How much does monthly landscaping cost is a common question homeowners ask when planning to maintain their outdoor spaces year-round. Understanding these costs is essential for budgeting effectively and avoiding surprise expenses. Several key factors influence the final price tag, including your location, the types of services you need, property size, and even the landscaping cost per hour charged by professionals. Whether you’re looking at routine lawn maintenance or more detailed care, expenses can vary significantly. For example, the small yard landscaping cost may be much lower than that of a large or complex property. This guide breaks down the average landscaping costs to help homeowners make informed decisions and invest wisely in their outdoor environments.
Average Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot
How much does monthly landscaping cost per square foot? It depends on the level of service provided and the size of the property. When you hear the term landscaping cost per square foot, it usually includes basic maintenance tasks such as mowing, edging, trimming, and routine irrigation system checks. These services ensure that your outdoor space remains clean, healthy, and visually appealing throughout the month.
For basic maintenance, the average landscaping cost per square foot typically ranges from $0.05 to $0.20 per sq. ft. Smaller residential yards usually fall at the lower end of this range, while more complex or larger spaces may climb higher due to increased labor and time requirements.
For example:
- A 1,000 sq. ft. yard at $0.10/sq. ft. would cost around $100 per month.
- A 5,000 sq. ft. yard at $0.08/sq. ft. would cost about $400 per month.
- Larger commercial properties or estates may negotiate customized packages, especially if frequent visits are needed.
In addition to square footage, many landscaping companies also charge a landscaping cost per hour for specialty services not covered under flat rates, such as seasonal planting, hardscape maintenance, or irrigation repairs. These hourly rates typically range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the task and the local labor market.
Ultimately, both the landscaping cost per square foot and landscaping cost per hour influence the total monthly bill, especially for properties requiring a combination of routine care and occasional upgrades.
Average Landscaping Labor Rates Per Hour
When calculating the landscaping cost per hour, homeowners typically pay between $50 to $100 per hour for professional landscaping labor. This rate reflects the skill level of the crew, regional pricing, and the type of services being performed. Whether you’re scheduling regular maintenance or a one-time improvement, understanding labor costs is key to staying on budget.
What Affects Hourly Landscaping Rates?
Several factors influence the landscaping labor rate per hour:
- Location and Market Rates: In high-demand urban areas like the Bay Area or other parts of California, labor tends to be on the higher end of the spectrum, sometimes exceeding $100/hour. In contrast, rural or suburban areas might average closer to $50–$70/hour.
- Crew Size and Project Duration: A larger crew may charge more per hour but complete tasks faster. Conversely, a smaller crew might be cheaper but extend the project timeline. Efficiency plays a big role in how the final cost adds up.
- Type of Service Provided: Standard lawn care (mowing, trimming, blowing) costs less than specialized services like irrigation repairs, hardscape work, or installing landscape lighting. Skilled tasks usually require licensed professionals, driving up hourly costs.
- Residential vs. Commercial Projects: Commercial landscaping often involves stricter timelines, larger areas, and more equipment, which increases the landscaping cost per hour. Residential landscaping tends to be more flexible and slightly less expensive.
Hourly Labor: One-Time Tasks vs. Monthly Services
Hourly rates are commonly used for one-time services such as:
- Yard cleanups
- Seasonal mulch application
- Sod or turf installation
- Planting trees or shrubs
- Irrigation troubleshooting
In contrast, ongoing monthly services — such as weekly lawn mowing, edging, and pruning — are typically billed on a flat monthly rate or by the landscaping cost per square foot, offering predictable pricing. However, extra tasks outside the regular scope are often billed by the hour.
If you’re planning a landscape makeover, labor will make up a significant portion of your budget. For instance, the average cost to landscape a front yard can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, and labor alone might account for up to 50% of that total — especially if the project involves complex design elements, grading, or material installation.
You may read about How Much Does River Rock Cost For Landscaping?
Average Monthly Landscaping Cost
How much does monthly landscaping cost? On average, homeowners across the U.S. can expect to pay between $100 to $400 per month for routine landscape maintenance. This monthly cost typically covers basic upkeep services that help keep your outdoor space looking clean, healthy, and attractive year-round. However, prices can vary depending on property size, service frequency, complexity of the landscape, and the region — with premium markets like California often on the higher end of the scale.
