Last spring, my yard looked like a wild jungle if I’m being honest. Overgrown grass, decrepit bushes, nothing but dirt. So I did the usual: I called over three landscapers to come help me out.
The first guy gave me a bid of $2,100.
The second was $800.
The third was for $4,500.
I didn’t know what was fair. That’s when I started really looking into how much does landscaping cost and decided there’s no one answer. Landscaping costs vary widely, and if you don’t know what the numbers represent, you could end up paying too much — or too little and wishing later you’d paid more.
Average Landscaping Cost: Why the Numbers Vary So Much
The majority of the landscapers I have talked to have said that the typical landscaping cost for a non-custom, average-sized home ranges from the low end of $1,400 to the high end of $3,650. But that range means almost nothing without context.
- Basic sort of clean or little deck can be $800 to $1,200.
- Tree removal alone can reach $2,000.
- A full yard makeover? Oh that’s $5,000 and definitely upwards.
Every quote will be influenced by the size of the project, the time and materials that are required, and the complexity of your yard.
What’s Really Eating Your Landscaping Budget
Here’s the part that most people don’t realize: labor is the largest cost.
Typically, landscaping labor costs account for 70 to 80 percent of the total bill, rather than plants and materials.
- A small crew of two workers can charge $50–$100 per hour and can accumulate:
- $400–$800 in labor every day
- $2,000+ in just a few days
And that’s why even “simple” projects can add up in no time.
Landscaping Cost Breakdown: Labor vs Materials
- Here’s a landscaping cost breakdown that’s more realistic based on what I learned:
- Labor: 70–80%
- Plant and materials: 20–30%
Plants can actually be less expensive than you think. It’s the time, the expertise, and the manual labour that makes things expensive.
Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot Explained
- Some landscapers calculate the cost of projects by the landscaping square foot price, which, I found helpful.
- Typical pricing:
- $4 to $12 a square foot
- To give an example:
- 1,000 sq ft × $8 = $8,000 total
This approach is clear and straightforward, so it’s particularly effective for high-budget projects where you don’t want to be left wondering what you are exactly paying for.
Other contractors opt for flat-rate pricing, in which they come to your yard and give you an overall figure. This works best for complex or custom jobs.
Residential Landscaping Pricing for Small Yards
- Here is something surprising: per square foot small yards are frequently more expensive.
- My front yard is about 500 square feet. I got quotes ranging from:
- $800 for the basics sod and mulch
- $2,200 for intricate, exact work
One contractor said small spaces are no place for error. It all needs to be perfect which leads to further labor.
- Typical costs for residential landscaping:
- Small front yard: $500–$2,500
- Back yard projects: $800–$3,500
The upside? Smaller yards usually get finished faster.
Landscape Design Costs: The Hidden Expense
I didn’t see this part coming. Many landscapers charge extra for designing.
Landscape design fees vary widely, depending on the community and complexity of the project:
- $75–$150 per hour
- $1,900–$6,800 for full plans
- Sometimes free (with plant markup)
Design services can be something as simple as a consultation, or can involve detailed blueprints with specifically mapped plant placement, drainage and materials.
I initially thought design was an unnecessary expense-until I found out how much money poor planning wastes. Improper drainage, bad plant selections, and design errors are much more expensive to correct down the road.
Robert Complete Care also offers landscape installation services in Whittier including design consultations, which can save thousands up front.
What Specific Landscaping Services Actually Cost
- These are a few real-world numbers I rounded up：
- Lawn mowing and cleanup: from $150 to $350 for each visit.
- Lay new sod: $1-$2 per sq ft.
- Mulch: $75-$200 a yard in volume.
- Shrubs: $25 to $150 each.
- Trees: $700 to $1,000 installed.
- Patios and walkways: $50 and $100 per square foot.
- Sprinkler systems: $2,500 to $5,000.
- Ditch irrigation range:300-800 per zone.
Now that explains why my quotes were so different — each contractor was quoting me on a completely different job.
8 Real Ways I Saved Money on Landscaping
- Here’s what actually worked:
- Finished the job in increments rather than all at once
- Used native plants that required less water and attention
- Purchased smaller plants that mature over time
- Passed on paying for a professional design for a straightforward job
- Did some of the work myself planting and mulching
- Recycled materials we already had, like bricks and stone
- Received multiple quotes to find the outliers
Teamed up with your accountant to ensure that certain costs involved with the plants were taken care of when it made sense to buy them yourself. Each time, I was whittled down by hundreds from my final bill.
You may read Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?
What Factors Change Landscaping Costs the Most
If you’re trying to figure out how much does landscaping cost, these are the things that matter most:
- Yard size
- Existing conditions (grading, drainage)
- Materials selected
- Difficulty of the project
- Location (California is more expensive than rural areas)
- Time of Year (Spring/Summer is more expensive than Fall/Winter)
Even the timing of your project could save you money — contractors tend to be more negotiable in the off-season.
Why Quality Installation Is Worth Paying For
Poor landscaping can be a false economy and end up costing you more.
- Good contractors:
- Understand drainage
- Select the right plants
- Construct buildings properly
- Stand behind their work
Robert Complete Care is all about the right installation in Whittier, That means your landscapes last years — not months. Additional Costs No One Tells You About
Extra Costs Nobody Warns You About
Watch out for:
- Permits: $20–$700
- soil tests: $15–$100
- Site cleanup: $1,150–$3,680
- Debris hauling
- Water features: $2,000–$30,000
They add up if you’re not planning ahead.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Most homeowners spend the following after installation:
- From $200 to $300 a month to maintain it
- Or acquire money to purchase time by doing it yourself.
- Landscaping is a recurring expense, not a one-and-done.
Final Thoughts: So, How Much Does Landscaping Cost?
Landscaping costs between $1,400 and $3,650 for most homeowners, but it varies by yard size, materials, design, and location. Start with a clear budget, know what you want, and get multiple quotes — because skipping good design usually wastes money.
Robert Complete Care handles full landscape installation services in Whittier and can guide you through every step. Call Robert Complete Care today for your free estimate — it’s the best way to know what’s real for your yard and get the results you want.
FAQs
How much does it cost to landscape around a house?
The cost depends on property size, materials used, and design complexity, with pricing varying based on labor and project scope.
What is the average price for landscape design?
Landscape design pricing varies by project size and detail, with costs influenced by layout planning, features, and customization.
What is the most expensive part of landscaping?
Hardscaping elements such as patios, retaining walls, and outdoor structures are often the most expensive components.
What is the cheapest way to landscape a garden?
Using native plants, simple layouts, and minimal hardscaping helps reduce costs while improving visual appeal.
What is the cheapest option for landscaping?
Mulch, ground cover plants, and basic lawn care are cost-effective options that enhance appearance with minimal expense.
