Complete cost guide for 2026 — materials, labor, project types, and how to get an accurate estimate without spending $2,000 on a landscape architect.
Quick Answer
The average cost to landscape a yard ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 for a moderate redesign. Simple refreshes start around $500, while full outdoor living transformations can exceed $50,000. The biggest variables are yard size, hardscape, and your region.
$500 – $2,000
Basic Refresh
New mulch, a few shrubs, simple clean-up. DIY-friendly.
$2,000 – $8,000
Moderate Redesign
New plant beds, small patio or path, irrigation upgrade.
$8,000 – $25,000
Full Landscape Job
Complete yard transformation — plants, hardscape, irrigation, lighting.
$25,000+
Premium Outdoor Living
Outdoor kitchen, pool surround, extensive hardscape, full design.
Estimated project cost
$4,200 – $8,400
Rough estimate · Actual costs vary by region and materials
Yardcast gives you an itemized cost breakdown for your specific design
| Item | Low | High | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn removal (per sq ft) | $1 | $3 | sq ft |
| Mulch (per cubic yard) | $30 | $80 | cy |
| Concrete patio (per sq ft) | $8 | $20 | sq ft |
| Paver patio (per sq ft) | $15 | $40 | sq ft |
| Sod installation (per sq ft) | $1 | $3 | sq ft |
| Retaining wall (per linear ft) | $30 | $100 | lin ft |
| Drip irrigation system | $800 | $3,000 | system |
| Large tree (15-gallon) | $200 | $600 | tree |
| Shrubs (5-gallon) | $30 | $100 | shrub |
| Perennial groundcover | $8 | $25 | plant |
| Landscape design (per hour) | $50 | $150 | hour |
| Landscape architect plan | $1,500 | $5,000 | project |
Prices are national averages. Expect ±30% variation by region. Updated March 2026.
Before you hire a landscape architect for $2,000–$5,000 just for the design, see what you get with Yardcast for $24.99.
| What You Get | Landscape Architect | Yardcast | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic design plan | $2,000–$5,000 | $24.99 | up to $4,975 |
| Plant selection list | $500–$1,500 | Included | up to $1,500 |
| Cost estimate | $300–$800 | Included | up to $800 |
| Installation guide | $400–$1,200 | Included | up to $1,200 |
DIY with native plants and mulch. Native plants require little water or care and often cost less. Add mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. A basic transformation can cost $500–$1,500 if you do the labor yourself.
Yes — studies consistently show landscaping adds 5–15% to home value. A $5,000 landscaping project on a $300,000 home can increase value by $15,000–$45,000. Front yard curb appeal has the highest ROI.
Phase your project (don't do everything at once), buy smaller plants (they grow), get at least 3 bids, do your own demo and cleanup, and DIY simple tasks like planting and mulching. Use Yardcast to plan before you hire.
Hardscape (patios, walls) lasts 20–50 years with minimal maintenance. Plants vary — perennials return for 3–10+ years, shrubs and trees can last decades. Good design means lower long-term maintenance costs.
For hardscape (concrete, walls, irrigation), hire a pro — mistakes are expensive. For planting, mulching, and cleanup, DIY saves 50–70% on labor. Use Yardcast to plan so you know exactly what to buy and where.
Yardcast generates an itemized cost breakdown for your specific yard — plants, materials, labor, and phases — all for $24.99.
Design My Yard + Get Cost Estimate →3 free AI renders · Full plan + cost estimate for $24.99