How much will your outdoor landscaping and design cost?

Columbus, OH 43215

Landscaping costs$1,890 - $2,451

National average fixed price

Most common low price:$1,890
Most common high price:$2,451

How much does landscaping cost?

By Thumbtack Staff

Last updated Tue, Sep 09

The national average cost of landscaping ranges from around $1,890-$2,451, and most people pay around $2,154, according to Thumbtack data. The total cost depends on several factors, including the size of your project, design choices, and the cost of labor in your area.

Landscaping prices

National average cost	$2,154
Average cost range	$1,890-$2,451
Low-end cost range	$735-$900
High-end range	$5,149-$6,302

Keep reading to learn more about these landscaping costs, and get tips on how to save money when upgrading your backyard or front yard.

Landscaping cost by project scope

Project Scope	Low-end cost	Average cost	High-end cost
Smaller projects (planting flowers, trimming shrubs, etc.)	$371-$455	$955-$1,239	$2,603-$3,186
Larger projects (planting trees, installing sprinklers, etc.)	$713-$873	$1,834-$2,379	$4,996-$6,115
Complete renovation (replacing soil, installing hardscape elements, etc.)	$964-$1,180	$2,479-$3,216	$6,754-$8,267

Source: Thumbtack

Average landscaping prices for various features.

Landscaping costs can vary greatly due to the many different features and projects that are available. For example, here are some national average cost estimates for several landscaping projects, provided by Xactware and Thumbtack data:

Landscaping cost by features:

Landscape feature	National average cost
General landscaping	$62-$96 (min. fee)
Lawn mowing	$55-$149
Gardening services	$324-$1,199
Laying sod	$1,311-$3,808
Landscape curbing	$552-$1,115
Retaining wall	$1,677-$6,765
Concrete patio	$2,225-$5,990
Deck	$3,059-$14,659
Outdoor water fountain	$1,754-$7,075
Inground pool	$40,000-$86,000
Tree removal	$722-$2,068
Tree stump grinding	$33 - $264

Figures above include materials and labor. Sources: Xactware and Thumbtack.

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Landscaping cost per hour

The national average cost of landscaping per hour is $50-$65, according to Thumbtack's internal data.

Landscapers may combine hourly rates with other costs like materials and labor. Generally, you can expect to pay more for projects that will take longer to complete.

Labor, material and equipment costs

Different landscaping projects require different levels of expertise. Projects requiring more skilled contractors will have higher labor costs. Common projects like tree trimming and planting flowers will often have lower labor costs.

On the other hand, the labor for installing complex fixtures like outdoor kitchens and water features will be more costly. These projects often require a landscape architect, which is a more specialized professional. Keep labor costs in mind when choosing landscape design features.

Some projects also require more expensive materials and equipment. For hardscape features (like landscape curbing and retaining walls), you’ll have several materials to choose from. And they all vary in price. Outdoor kitchens also tend to rely on more expensive materials like natural stone and brick.

You can also expect to pay more for bigger projects involving heavier equipment (like tractors, cranes, etc.)

Landscaping cost factors

In addition to materials, labor and time, several other factors will affect your total landscaping cost. Each of these factors will vary from one home to another.

Size of the yard. Backyard landscaping in a larger yard requires more materials and labor, which results in a higher price. The size of your yard is especially important for projects like grading or leveling an area.
Maintenance costs. If you plan to hire a landscaper to maintain your lawn, trees and garden, keep in mind how much maintenance each project requires. If possible, avoid projects requiring more maintenance than you’ll have time for.
Terrain difficulty. A hilly or steeply sloped yard will be more difficult for landscapers to navigate. The difficulty of working in uneven terrain may increase the hourly and labor cost.
Location. The location of your home may be difficult to access with certain equipment. Limited accessibility might increase the number of trips a crew has to make, making the project more expensive. And if you live in an area where labor and materials are in high demand, your landscaping project may be more expensive.
Permit requirements. Some landscaping projects (fencing, decks, tree removal, etc.) may require you to get a permit from local officials. Check with your local government, as permit requirements vary by state and county. Be sure to account for permit fees in your budget.

What is the most expensive part of landscaping?

The part of a landscaping quote that often has the most room for error is the cost of labor. If a project takes more time or workers than expected, the business will spend more money completing it. As a result, labor can be the most expensive part of your landscaping project.

The type of landscaping projects that cost the most are usually big construction projects, like building an inground pool. Inground pools require excavation, plumbing and construction work, making them a costly investment. So if an inground pool is part of your landscape design, it will likely be the most expensive part of your entire project.

Budget-friendly landscaping ideas and ways to save

Landscaping your yard(s) can quickly get expensive — especially if you have a lot of landscaping ideas. While preparing your ideal landscaping plan, you can make the project more affordable in a few ways.Try these budgeting tips and ideas to lower your front yard and backyard landscaping costs.

