Key Takeaways
- Routine lawn service: most homeowners pay $300–$1,200 per month for recurring maintenance or $30–$80 per single mowing visit.
- Small installs (planting, aeration) often run $50–$1,000; mid-size landscape projects $1,000–$10,000; full renovations and hardscapes can exceed $10,000–$30,000.
- Materials (plants, pavers, sod) and access/terrain are the largest cost drivers; labor is significant for heavy grading, irrigation and hardscaping.
- Get multiple detailed quotes, ask for itemized contracts, and plan work in the right season to save money and avoid delays.
Average Cost Summary
National Average: $300–$1,200 for most recurring lawn care packages; $500–$8,000 for common landscaping projects (2026 national ranges)
Typical Range: $100 - $30,000 per project
Cost Breakdown by Service Type
| Service/Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn mowing (single visit) | $30 | $80 | Includes mowing, basic string trimming and blowing clippings off hard surfaces for a typical suburban lawn (small yards cost less). |
| Recurring lawn care package (fertilize, weed control, mowing - monthly) | $300 | $1,200 | Price is per month for regular service; frequency, yard size, and treatments (organic vs conventional) affect cost. |
| Fertilization and weed control (per treatment) | $50 | $250 | Single application costs; full-season programs (3–6 treatments) typically total $300–$900 depending on lawn size and product choice. |
| Aeration and overseeding (per service) | $75 | $350 | Core aeration plus overseeding of worn lawns; price scales with square footage and seed quality. |
| Mulch installation (beds, per project) | $100 | $800 | Includes delivery and spreading of mulch for small to medium beds; premium mulch or deep layers increase cost. |
| Planting shrubs and perennials (per bed or per plant) | $25 | $2,500 | Small annuals cost less; large specimen shrubs and planting beds installed with soil amendments can be several hundred to thousands. |
| Sod installation (per square foot / typical 1,000 sq ft job) | $1,500 | $3,500 | Includes grading, soil prep and sod labor for a 1,000 sq ft area (lower for seed). Price per sq ft typically $1.50–$3.50 installed. |
| Irrigation system (installation or major repair) | $500 | $7,500 | Small repairs under $500; full new systems for average yards commonly $2,000–$6,000 depending on zones and automation. |
| Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls) | $1,000 | $25,000 | Broad range: small paver patio $1,000–$4,000; larger custom stone patios, walls, and lighting can reach $15,000+. |
| Landscape design / project plan (professional) | $300 | $5,000 | Simple concept plans are less expensive; full master plans with plant lists, grading and irrigation plans cost more. |
Factors That Affect Cost
Location and local labor rates
High-cost-of-living metro areas (e.g., San Francisco, NYC suburbs) have significantly higher labor and permit costs than rural markets, raising overall project prices by 20–60% in 2026.
Property size, access and terrain
Large yards, steep slopes or poor driveway access increase crew time and equipment needs; expect higher hourly labor and possible equipment mobilization fees.
Materials and plant selection
Premium pavers, large specimen trees, native versus exotic plants, and high-quality soil amendments increase material costs substantially and may require specialized installers.
Scope complexity (grading, drainage, permits)
Any grading, retaining walls, drainage corrections, or projects requiring permits or engineering will add design, inspection and contractor time, often doubling simpler project estimates.
Seasonality and scheduling
Peak spring/summer demand raises prices and leads times; scheduling in shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall) can reduce costs and speed up booking.
Irrigation and utilities
Installing or modifying irrigation, or working near buried utilities, requires extra labor, equipment and sometimes utility locates—adding both time and cost.
Labor vs Materials
Typical Labor: 40-60% of total cost
Labor covers crew wages, equipment operation, disposal, and project management. Typical crew billing in 2026 ranges from $60–$150 per hour for a two-to-four-person crew depending on region and complexity. Time is affected by site prep, slope, access, and change orders.
Typical Materials: 40-60% of total cost
Common materials include seed, sod, mulch, topsoil, native plants, shrubs, pavers, gravel and irrigation parts. Quality tiers range from economy (basic seed, bagged mulch) to premium (large caliper trees, natural stone). For example, sod costs $1.50–$3.50/ft2; natural stone pavers can cost $8–$25+/ft2 installed.
Money-Saving Tips
- Schedule major installs in shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to avoid peak pricing and limited contractor availability.
- Bundle services (mowing + fertilization + aeration) with one provider to get volume discounts and consistent care.
- Get 3 written, itemized quotes and compare scope line-by-line—don’t automatically choose the cheapest.
- Do low-risk prep work yourself (clear debris, remove small plants, mark irrigation zones) to reduce labor time.
- Choose native, low-maintenance plants and drought-tolerant landscapes to lower long-term maintenance and irrigation costs.
- Phase large projects: tackle high-impact areas first (front yard curb appeal) and spread costs over seasons.
- Reuse existing materials where safe (pavers, edging) and buy bulk materials directly if the contractor will install them.
- Ask about seasonal promotions and off-peak discounts; contractors sometimes offer lower rates for winter planning work.
