Landscaping can transform a dull yard into a personal oasis, but before you dive in, one question always looms: how much does landscaping actually cost? If you’ve started researching, you know the answer isn’t straightforward. Whether you’re planning a garden makeover or a total outdoor renovation, understanding the real costs is crucial. In this article, we’ll break down what makes up the total cost of landscaping and explore the two biggest budget drivers: labor and materials. You’ll get real examples, practical advice, and the kind of clarity I wish I had when I first landscaped my own yard.

What Makes Up the Total Cost?

When people ask, “How much will my landscaping project cost?” they often expect a quick number. But the reality is, landscaping costs are a blend of several components, each with its own range. Let’s look at what goes into the total price tag.

The Core Elements of Landscaping Costs

Here’s what typically makes up your final bill:

• Design Fees: If you work with a landscape architect or designer, expect to pay 5–15% of the total project cost just for the design. Some designers charge by the hour (usually $50–$150), while others charge a flat fee.
• Site Preparation: Clearing debris, leveling the ground, or even removing old structures can eat up 10–20% of your budget. I once spent nearly $800 just to remove an old, stubborn tree stump—a cost I hadn’t anticipated!
• Materials: Everything you see in a finished landscape—plants, soil, mulch, pavers, lighting, fencing—falls here. Depending on your choices, this could be the single biggest expense.
• Labor: The muscle behind the magic. Skilled labor isn’t cheap, and for good reason. More on this below.
• Equipment Rental: Not all projects need heavy equipment, but if yours does, expect $100–$500 per day, per machine.
• Permits and Inspections: Some projects, like patios or retaining walls, require city permits. These typically range from $50–$500.

Real-life example: When a friend had a 600-square-foot patio installed, he received a detailed quote. Design accounted for $750, site prep $1,200, materials $4,000, labor $3,300, and permits $250. Just seeing those numbers broken out made the process less intimidating.

Factors That Change the Price

• Project Size & Complexity: A simple garden bed refresh might cost $1,000, while a full backyard overhaul can run $20,000 or more.
• Region: Prices in urban areas or climates with short planting seasons can be 20–30% higher than national averages (HomeAdvisor, 2023).
• Custom Features: Pools, water features, and outdoor kitchens add thousands to the bill.

Tip: Always ask for an itemized quote. This way, you’ll spot where your money is going—and where you might cut costs without sacrificing results.

Labor vs. Materials: The Major Expenses

When you look at a landscaping quote, two numbers dominate: labor and materials. But how do they stack up against each other? And which is more likely to balloon your budget?

 

The Labor Side—Skill, Experience, and Time

Labor costs can make up 50–70% of a landscaping budget (according to Angi, 2023). That might sound high, but it makes sense when you break it down:

• Skilled Trades: Installing irrigation, stonework, or lighting isn’t a DIY afternoon project. Professionals charge for expertise—expect $50–$100+ per hour.
• Seasonal Demand: Landscapers are busiest in spring and fall. Higher demand can mean higher rates.
• Project Duration: A job that takes weeks instead of days racks up a bigger labor bill.

In practice: For my backyard, the labor was double the cost of the materials. I learned that a complex stone path (with curves and leveling) required more crew hours than I’d ever guessed.

The Materials Side—Choices and Quality

With materials, you control the range much more. Want premium bluestone or budget pavers? Native plants or imported exotics? Here’s how the choices impact costs:

• Plants: A single mature tree might cost $200+, while shrubs and perennials range from $5–$50 each.
• Hardscaping: Pavers can be $2–$10 per square foot, but natural stone jumps to $12–$30. Mulch, gravel, and soil are generally cheaper but add up on larger projects.
• Lighting & Features: A basic landscape lighting kit costs $100–$500, but custom installations can run into the thousands.

Practical Example: I once tried to save money by sourcing my own mulch and plants. While I saved on retail markup, I didn’t factor in delivery fees (another $150) and the sheer amount of time involved. Sometimes, letting the pros handle it is worth the extra cost.

How to Balance Labor and Material Expenses

• Do Some Prep Yourself: Removing weeds, old sod, or small shrubs can shave hours off labor costs.
• Mix Premium & Budget Materials: Use high-end stone on focal points like a patio, but less expensive mulch or gravel elsewhere.
• Plan for the Future: Cheaper plants may need replacing more often or take longer to fill in, costing you more long term.

A common mistake: Focusing only on upfront costs. Think about maintenance—more expensive materials can mean less work (and cost) down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions of Costs of Landscaping

What are the main factors that make up the total landscaping cost?
The total cost includes design fees, site preparation, materials, labor, equipment rental, and any required permits or inspections. Project size, regional pricing, and custom features can all influence the final number.

Which costs more in landscaping—labor or materials?
Labor typically accounts for 50–70% of the budget, especially for complex or large projects. Materials can be controlled more easily based on your choices, but high-end options or large quantities can also drive up costs.

Understanding the costs of landscaping isn’t just about getting a quote—it’s about breaking down each part, weighing your options, and making informed choices. Whether you’re hiring a crew or rolling up your sleeves this weekend, knowing where your money goes will help you get the most out of every dollar spent. In practice, a little research up front goes a long way to creating a space you’ll love—without any costly surprises.