Landscaping Cost in 2026: $3,516 Average ($200–$14,800 Range)

Why does landscaping cost vary so much?

Landscaping covers everything from a single flower bed to a full backyard rebuild, so the price tag swings accordingly. Nationally, a typical project averages $3,516, with most homeowners paying somewhere between $200 and $14,800 depending on scope (Angi). Per square foot, basic work runs $4 to $12, but a major tearout or full renovation can push that to $40 per square foot (Angi); Fixr puts the broader range at $5 to $20 per square foot depending on whether the job is simple planting or paver installation. At the high end, a complete new-construction-style yard – grading, planting, hardscape, and irrigation all at once – typically runs $8,000 to $15,000, averaging $10,000 (Fixr), with HomeGuide reporting a comparable $3,000 to $16,000 for a full installation. The gap between a $500 flower bed and a $15,000 yard rebuild comes down almost entirely to how much of the property is being touched at once.

What affects the cost?

A handful of factors explain most of the spread between a small planting job and a full yard renovation:

• Labor. Landscaping crews typically charge $50 to $100 per hour, and labor alone makes up 40% to 65% of most project budgets (Angi, HomeGuide).
• Softscaping vs. hardscaping. Softscaping – planting, mulch, garden beds – runs $800 to $10,000. Hardscaping – patios, walkways, retaining walls – costs more and can reach $300 to $30,000 depending on materials (Angi, Fixr).
• Yard size and complexity. Larger properties and more elaborate designs multiply both material quantities and labor hours (Fixr, HomeGuide).
• Material grade. Premium pavers, natural stone, and higher-end turf or plants cost noticeably more than basic options at every stage of the project (Fixr, HomeGuide).
• Site preparation. Removing existing trees or stumps runs $200 to $2,000 per tree, and soil testing adds $700 to $2,050 before any planting starts (Angi, HomeGuide).
• Design services. Bringing in a landscape designer or architect adds $700 to $3,000 to the project and typically bills at $50 to $150 per hour (Angi, HomeGuide).
• Permits. Larger hardscape or drainage work may require permits running $500 to $2,750 depending on the municipality (Angi).

How to lower your landscaping cost

• Phase the project. Splitting a full-yard renovation into stages across two or three seasons spreads out the labor-heavy costs instead of paying for everything – design, grading, hardscape, and planting – all at once.
• Do the simple parts yourself. Basic planting, mulching, or minor cleanup can cut into the labor share of the bill, which typically runs 40% to 65% of the total (Angi, HomeGuide).
• Reduce lawn area. Swapping high-maintenance turf for garden beds, mulch, or hardscape lowers ongoing mowing and watering costs, and xeriscaping-style projects can pay off over time despite a higher upfront cost of $3,000 to $24,000 (Angi).
• Compare hourly vs. fixed-price quotes. Rates run $50 to $100 per hour on average (Angi, HomeGuide), but jobs booked through platforms like Thumbtack often average $50 to $65 per hour – getting multiple bids in different formats can reveal real savings.
• Time it around the season. Landscaping demand and pricing can shift with the season, so scheduling non-urgent work during a slower stretch may get you a better rate (Fixr).

Prices vary by region, yard size, and the mix of softscaping versus hardscaping involved, so treat the figures above as a planning budget. Get two or three local quotes, and confirm what’s included – design, site prep, materials, and cleanup – before comparing bids.