How much do landscapers charge per hour is a common question among homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. Landscaping as a service involves a range of tasks, from basic lawn maintenance to complex garden designs and hardscaping projects. These services not only improve curb appeal but also increase property value. However, before hiring a professional, it’s essential to understand the potential costs involved. Knowing the landscaping cost per hour can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Prices can change based on the landscaper’s experience, location, and the extent of the work. On average, the landscaping hourly rate typically ranges from $50 to $100, though specialized services may cost more. Understanding these charges upfront ensures you’re making an informed decision when investing in your outdoor environment.
Average Hourly Landscaping Rates in 2025
As of 2025, the average landscaping cost per hour in the U.S. falls between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on factors like location, scope of work, and the experience of the landscaping team. On average:
- National Average: $70 per hour
- Low-End Services (basic lawn care): $35–$50 per hour
- High-End Services (design, hardscaping, irrigation): $90–$150+ per hour
Residential vs Commercial Landscaping Rates
Landscaping pricing can differ significantly based on the type of property. Commercial jobs tend to be larger in scale and require more manpower, advanced equipment, and ongoing maintenance contracts, which generally push the hourly rate higher.
Service Type | Residential (per hour) | Commercial (per hour) |
Lawn Mowing | $35–$55 | $45–$65 |
Landscape Design | $60–$100 | $80–$120 |
Irrigation Systems | $75–$110 | $90–$140 |
Seasonal Cleanups | $50–$80 | $60–$90 |
Hourly vs. Flat Rate Pricing: What’s Best for You?
When hiring a landscaper, it’s important to understand the difference between hourly pricing and flat rate pricing:
- Hourly Pricing: Best for small, short-term projects like lawn mowing or seasonal cleanup. It gives flexibility, especially when the scope of work may change.
- Flat Rate Pricing: Ideal for larger or long-term projects like complete landscape installations or patio construction. This model provides a fixed cost and avoids surprise charges.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose hourly if: The project requires flexibility, is continuous, or is uncertain.
- Choose flat rate if: you have a well-defined project with a clear beginning and end.
You can also read about Landscaping design services in the Bay area.
Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot
While many homeowners are familiar with the cost of a landscaper per hour, another common way landscaping services are priced is per square foot—especially for larger or more complex projects. This pricing model is often used for full landscape design and installation, where the total area has a big impact on labor, materials, and planning.
Per Square Foot vs. Per Hour: What’s the Difference?
- Per Hour: Ideal for tasks like ongoing maintenance, where time spent is the biggest cost factor. The landscaping hourly rate typically ranges from $50 to $100 per hour.
- Per Square Foot: Used for one-time or large-scale projects like new landscaping installs, grading, or sod installation. This gives a clearer idea of total cost based on property size.
Typical Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot (2025)
Service Type | Price Range (Per Sq. Ft.) | Notes |
Basic Lawn Maintenance | $0.05 – $0.25 | Includes mowing, edging, and basic upkeep. Usually billed hourly for small jobs. |
Sod Installation | $0.90 – $2.00 | Based on material choice and prep work. |
Full Landscape Design | $5.00 – $20.00+ | Includes design, planting, irrigation, lighting, and hardscaping. |
For example, a full landscape design project on a 2,000 sq. ft. yard could range from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on features and materials chosen.
How Square Footage Affects Total Price
The larger the area, the more labor and materials are needed—which can increase total cost significantly. While a small backyard makeover might be manageable at a higher per-square-foot rate, larger properties often benefit from negotiated bulk pricing or a combination of square-foot and hourly rates.
Many professionals calculate both the landscaping hourly rate and the per-square-foot cost to estimate a fair, accurate quote.
Which Pricing Model Should You Choose?
- Use per square foot for design-heavy or large-scale projects.
- Use per hour if you’re paying for maintenance or labor-driven tasks where time is the main variable.
For Landscape construction service in the Bay area contact Lakota Design Group.
Factors That Affect Landscaping Costs
Whether you’re planning a small garden upgrade or a full-scale outdoor transformation, understanding what drives the price of landscaping services can help you budget more accurately. Beyond the average landscaping cost per hour, several key factors come into play when calculating your final project price.
1. Labor: Experience & Crew Size
The biggest contributor to landscaping expenses is frequently labor. A landscaper’s hourly rate might vary from $50 to $100, depending on:
- Experience level: Highly skilled designers or specialists (e.g., irrigation or lighting experts) charge more.
- Crew size: Larger teams may complete projects faster but may also charge more per hour collectively.
