Landscaping Project Costs: From Simple Cleanups to Full Makeovers

Key takeaways

• Most small landscaping jobs are a few hundred dollars. Basic cleanups, light pruning, and simple plantings often fall in the $200–$800 range, depending on yard size and access.
• Full landscape makeovers can run into the tens of thousands. Larger redesigns with hardscaping, irrigation, and lighting commonly range from $5,000–$50,000+, based on materials and complexity.
• Labor is usually the biggest cost. The same plants or pavers can cost very different totals depending on how much grading, hauling, and prep work is needed.
• Repairs and refreshes are often smarter than starting from scratch. If your layout works and major elements are sound, targeted fixes and upgrades can dramatically improve curb appeal for a fraction of full replacement.
• Drainage, grading, and retaining walls are safety and structure issues. These can affect your home’s foundation and should be handled by experienced pros, often with permits.
• Maintenance costs matter as much as installation. A low-maintenance design with the right plants, mulch, and irrigation can save you many hours and hundreds of dollars every year.
• Always get multiple quotes for bigger projects. For anything over $1,000–$2,000, comparing at least 2–3 detailed bids helps you understand realistic pricing and options.

Typical price range

All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges for typical residential properties. Actual costs vary by region, yard size, access, soil conditions, and design choices.

Common landscaping project ranges

• Basic yard cleanup: $150–$600+

  • Leaf and debris removal, light pruning, basic mowing/edging, haul away.

• Seasonal cleanups (spring or fall): $250–$900

  • Deeper pruning, bed cleanup, light mulching, minor plant replacement.

• Lawn installation (sod):

  • Small area (up to ~1,000 sq. ft.): $600–$2,000
  • Average yard: $1,500–$5,000+
  • Includes soil prep, sod, installation; grading or removal of old lawn adds cost.

• Lawn installation (seed or hydroseed):

  • Traditional seeding: $500–$2,500+ (cheaper but slower, more watering)
  • Hydroseeding: $1,000–$4,000+ depending on area and prep.

• Shrub and small tree planting:

  • Individual shrubs (installed): typically $50–$250+ each
  • Small ornamental trees: $200–$800+ each
  • Includes plant, soil amendments, and labor.

• Tree removal (small–medium, not near structures): $300–$1,500+

  • Large or risky trees can run $1,500–$5,000+, especially near power lines or buildings.

• Mulching beds:

  • Small project (a few beds): $200–$600
  • Larger yard: $400–$1,500+ depending on depth and material.

• New planting beds / garden design (softscaping only): $800–$5,000+

  • Bed layout, soil prep, plants, edging, and mulch.

• Irrigation system installation (sprinklers):

  • Simple system for small yard: $2,000–$4,000
  • Average residential system: $3,000–$8,000+
  • More zones, smart controllers, and drip lines increase cost.

• Irrigation system repair: $100–$800+

  • Minor head repairs on the low end; mainline leaks or valve issues on the higher end.

• Basic paver or stone walkway (3' x 20'): $1,200–$4,000+

  • Cost depends heavily on base prep, paver type, and site access.

• Patio installation (pavers or concrete):

  • Small patio (~100–150 sq. ft.): $2,000–$6,000+
  • Larger patio (300–500 sq. ft.): $5,000–$20,000+

• Retaining wall (short, decorative):

  • Under 3 feet tall, shorter runs: $1,500–$6,000+
  • Taller or structural walls can easily reach $10,000–$30,000+ and may need engineering.

• Landscape lighting installation:

  • Simple path/spot lighting package: $800–$3,000+
  • More extensive systems: $3,000–$10,000+

• Full landscape makeover (front yard only): $3,000–$20,000+

  • Design, demo, grading, planting, irrigation, and some hardscaping.

• Full property makeover (front and back): $10,000–$75,000+

  • Wide range depending on patios, walls, outdoor kitchens, water features, and lighting.

What pushes costs lower

• Smaller, simpler scope. Focusing on one area (e.g., just the front yard) or a few key improvements.
• Keeping existing elements. Reusing patios, mature trees, or intact beds instead of demoing everything.
• Basic materials. Standard pavers, concrete, mulch, and common plants instead of premium stone or rare species.
• Good site access. Easy access for equipment and trucks reduces labor time.
• Minimal grading or hauling. Flat lots with decent soil are much cheaper to work with.

What pushes costs higher

• Complex designs and custom features. Curved walls, inlays, water features, outdoor kitchens, and built-in seating.
• Poor access or tricky terrain. Steep slopes, tight side yards, or backyards only accessible by hand.
• Drainage and structural work. French drains, regrading, and engineered retaining walls add design and labor costs.
• Mature plant sizes. Larger trees and shrubs cost more to buy and install, but give an “instant” finished look.
• High-end materials. Natural stone, premium pavers, decorative boulders, and specialty lighting.

Repair vs. replacement: refresh, remodel, or start over?

You don’t always need a full makeover to get a big improvement. Use these guidelines to decide whether to repair, refresh, or replace.

