Landscaping Cost Calculator

Estimate landscaping project cost by yard size and scope including lawn, plants, and hardscape.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: HomeAdvisor

sqft
Scope

Total Estimate

$14,500.00

Annual Maintenance

$2,000.00

Cost Breakdown

Lawn & Sod$6,000.00
Plants & Trees$1,500.00
Hardscaping$5,000.00
Irrigation$2,000.00
Total$14,500.00

Use the Landscaping Cost Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Turning a bare or tired yard into the outdoor space you have in mind starts with knowing what it will actually cost. Feeding in your yard's size along with the elements you want, lawn, planting, hardscaping, produces a budget grounded in reality rather than guesswork. Heading into 2026, climbing material and labor prices have made that kind of upfront estimate more valuable than ever.

The calculation works component by component, applying a weighted average tied to square footage. Basic lawn installation, for example, lands in the range of $0.75 - $1.50 per sq ft, while more involved hardscaping such as patios and walkways can run anywhere from $15 - $50 per sq ft depending on the material you choose. Plantings are priced either per item or by bed area, with a multiplier layered on to reflect how intricate the design becomes.

Hardscaping and irrigation are the two areas homeowners most often underbudget. Build in room for the challenges you cannot see from the surface, soil remediation or drainage problems can tack on another 10-20% before the job is done. If the full estimate stretches beyond what you want to spend right now, phasing the work and tackling the essentials first is a practical way forward.

Example: Backyard Oasis Project

  1. 1 Input: Yard Size: 1,500 sq ft. Desired features: 800 sq ft lawn, 300 sq ft patio (mid-range pavers), 4 small planting beds (15 sq ft each), basic irrigation.
  2. 2 Calculation: Lawn: 800 sq ft * $1.25/sq ft = $1,000. Patio: 300 sq ft * $30/sq ft = $9,000. Planting Beds: 4 * 15 sq ft * $25/sq ft (plants+labor) = $1,500. Basic Irrigation (for 1,500 sq ft): $2,000. Total preliminary estimate: $13,500.
  3. 3 Result: Estimated Landscaping Cost: $13,500 - $16,200 (including a 20% contingency).
  4. 4 Context: This estimate provides a comprehensive starting point. Actual costs may vary based on specific material choices, geographical location, contractor rates, and any unexpected site conditions. Obtaining multiple quotes from local landscapers is highly recommended.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does basic landscaping cost?
Basic landscaping for an average yard costs $3,000-$8,000 and includes sod or seed, basic plantings, and mulch. A mid-range project with hardscape elements runs $10,000-$25,000.
How much does a patio cost to install?
A concrete patio costs $6-$15 per square foot installed. Pavers run $10-$25 per square foot. A typical 300 sq ft patio costs $2,000-$7,500 depending on material choice.
What is the cheapest landscaping option?
Seeding a lawn ($0.05-$0.20 per sq ft), adding mulch to beds ($30-$50 per cubic yard), and planting native shrubs are the most budget-friendly options. DIY labor can cut total costs by 40-60%.

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