Most homeowners in the U.S. spend between $4,500 and $22,500 on landscaping, with the national average landing around $8,500 in 2026.
Smaller projects, like refreshing a flower bed or laying new sod, can come in well under that. A full backyard overhaul with hardscape, lighting, and irrigation can reach $80,000 or more.
What you actually pay depends on your yard size, the materials you choose, and how much transformation your outdoor space needs.
What Drives Landscaping Cost?
Before you look at a single quote, it helps to know what’s inside it. Pricing follows a logical pattern once you see the pieces.
Labor Costs
Labor is almost always the biggest line item. National hourly rates for landscape construction crews range from $50 to $120 per hour in 2026, depending on the complexity of the work.
Routine tasks like planting shrubs or lawn mowing sit at the lower end. Specialized work, including sprinkler system installation, retaining wall construction, or anything involving significant grading, is higher.
Higher labor costs in metro areas are a reality and don’t necessarily mean you’re being overcharged.
Project Scope and Square Footage
A 200-square-foot flower bed refresh costs a fraction of a full backyard renovation because the crew is on-site for a day rather than several weeks.
Most homeowners pay $4.50 to $12 per square foot for standard landscaping services, though a full tear-out or outdoor kitchen build can push costs to $40 per square foot.
Materials
Natural stone, pavers, and mature trees all carry very different price tags. Sod installation costs more than lawn seeding. A basic lighting package costs less than a complete system with underground wiring and timers.
When comparing quotes, ask exactly what materials are included so you’re comparing the same scope across contractors.
If you want a closer look at what goes into paver installation specifically, read our blog on paver patio installation for a walkthrough of the process and what it actually costs.
Landscaping Cost by Project Type
The table below reflects national average installed costs for common residential projects in 2026, based on industry data.
These are market averages, not Site Pros Landscaping pricing, and your actual quote will vary based on your yard, your location, and the specific materials involved.
| Project | National Average Cost Range |
| Lawn seeding | $0.04–$0.18 per sq ft |
| Sod installation | $1.00–$2.60 per sq ft |
| Flower bed installation | $800–$3,000 |
| Planting trees (per tree) | $120–$2,500 |
| Tree trimming | $270–$1,800 |
| Retaining wall | $3,250–$9,000 |
| Paver patio | $8,500–$27,000 |
| Paver walkways | $3,500–$10,000 |
| Sprinkler system installation | $1,700–$6,500 |
| Water features / pond | $300–$10,950 |
| Fire pit | $4,000–$14,000 |
| Outdoor kitchens | $6,000–$25,000+ |
Front Yard vs. Backyard: Why Prices Are Different
A full backyard renovation averages between $15,000 and $50,000, while front yard landscaping typically runs $1,500 to $5,000.
The difference comes down to scale and what people want back there. Front yards lean on plants, mulch, and curb appeal. Backyards are where people want outdoor kitchens, fire pits, water features, and extensive hardscaping, and those features add up fast.
If you’re landscaping an entire yard at once, budget more than you’d expect. Soil preparation, grading, and drainage solutions are costs that often don’t show up until the project is already underway.
Landscape Design: What Does It Cost?
Hiring a professional to design your space is a separate cost from the build itself.
Landscape designers typically charge $50 to $150 per hour for design and planning. Landscape architects, who hold state licenses and handle more complex or permit-required projects, generally run $70 to $100 per hour, though specialized firms can go higher.
For most residential landscaping, a designer is the right fit. Architects tend to take on larger or structurally complex work.
At Site Pros Landscaping, our landscape design fee is a flat $249, due at consultation. If you move forward with the build, that fee gets applied toward your total installation cost.
Our design package includes 2D renderings and up to three revisions, with 3D renderings available as an add-on. For a full look at what’s included, visit our landscape design and build page.
How to Keep Your Landscaping Budget Under Control
Nobody wants to start a project and watch the final cost balloon past what they planned.
A few habits make a real difference:
- Set your landscaping budget before you call anyone. Know your ceiling and share it with your contractor up front. Skilled contractors will work around a clear number.
- Consider native plants. Plants native to your climate need less irrigation and less maintenance, which lowers your long-term costs. In Florida, native and Florida-friendly greenery can dramatically reduce landscape maintenance bills over time.
- Phase the project. You don’t have to do everything at once. Doing the backyard landscaping one season and adding water features or outdoor lighting the next keeps project costs manageable.
- Get multiple quotes and compare prices carefully. A low quote can mean shortcuts on soil preparation or materials. Ask what’s specifically included before you sign anything.
Landscape Maintenance Costs: The Part People Forget
The work doesn’t end when the last plant goes in the ground. Landscape maintenance work, such as lawn mowing, tree trimming, fertilization, and seasonal cleanup, is an ongoing expense needed to keep your outdoor space looking its best.
Plan to spend $150 to $400 per month on average for full-service maintenance, with mow-only visits running $40 to $80.
Costs vary based on yard size, the number of large trees you have, and whether your irrigation system needs seasonal servicing.
FAQ
How much does landscaping cost for a full backyard?
National averages show that a complete backyard transformation, including hardscaping, planting, and features like a patio or fire pit, typically costs $15,000 to $50,000. Smaller refreshes with new sod, mulch, and plants come in much lower, often between $3,000 and $8,000. Projects with extensive hardscape, outdoor kitchens, or pools often exceed those numbers.
How much does landscaping cost per square foot?
For a balanced project that mixes plants and hardscape, budget $8 to $12 per square foot installed, on average. Pure planting work runs $4 to $8 per square foot, while hardscape alone runs $15 to $30 or more.
Do landscaping companies charge separately for design?
Most do, yes. The design fee covers your plan, renderings, and revisions. At Site Pros Landscaping, that fee is a flat $249 and gets applied toward your build cost if you move forward. It’s worth asking any company you’re considering whether they do the same.
How do I save money on landscaping?
Choosing native plants, phasing work over time, seeding instead of installing sod where you can, and handling your own basic maintenance all lower the overall cost. The biggest savings usually come from solid planning before the project starts, not from cutting corners once work is underway.
Maybe Talk To The Experts
Figuring out landscaping prices, comparing quotes, calculating square footage, and tracking down every cost range is genuinely a lot to take on.
If you’d rather have someone walk you through exactly what your Central Florida outdoor space needs and what it would actually cost, that’s what Site Pros Landscaping is here for.
Call us at (407) 480-0713 or message us here.