When a repair or refresh makes sense

• Layout still works. Paths are in the right places, and your yard functions well for how you live.
• Hardscapes are structurally sound. Patios or walls are mostly level with only minor cracks or settling.
• Plants are mostly healthy. You have some overgrowth or gaps, but the bones of the landscape are good.
• Cost of fixes is under ~30–40% of a full redo. If a targeted cleanup, pruning, and plant replacement is a few thousand dollars vs. $10,000+ for a full redesign, a refresh is usually the better value.

Example:
Your front yard looks tired: overgrown shrubs, thin mulch, and a few dead plants. A pro quotes $1,800 for pruning, new mulch, and replacing several shrubs. A full redesign for the same space is $7,000. Since the refresh is about 25% of the full replacement and the layout is fine, the refresh is likely the smarter move.

When partial replacement is smarter

• One area is failing. A crumbling front walkway or rotted timber retaining wall, but the rest of the yard is fine.
• Drainage problems are localized. Water pooling in one section that needs regrading and new plantings.
• You’re adding a new use. For example, replacing part of the lawn with a patio or play area.

In these cases, investing in a targeted redesign of that section can solve issues and add value without touching the whole yard.

When a full landscape overhaul is worth considering

• Major grading or drainage issues. Water against the foundation, erosion, or unusable sloped areas.
• Outdated or unsafe hardscaping. Heavily cracked concrete, failing retaining walls, or uneven steps.
• Patchwork of past fixes. Several mismatched materials and plantings from previous owners.
• You’re planning to stay long-term. Investing now in a design you love can pay off in daily enjoyment and resale.

As a rough rule of thumb, if multiple areas need serious work and the cost of piecemeal repairs approaches 50–60% of a full redesign, it’s worth getting quotes for a complete plan and installation.

Efficiency and long-term costs

Landscaping isn’t just about how it looks on day one. The ongoing time and money it takes to maintain your yard can add up fast.

How design affects long-term costs

• Plant selection.
  • Right plant, right place means less watering, pruning, and replacement.
  • Native or well-adapted plants often need less fertilizer and pest control.
• Lawn vs. planting beds.
  • Large lawns can be water- and labor-intensive to mow, fertilize, and treat.
  • Converting some lawn to mulched beds or groundcovers can cut weekly maintenance.
• Mulch and weed barriers.
  • Proper mulching lowers water use and reduces weeding time.
  • Quality edging helps keep grass from creeping into beds.

Irrigation and water use

• Efficient irrigation systems (drip for beds, properly zoned sprinklers, smart controllers) can significantly reduce water bills compared to manual watering or older, poorly designed systems.
• While a new irrigation system might cost $3,000–$8,000+, it can:
  • Protect your investment in plants and lawn.
  • Reduce water waste and potential overwatering issues like fungus and runoff.

Paying more upfront to save later

Spending a bit more on:

• Better soil prep and grading can prevent drainage issues and plant failure.
• Quality hardscape base work (compacted gravel, proper drainage) can extend the life of patios and walkways, avoiding expensive repairs.
• Durable materials (proper retaining wall blocks, quality pavers) can last decades with minimal maintenance, versus cheaper options that shift or rot.

Think in terms of total cost over 10–15 years, not just the initial quote.

What to expect from a visit or project

Before the pro arrives

• Clarify your goals.
  • Make a short list: “fix drainage in side yard,” “more privacy,” “lower maintenance,” etc.
• Gather inspiration.
  • Photos of yards you like, rough sketches, or saved images can help guide the design.
• Know your budget range.
  • Even a rough range (e.g., “around $3,000” vs. “up to $20,000”) helps pros suggest realistic options.
• Check property details.
  • Note any known utility lines, septic systems, easements, or HOA rules.

Typical estimate or design visit (60–120 minutes)

• Walk-through and discussion.
  • You’ll walk the property, discuss how you use the space, and share your priorities.
• Site assessment.
  • The pro may check slopes, drainage patterns, sun/shade, soil conditions, and access points.
• Initial ideas and ballpark ranges.
  • Some pros give rough numbers on the spot; others follow up with a written estimate.
• Design process (for larger projects).
  • May involve concept sketches, plant lists, and revisions; sometimes a separate design fee applies.

Typical repair or small project visit (half day to full day)

For tasks like cleanup, minor planting, or small hardscape repairs:

• Arrival and setup (15–30 minutes).
  • Confirm scope, protect nearby areas, and stage tools.
• Work phase (2–6+ hours).
  • Pruning, cleanup, planting, minor grading, or small repairs.
• Cleanup and walkthrough (30–60 minutes).
  • Haul away debris, blow off hard surfaces, and review what was done.
  • The pro may give care instructions for new plants or sod.

