From Flowers to Full Backyard Makeovers: Your Guide to Landscaping Costs
Landscaping can make your home look amazing. But how much does it cost? The answer depends on what you want to do. Some people spend just $200 to plant a few flowers, while others spend $15,000 or more for a big backyard makeover.
Understanding Landscaping Costs
The cost of landscaping can change a lot depending on a few things:
- Size of Your Yard: The bigger your yard, the more you’ll pay. A small front yard is cheaper to landscape than a huge backyard.
- Type of Landscaping: Do you want a simple lawn with flowers? Or do you want a full backyard with a patio, walkway, and pool? More features mean higher costs.
- Labor Costs: Landscapers charge for their work. Simple jobs like planting flowers are cheaper than big jobs like building a patio.
Cost of Materials: Plants, rocks, soil, wood, and other materials can add to the price. Special materials cost more.
Average Landscaping Costs by Size
Here’s a simple guide to help you know how much you might spend based on the size of your yard:
Yard Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
200 | $900–$2,400 |
500 | $2,250–$6,000 |
1,000 | $4,500–$12,000 |
2,000 | $9,000–$24,000 |
Front Yard vs. Backyard Costs
Making your front yard look nice is usually cheaper than a full backyard makeover. A front yard can cost around $1,500 to $5,000. But a full backyard project can cost between $15,000 and $50,000.
Landscaping Costs for New Homes
If you just bought a new home, you might spend about 10% of your home’s value on landscaping. So, if your home costs $400,000, you could spend around $40,000 to make your yard look great.
Labor Costs for Landscaping
Landscaping costs also depend on who you hire:
- Landscaper: $50 to $100 per hour
- Landscape Designer: $50 to $150 per hour
Landscape Architect: $70 to $100 per hour
Materials Costs
The cost of materials can add up fast. Here are some common materials and what they cost:
Material | Average Cost |
Sod | $0.35–$0.85 per sq. ft. |
Grass Seed | $3–$10 per pound |
Mulch | $0.20–$0.60 per sq. ft. |
Rocks or Gravel | $40–$100 per cubic yard |
Retaining Wall Blocks | $3–$40 per sq. ft. |
Patio Materials | $1–$35 per sq. ft. |
Friend just had me look at her landscaping plan from a private equity owned landscaper: $202k
— f boyer (@mrfboyer) November 30, 2024
Sent her to a buddy who bid it at $44k
These roll-ups are long term doomed.
I predict the original owners will buy back for penny’s on the dollar. pic.twitter.com/jWZke7Dwnq
Different Types of Landscaping
- Softscaping: Using plants, flowers, and grass.
- Hardscaping: Adding patios, paths, walls, or other solid features.
Xeriscaping: Using drought-resistant plants for low water needs.
Common Land Preparation Costs
Sometimes, your yard needs prep work before landscaping. Here are some common prep costs:
Preparation | Average Cost |
Tree Removal | $200–$2,000 |
Tree Stump Removal | $300–$500 |
Soil Testing | $700–$2,050 |
Land Survey | $400–$750 |
Sprinkler System | $1,700–$3,550 |
Leveling or Grading | $390–$6,110 |
How to Save Money on Landscaping
- Start Small: You don’t have to do everything at once. Begin with one area and add more later.
- Use Local Plants: Native plants need less water and care.
- Reuse Materials: Old bricks or rocks can be used for garden borders.
- Plan Carefully: Have a clear idea of what you want before starting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Setting a Budget: Always know how much you’re willing to spend.
- Choosing the Wrong Plants: Make sure they can grow well in your area.
- Ignoring Maintenance: Plan for regular care to keep your yard looking great.
- Not Talking to Your Landscaper: Make sure they know exactly what you want.
By understanding these costs, planning well, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a beautiful yard without spending too much.
