Pricing & Estimating

Landscaping Cost Calculator

Select the services you need, set your property size and region, and get an instant estimate for monthly, annual, and project costs. Compare with our pricing guide for detailed benchmarks.

Quick reference: Landscaping costs average $4.50–$17 per sq ft for full projects. Recurring maintenance runs $150–$400/mo for a typical suburban property.

What Is a Landscaping Cost Calculator?

A landscaping cost calculator estimates what you will spend on professional lawn care and landscaping services based on your property size, region, and the services you need. Instead of calling three contractors for quotes, you get a ballpark range instantly. Use it to budget for recurring maintenance like weekly mowing or plan one-time projects like patio installation.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1Select your region. Labor rates vary up to 40% between the Midwest and West Coast.
  2. 2Choose your property size. A medium lot (3,000–7,000 sq ft) is typical for suburban homes.
  3. 3Check the services you need. Each shows a live cost range based on your selections.
  4. 4Review the first-year total, monthly recurring costs, and one-time project fees.
  5. 5Use Copy or Print to save the estimate for comparing with contractor bids.

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

Average landscaping costs for a medium-sized property in the Southeast (national baseline). Use the calculator above to adjust for your region. Need material quantities? Try our mulch calculator or gravel calculator.

ServiceTypical Cost
Lawn Mowing (weekly)$120–$250/mo
Fertilization (5–6 apps)$50–$120/mo
Mulch Refresh (annual)$200–$600
Tree/Shrub Trimming$60–$180/mo
Landscape Design$1,500–$5,000
Hardscaping$2,500–$8,000
Irrigation System$2,500–$6,000
Sod Installation$1,500–$4,000
Grading/Drainage$1,000–$4,500

What Affects Landscaping Cost?

Four factors drive 90% of the price difference between quotes. For a deeper breakdown of recurring maintenance fees, see our lawn care pricing guide.

Location

West Coast cities like LA and Seattle cost 25–30% more than Midwest markets. Southern states tend to be closest to the national average.

Property size

Larger lots cost more, but the per-square-foot price drops. A 15,000 sq ft lawn isn’t 3× a 5,000 sq ft lawn — it’s typically 1.5–2×.

Terrain & complexity

Slopes, mature trees, and irregular shapes add 15–25% to labor. Grading and drainage work is significantly more expensive on hilly lots.

Season

Spring and fall are peak demand. Booking off-peak (late winter for design, mid-summer for hardscaping) can save 10–15%.

5 Ways to Reduce Landscaping Costs

Whether you are planning a new lawn care business or just managing your home budget, these strategies consistently cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Bundle services

Companies offer 10–20% discounts when you combine mowing, fertilization, and bed maintenance into one contract.

Pre-pay annually

Paying for a full-season maintenance plan upfront often saves 5–10% versus monthly invoicing.

DIY the easy parts

Handle mulching and basic trimming yourself, then hire pros for irrigation, hardscaping, and design work.

Phase large projects

Split a $15K landscape overhaul into 2–3 phases across seasons. Contractors are more flexible on pricing for repeat clients.

Design for low maintenance

Native plants, smart irrigation, and proper grading reduce your annual maintenance costs by 20–30%.

For drainage-heavy projects, our landscape drainage solutions guide covers French drains, swales, and grading techniques with cost comparisons. Building a retaining wall? Check the retaining wall calculator for material estimates.

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