Red Flags & What to Avoid
⚠️ Unusually low quote
Why it's concerning: May indicate shortcuts, use of low-quality materials, omitted permits, or subcontracting to inexperienced crews.
What to do: Request references, a detailed scope, and check proof of insurance before proceeding; get a second opinion.
⚠️ Demands cash-only or large upfront payment
Why it's concerning: Cash-only requests can signal a contractor avoiding taxes or licensing; large upfront sums increase risk if the job isn’t completed.
What to do: Insist on a standard contract with a reasonable deposit (typically 10–30%), scheduled progress payments, and payment receipts.
⚠️ No written estimate or vague scope
Why it's concerning: Verbal promises lead to scope creep and unexpected costs.
What to do: Require a written, itemized estimate and a contract that lists materials, quantities, start/end dates and change-order procedures.
⚠️ No proof of licensing or insurance
Why it's concerning: Without insurance, you could be liable for accidents or property damage; lack of licensing may violate local rules.
What to do: Verify contractor license numbers and request certificates of insurance listing general liability and workers’ compensation.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- Are you licensed and insured in my city/state? Can you provide proof and references for similar projects?
- What exactly is included in this written estimate? Please itemize labor, materials, permits and cleanup.
- Who will supervise the job daily and who is the contact for change orders and issues?
- What is the project timeline, start date and expected completion? How do weather delays get handled?
- What are payment terms and warranty details for workmanship and materials?
- Do you handle permits and inspections, or will I be responsible? If permits are needed, what are the added costs?
When to DIY vs Call a Professional
Tasks You Can DIY
- Routine mowing, edging and weekly maintenance for small yards
- Mulch spreading and basic planting of annuals or small perennials
- Basic pruning of non-structural shrubs and seasonal cleanups
- Seeding bare patches and simple soil amendments for small areas
Tasks That Need a Professional
- Large tree removals, stump grinding or major tree pruning near power lines
- Earthmoving, major grading, retaining walls and drainage correction
- Design and full installation of irrigation systems and electrical landscape lighting
- Complex hardscape construction (pavers, retaining walls, large patios)
- Projects requiring permits or engineered plans
Regional Price Variation
Prices vary significantly by region and local climate. Urban and coastal metros with high labor and permitting costs (e.g., Bay Area, Boston, Seattle) can be 20–60% more expensive than inland or rural areas. Climate impacts plant choices and irrigation needs: arid Southwest work often requires drought-tolerant designs and drip irrigation; Northern states may need freeze-resistant systems and spring cleanup. Local plant availability and nursery prices, seasonal labor supply, storm risks, and municipal permit requirements also affect cost. Always get region-specific estimates and check local permits/HOA rules.
When to Invest More
Spending more is often justified when you need long-term durability, improved functionality, or compliance with local codes. Investing in premium drainage solutions, higher-grade pavers or professional grading can prevent costly repairs and water damage later. For example, a well-built retaining wall or engineered drainage system may cost more up front but avoids erosion and liability.
Ready to Get Started?
Landscaping and lawn care costs in 2026 vary by scope, materials and region—plan, compare quotes and prioritize investments that reduce long-term maintenance. Ready to get started? Connect with trusted local landscaping and lawn care professionals through FindTrustedHelp.com for free quotes. Disclaimer: prices vary by location, property size and scope.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional when the project affects structural elements, drainage, utilities, or safety—examples include grading that changes water flow toward neighboring houses, installing retaining walls, removing large trees near structures, or running irrigation into hardscapes. Professionals carry insurance, follow code, and manage permits and inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it typically cost to maintain a 1/4-acre lawn per year?
For a 1/4-acre yard (≈10,890 sq ft), expect recurring maintenance (mowing, basic fertilization, seasonal cleanups) to run about $1,500–$5,000 per year in 2026 depending on service frequency and region. Adding fertilization programs, pest control or irrigation maintenance increases costs; DIY maintenance lowers ongoing expense but requires time and equipment.
Is sod or seed cheaper and which is better?
Seed is cheaper upfront—often under $0.10–$0.50 per sq ft for basic seed—while sod costs $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft installed. Sod provides instant lawn and erosion control; seed is cost-effective for large areas but needs longer watering and care. Choose sod for high-visibility areas and seed for budget or large-scale restorations.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
Most cool-season lawns benefit from 3–4 applications per year (spring, late spring, fall, late fall), while warm-season lawns typically need 2–3 targeted applications. Exact timing and products depend on grass type, soil tests and local climate—ask a contractor for a program tailored to your lawn.
Do landscapers offer warranties or guarantees?
Many reputable contractors provide limited warranties on workmanship (commonly 30–365 days) and plant guarantees (often 30–90 days, sometimes longer for installed trees). Hardscape and irrigation work may include longer warranties if manufacturer parts are covered. Get warranty details in writing in the contract.
How should I budget for a landscape renovation?
Start with a clear scope: prioritize high-impact zones (entryway, patio). Obtain 3 itemized bids and include a 10–20% contingency for change orders. Expect small renovations $1,000–$5,000, medium $5,000–$20,000, and large-scale projects $20,000+. Factor in design fees, permits and ongoing maintenance when planning your budget.