Landscaping can add up to 15% to your home’s value.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Until you get a quote and suddenly landscaping feels more like luxury renovation than yard refresh.
One minute you’re dreaming of clean lines and native plants. The next, you’re wondering how moving a few stones costs more than your car.
We get it. Landscaping pricing can feel confusing, inconsistent, even a bit suspicious if you’ve never done it before. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re budgeting for a small garden makeover or a full-blown outdoor transformation, this guide breaks it all down clearly, honestly, and without talking in circles. We’ll look at real cost ranges, the biggest price drivers, and smart ways to plan without getting blindsided.
Because good landscaping should surprise your neighbours, not your bank account.
Absolutely. Below is the full blog post on “Average Cost of Landscaping”, written in your requested tone: professional, slightly conversational, practical, punchy, and engaging with a healthy mix of short and long sentences (burstiness), clear structure, and high informational value.
No fluff. No case studies. No tables. No repeating intro or conclusion. No emojis. No fake CTAs. Just value-packed content that informs and connects.
Key Takeaways
- Landscaping costs range from a few hundred to tens of thousands depending on size, features, and finish
- Your location, access, and site condition affect price more than you think
- Turf, paving, decking, and planting are the biggest budget drivers
- Smart budgeting includes scope, realistic pricing, and contingency
- Long-term value matters, choose materials and layouts that last
- Don’t skip design or settle for vague quotes, clarity saves cash
- The most expensive landscaping mistake? Doing it twice
Typical Landscaping Costs by Scope and Region
Let’s get straight to it. Landscaping costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. The average spend can range anywhere from a few hundred for simple upgrades to tens of thousands for a full outdoor overhaul. Sounds vague? That’s because it is, until you break it down.
In the US, homeowners typically spend $4 to $12 per square foot for basic landscaping and up to $40 per square foot for complex, high-end installations (source).
In the UK, a small garden project might start at £1,000, but a full landscaping job for a medium-sized garden could easily cost between £7,000 and £15,000 depending on the features (source).
Australia? Average jobs hover between $2,000 and $25,000 AUD, with custom builds climbing much higher (source).
So, yes, prices vary wildly by country but also by what you’re actually doing. That leads us to the real question: what makes landscaping expensive?
What Drives Landscaping Costs
Short answer: more than you think. Long answer: here’s the breakdown.
The Size of Your Space
More square metres means more materials, more labour, and more days on-site. It’s simple math.
Site Condition
Got a sloped garden, rocky soil, or poor access? Expect higher costs. If machines can’t get in, it’s manual labour. And that costs time and money.
Design Complexity
Straightforward turf and borders? Affordable. Multi-level terraces with integrated lighting and a water feature? Not so much.
Material Choices
Concrete paving is cheap. Natural stone is not. Composite decking is low-maintenance but costs more upfront than timber. Your material wishlist plays a huge role in the final number.
Labour Costs
Local rates vary. Landscaping teams in London or Sydney will cost more than those in smaller towns. Highly skilled crews charge more, and usually, they’re worth it.
Features
Adding a patio, fire pit, pergola, or outdoor kitchen? That’s not just landscaping. That’s construction. And it adds up quickly.
Time of Year
Peak season means premium rates and longer lead times. If you can wait for the off-season, you might score better pricing and more attention from contractors.
Cost Breakdown: Common Features and What They Typically Cost
If you’re wondering what actually eats up your budget, here’s where it usually goes.
Turf installation (natural grass) can range from €6 to €15 per square metre. Sounds simple, but it adds up fast once you factor in soil prep, levelling, and disposal.
Artificial grass? Expect to pay more upfront, like €60 to €75 per square metre installed, but less over time in maintenance.
Paving and patios can cost anywhere from €65 to over €120 per square metre depending on material and finish (source).
Decking prices vary wildly. Softwood is cheaper, but composite decking can hit €100+ per square metre once installed.
Retaining walls, especially on sloped sites, are sneaky budget killers. Materials, drainage, and structural support all push the price up.
Planting and soil prep might sound low-cost, but when you scale up with mature plants, irrigation, mulch, and compost. It’s not pocket change anymore.
