Landscaping is more than planting a few flowers or laying some stones — it’s about designing outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle and enhance your property’s value. When you decide to invest in your landscape, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: How much will it cost?

That’s where understanding the types of landscaping projects and their price ranges becomes essential. In this article, we’ll focus on two of the most common and cost-defining categories in landscaping: softscaping vs. hardscaping, and backyard makeovers ranging from budget-friendly to luxury transformations.

Softscaping vs. Hardscaping: Price Comparisons

Every successful landscape design combines elements of softscaping and hardscaping. Understanding the difference between the two — and their associated costs — helps you make informed decisions that align with both your aesthetic goals and your budget.

What’s the difference between softscaping and hardscaping?

• Softscaping includes all living elements — plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowerbeds. These components bring color, texture, and natural movement to your outdoor space.
• Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements — patios, walkways, decks, retaining walls, pergolas, and driveways. These structures define the layout and functionality of your garden or yard.

When planning your project, think of softscaping as the décor and hardscaping as the structure. Both are crucial, but their costs vary significantly.

Typical Price Ranges

Softscaping costs depend heavily on the type of plants, size of area, soil quality, and irrigation needs. For example:

• Basic lawn installation (sod): $1–$2 per square foot
• Tree planting: $150–$500 per tree (depending on species and size)
• Flower bed design: $1,000–$3,000 for a mid-sized yard
• Irrigation system installation: $2,500–$4,000 on average

Hardscaping costs, on the other hand, reflect material prices and labor intensity. Installing a stone patio or building a retaining wall requires more heavy-duty work and professional tooling. Typical ranges include:

• Concrete or paver patio: $10–$25 per square foot
• Retaining wall: $30–$50 per square foot
• Walkways or garden paths: $8–$20 per square foot
• Outdoor kitchen or fire pit: $5,000–$20,000+ depending on specifications

In practice, hardscaping usually represents 60–70% of your total landscaping budget, while softscaping accounts for the remaining 30–40%.

Real-Life Example

I once had an acquaintance, Julia, who wanted to transform her front yard into a welcoming space. She initially focused only on planting new shrubs and flowers, spending around $2,000 on softscaping. A few months later, she realized the area lacked structure and added a stone walkway and small retaining wall — a hardscaping upgrade that doubled her initial investment but completely transformed her home’s curb appeal.

The takeaway? Effective landscaping balances both sides. Hardscaping provides longevity and usability, while softscaping offers beauty and seasonal appeal. Combining them strategically prevents wasted effort and maintains harmony between nature and design.

Practical Tips

• Plan in stages. Start with hardscaping since it forms the foundation, then add softscaping.
• Prioritize irrigation. A common mistake is skipping irrigation installation early on, which can cost more later.
• Mix materials wisely. Using a combination of natural stone and local plants lowers long-term maintenance costs.
• Use design software. Tools like SketchUp or HomeOutside+ can help visualize your layout before committing financially.

 

Backyard Makeovers: Budget to Luxury Options

Your backyard has the potential to become an outdoor sanctuary — whether that means a cozy retreat or a luxury entertainment area. How far you take it depends on your goals, property size, and of course, your budget. Let’s explore what different price ranges can achieve.

Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeovers ($1,000–$5,000)

If you’re working with a tight budget, the key is smart allocation and DIY effort. Small upgrades can bring noticeable improvements:

• Reseeding or resodding a patchy lawn
• Adding low-maintenance plants like lavender or ornamental grasses
• Installing solar-powered path lights
• Building a small gravel patio with DIY pavers
• Purchasing secondhand outdoor furniture and repainting it

A friendo of my cousin, Marco, invested around $3,000 to refresh his backyard. He laid inexpensive pavers for a small seating area and added drought-tolerant plants — a smart choice for his region’s warm climate. The result was a fresh, cozy atmosphere that significantly improved his home’s resale appeal without breaking the bank.

Mid-Range Backyard Projects ($10,000–$30,000)

With a bigger budget, you can begin introducing structural and design complexity. This is where softscaping and hardscaping start working together more closely.
Typical mid-range improvements include:

• Installing a large patio with durable pavers or stamped concrete
• Building raised flower beds or a small retaining wall
• Adding a water feature like a fountain or pond
• Creating an outdoor dining area with a pergola or shade sail
• Adding custom lighting and smart irrigation systems

This type of makeover can create a cohesive and highly functional layout for family gatherings and outdoor dining. According to Forbes Home (2024), homes with well-designed mid-level landscaping can see a 5–10% increase in property value compared to those without it.

Luxury Backyard Transformations ($50,000 and up)

At the luxury level, the aim shifts from functionality to experience. Homeowners invest in transforming the backyard into a full extension of indoor living.

You can expect premium materials, personalized design, and integrated technology. High-end upgrades include:

• Custom-designed infinity pools or spas
• Outdoor kitchens with granite countertops and built-in grills
• Gas fireplaces or large entertainment zones
• Automated irrigation and lighting systems
• Professionally designed garden layouts with exotic plants and decorative hardscape lighting

For instance, a colleague’s friend, Vanessa, completely redesigned her 2,000-square-foot backyard, spending about $90,000. Her design included a pool, a covered lounge area, and a vertical garden wall with programmable lighting. While the cost might sound steep, it added immense lifestyle value — and contributed to a 15% appraisal increase on her property.

Choosing the Right Investment for You

When deciding your budget tier, consider three main factors:

1. Duration of stay: If you plan to sell soon, focus on curb appeal and low-maintenance features that appeal to buyers.
2. Lifestyle goals: Choose designs that fit your daily routines — relaxation or entertainment.
3. Maintenance level: The more complex the design, the higher the upkeep. Opt for low-maintenance plants and durable materials if you’re not keen on ongoing gardening.

Practical Tips

• Start with a master plan. Even if you can’t afford everything at once, planning long-term prevents rework costs.
• Seek professional consultation early. Landscape designers can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as drainage miscalculations or overplanting.
• Leverage free local resources. Many cities offer free mulch or water-efficient landscaping programs that can save hundreds of dollars.
• Think sustainability. Using native plants and permeable materials lowers maintenance and environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions of Costs of Different Landscaping Projects

How can I decide whether to prioritize softscaping or hardscaping first?

Start with hardscaping since it forms the backbone of your outdoor layout — think patios, paths, or retaining walls. Once that’s in place, introduce softscaping to bring life and texture. Doing it the other way around often leads to damaged plants during construction.

What’s the most cost-effective way to upgrade a backyard on a tight budget?

Focus on high-impact, low-cost improvements: fresh mulch, solar lighting, drought-tolerant plants, and a small DIY seating area. These features enhance both visual appeal and usability without requiring professional installation.

Final Thoughts

Landscaping is both an art and a long-term investment. Whether you’re enhancing your curb appeal with simple softscaping improvements or creating an upscale outdoor living area, understanding price ranges helps you align your vision with your financial realities.

In practice, the best results often come from combining strategic planning, solid materials, and personal creativity. A well-executed landscaping project not only beautifies your space but also adds comfort, usability, and lasting value to your property.

* Please note that the costs are only estimates and do not represent an actual quote, as each project is different.