How Much Do Hardscaping and Landscaping Services Cost?

When people start thinking about their yard - a new patio, a walkway, maybe just greener grass or fresh garden beds - the first question that usually comes to mind is pretty simple: ‘How much will this cost me?’

The tricky part is that the answer isn’t always straightforward. Landscaping and hardscaping are two sides of the same coin, but the price tags can be very different. Add in design, materials, labor, and ongoing maintenance, and suddenly, the numbers shift quite a bit. Still, if you’ve been curious about what’s realistic for 2025, let’s break it down.

Landscaping vs. Hardscaping: What’s the Difference?

Before talking about numbers, it’s good to separate these two terms.

Landscaping covers the ‘living’ side of your yard - grass, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, mulch, irrigation systems. All about creating and maintaining beauty through greenery.

Hardscaping refers to the ‘non-living’ element - patios, stone walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, driveways, fire pits. Think of it as the structural backbone of your outdoor space.

Both are valuable: landscaping softens and colors your property, while hardscaping gives it structure and usability. Together, they have a synergistic effect in your yard that’ll make you proud.

The Average Cost of Landscaping

Landscaping can fit into a wide array of budgets, making it flexible.

Basic Lawn Care (Mowing, Trimming, Edging): around $50-$150, depending on lot size.
Mulching: anywhere from $150-$400 - based on cubic yards and labor.

Tree and Shrub Planting: smaller shrubs may cost just $25-$50 each, while larger trees can run $150-$500+ per tree (plus labor).

Sod Installation: typically $1-$2 per square foot, so a 2,000 sq. ft. lawn might run $2,000-$4,000.

Full-service Landscaping Projects (design, plants, irrigation, lighting): often $5,000-$250,000+, depending on scope.

Here’s the kicker: the price depends less on one single factor and more on the mix. For example, if you just want fresh mulch and new shrubs, you might spend under a grand. But if you’re redoing the whole yard with irrigation and lighting - that’s a different ballpark entirely.

The Average Cost of Hardscaping

Hardscaping tends to be pricier because it’s more construction than gardening. Stone, concrete, and other materials aren't cheap, plus you need skilled labor.

Patio Installation: $10-$25 per square foot (concrete). High-end natural stone patios can climb to $40-$50 per sq. ft.

Walkways: $8-$20 per sq. ft., depending on materials.

Retaining Walls: $40-$75 per sq. ft., especially if they’re holding back soil.

Outdoor Kitchens: anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on appliances and finishes.

Fire Pits: simple ones may start around $500-$1,500, but custom stone fire pits can reach $5,000+.

Driveways: concrete averages $8-$18 per sq. ft., while pavers can hit $20-$40 per sq. ft.

The bottom line? A small walkway might be a couple of thousand dollars. But if you’re talking about a patio, a wall, and an outdoor kitchen - you could easily be looking at a $30,000-$50,000+ investment.

Factors Affecting Pricing

This is where homeowners sometimes get frustrated. Two neighbors may want the same thing, but the costs come back completely different. Why?

Location

Labor costs vary by region. What’s affordable in the Midwest might be double in coastal California.

Materials

Concrete vs. natural stone is a huge difference. Even paver brands come with different price points.

Site Prep

A flat yard is easy. A sloped yard that needs grading or drainage? That adds thousands.

Design Complexity

Simple shapes and layouts are faster and cheaper. Curves, custom cuts, and lighting integration add up.

Extras

Irrigation, lightning, outdoor sound systems - those aren’t essentials, but many people want them.

It’s like buying a car. Base model vs. fully loaded - same vehicle, wildly different costs.

Budgeting Tips for Homeowners

If you’re thinking about a project, here’s a straightforward way to approach it:

Set a ballpark budget before calling contractors. It helps narrow down options.
Prioritize. Decide what matters the most: is it usable space (patio), visual appeal (plants), or long-term savings (irrigation)?
Ask about phases. You don’t always need to do everything at once. Many contractors can break projects into stages.
Be realistic. Pinterest-perfect yards often come with five-figure price tags. A modest but well-done project can still transform your home.
Plan for maintenance. Landscaping isn’t a one-time cost. Fertilizing, trimming, watering - it all adds up over the years.

Is it Worth the Investment?

Here’s the honest truth: outdoor projects are rarely ‘cheap’. But they are often worth it. A well-designed yard isn’t just pretty - it’s a functional space, curb appeal, and even home value. Studies often show a 100-200% return on landscaping investments when selling a home.

Hardscaping also adds durability. Properly installed patios can last decades, while retaining walls keep drainage problems at bay.

Whereas landscaping can be considered as an aesthetic and functional addition, hardscaping is building a solid framework for your property. This blend makes your property more beautiful and also more livable.

Wrapping It Up

The answer to the question: How much do landscaping and hardscaping services cost, depends. Small upgrades might be a few hundred dollars. Larger projects, tens of thousands. But no matter your budget, there’s usually a way to make your outdoor space better, greener, and more enjoyable.

If you’re ready to take the next step - whether it’s a fresh new lawn, a new patio, or something in between - getting a professional estimate is the smartest way forward.

Let’s transform your yard. Reach out to Larkin Landscape & Design today, and we’ll create a design that fits your space and aligns with your lifestyle & budget.

FAQs

1. Can I save money on DIY?

Planting shrubs or mulch installation is DIY-friendly. But any mistake in patios, retaining walls, or irrigation systems can lead to costly fixes later.

2. Are prices higher in 2025 than before?

In most areas, yes. Material and labor costs have risen steadily. Planning ahead helps lock in quotes.

3. Should I hire one company for both landscaping and hardscaping?

Yes. Our full-service contractors can handle both and ensure design consistency. Splitting between two companies can sometimes lead to mismatched styles.

4. What’s a realistic starting budget for a full-yard makeover?

For most average-sized yards, at least $10,000-$15,000 for combined landscaping and basic hardscaping. Larger or more custom projects can easily double or triple that.