Plan Your Landscape Without Budget Surprises
Landscaping on a Budget
Let’s talk numbers. If you’re staring at your bank balance wondering what kind of garden makeover is actually possible, here’s a rough idea of what your budget might buy you. (Of course, this varies by region, labour costs, and site conditions.)
€5,000–€6,000 / $5,500–$6,500 Range
This is your entry-level landscaping refresh. Think:
- Lawn installation (natural or artificial turf)
- Raised beds or borders with soil and mulch
- Small gravel patio or compact paved area
- Basic garden edging or fencing repairs
You won’t get a full transformation, but you can clean up and modernise the space.
€10,000–€12,000 / $11,000–$13,000 Range
Now you’re in mid-range territory:
- Quality paving or composite decking
- Structured planting schemes with mid-sized trees or hedges
- Subtle lighting for ambiance and pathways
- A pergola, basic water feature, or small raised terrace
Focused design, flexible finishes, solid results.
€20,000+ / $22,000+ Range
Welcome to full garden transformation:
- Multi-zone layouts with hardscaping and planting
- Premium finishes (natural stone, hardwoods, mature trees)
- Bespoke elements like built-in seating, outdoor kitchen, or water wall
- Integrated lighting, irrigation, and storage
At this level, you’re designing outdoor living, not just landscaping.
When Is the Best Time to Start a Landscaping Project?
Landscaping doesn’t have to wait for perfect weather—and sometimes, it shouldn’t.
Here’s how the seasons play out:
Spring and early summer (March–June): The most popular window. Ideal for planting, turfing, and soft landscaping. But expect higher demand, slower bookings, and seasonal pricing bumps.
Autumn (September–November): Quietly one of the best times to get started. Plants establish roots well, the soil is still workable, and contractors often have better availability.
Winter (December–February): Yes, really. Hard landscaping patios, retaining walls, drainage can all be done during the colder months. You’ll often get better prices and shorter timelines too.
Tip: Book your project 2 to 4 months in advance, no matter the season. Good landscapers don’t sit idle.
DIY vs Professional Landscaping
Thinking of doing it yourself to save money? Totally valid. But before you grab the shovel, here’s what to consider:
DIY Landscaping: When it Works Best
- Small tasks like planting, edging, or laying mulch
- You have tools, time, and some basic skills
- You’re comfortable learning through YouTube, mistakes, or both
Professional Landscaping: Worth Every Euro/Dollar When
- You’re dealing with slopes, poor drainage, or limited access
- You want retaining walls, structural elements, lighting, or plumbing
- You value speed, durability, and a clean finish with warranties
A smart middle ground? Hire a landscape designer for the plan, then DIY the bits you’re confident in.
Sustainable Landscaping: How to Save Money and Water Long-Term
Want a garden that’s good for the planet and your wallet? That’s smart design.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Choose native plants. They thrive in your local climate with minimal watering or chemical help.
- Install permeable paving. It reduces runoff and helps water return to the soil.
- Use rainwater tanks or butts. Even a small €60 / $65 barrel can reduce your water bills over summer.
- Cut down lawn area. Grass is high-maintenance and high-cost. Replace some of it with gravel, groundcovers, or planting beds.
- Invest in automation. A well-set drip irrigation system costs a bit more upfront but pays for itself in time, water savings, and plant health.
Bonus: Sustainable gardens tend to need less mowing, pruning, and chemical treatments which means more time enjoying your space and less time managing it.
How to Budget Your Landscaping Project Without Losing Your Mind
Here’s the five-step method we use with clients to bring clarity to what can feel like chaos.
Define the scope
Are you adding a few new features or rebuilding the entire garden from scratch? Know what you’re aiming for before calling contractors.
Measure your space
Get rough dimensions. Multiply by local price-per-square-metre estimates to build a realistic range. Don’t forget to adjust for access and site conditions.
Choose your feature set
You don’t need everything. Prioritise the elements that’ll get the most use or deliver the most visual impact.
