Landscaping Pricing by State
Professional landscaping can transform your outdoor space, increasing curb appeal and property value. Costs vary widely depending on whether you need simple maintenance like mulching and trimming or a complete redesign with new plantings and hardscaping. The price is influenced by the size of the area, the maturity of the plants chosen, and the labor intensity of the design.
What Affects the Price
Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget accurately and evaluate contractor quotes:
- Size of the project area
- Cost of plants, trees, and sod
- Hardscaping materials (pavers, stone, gravel)
- Site preparation and grading requirements
- Installation of irrigation or lighting systems
- Design and consultation fees
Standard Inclusions
These items are typically included in a standard landscaping quote:
- Labor for planting and installation
- Soil preparation and amendments
- Mulch or ground cover application
- Initial watering and care instructions
What's Typically Not Included
These items usually cost extra or require a separate contractor:
- Ongoing maintenance (mowing, weeding)
- Major excavation or retaining wall engineering
- Permit fees for large projects
- Utility line marking and relocation
Pro Tips for Landscaping
Expert advice to help you get the best value and results:
- Use native plants to reduce water and maintenance costs.
- Plan your project in phases if you have a limited budget.
- Ask for a sketch or 3D design to visualize the result before digging.
- Check if your HOA requires approval for landscaping changes.
Complete Guide to Hiring Landscaping Services
Professional landscaping enhances curb appeal, increases property value, and creates outdoor living spaces for your family. From simple maintenance to complete redesigns, understanding landscape design principles, plant selection, and hardscape options helps you communicate your vision and evaluate proposals effectively.
Before You Hire: Preparation Checklist
Taking these steps before contacting contractors will help you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises:
- ✓Define your goals: curb appeal, privacy, entertainment space, low maintenance
- ✓Know your budget range (landscape projects can vary from $1,000 to $50,000+)
- ✓Gather inspiration photos from magazines or Pinterest
- ✓Understand your property: sun exposure, soil type, drainage patterns
- ✓Check HOA restrictions on landscaping changes
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
These questions help you evaluate contractors and protect yourself from poor service:
"Do you provide a design or just installation?"
Why this matters: Design services ensure cohesive results and avoid expensive mistakes
"What is your warranty on plants?"
Why this matters: Many landscapers offer 1-year warranties on plant material
"Who will be doing the actual installation work?"
Why this matters: Know if it's in-house crews or subcontractors
"Do you include irrigation in your proposal?"
Why this matters: New plants often need irrigation systems for establishment
When to Call a Professional
While some tasks can be DIY, these situations typically require professional expertise:
DIY vs. Professional: What You Can Do Yourself
Planting flowers, mulching beds, and simple garden maintenance are great DIY projects. Even some hardscaping like simple paths or small patios can be DIY. However, grading, drainage, retaining walls, and irrigation typically require professional expertise.
🚩 Red Flags: Warning Signs of Bad Contractors
Watch out for these warning signs that may indicate an unreliable or dishonest contractor:
- ✗No design phase—just wants to start digging
- ✗Can't explain plant selections and their care needs
- ✗No references from completed projects
- ✗Significantly underpriced (may use low-quality plants)
- ✗No written contract with plant and material specifications
Seasonal Timing Tips
The best time to schedule service can save you money and ensure better availability:
Best time for planting most trees and shrubs; soil is workable
Focus on maintenance; new plantings struggle in heat
Excellent for tree planting and hardscape projects; soil still warm
Planning season; many landscapers offer off-season discounts for spring work
⚡ Safety Considerations
- Call 811 before any digging to mark utility lines
- Use proper lifting techniques for heavy materials
- Wear gloves when handling soil and mulch
- Be cautious of poison ivy and other toxic plants
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes—these are the most common errors homeowners make:
- ⚠Planting without considering mature plant size
- ⚠Not accounting for sun/shade changes
- ⚠Ignoring drainage patterns
- ⚠Choosing plants not suited to your climate zone
💰 Cost-Saving Strategies
Smart ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:
- Phase the project over multiple seasons
- Choose smaller plants (they catch up to larger ones within 2-3 years)
- Use more native plants (less maintenance and watering)
- Do your own mulching and maintenance
Get Landscaping Cost Estimates by State
Select your state below to view estimated costs adjusted for your local cost of living. Our estimates use official government data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Understanding Landscaping Costs Nationwide
Landscaping costs vary significantly across the United States based on regional labor rates, cost of living differences, and local market conditions. States with higher costs of living, like California and New York, typically see higher service prices, while more affordable regions offer lower rates.
Beyond geography, the actual cost of your project depends on factors specific to your situation: the scope of work, accessibility, materials required, and the timing of your project. Emergency or after-hours service typically commands premium rates, while scheduling during a contractor's off-peak season may offer savings.
To get the most accurate pricing for your specific needs, we recommend requesting quotes from at least three local contractors. Use our estimates as a starting point to understand whether the quotes you receive are in line with typical market rates for your area.