What’s Typically Included in Monthly Landscaping Services?
A standard monthly landscaping package includes a mix of maintenance tasks designed to protect your investment and improve curb appeal. Common services include:
- Lawn mowing and edging along walkways and flower beds
- Trimming of shrubs and hedges to maintain shape and growth
- Leaf blowing and debris cleanup for a polished appearance
- Fertilization schedules tailored to local climate and grass types
- Pest control treatments to prevent lawn and plant damage
- Irrigation system checks to ensure efficient water use
These services are scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly based on your needs. Smaller residential properties often fall toward the lower end of the monthly range, while larger estates or custom landscapes with specialty plants and lighting may approach or exceed $400/month.
Seasonal Changes and Custom Service Costs
Monthly costs may fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonal needs:
- Spring often requires mulching, planting, and fertilizing.
- Summer may bring added irrigation system checks and weed control.
- Fall typically involves leaf removal and preparation for winter dormancy.
- Winter in mild climates like California may still include trimming and cleanup.
Custom services such as installing landscape lighting, seasonal planting, or artificial turf can also increase the monthly cost, especially if those services are added outside of routine maintenance. If you’re considering expanding your outdoor space or enhancing its functionality, specialized work may be priced separately or billed hourly.
Full-Service Landscaping in the Bay Area
For homeowners and businesses seeking more than just maintenance, Lakota Design Group offers comprehensive landscape installation services in the Bay Area. Whether you’re installing a new garden layout, hardscaping with pavers, or integrating outdoor lighting and artificial turf, our team manages every detail — from design to project execution.
Working with a professional firm like Lakota Design Group ensures:
- Efficient planning that reduces long-term maintenance costs
- Expert design tailored to Bay Area microclimates
- Seamless integration of softscapes and hardscapes
- A one-stop solution for design, installation, and upkeep
We tailor our monthly service plans based on your unique property needs, ensuring consistent care and lasting results.
Average Cost of Landscaping a Backyard
How much does it cost to landscape a backyard? Unlike monthly maintenance, backyard landscaping is a one-time, project-based investment that transforms your outdoor space through design, installation, and customization. It’s more than mowing and trimming — it’s about creating a personalized environment that reflects your lifestyle, enhances functionality, and boosts your home’s value.
On average, the cost to landscape a backyard ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 for a professionally designed and installed project. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the size of the yard, the complexity of the design, and the features you choose to include.
What’s Included in a Full Backyard Landscaping Project?
When investing in backyard landscaping, you’re typically paying for more than just plant installation. A comprehensive project often includes:
- Landscape design planning (2D/3D renderings, layout plans)
- Excavation and grading to ensure proper drainage
- Soil preparation and planting of shrubs, trees, or garden beds
- Hardscaping elements like patios, pavers, retaining walls, or walkways
- Artificial turf installation, which can cost between $8 to $15 per sq. ft.
- Landscape lighting systems, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000
- Irrigation system installation, costing between $1,500 to $4,000
- Outdoor living features like fire pits, seating areas, or pergolas
Each of these features contributes to the total project cost. For example:
- A small backyard makeover with simple turf, a walkway, and lighting might be around $7,500
- A mid-range project with turf, garden beds, irrigation, and a patio may fall near $12,000
- A high-end custom backyard with lighting, hardscape, smart irrigation, and built-in seating could exceed $20,000
Key Differences from Monthly Maintenance
While monthly landscaping costs focus on upkeep — such as mowing, trimming, and fertilizing — backyard landscaping is about creating the environment itself. Once the installation is complete, homeowners may then sign up for routine maintenance to protect their investment and keep the yard in pristine condition.
Choose Lakota Design Group for Backyard Projects
At Lakota Design Group, we specialize in turning backyard visions into reality. Our landscape installation services in the Bay Area are tailored to each property, blending aesthetic design with functional features like artificial turf, custom lighting, and sustainable irrigation systems.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an outdated yard, our experienced team handles everything — from concept and design to final installation. With over 49 years of experience in the industry, Lakota Design Group ensures quality craftsmanship, timely project delivery, and long-term satisfaction.