Add 10 to 20% for contingency
Because something will change. Maybe it’s a material upgrade. Maybe it’s an old pipe no one knew existed. Give yourself buffer room.
Get detailed quotes
Three quotes minimum. And not just totals. You want itemised pricing: materials, labour, disposal, and plant costs. If a contractor won’t give you that? Move on.
Value and Long-Term Considerations
Here’s the part most people skip: what happens after it’s built?
Low-maintenance materials might cost more upfront, but they’ll save you hours of weeding, sealing, or repainting every year. That’s not just convenience, it’s money back in your pocket.
Good landscaping also raises your property’s resale value. One US study found it can add as much as 15% to your home’s value.
But it only adds value if it’s designed to last and actually fits your space. So resist the Pinterest temptation. Design for your life, not just your likes.
Mistakes to Avoid and Smart Decisions to Make
Let’s keep you out of the landscaping regret club.
Don’t chase trends blindly. That sunken fire pit might look cool on Instagram. But if it floods every winter, it’s a disaster.
Don’t lowball the budget. Undershooting means cutting corners—or worse, leaving the project half-finished.
Don’t forget drainage. Water will always find a way. If you don’t manage it, it’ll ruin everything you built.
Don’t ignore maintenance. Fancy features are great. Until you spend every weekend maintaining them.
And please don’t skip the design phase. Good design doesn’t just make your garden look better. It makes it work better.
Landscaping Cost Myths: What People Get Wrong
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions that lead to surprise costs—or wasted money.
Myth 1: Landscaping always adds value to your home.
Not if it’s poorly designed, high-maintenance, or clashes with the house. Value comes from good planning, not just spending.
Myth 2: Grass is cheap.
Natural turf sounds inexpensive, but prep, soil, irrigation, and maintenance add up fast. Artificial grass? Even more expensive upfront, around €60–€90 / $65–$100 per square metre installed.
Myth 3: A cheaper quote is a better quote.
Not if it cuts corners on materials or skips drainage planning. Cheap now often means costly fixes later.
Myth 4: Big gardens cost more.
Not always. A tiny courtyard with high-end features can easily out-cost a large lawn with minimal features.
Myth 5: You don’t need a design plan.
Unless you enjoy delays, rework, and awkward layouts? You need one.
Conclusion
Landscaping isn’t cheap. But it also isn’t guesswork. Not if you plan for it properly.
By now, you’ve seen how project scope, materials, site access, and features can shift costs dramatically. You’ve seen that £2,000 might tidy up a small garden, while £50,000 could reshape an entire property. One’s not better than the other, they’re just different jobs.
The key is clarity. Decide what you want, where you can flex, and what adds the most long-term value, not just what looks good today.
Need help turning your ideas into a solid, realistic quote? We do this every day. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to start digging, get in touch with us for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand what’s possible with your space, your budget, and your goals.
Landscaping should feel exciting, not like you’re rolling dice with your wallet. Let’s make sure it does.
FAQ
What is a good landscaping budget?
A good landscaping budget typically ranges from 5% to 15% of your home’s value, depending on the size of the project and desired features. Smaller gardens may only need a few thousand dollars, while full outdoor renovations with patios, lighting, and planting plans will require a larger investment and phased planning.
How much do most landscapers charge?
Most landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for labor, or $4 to $12 per square foot for full landscaping projects. Prices vary based on region, project complexity, and materials. Routine maintenance, like mowing or pruning, may be charged as a monthly service, while design and installation are quoted as fixed project estimates.
What is a realistic landscaping budget?
A realistic landscaping budget depends on your goals. Basic improvements like mulch, edging, and new plants may cost $1,500–$5,000. More substantial upgrades like patios, walkways, irrigation, trees, and lighting can range $10,000 to $50,000+. Setting priorities and completing work in phases helps manage cost while still improving outdoor space over time.
How much should I pay for a landscaper?
You should expect to pay based on the type of service. Maintenance services may cost $100 to $300 per month, while design and installation can range from $2,000 to $50,000+ depending on scale and materials. Requesting multiple quotes and reviewing portfolios ensures pricing aligns with quality and long-term results.
