How Much Does Landscaping Cost? [2025]

Comprehensive Landscaping Cost Guide: Factors, Averages, and Tips for Budgeting Your Dream Outdoor Space

Landscaping can transform a property, enhancing both curb appeal and overall value, but understanding the costs is essential for effective budgeting. On average, Australians spend between $5,000 and $30,000 on landscaping projects, depending on project size, materials, and location. Factors such as design complexity, plant choices, hardscaping elements (like patios and pathways), and labour all influence the cost of landscaping.

If you're wondering how much does it cost to landscape a backyard, the answer varies widely. Landscaping cost examples show that simple lawn care or weeding might only set you back a few hundred dollars, whereas a full backyard transformation with outdoor kitchens, lighting, and irrigation could exceed $30,000. The cost for weeding alone could range from $50 to $200, depending on garden size and severity of overgrowth.

Even asking how much is a yard of soil, mulch, or gravel matters—costs typically range from $30 to $100 per cubic yard, not including delivery or installation.

Regional climate also affects landscaping costs; for example, tropical plants may require extra irrigation in dry zones. Homeowners must weigh the benefits of DIY vs. professional services. Our guide offers essential insights and real-world examples, helping readers plan and prioritize their landscaping investments effectively. Whether it’s a tidy front garden or a complete backyard overhaul, we’re here to help you make informed, rewarding decisions.

Breaking Down The Landscaping Cost

On average, it would cost you between $4,000 and $20,317 for a landscaping project to be done if it is a new installation. To know more about such approximate landscaping cost details, you can take a look at the prices discussed below.

• National Average Cost: About $12,825


• Typical Price Range: Between $4,000 and $20,317


• Low-End Price Range: Around $2,000


• High-End Price Range: Around $38,333

Cost By Square Foot

Although landscaping costs might vary depending on different aspects, the cost per square foot plays a crucial role, and the average cost is about $10.75. Moreover, with square feet acting as a cost-affecting factor, the accessibility to yards also comes into the picture, and the cost varies in the following way.

• Lowest Landscaping Cost By Square Foot- About $4.50


• Average Landscaping Cost By Square Foot- About $10.75


• Highest Landscaping Cost By Square Foot- About $1.

Cost By Landscaping Type

• Soft scaping Type Cost- Values Between $800 and $10,000


• Handshaking Type Cost- From $300 and $45,400


• Xeriscaping Type Cost- From $13,800 and $19,000.

Cost By Project

A landscaping cost also keeps on changing depending on the cost of the project, which usually ranges between $90 and $62,900. Then, see how each service will be charged depending on the cost of the project.

• Planting Trees- Between $90 and $1,650


• Fire Pit- Between $330 and $1,800


• Planting Flower Beds- Between $800 and $3,000


• Fence Installation- Between $1,800 and $6,200


• Patio Installation- Between $2,300 and $6,900


• Sod Installation- Between $3,400 and $5,100


• Retaining Wall- Between $3,550 and $9,750


• Deck- Between $4,330 and $12,200


• Gazebo- Between $5,300 and $9,300


• Swimming Pool- Between $26,200 and $62,900

Cost By Hour

Several landscaping architects cost you about $50 per hour and sometimes more than $100, too, depending on the complexity of the project. In fact, as part of “cost by hour”, labour cost and location are also included as important additional factors. See how the cost varies.

• Lowest Landscaping Cost By Hour- About $50


• Average Landscaping Cost By Hour- About $75


• Highest Landscaping Cost By Hour- About $100.

Common Landscaping Services And Their Costs

Landscape Design

There is also a landscaping service that will be solely dependent on landscape design, which requires different features to be added. Therefore, you will be charged for planning and designing the landscape regarding the size of your yard. So, you can expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,180 if you are hiring a professional architect.

Land Grading

If your only plan is to reset your garden or any land area of your property, then you need to get the job done with land grading. So, when you are going for garden landscaping service, you will be charged about $100 as the lowest cost and $3,400 as the highest cost.

Mulching

A quick solution to prevent weeds from growing in your garden is to opt for the landscaping service known as mulching. Mulching gives an eco-friendly and organic appearance to your surroundings as it includes mulch like bark chips and others. For mulching service, you will be charged based on the cubic yard, and it ranges between $17 and $68.

Landscape Curbing or edging

There are basic options, such as custom-poured concrete and pre-built blocks, if you need landscape curbing or edging. So, by considering flagstone, material, and edging type, you can expect to pay between $730 and $1,720.

Landscape Lighting

To add a complement to your landscape, you can opt for a safe option like landscape lighting, and this involves a cost per light. So, if you set your mind on adding lanterns or string lights, then you will be charged $100 or more per light based on the light type.

Outdoor Kitchens

Oftentimes, people also choose to build outdoor kitchens to utilise their open spaces as much as possible. If a basic and low-end outdoor kitchen is installed, then the costs us about $5,057, and a deluxe kitchen costs around $17,276. The cost of deluxe outdoor kitchen installation is high because of additions like plumbing hookups and electrical hookups.

Ponds

Factors like liner materials, size, location, and design will be included when the ponds are made, and costs will be charged accordingly. Hence, by including all of these in the cost estimation part, you can expect to pay around $3,680 and $14,500.

Water Fountains

Upon adding a decorative item like a water fountain for the waterfall, you will be charged nearly $1,141 and $3,692 to get the job done. The complete cost estimation includes labour cost, material cost, and other requirements of water fountain installation.

Drainage Installation

If you are experienced in drainage system problems and keep on facing floods because of it, then your solution to it is a landscape service called drainage installation. You have some better drainage installation options like French drains, yard pipes, and catch basins. Depending upon the residential and commercial drainage installation, you will be charged the lowest cost of $1,899 and the highest cost of $5,346.

Sprinkler System Installation

An effective way of saving water by watering the plants appropriately is to choose a sprinkler system installation as your landscape service. Thus, if you are installing a sprinkler system for your yard, then the cost ranges between $2,400 and $4,200 as your payment for the service.

Landscape Maintenance Costs

A significant thing about landscaping services is landscape maintenance, and this depends on property size, complexity, etc. So, depending on the different types of mowing, you will be charged in the following manner:

• Lawn Mowing Cost- Between $50 and $250 per service


• Lawn Aeration Cost- Between $50 and $300 per service


• Yard Cleaning Cost- Between $150 and $400 per service


• Tree Trimming Cost- Between $300 and $700 per tree.

How Much Does A Landscaper Cost?

Some landscaping projects and landscaper costs are made into the form of a list.

• Landscaper Cost- $40 to $60 per hour


• Natural turf and new garden lighting- Between $2,500 and $3,000


• Plants and a new retaining wall- $3,000 and more


• Backyard Makeover- From $4,000 to $6,000


• For lawn, trees, and plants- Between $6,000 and $10,000.

If your project involves large trees or specialised tree care, hiring arborists can be crucial. Their expertise helps maintain tree health and avoid property damage due to improper pruning or unsafe removals.

Conclusion

Landscaping is an investment that enhances both beauty and value. By understanding costs, planning thoughtfully, and choosing the right elements, homeowners can create stunning, functional outdoor spaces.

Whether it's adding vibrant plants, considering artificial grass installation for a low-maintenance lawn, or tackling a complex design, informed decisions help make any landscaping project rewarding and financially wise.