It depends entirely on scope. Small maintenance tasks run $300 to $800, bigger jobs like sod or a sprinkler system land at $2,000 to $4,000, and a complete landscape install averages $10,000 to $20,000. By the square foot, basic work runs about $4 to $12, while hardscaping like patios and retaining walls jumps to $15 to $40. A common guideline is to budget 5 to 10% of your home's value on landscaping over time, starting with high-ROI curb appeal.

Tree removal averages $400 to $1,200 per tree, but size drives everything. A small tree under 30 feet can be $150 to $500, while a large 60 to 80 footer runs $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Stump grinding is usually separate, adding $120 to $400. For a full breakdown by tree size and species, see our tree removal cost guide before you book.

Basic mowing runs $30 to $85 per visit, depending on yard size. Full-service lawn care — mowing, edging, fertilizing, and weed control — costs about $100 to $400 a month, or roughly $1,000 to $3,000 a year for regular service during the growing season. Recurring plans usually cost less per visit than one-off mows. Our lawn care cost breakdown walks through every service and what it should run.

Professional sod installation runs about $0.90 to $2.00 per square foot, including the sod, delivery, and labor. For a typical 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft lawn, that's roughly $2,000 to $3,400. Seeding is cheaper at $0.10 to $0.19 per square foot, but you wait weeks for it to fill in — sod gives you an instant lawn. Soil prep and grading, if needed, are usually quoted separately.

Curb appeal wins every time. A well-maintained lawn and basic plantings return 100 to 200% because they cost little and make a big first impression. Upgrading a front walkway can recoup close to 100%, mature trees add real value, and paver patios return roughly 50 to 80%. The lower-ROI projects tend to be premium backyard features that buyers don't always pay extra for. Start out front, then work back.

Spring and fall are ideal. Spring lets plants establish before summer heat, and fall gives cool-season grasses a strong start. Avoid laying sod or planting in peak summer — heat stress raises watering costs and failure risk. Hardscaping like patios and walls can be done year-round in most climates. One tip: book contractors four to eight weeks ahead in spring, since it's the busiest season.

Go DIY for the simple stuff — mulching, planting flowers, and basic lawn care can save you 40 to 60% on labor. Hire a pro for anything involving hardscaping, grading and drainage, tree removal, or irrigation, where mistakes are expensive and the equipment is specialized. Plenty of homeowners do a hybrid: let a crew install the patio, then plant the surrounding beds yourself to save money.