1. Start small.

Rather than trying to do your entire landscape all at once, take on one project at a time. Ask yourself which parts of your landscape need the most attention. This will also give you more time to allocate your budget and plan the next steps.

2. Make use of propagation.

Propagation is the practice of using a part of a plant to grow an entirely new one. So rather than buying all your plants at once, you can buy a few starters and propagate new plants.

This method takes time and effort, but it may save you money in the long run. If you need help getting started, hire a gardener near you.

Related: How much does a gardener cost?

3. DIY where possible.

You’ll generally get the best results when you hire a professional landscaper. However, if there are some parts of the landscaping you can do yourself, you can save on landscaping services. Tasks like lawn mowing and planting flowers are relatively simple. A savvy hobbyist can even take on bigger projects like a garden bed or mulching.

4. Reduce lawn size.

The more your yard is covered in grass, the more care it will require. If you have a large yard, you can sometimes save on landscaping by replacing areas of grass with hardscaping or other plants. A smaller lawn will be less prone to weed growth and require less watering.

You can remove a section of your lawn by covering it with plastic sheeting. You can also remove the top layer of sod or rototill to remove grass. Once the section of soil is exposed, you can replace the grass with a new feature.

5. Explore xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping uses hardscaping and drought-resistant plants to make a landscape better for conserving water. Particularly for dry regions, xeriscaping is a good way to make your outdoor areas budget-friendly and reduce water usage.

Some xeriscaping enthusiasts have little or no vegetation in their yards, favoring rock gardens and hardscape features like patios. This is an environmentally conscious (and often fun) way to be creative with your landscape design.

6. Take advantage of deals.

During the off-season, local landscapers may reduce their prices to secure a job. This is especially true of newer businesses.

Get quotes from a few different local contractors and compare prices. Be sure to research any specials or bundles local businesses promote.

Is spending money on landscaping worth it?

Professional landscaping can be expensive, especially if your yard needs a lot of work. There are several factors you should weigh before deciding to spend the money.

Pros:

Homeowners can reap many benefits from landscaping. When you hire a pro for your landscaping needs, the advantages include:

Increased property value: High-quality landscaping might increase the resale value of your home. This can sometimes completely offset the investment in landscaping. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that an overall landscape upgrade recovered 100% of the cost of the project.
Improved curb appeal: Good landscaping will make your outdoor spaces more visually appealing. Improved curb appeal can also help you get a better price if you sell your home. According to the NAR report, "When working with a residential seller, 97% of NAR members believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer."
Outdoor living space: One of the best parts of a newly landscaped outdoor space is spending time in it. Landscaping can include functional spaces like fire pits, shady lounge areas and outdoor kitchens that you and your houseguests will love.

Cons:

Landscaping does also come with some drawbacks that may deter homeowners. Consider the problems you may run into when it comes to landscaping.

Cost: Landscaping can be a big investment, and unless you have the funds to spend comfortably, it may not be the right time.
Time: Landscaping your entire yard may take a long time, from weeks to months. Depending on the specific project, you may not be able to use your yard while you're upgrading it.
Maintenance: The more elaborate landscape features you choose, the more work your yard will be to maintain. Mowing the lawn, trimming trees, pressure washing the deck, repainting the fence, watering the plants — consider all of these tasks beforehand.

Ready to get started? Get free cost estimates from landscape companies.

There are certainly elements of landscaping that most homeowners can tackle on their own. However, if you have more extensive landscaping needs, it makes more sense to hire a landscape company.

A professional landscaper will take the guesswork and stress out of trying to do it yourself. Finding the right landscaper for your home can be challenging with so many options. The easiest way to compare and hire landscapers is with Thumbtack.

Download the Thumbtack app today to start getting free price quotes from landscapers near you.

FAQs.

What time of year is best to landscape?

The time of year you should landscape depends on the kind of features you want and where you live.

Although you can take on landscaping projects year-round, certain times of the year lend themselves more to certain tasks.

For instance, late fall is ideal for planning bigger additions. The lack of vegetation gives an indication of which areas of the yard are too bare or need improvement. For example, a deck or patio could be added in those spots.

Spring is generally the best time for planting, but it depends on your climate and region. And you'll want to avoid certain projects in the winter. For example, if temperatures are too cold, your ground might be frozen. This could make it harder to execute certain projects, like building a pool.

Chat with your landscaper or gardener to figure out the best time of year to start your project.

Can you negotiate landscaping prices?

Because landscaping is a custom service where no two projects are alike, the price is often somewhat subjective. The total cost will come down to labor, materials and experience.

Landscapers may be more open to negotiation in slow business months. They may also be willing to adjust prices for a large-scale project or bundling services. It also doesn't hurt to get quotes from a few landscapers and use them as leverage when negotiating.

*Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.

**The project cost estimates (except for Lawn Mowing and Gardening) provided in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.

How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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