, with the average around $55. (If you pay by the month, the cost range is $120–550.) 

This will usually cover lawn care, basic pruning, and debris removal by a crew of 2–3 landscapers or gardeners. Some landscapers will also include periodic lawn fertilization and overseeding (adding seed to an existing lawn) as part of a maintenance package. 

Issues that affect the price of landscape design and installation include:

Issues that affect the price of landscape maintenance include:

Because landscaping involves such a wide range of services, it’s important to seek out the right professional for your needs. Here’s what you’re likely to pay for different kinds of landscaping help.

Landscape architects are the most highly trained; they hold degrees in landscape architecture and must comply with licensing requirements in their state. They’re a good choice for designing major landscaping projects with structures such as decks, retaining walls, and drainage systems. Average cost: $70–200 per hour.

Landscape designers do similar work to landscape architects, but don’t require state licensing (or, in some states, a specific degree). They’re a prudent choice when you need a designer but aren’t planning a major project with structural changes. Average cost: $50–150 per hour. 

Landscape contractors will execute your new landscape design and install new softscape, hardscape, and structural features. Their rates are about $40–80 per hour, and are usually packaged in the entire project price, which includes materials and labor. 

When looking for any kind of professional landscaper, plan ahead as much as possible—they’re often in extremely high demand. Searches for backyard remodeling services rose 864% from 2020 to 2021, according to Yelp’s 2021 Home Trend Forecast.

To learn more about the types of landscaping professionals, read How to hire a landscaper.

Here are the best ways to make a landscaping project more affordable:

Ask your landscaper. Most pros have experience working within a budget, so ask their advice. Are certain materials more affordable than others? Should you make different choices about the number, type, or size of plants? Their expertise can go a long way toward reducing your costs.

DIY what you can. Hire professionals for skilled tasks, such as planning and design, soil grading, outdoor structures, and dealing with city permits. Then doing some of the basic work yourself—such as planting and caring for vegetation, according to the designer’s recommendations—can help reduce landscaping prices.

How much should I pay for landscaping?

If you’re starting a new landscape design project on your property, expect to pay $2,000–30,000 or more, depending on the land size, chosen materials, and requested features. Many typical projects land in the $6,000–9,000 range. Landscape maintenance and tree care increases a home’s value and curb appeal, and can pay for itself when a property is sold, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors.

What are the different types of services for landscaping?

Landscape professionals can provide design and planning, installation, and maintenance services. These include landscape design, softscaping (planting), hardscaping (construction), irrigation systems, lawn care, mulching, hedging, pruning, and yard maintenance.

How do I find a landscape designer?

Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, and search online reviews of local landscaping services. You can also search the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ member directory. 

Find a landscaping services professional in your area.