Landscaping covers everything from weekly mowing to complete redesigns. This guide helps homeowners understand typical costs, choose between maintenance and design providers, and avoid mismatched expectations.
Typical landscaping costs
National ballpark ranges for planning only — not quotes. What you pay depends on scope, materials, access and your local market, so always compare written estimates.
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Lawn mowing (per visit) | $30 – $80 |
| Seasonal cleanup | $200 – $700 |
| Sod installation | $1 – $2+ per sq ft |
| Tree trimming | $300 – $1,500 |
| Irrigation system install | $2,500 – $6,000 |
How landscaping needs vary by region
Climate changes what matters most, what fails first and when to book. Find your region below.
| Region | What changes |
|---|---|
| Hot & humid South AL, AR, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX | Warm-season grasses, heavy summer rain and a long growing season shape lawn care in this region. Ask about turf varieties suited to your area, drainage and irrigation scheduling. |
| Hot & dry Southwest AZ, NM, NV | Water is the central issue in this region. Ask about drought-tolerant plantings, drip irrigation and local watering restrictions. |
| Mixed / four-season DC, DE, KS, KY, MD, MO, NC, OK, TN, VA, WV | Lawns in this region often use cool- and warm-season grasses depending on the region. Fall is a strong time for overseeding and planting. |
| Cold North & Mountain AK, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI, WY | Short growing seasons and winter damage shape landscaping in this region. Ask about hardy plant selections, snow-removal plans and spring and fall cleanups. |
| Mild West Coast CA, OR, WA | Plant choices in this region vary widely between coastal and inland areas. Ask about native, low-water plants and local irrigation rules. |
How to hire the right landscaper
- Decide whether you need ongoing maintenance, a one-time project or a full design.
- Get two or three written quotes with clear scope, frequency and what's excluded.
- For design/build, ask for a plan, plant list and timeline.
- Check insurance and, for tree work or chemical application, required licenses or certifications.
- Confirm payment terms and what happens if plants fail within the first season.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is your crew insured?
- What is included in a standard visit?
- Do you use subcontractors for tree work or irrigation?
- What is the plant warranty, if any?
- Are fertilizer and pesticide applications performed by licensed applicators?
Red flags to watch for
- No insurance, especially for tree work.
- Quotes with no scope or plant list.
- Demands for full payment before starting a large project.
- Unlicensed pesticide application where licensing is required.
Licensing and verification
Basic lawn care usually needs only a business license, but pesticide application, irrigation and tree work are often regulated. Check requirements with your state's department that licenses applicators and with your area.
When to schedule
Plan big planting and seeding projects for the best local planting windows, and book design/build work early in the season.
Frequently asked questions
How much does lawn care cost?
When should I plant?
What's the difference between maintenance and design/build?
Landscaping by city
Local notes for 155 cities — licensing bodies, climate and seasonal timing.
Other guides
AllCityPros is an independent information resource. We do not endorse, rate or vouch for any specific business, and nothing here is professional advice. Cost ranges are national ballparks and are not quotes. Always verify licences, insurance and references yourself.