Have you imagined a perfect outdoor space you’d love to build? A detailed landscape design can bring that to life. At an average landscape design cost of $4,590, homeowners can get a design package to remodel their property’s front or backyard.
Design costs vary depending on the size and location of the project and how sophisticated your design is, but most people pay between $1,960 and $7,220 to hire a landscape designer.
Please note that these prices are for the design only. Once the project is underway, there will be separate costs for landscape installation.
Here is everything this cost guide covers:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by project complexity
- Landscape design cost by type of design
- Landscape designer rates
- Cost of popular landscape materials
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average landscape design costs in 2025
| National average cost | $4,590 |
| Typical price range | $1,955 – $7,220 |
| Extreme low end cost | $500 |
| Extreme high end cost | $15,000 |
Most landscape designers charge $4,590 on average for a design plan. However, prices can range from $1,955 to $7,220. At the low end of the price scale, a project for a quarter-acre outdoor space with simple native plants or a stone path costs $500. Complex garden plans tend to cost the most, around $15,000.
For small residential projects such as planting trees or installing a patio, some landscape designers charge $50 to $150 per hour for a 1-2 hour consultation in the initial stages of the design process.
Landscape design cost estimator by project complexity
The average landscape design cost per square foot varies significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project. Consequently, the cost per square foot is higher for more extensive and complicated projects requiring a landscape architect’s services than for a simple garden design.
Be prepared to pay, on average, between $5 and $45 per square foot for landscape design:
| Project complexity | Cost per square foot |
| Basic design | $5 – $10 |
| Intermediate design | $5 – $15 |
| Full-scale design | $15 – $45 |
Landscape design cost by type of design
The type of landscaping you choose can also significantly affect the overall cost of the design. Here are some of your options and their associated costs:
- Residential garden design costs are lower than typical landscape design. The average cost is between $0.05 and $0.15 per square foot, regardless of the type of home garden design.
- Small garden design prices often depend on size, location, and complexity. The cost per square foot plus installation ranges from $5 to $20, with design costs alone ranging from $0.05 to $0.75 per square foot.
- Xeriscape design typically costs more—between $10,000 and $30,000. However, xeriscaping uses less water, fertilizer, and herbicides to reduce lawn maintenance costs and environmental impact.
Landscape designer rates
The price that landscape designers charge for their designs varies from design firm to design frim. Some charge a flat rate for each design plan, while others charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the overall project cost.
| Pricing model | Typical rates |
| By design plan | $300 – $15,000 per plan |
| Hourly rate | $50 – $150 per hour |
| Flat rate based on project complexity | Varies for specific projects |
| Percentage | 15% – 20% of total project cost |
Design plan
Designers who charge per design charge somewhere between $300 and $15,000, with most charging an average of $6,000.
Hourly rate
Some designers charge $50 to $150 per hour, plus an average of $50 to $80 for an initial consultation to create designs and revisions. This price can go up to $200 per hour if designers offer more direct on-site supervision of landscape contractors.
Project rate
Landscape designers sometimes charge flat rates for projects based on the estimated hours the project will take. Remember that a project-based rate limits the number of design revisions and excludes time spent with landscapers.
Percent rate
As a fee, designers can charge you a percentage of your overall landscaping budget. For small and medium garden projects, they typically charge 15% to 20% of the client’s budget.
Cost of popular landscape design materials
Designers usually suggest the best materials for the design, your budget, and your home. Below are some common landscaping materials and their costs to give you an idea of how much you’ll pay for materials (on top of the cost of the design itself).
| Material | Typical cost range |
| Crushed stone | $35 – $67 per ton |
| Brick | $6.25 – $11 per sq ft |
| Pavers | $5 – $25 per sq ft |
| Stone | $7 – $20 per sq ft |
| Pea gravel | $25 – $75 per ton |
| Sod | $0.65 – $1.50 per sq ft |
Other factors that affect cost
Other minor factors can affect the cost of a landscape design, such as the following.
Experience level
A regular landscape designer charges $50 to $150 per hour. You will need to pay more for a highly skilled designer or a reputable design firm with many successes. Newer designers just starting out aren’t necessarily worse than old pros, but their rates tend to be lower.
Property size
The size of your property will determine how long the design process will take and, therefore, how much you will be charged by the designers. Established designers charge between $7,500 and $16,000 for larger spaces.
Season
Due to the increased volume of consultations, costs are usually higher if you hire a designer in the spring and summer than in the winter, when there is less demand for landscaping services.
There are several landscape features you can incorporate into your design project. These features will incur additional labor and material costs beyond the design work. You may have to hire a separate landscape contractor to do the actual installation.
Pergola
A pergola can be a great addition to your outdoor living space, providing elegance and refreshing shade. On average, the cost to install a pergola ranges from $2,100 to $6,000.
Outdoor kitchen
Homeowners who love to cook out might consider incorporating kitchen elements, such as a stove, grill, sink, and dining area, in a backyard landscape design. Installing an outdoor kitchen typically costs from $5,060 to $17,275.
Fire pit
A fire pit in your backyard can be a gathering place for family and friends, especially on cold winter nights. A fire pit costs about $250 to $2,200 to install, which is pretty affordable when you consider that fire pits add functionality to your landscape and increase home value.
Landscape curbing
Landscape curbing is more durable than traditional edging materials. It keeps mulch in place and prevents grass from growing into beds. Landscape curbing projects typically cost between $710 and $2,200.
Cost of landscape design by location
How much landscape designers charge can also depend on where you hire them. While the price varies by region and market, quality usually comes with a higher price. You’ll find simple gardens that cost less in rural areas and more elaborate designs in urban or suburban areas. Also, labor rates tend to get higher as you get closer to a metro area.
FAQ
No. You shouldn’t attempt to DIY landscape architecture or design yourself. If you do the work yourself, you run the risk of causing long-lasting property damage and costly successive attempts to fix the initial errors. Landscape design is about much more than just scribbling a few ideas on paper.
The type of project and the amount you’re willing to spend is a determining factor. If your project is a small residential garden, you should hire a landscape designer. On the other hand, you can hire a landscape architect if it’s a large commercial project.
That said, if money is no object, you can hire them both for any project size.
It depends on the landscaping project. But in general, a standard landscape plan should include natural elements such as trees, plants, and flowers, as well as artificial ones like sheds, fountains, outdoor furniture, and the like. Projects with complex designs may include retaining walls and lawn-related elements.
Final thoughts
The cost of landscape designs can be high, but a well-thought-out landscape increases home value. It’s always best to start a new landscape or renovation with a professional design. Without a plan, you could blow your budget or end up with a design that turns into an installation nightmare.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Unsplash
