M

Landscaping Cost Calculator 2026

Estimate landscaping cost for lawn, garden, patio, pool deck, driveway, or full yard makeover. 2026 material + labor rates, DIY to full-service options.

🟢 Updated April 2026👤 Reviewed by MoneyMath Editorial⚡ Runs in your browser · inputs never leave your device

Typical patio: 300-500 sqft. Small lawn: 1,000 sqft. Full yard: 3,000-10,000 sqft.

Estimated landscaping cost
$650 – $1,950
$1.30–$3.90/sqft
lawn (500 sqft, mid)$1.30–$3.90/sqft
Total range$650 – $1,950
Show the formula
per sqft = project_rate × quality × region × labor
total = area × per_sqft

Landscaping cost per sq ft (2026)

  • New lawn (sod): $1–$3/sqft — $800–$4,000 typical
  • Garden beds (with plants): $4–$12/sqft
  • Concrete patio: $8–$18/sqft
  • Paver patio: $15–$30/sqft
  • Natural stone patio: $25–$50/sqft
  • Concrete driveway: $6–$15/sqft
  • Wood deck: $25–$45/sqft
  • Composite deck: $35–$70/sqft
  • Full yard makeover: $10–$40/sqft — $5,000–$50,000+

Rule of thumb: invest 5–10% of your home's value in landscaping for strong ROI.

Softscape vs Hardscape

Softscape (lawns, plants, mulch) is cheap — $5–$10/sqft installed. Hardscape (patios, walkways, retaining walls) is expensive — $15–$40+/sqft.

How to save

  • Phase the work. Spread over 2-3 seasons.
  • DIY demo. Removing old sod saves 20-30%.
  • Choose native plants. Less water, rarely die.
  • Buy plants in fall. 30-50% off before winter.
  • Get 3 written bids. Prices vary 40-60%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does landscaping cost in 2026?

Landscaping costs $5-$40+ per square foot in 2026. Basic softscaping (lawn, plants) runs $5-$10/sq ft. Hardscaping (patios, walkways) costs $15-$40+/sq ft. Full yard makeovers average $4,000-$20,000.

How much does a landscaper charge per hour?

Landscapers charge $50-$100/hour for a two-person crew. Hourly rates vary by region. Most charge a minimum of 2-4 hours for any visit.

What is the most expensive part of landscaping?

Hardscaping (patios, retaining walls, water features, driveways) is consistently the most expensive. Natural stone, pavers, concrete add up quickly.

How can I save money on landscaping?

Phase the work over multiple seasons, do prep work yourself, choose native plants, buy materials in bulk, schedule in early spring or late fall when contractors have openings.

Is landscaping a good investment?

Yes. Professional landscaping returns 100-200% ROI on home sale. Well-designed front yards can add 5-10% to home value.