How much does it cost to landscape around a house
Landscaping around a house can vary widely in cost depending on the scope of the project, the size of the property, and the materials used. On average, homeowners spend between $5,000 and $20,000 on landscaping projects. Smaller, more basic projects can be as low as $1,000, while extensive designs involving hardscaping or custom features may exceed $50,000.
Understanding the cost factors that influence landscaping will help you manage your budget more effectively and make informed decisions that align with your vision for the outdoor space.
Average Landscaping Costs in 2024
Landscaping costs tend to fluctuate with changes in labor and material prices, and in 2024, these expenses continue to be influenced by broader market conditions. On average:
- Basic landscaping services (like lawn care, simple plantings, and basic mulch) typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Mid-range projects, which include tasks like planting trees, shrubs, installing flower beds, or adding basic hardscaping, range between $5,000 and $15,000.
- High-end projects involve more custom elements such as water features, retaining walls, or outdoor kitchens, and can range from $20,000 to over $50,000.
One homeowner who recently completed a mid-range project shared that her costs reached $10,000 after deciding to add a few extra plants and lighting features. While initially planning for a smaller budget, she realized that enhancing the outdoor lighting made her yard much more functional in the evenings.
Breaking Down Landscaping Costs
Landscaping projects involve several components, and knowing how these factors contribute to the overall cost can help you plan accordingly. The biggest expenses in any landscaping project are labor and materials.
- Labor: Hiring professionals for design, planting, or construction typically accounts for about 50-70% of the total cost. The more intricate or custom the design, the higher the labor fees.
- Materials: Plants, trees, mulch, stones, and other materials can take up 30-40% of the budget. Premium materials or rare plants will increase costs significantly.
- Design Fees: If you choose to hire a landscape designer or architect, they typically charge 5-15% of the project cost. These professionals bring expertise in creating a cohesive and beautiful outdoor space.
For example, one couple spent $7,500 on their landscaping project. While most of that went toward planting and new sod, they also invested in landscape lighting, which added an extra $1,500. They were surprised by how much the lighting transformed the overall look of their backyard at night.
Common Landscaping Services
The range of services offered by landscaping companies can vary, but most homeowners start with a few essential tasks:
- Lawn Installation or Maintenance: Installing new sod, maintaining grass, or laying down artificial turf is a common starting point. Depending on the size of the lawn, this can cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
- Tree and Shrub Planting: Adding greenery like trees and shrubs enhances the aesthetics of your yard and improves the environment around your home. The cost depends on the size and type of plants you choose, ranging from $50 for small shrubs to $1,500 for mature trees.
- Hardscaping: Adding elements like pathways, retaining walls, or patios increases both functionality and value. Hardscaping can cost between $5,000 and $25,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the project.
- Irrigation Systems: A well-installed irrigation system keeps your lawn and plants hydrated, particularly in warmer climates. These systems typically range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Factors That Influence Landscaping Costs
Several key factors can affect the total cost of your landscaping project:
- Size of the Property: Larger yards require more materials and labor, which will increase overall costs.
- Type of Materials Used: Natural stone, premium plants, and custom hardscaping elements can add significant costs.
- Complexity of the Design: Intricate designs or custom features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or water features require more labor and materials.
- Location and Climate: Certain areas with difficult soil conditions or limited water availability may require more work, such as irrigation or soil treatments.
- Professional vs. DIY: While many people opt to hire professionals for larger projects, smaller tasks like planting flowers or laying mulch can often be done yourself to save on labor costs.
DIY Landscaping vs. Hiring a Professional
One of the biggest decisions homeowners face when landscaping is whether to take on the work themselves or hire a professional. DIY projects are often appealing for their cost-saving potential, but they can also come with challenges.
- DIY Landscaping: If you're handy with tools and have some experience with gardening, you can save on labor costs. Projects like planting, mulching, or even building a small patio can be done for as little as $500 to $2,000. However, complex tasks like installing irrigation systems or large-scale hardscaping projects are best left to the pros.
- Hiring a Professional: For those who want a polished, custom look, hiring a professional is worth the investment. Experienced landscapers bring knowledge and skills to create a design that will enhance both the beauty and value of your property. Costs for hiring a professional can range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the project scope.
Should You Spend Money on Landscaping?
Landscaping is an investment that can significantly increase the curb appeal and value of a home. While it may seem like a large upfront cost, the long-term benefits—both aesthetic and financial—make it worthwhile for most homeowners. Whether you're planning to stay in your home long-term or preparing to sell, landscaping is one of the best ways to enhance the property’s overall look and function.
What Is the Most Expensive Part of Landscaping?
The most expensive part of landscaping is often the hardscaping. Installing patios, retaining walls, walkways, and outdoor features like fire pits or kitchens can quickly increase the overall cost. These projects often require specialized labor and high-quality materials, which contribute to the higher price tag. Homeowners should plan accordingly if these features are a priority.
What Is the Cheapest Landscaping Option?
For those looking to enhance their yard on a budget, there are several low-cost options to explore:
- Mulching and Planting: Adding fresh mulch and planting low-maintenance, native plants is an affordable way to refresh your yard. Mulch costs around $3-$7 per bag, and plants can range from $10 to $50.
- Ground Cover Alternatives: Replacing grass with gravel, ground cover plants, or artificial turf can reduce maintenance and water costs while offering a more sustainable solution.
- DIY Lawn Care: Basic lawn maintenance like mowing, trimming, and fertilizing can be done for minimal costs if you're willing to put in the time.
How to Save Money on Landscaping
Landscaping doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several ways to keep costs manageable while still achieving a beautiful outdoor space:
- Plan Ahead: Create a detailed design plan and budget to avoid overspending.
- Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Native or drought-resistant plants often require less water and maintenance, saving money in the long run.
- Start Small: Tackle your landscaping project in stages to spread out the costs over time.
- DIY Simple Tasks: Save on labor costs by handling basic tasks like planting or mulching yourself.
Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Space?
Landscaping around your home can transform not only the look but also the functionality of your yard. Whether you’re focusing on simple enhancements or planning a larger renovation, understanding the costs involved helps you make informed decisions that fit your budget and vision.
If you're in the Colorado Springs area and ready to enhance your outdoor space, connect with a local expert today. Get personalized advice and a custom plan that brings your landscaping dreams to life!