If you’re ready to invest in a beautifully landscaped backyard that suits your lifestyle and adds value to your home, let Lakota Design Group help you bring it to life.
Monthly Landscaping Cost by Project Size
How much does monthly landscaping cost based on yard size? The size of your property is one of the most significant factors in determining monthly landscaping expenses. Larger properties require more labor, time, and equipment — which naturally increases the overall cost. However, complexity matters too. Even a small yard with intricate landscaping features can cost more than a simple, open lawn.
Below is a breakdown of monthly landscaping cost by project size, with typical ranges and what homeowners can expect:
Small Yards (Under 1,000 sq. ft.)
- Cost Range: $50–$150/month
- Services Included: Mowing, edging, leaf blowing, basic trimming
- These properties are often easier to maintain due to limited square footage and fewer plant beds. However, if the design includes detailed elements like flower borders, delicate hedging, or custom lighting, the small yard landscaping cost may reach the upper end of the range.
For example, the average cost to landscape a front yard in this category, if you’re starting fresh with turf, plants, and minimal hardscape, could run around $3,000 to $6,000, followed by affordable monthly upkeep.
Medium Yards (1,000–5,000 sq. ft.)
- Cost Range: $150–$300/month
- Services Included: Routine lawn care, hedge trimming, fertilization, basic irrigation checks
- Medium-sized yards often feature more diverse plant material, small trees, garden beds, and larger turf areas. The additional square footage requires longer service times and more resources, especially during active growing seasons.
- Upgrades like smart irrigation controllers or seasonal color changes may increase the monthly price slightly but enhance long-term curb appeal.
Large Yards (5,000+ sq. ft.)
- Cost Range: $300–$600+/month
- Services Included: Full-scale lawn care, tree maintenance, pest control, advanced irrigation monitoring, seasonal planting
- Large properties are more labor-intensive and may include multiple landscape zones, slopes, water features, or integrated lighting systems. Custom features and maintenance-intensive plantings can push costs well beyond $600/month, especially in upscale residential areas or estates.
How Property Complexity Affects Monthly Cost
Beyond square footage, the complexity of the landscape plays a major role in pricing:
- Sloped terrains may require specialized mowing equipment or erosion control.
- Plant variety means more pruning, feeding, and pest management.
- Irrigation systems with multiple zones or drip lines require regular inspection and maintenance.
- Hardscape features (like patios, retaining walls, and pathways) may also need occasional cleaning or repairs.
These factors can raise the monthly service rate regardless of the property’s size, particularly in custom-designed landscapes.
Final Thoughts
How much does monthly landscaping cost? On average, homeowners spend between $50 to $600+ per month, depending on yard size, service frequency, and landscape complexity. Small yards typically cost less, while larger or detailed properties with lighting, turf, or irrigation require more maintenance.
If you’re looking for reliable, professional landscaping in the Bay Area, Lakota Design Group offers expert design, installation, and monthly care services. We tailor every project to your specific needs and goals.
Contact Lakota Design Group today to get a personalized landscaping plan that keeps your outdoor space beautiful year-round.
FAQs
How Much Does Monthly Landscaping Cost For A Small Yard?
For a small yard under 1,000 sq. ft., monthly landscaping typically costs between $50 and $150. This usually includes mowing, edging, and basic trimming.
What Is Included In A Standard Monthly Landscaping Service?
Most monthly landscaping plans include lawn mowing, edging, trimming, leaf blowing, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation system checks. Some providers may also offer seasonal planting or weed management.
Why Do Monthly Landscaping Costs Vary So Much?
Costs depend on factors like property size, plant variety, service frequency, terrain (flat or sloped), and additional features such as lighting or irrigation systems. Larger or more complex landscapes require more labor and time.
Is It Cheaper To Pay For Landscaping Monthly Or Hourly?
Monthly packages are often more cost-effective for routine maintenance, while hourly rates (usually $50–$100/hour) are better suited for one-time tasks or custom projects.
Does Monthly Landscaping Include Irrigation And Lighting Maintenance?
Basic plans may include irrigation checks, but lighting maintenance is often considered an add-on service. It’s best to confirm with your provider what’s included in your monthly plan.
