EdgeLocal

How Much Does Landscaping Cost? — 2026 Guide

Design, planting, hardscapes and outdoor improvements.

Average cost range

$4,000–$25,000

for typical landscape installations

Cost factorImpact on price
DesignProfessional plans add cost but prevent mistakes.
HardscapePatios and walls cost more than plantings.
Plant sizeMature trees and shrubs cost more.
Grading and drainageCorrecting slopes adds labor.
Lighting and irrigationAdd-ons increase price.
Typical range$4,000–$25,000 for typical landscape installations

Two similar-looking jobs can be priced very differently once materials, access and local labor rates are taken into account, so the most reliable number is a written quote for your project.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

EdgeLocal lists 8,527 landscapers in total.

How to get quotes

  1. Describe your project once: what needs doing, your ZIP code and your timeline.
  2. EdgeLocal sends your request to local landscapers who cover your area.
  3. Compare two or three written quotes on scope, materials, timeline and warranty — not just price.

Get Free Quotes from Local Landscapers

What affects the cost

  • Design complexity
  • Plant size and selection
  • Hardscape materials such as pavers or retaining walls
  • Soil preparation and drainage
  • Ongoing maintenance needs

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do plants come with a replacement guarantee?
  • Will you provide a drawn plan before work starts?
  • Can you show proof of general liability insurance and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation coverage?
  • Will you give me a written, itemized estimate and a written contract before work starts?
  • What warranty do you offer on labor, and who handles manufacturer warranty claims?

Verify your contractor

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor under Iowa Code Chapter 91C. Before you sign, check the registration number on the estimate against the state registry.

Look up an Iowa contractor registration

What landscapers do

Landscaping contractors design yards, install plants, trees and sod, build paver patios, walkways and retaining walls, add landscape lighting and fix drainage problems with grading and dry creek beds.

Find landscapers by state

Hiring landscapers: what to know

Landscapers design and install planting beds, patios, retaining walls and outdoor living spaces. Landscaping contractors design yards, install plants, trees and sod, build paver patios, walkways and retaining walls, add landscape lighting and fix drainage problems with grading and dry creek beds.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

How to hire a landscaper

  1. Review design portfolios. Look for projects similar in style and scale.
  2. Ask about plant warranties. Many landscapers warranty plants for one season.
  3. Confirm hardscape base. Patios need compacted base and edge restraint.
  4. Plan drainage. Ensure water moves away from the home.
  5. Get phased pricing. Large projects can be split into phases.

Red flags to watch for

  • No base preparation for pavers
  • No plant warranty
  • Unclear design fees
  • Plants unsuited to local hardiness zone

Licensing

Landscapers generally need state contractor registration where required; pesticide application requires state applicator licensing.

Best time to hire

Design in winter, install in spring through fall; fall is great for planting trees and shrubs.

Related services

Landscaping cost FAQs

When should I plant trees and shrubs?

Spring and early fall are best in the Upper Midwest.

How long do paver patios last?

Properly built paver patios can last 25+ years.

Do landscapers help with drainage?

Many do, using grading, swales, dry creek beds and drain tile.

How much do landscapers charge?

Typical U.S. pricing runs about $4,000–$25,000 for typical landscape installations. The biggest drivers are design, hardscape, plant size. These are industry estimates, not EdgeLocal data — get at least three written quotes.

Do landscapers need a license?

Landscapers generally need state contractor registration where required; pesticide application requires state applicator licensing.

When is the best time to hire a landscaper?

Design in winter, install in spring through fall; fall is great for planting trees and shrubs.

How do I verify a contractor in Iowa?

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to register with the Iowa Division of Labor (Iowa Code Chapter 91C). You can look up a registration on EdgeLocal’s verify page.

Related cost guides

Get free quotes from local landscapers