2. Type of Service
Different landscaping services come with varying price points:
Service Type | Impact on Cost |
Design Services | Higher due to planning, blueprints, and consultations. |
Installation | Medium to high, especially with features like patios or retaining walls. |
Maintenance | Typically lower, often billed hourly and ongoing. |
The average landscaping cost per hour can increase with specialized services like stonework or water feature installation.
3. Project Size & Complexity
The bigger and more intricate your landscaping vision, the higher the overall cost. A flat lawn refresh will cost far less than a tiered garden with lighting, irrigation, and custom walkways. Larger projects often blend hourly and square-foot pricing models.
4. Equipment & Materials
From sod and mulch to pavers, pergolas, and smart irrigation systems, materials can add up quickly. Additionally, specialized equipment like trenchers, excavators, or grading machines may incur rental or transport fees, raising the cost of landscaper per hour if extra labor is needed.
5. Seasonality & Location
- High-demand seasons (spring and early summer) often come with premium rates due to increased demand.
- Geographic region plays a role as well. For instance, urban or coastal areas typically have higher labor and material costs than rural regions.
6. Permits & Special Considerations
If your project involves structural changes, tree removal, or water systems, permits may be required—adding time and cost. HOAs or municipal codes might also affect design choices or installation timelines.
Hourly vs. Flat Rate Pricing | What’s Best for You?
When hiring a landscaping professional, one of the most important decisions is understanding how you’ll be charged: hourly vs flat rate pricing. Each model comes with its own pros and cons, and the right choice depends on the type and scope of your project.
What Is Hourly Pricing?
Hourly pricing is based on the amount of time a landscaper spends on your project. The landscaping cost per hour in 2025 typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the service type and location.
- Example: A 2-hour lawn mowing session at $60/hour = $120 total.
Pros of Hourly Pricing
- Flexible for small or ongoing tasks.
- Great when the project scope may change.
- You pay only for the time worked.
Cons of Hourly Pricing
- Harder to predict final cost for larger projects.
- Slow workers or unexpected delays can increase your total.
- May not include materials or equipment costs.
What Is Flat Rate Pricing?
Flat rate pricing means you’re quoted a fixed price for the entire project, regardless of how long it takes. This is common for larger or more structured landscaping jobs like full garden installations or patio construction.
- Example: A complete front yard landscape design quoted at $8,000, no matter the number of labor hours.
Pros of Flat Rate Pricing
- Clear, upfront cost—great for budgeting.
- Easier to compare quotes from different landscapers.
- No surprises if the job takes longer than expected.
Cons of Flat Rate Pricing
- You may pay more if the job ends up taking less time.
- Changes to the original plan might incur additional fees.
- Less flexibility if your needs evolve during the project.
When to Choose Hourly vs. Flat Rate
Project Type | Best Pricing Model |
Regular lawn maintenance | Hourly |
One-time seasonal cleanups | Hourly |
Full landscape installations | Flat Rate |
Hardscaping (patios, walls) | Flat Rate |
Design consultations | Often hourly |
Custom/complex jobs | Depends—hybrid possible |
Final Thoughts
So, how much do landscapers charge per hour? In 2025, the cost of landscaper per hour typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the service type, project complexity, and your location. Whether you’re looking for regular lawn maintenance, seasonal cleanups, or a complete outdoor transformation, understanding the landscaping cost per hour can help you plan and budget more effectively.
If you’re looking for expert guidance or a quote tailored to your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lakota Design Group. We specialize in creative, functional landscape solutions designed around your lifestyle and space. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and bring your outdoor vision to life!
FAQs
What Is The Average Hourly Rate For Landscapers In 2025?
The average landscaping cost per hour in 2025 typically ranges between $50 and $100. This rate can vary based on location, the complexity of the project, and the landscaper’s experience.
Why Do Landscaping Rates Vary So Much By Hour?
Landscaping rates can differ based on several factors, such as the type of service provided (e.g., design, maintenance, hardscaping), the landscaper’s experience, the size and complexity of the project, and regional price variations.
How Do I Know If Hourly Pricing Is Right For My Landscaping Project?
Hourly pricing works best for smaller, ongoing tasks like routine lawn mowing, seasonal cleanups, or when you’re uncertain about the scope of the project. It’s also ideal if you need flexibility in scheduling.
Can Hourly Rates Increase Over Time?
Yes, landscaping hourly rates can change due to factors such as inflation, seasonal demand, or increased skill and experience of the landscaping team. Rates can also be affected by the cost of materials and equipment.
Are There Additional Costs Beyond The Hourly Rate?
Yes, in addition to the cost of landscaper per hour, you may also incur costs for materials, equipment rental, and transportation. Always confirm with your landscaper what’s included in the quoted hourly rate.