Typical larger replacement or makeover project (several days to weeks)

For patios, walls, irrigation, and full redesigns:

• Day 1: Layout and demolition.
  • Mark utilities, set layout lines, remove old plants/hardscapes, and haul debris.
• Grading and base work (1–3+ days).
  • Regrade slopes, install base materials for patios/walks, rough in drainage.
• Irrigation and lighting rough-in (1–3+ days).
  • Trenching, pipe and wire installation, valve and controller setup.
• Hardscape installation (several days to weeks).
  • Build patios, walkways, walls, steps, and other structures.
• Planting and finishing touches (1–3+ days).
  • Soil amendments, planting, mulching, sod/seed, and final adjustments.
• Final walkthrough.
  • Review the project, discuss warranties and maintenance, and confirm any punch-list items.

Larger projects can stretch over 2–6+ weeks depending on scope, weather, and material availability.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Reasonable DIY tasks for many homeowners

If you’re reasonably handy and have the time, you may be able to handle:

• Basic yard cleanup.
  • Mowing, edging, raking leaves, and light debris removal.
• Mulching and simple planting.
  • Spreading mulch, planting small shrubs and perennials, and basic bed edging.
• Minor irrigation adjustments.
  • Replacing a broken sprinkler head, adjusting spray patterns, or swapping nozzles (after turning off the system).
• Small garden projects.
  • Building simple raised beds, installing a few stepping stones, or creating a small rock garden.

These projects mainly risk wasted time or materials, not major safety or structural issues.

Tasks best left to pros

For safety, code, and long-term performance, hire experienced pros for:

• Major grading and drainage work.
  • Incorrect grading can send water toward your foundation or neighbor’s property.
• Retaining walls over a couple of feet tall.
  • These can be structural elements; poor construction risks collapse and erosion.
• Large tree work.
  • Removing or heavily pruning large trees, especially near structures or power lines, is dangerous without proper equipment and training.
• Full irrigation system installation.
  • Requires proper design, backflow prevention, and sometimes permits; mistakes can cause leaks, water waste, or contamination risks.
• Complex hardscaping.
  • Large patios, stairs, or multi-level features need correct base prep and drainage to avoid shifting and cracking.
• Electrical landscape lighting.
  • Low-voltage systems are more DIY-friendly, but anything involving hardwired connections should follow electrical codes and may require a licensed electrician.

When in doubt, especially with drainage, structural elements, or anything near utilities, err on the side of hiring a pro.

Questions to ask potential pros

• “Can you walk me through your proposed scope in plain language?”
  Make sure you understand exactly what areas and tasks are included.
• “Is design included, or is there a separate design fee?”
  Clarify what you get for any design charges and whether you can keep the plans.
• “What’s your rough cost breakdown for labor, materials, and hauling/disposal?”
  Helps you compare apples to apples between bids.
• “How will you handle drainage and grading in this design?”
  Ensure they’re thinking beyond just appearance.
• “Do you see any issues with my soil, existing plants, or structures?”
  Good pros will point out potential problems, not just sell upgrades.
• “What permits or inspections, if any, are needed for this work?”
  Important for retaining walls, major grading, and some hardscaping or electrical.
• “What warranties do you offer on plants, hardscapes, and irrigation?”
  Ask how long they’ll stand behind their work and what’s covered.
• “What’s the expected project timeline, and how will weather affect it?”
  Get an estimated start date, duration, and how delays are handled.
• “How will you protect my existing structures, neighbors’ property, and utilities?”
  Look for mention of utility marking, access routes, and cleanup.
• “What kind of maintenance will this design require in the first year?”
  Understand watering, pruning, and care needs up front.
• “Who will be on-site managing the project day to day?”
  Know your point of contact during the work.

Quick FAQ

How long should a new landscape last before major work is needed?

With good design and proper installation, hardscapes like patios and walls can last 15–30+ years, while planting beds evolve over 5–15 years as plants mature. Regular maintenance and occasional plant replacement help extend that life.

Will landscaping increase my home’s resale value?

Well-planned landscaping can boost curb appeal and perceived value, often making your home more attractive to buyers. You may not recoup every dollar, but a tidy, functional yard usually helps homes sell faster and for a better price.

Are landscaping projects covered by homeowners insurance?

Routine landscaping work is not covered, but some policies may cover limited plant or tree replacement after specific covered events (like a storm). It’s worth calling your insurer to confirm what’s included and any limits.

Do I need to be home during the work?

For the initial consultation and final walkthrough, yes. For most of the actual work, many homeowners don’t need to be present, as long as the crew has access and clear instructions.

Wrap-up and next steps

Landscaping projects range from simple cleanups to full-property makeovers, and the right choice depends on your yard’s condition, how long you plan to stay, and your budget. Often, a targeted refresh delivers a big visual impact without the cost of starting from scratch, while serious drainage or structural issues justify a more substantial investment.

For anything beyond basic cleanup, it’s wise to get 2–3 detailed quotes so you can compare scopes, materials, and long-term implications—not just the lowest price. A neutral directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly find and compare local landscaping pros who fit your project size and style.

With clear goals, realistic budget expectations, and the right professional help, you can turn your yard into a space that looks good, works well, and fits your maintenance comfort level for years to come.