Landscaping covers everything from a $50 lawn mow to a $30,000 full backyard transformation. Knowing what type of work you need -- and how it's priced -- is the first step to getting an accurate estimate.
Maintenance vs. design work
Ongoing maintenance (mowing, trimming, edging) runs $50-$150 per visit for a typical yard. Weekly lawn care contracts average $100-$250/month. Landscaping design work -- new plantings, hardscaping, irrigation -- is priced per project and can range from $1,500 to $50,000+
Common project costs
Sod installation: $1-$2/sq ft plus labor ($3,000-$7,000 for a typical yard). Tree planting: $150-$600 per tree installed. Mulch installation: $75-$150 per cubic yard. Garden bed creation: $500-$2,500 depending on size. Retaining wall: $3,000-$9,000.
Irrigation systems
Installing a sprinkler system for a typical yard costs $2,500-$4,500. Repair and winterization run $75-$200 per visit. A properly designed system pays back in water savings within 3-5 years in most climates.
What drives cost up
Slope or drainage issues add complexity and cost. Removing existing plants or hardscaping adds labor. Mature tree installation costs far more than small nursery stock. Irrigation, lighting, and drainage systems each add $1,500-$5,000 to a project.
Bottom line
For routine maintenance, budget $100-$200/month. For a meaningful landscape upgrade, plan on $3,000-$10,000 for most suburban yards.
Need landscaping work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.