Landscaping costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the type of task needed, location, project size, and complexity. For instance, urban areas have higher landscaping rates than rural or less populated ones. Likewise, lawn care is generally less expensive than hardscaping. However, lawn and yard maintenance requires ongoing care, which creates higher landscaper prices over an entire season.
Generally, you can expect that smaller landscaping projects can be as low as $50, while larger hardscaping projects can easily reach thousands of dollars to complete.
In this article, we outline the different landscaping projects you might need, the average time each task takes, and the labor cost. We also show you some strategies to save money when hiring a landscaper.
Landscapers charge by the hour or set a fixed price for the entire project. If you choose hourly pricing, knowing the average time a task takes helps you better estimate total costs.
| Landscaping project | Average time taken | Labor cost |
|---|
| Patio installation (Concrete) | 20 to 30 hours | $1,000 - $3,000 | |
| Walkway construction | 15 to 30 hours | $1,050 - $3,600 | |
| Retaining wall building | 20 to 50 hours | $2,000 - $10,000 | |
| Deck installation | 30 to 50 hours | $1,500 - $5,000 | |
| Outdoor water fountain installation | 5 to 15 hours | $5,000 - $14,000 | |
| Inground pool installation | 40 to 100 hours | $20,000 - $80,000 | |
| Landscape curbing | 10 to 20 hours | $500 - $1,200 | |
| Building a Koi pond | 20 to 40 hours | $5,000 - $16,000 | |
| Lawn mowing | 1 to 2 hours per visit | $50 - $200 |
| Lawn aeration | 2 to 4 hours | $50 - $200 |
| Lawn seeding | 2 to 4 hours | $100 - $400 |
| Sod installation | 4 to 8 hours (depending on area size) | $200 - $800 |
| Artificial turf installation | 10 to 20 hours | $1,000 - $3,000 | |
| Weeding and mulching | 2 to 4 hours | $100 - $400 |
| Leaves removal | 2 to 4 hours (depending on yard size) | $100 - $400 |
| Tree stump removal | 3 to 6 hours | $150 - $600 |
| Tree removal | 4 to 12 hours (depending on tree size) | $300 - $2,400 | |
| Planting drought-resistant plants | 6 - 12 hours | $300 - $1,800 (or $25 - $100 per plant) | |
| Irrigation system installation | 5 to 15 hours | $1,500 - $3,000 | |
| Sprinkler system installation | 5 to 10 hours | $1,500 - $3,000 | |
| Rainwater collection system | 4 to 8 hours | $500 - $2,500 |
What’s included in a landscaper’s service?
A landscaper's services typically involve mowing, landscape design, planting, mulching, and weeding of flower beds, depending on what you need. However, they also offer a wide range of additional services like
- site preparation (clearing and grading the land)
- selecting and sourcing plants, trees, and shrubs
- hardscaping (construction of patios, walkways, retaining walls, fences, decks, pergolas, and gazebos)
- design and installation of irrigation systems
- installation of ponds, fountains, and waterfalls
- maintenance services (regular lawn care, seasonal clean-ups, tree and shrub pruning)
- lawn care (aeration and seeding, lime applications).
How can I save money on a landscaper?
Saving money on a landscaper doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here’s how you can cut costs and get a good landscaper at the same time.
Do some prep work yourself
Landscapers often charge by the hour, so if you can handle some of the more basic tasks yourself, you will reduce the time spent and your overall costs.
For example, you could clear debris, remove weeds, lay down mulch, or spread gravel before the landscaper arrives. These cleanups and basic prep don’t require special expertise.
Choose native and low-maintenance plants
Native plants are adapted to your region’s climate, requiring less water, fertilizer, and upkeep. This reduces your installation costs and long-term maintenance expenses. Ask your landscaper about native species that thrive in your climate.
Do the planting yourself
Part of a landscaper’s service is sourcing and planting your greenery. However, you can also do it yourself.
After your landscaper draws up a planting plan and arranges the layout, you can head to a local nursery to buy and install the plants yourself. This can be a fun and rewarding DIY project for you and the family.
A pro tip when selecting plants is to choose young ones around 2 feet tall. They are less expensive than already mature plants.
Source other necessary materials yourself
Landscapers often mark up the price of materials like plants, mulch, or stone to compensate for the time and effort they spend sourcing them. If you’re comfortable doing a bit of legwork, you can save some much-needed money by shopping materials yourself.
Take advantage of off-season discounts
During the off-season (fall and winter), landscaping project requests are much slower, and companies reduce their prices to secure jobs. This is in contrast to spring and summer, when they are busier, and prices are higher.
Take advantage of these discounts and schedule your landscaping project during the off-season.
Get multiple quotes
Prices for landscaping services vary depending on the contractor, so it's advisable to obtain quotes from at least three landscaping companies to compare prices. Just make sure you are comparing similar services and materials to get the best value for your money.
Stagger projects over time
Landscaping is a cost-intensive project. Doing everything at once can lead to a hefty bill. This is why spreading the work over several months or even years can make costs more manageable. Make a list of your landscaping needs and start with high-impact projects first. Then, move on to smaller tasks later.
Maintain your landscape regularly
Regular maintenance preserves your landscape and helps in avoiding costly repairs later on. You can handle some of these routine lawn care yourself, like mowing and trimming, instead of outsourcing it to a landscaper to reduce costs over time. You can always rehire a landscaper for more complex tasks like tree pruning or seasonal cleanups.
Is a landscaper worth the cost?
Whether hiring a landscaper is worth the cost or not is a personal decision at the end of the day. However, here’s an objective look at the pros and cons of bringing in a professional.
Pros of hiring a landscaper
If you're not experienced in landscaping, you might damage your existing plants or create an unbalanced look. For instance, planting the wrong type of shrub in a shady spot can lead to wilting and wasted money. However, a landscaper can assess your yard's conditions and ensure your plants thrive.
Landscaping is incredibly time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling a job, family, and other responsibilities. Hiring a landscaper allows you to reclaim that time for more enjoyable activities like spending time with loved ones or simply relaxing.
- Quality results (Aesthetics)
People often judge a house by its exterior, and professional landscapers have an eye for design. They can create a stunning outdoor space that enhances your home’s appeal.
A well-maintained landscape significantly increases your home’s value. According to some estimates, good landscaping can boost your property value by as much as 15%. So, while you will spend money upfront, think of it as an investment that pays off when it’s time to sell.
Cons of hiring a landscaper
The price tag for landscaping can be steep. You might spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a project that seems simple. If you’re on a tight budget, that can be a tough pill to swallow.
Meanwhile, we always advise factoring in the initial landscaping cost and any ongoing maintenance fees so that you have a full picture.
Landscaping isn’t a one-and-done project. Once your garden is in place, it still needs care, which can lead to continued expenses. For example, weekly lawn mowing, seasonal cleanups, and replacing plants that didn’t survive all require a financial commitment if you are not handling them yourself.
We recommend Lawn Starter
If you need a landscaper, we recommend Lawn Starter who recently acquired Lawn Love (and now operates under both brand names). They offer some of the most affordable prices among professional landscape platforms, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Additionally, use their mobile app to easily schedule your lawn care; no need to keep leaving voicemails for your landscaper.
Importantly, it’s not a matter of choosing low price over quality; with Lawn Starter, you can have both. All their landscapers are fully vetted, ensuring they deliver quality work. Stop worrying about the cost of your landscaper and try Lawn Starter today.
