Landscaping project costs can vary widely. This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. We break down the average prices for common services, from basic lawn mowing to building a brand new patio. Use this information to budget for your project and hire the right professional for the job.
DIY vs. Call a Pro: A Quick Guide
Some landscaping tasks are great for a weekend project, while others are best left to experienced professionals. Here's a quick guide to help you decide.
Lawn Aeration
DIY-Friendly: Renting a core aerator is a viable option for smaller lawns if you're comfortable with the physical labor. It's a great way to save money on this essential lawn health task.
Call a Pro: For large, sloped, or heavily compacted lawns, a professional service is more efficient and ensures proper core depth and even coverage, maximizing the benefit to your lawn.
Retaining Wall
DIY-Friendly: Small, decorative garden walls under 2 feet high that aren't holding back a significant amount of soil can be a manageable DIY project.
Call a Pro: Always hire a professional for walls over 3-4 feet tall or any wall holding back a slope. These are serious structural projects. A pro will handle the necessary engineering, drainage, and building permits to make sure the wall is safe and built to last.
Planning Ahead Saves Money: Ask About Seasonal Contracts
For recurring services like mowing, fertilization, and yard cleanups, many landscaping companies offer seasonal contracts or monthly packages. While the upfront commitment is larger, the cost per visit is often lower than booking each service individually.
Pro Tip!
Bundling services like a spring cleanup, weekly mowing through the summer, and a fall cleanup into a single annual contract can lead to significant savings and ensures your property looks great all year round.
Trend: Creating an "Outdoor Room"
A popular trend is thinking of your yard as an "outdoor room." This means creating a comfortable space for cooking, dining, and relaxing, just like you would inside your house. Because of this trend, many landscapers now do more than just lawn care.
This gives you more options when hiring. You can find companies that specialize in regular maintenance like mowing. You can also find full-service firms that act like a general contractor for your entire backyard project. They can manage everything from patios and lighting to outdoor kitchens.