Landscaping Cost Calculator
Estimate professional landscaping costs based on yard size, project scope, and your location.
A professional landscaping / landscape design costs $3,000 to $30,000, with a national average of $12,000. Use the calculator below to estimate your cost by size, quality tier, and location.
Last updated: March 25, 2026
Landscaping Cost Calculator
Estimate professional landscaping costs based on yard size, project scope, and your location.
Estimated Total
$14,300
Itemized Breakdown
This calculator provides estimates based on national averages adjusted for your region. Actual costs may vary significantly based on specific project conditions, contractor availability, material prices, and local market factors. Always get at least 3 quotes from licensed, insured contractors before starting your project.
Want the full picture?
Read our complete Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design cost guide with material comparisons, contractor tips, savings strategies, and regional pricing data.
Quick Cost Reference
Cost by Tier
Basic front yard refresh for 1,500 sq ft - new mulch, 10-15 new shrubs and perennials, simple edging, no hardscape
Mid-range full front and backyard redesign for 3,000 sq ft - professional plan, new plantings, mulch, basic paver walkway, landscape lighting, irrigation tie-in
High-end full property landscape design for 5,000+ sq ft - master plan, premium plant palette, natural stone walkways and walls, full irrigation system, outdoor lighting, drainage, specimen trees
How This Calculator Works
This landscaping cost calculator estimates your total project cost from four inputs: project size, quality tier, the options you select, and your location. It combines material and labor rates for your chosen tier, adds typical permit costs, then applies a regional cost multiplier so the estimate reflects pricing in your state.
Estimates use 2026 cost data cross-referenced from multiple industry sources. Treat the result as a planning range, not a quote. Your final price depends on your specific scope, material choices, and local contractor availability, so collect at least three itemized bids before you set a budget.
What Affects Your Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design Cost
Design vs. Install Only
$500 - $8,000A landscape design plan from a licensed landscape architect runs $500-$5,000 for a residential property. The plan is a detailed drawing showing plant placement, hardscape, grading, and irrigation. Many landscape contractors include a basic design in their installation quote. If you want a professional master plan before getting installation bids, expect $50-$150 per hour from a licensed landscape architect.
Plants and Planting
$500 - $30,000Plants are sold in container sizes that dramatically affect price. A 1-gallon shrub costs $8-$15 while the same species in a 25-gallon container runs $80-$200. Large specimen trees (4-6 inch caliper) cost $400-$2,000 each installed. A full property planting with mature-looking specimens from day one costs 3-5 times more than the same design planted with smaller starter plants.
Hardscape (Walkways, Walls, Patios)
$1,500 - $25,000Most landscape redesigns include some hardscape. A simple paver walkway runs $15-$30 per linear foot. A small retaining wall runs $25-$60 per sq ft. A full patio is typically priced and quoted separately. Hardscape is the most labor-intensive and expensive component per sq ft of any landscaping project.
Irrigation System
$1,500 - $5,000A full-yard irrigation system with smart controller costs $1,500-$5,000 depending on property size and zone complexity. Adding drip irrigation for planting beds is $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft. A new irrigation system is best installed at the same time as new plantings to avoid tearing up established plants later.
Site Conditions and Grading
$500 - $10,000Sloped properties, poor drainage, clay soils, rocky conditions, and mature tree root systems all complicate landscaping and increase costs. Regrading for drainage costs $1,000-$5,000. Amending clay soil with organic matter for an entire planting bed can add $500-$2,000. Properties with significant grade changes may need retaining walls, adding $5,000-$15,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a professional landscaping / landscape design cost?
A professional landscaping / landscape design costs $3,000 to $30,000 for a typical project, with a national average of $12,000. Budget projects start around $500, and premium work can reach $100,000. Use the calculator above for an estimate matched to your size, quality tier, and state.
How does this professional landscaping / landscape design cost calculator work?
It combines 2026 material and labor rates for your selected quality tier, adds typical permit costs and any options you choose, then applies a cost multiplier for your state. Adjust the inputs to see your estimate update instantly.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. This professional landscaping / landscape design cost calculator is free, requires no signup, and returns instant estimates.
Does the estimate include labor and permits?
Yes. Each estimate combines material and labor costs for your chosen quality tier plus typical permit fees. Your final price still depends on your specific scope and local contractor rates, so collect itemized quotes before budgeting.
How can I lower my professional landscaping / landscape design cost?
Buy plants in fall. Most nurseries discount remaining inventory by 30-50% at the end of the growing season, and fall planting gives cool-season roots time to establish before summer stress. Start small and phase the project. A phased approach over 2-3 years lets you spread the cost and refine the design as you see what works. No need to do everything in year one.
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