Landscaping Cost Calculator

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

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated September 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. Results are estimates from the numbers you enter and the assumptions described on this page; check them against local building codes, product specifications and current prices, and have structural, electrical or gas work designed or checked by a licensed professional.

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 and the scope of the job produces a budget grounded in reality rather than guesswork.

The calculation works component by component. Lawn and sod are priced at $2 per square foot of yard. Plants, hardscaping and irrigation are flat amounts set by the scope you pick: Basic adds $500 of plants and nothing else; Moderate adds $1,500 of plants, $5,000 of hardscaping and $2,000 of irrigation; Extensive adds $3,000, $15,000 and $5,000. Annual maintenance is estimated at $0.50 per square foot plus $500.

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: Moderate Makeover of a 3,000 sq ft Yard

  1. 1 Input: Yard Size = 3,000 sq ft, Scope = Moderate (the calculator's defaults).
  2. 2 Lawn & sod: 3,000 × $2 = $6,000. Plants & trees: $1,500. Hardscaping: $5,000. Irrigation: $2,000.
  3. 3 Total estimate: $6,000 + $1,500 + $5,000 + $2,000 = $14,500. Annual maintenance: 3,000 × $0.50 + $500 = $2,000.
  4. 4 Context: The same yard comes to $6,500 at Basic scope and $29,000 at Extensive. Soil or drainage problems found once work starts are not included, and quotes from local contractors will vary with materials and region.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: September 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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