Best Landscaping Ideas Guide

Landscaping ideas can spruce up your front or backyard as well as grant some serious curb appeal. If you’re interested in spending more time outside or if you might be selling your home in the near future, a landscaping project may be perfect for your yard. 

How Much Does a Landscaping Project Cost?

The cost of landscaping projects will depend on the landscaping ideas that you have in mind. Small, basis projects can cost an average of $500 to $750. These projects typically involve little to no construction, are spread out over an area of less than 1,000 square feet and are simple. 

For larger or more complex projects, the cost of landscaping can quickly add up. It is not uncommon for massive projects to come with a price tag of $20,000 or more. Therefore, you will need to base your overall price estimate on the type of landscaping service you are looking for. 

The Top 5 Landscaping Ideas

If you’re looking for great landscaping ideas, consider one of these top five popular landscaping projects. 

1. Installing a Patio

Patios are a great addition to almost any home. Having a patio adds a place that you, your family, and your guests may socialize. Patios are great for outdoor furniture, including tables, chairs, and children play areas. If you enjoy a good BBQ, having a patio can open up even more arrangements. 

Patios are one of the more complex and expensive additions that you can add to your home with average costs ranging anywhere between $3,000 and $50,000. The price of a patio installation can vary based on extra features, materials, and the contractors within your area. 

2. Slope Your Lawn

Is your lawn full of slopes, mole holes, or other changes in leveling? You can have your lawn resloped for a modest fee. This is often an important project if you intend to complete further landscaping, depending on the current leveling of your lawn. Resloping can cost between $500 and $1,000 on average. 

3. Installing a Fountain or Pond

Fountains and ponds are a great landscaping idea as they offer a relaxing, tranquil place to socialize or enjoy the outdoors. The cost of a fountain or pound will depend on its size and complexity with ponds typically coming with the larger price tag. 

4. Installing Outdoor Lighting 

Outdoor lighting can increase safety within your yard, allow for evening get-togethers and impact the overall design of your front or backyard. Lighting can become pricy, depending on the type of lighting that you’re looking for and if wiring will be involved in the project. Lighting projects include pathway lights, spotlights, string lights, and floodlights. 

5. Installing a Sprinkler System 

If you have a garden, floral arrangements, or you live in a dryer climate — an irrigation system may be a good landscaping project for your property. The cost of sprinkler system installation is generally determined by square footage. Average costs are between 75 cents and $1 per square foot. 

What if you need help with your landscaping design?
If you need help with your landscape design, you can hire a landscape designer. These designers can help you create a design for your front or backyard. Designs may be designed upon the layout, size, and existing features of your yard. 

A landscape designer may make suggestions such as: 

  • Pathways
  • Patios
  • Driveways
  • Fire pits
  • Plants, floral arrangements, trees and shrubbery
  • Lighting
Designers generally cost between $50 and $75 per hour. However, the exact fees that you may face will depend on the designers within your area. 

Comparing Landscaping Companies in Your Area

While some smaller landscaping projects can be completed on your own, it is best to handle larger and more complex projects to the professionals. 

Once you have your landscape design in mind, it is worth taking the time to review the various companies within your local area. Price, ability, specialties and timeframe can all vary by the company that you choose to go with. By reviewing and comparing multiple landscaping companies, you will gain the opportunity to select the right contractor for you. 

Know what you want before contacting a company, unless you are looking for a designer. Write it down, and prepared to provide all of the details to the contractor as the details of your project can change its complexity, size, and price. 

While price should be a factor, it is important to take incredibly low offers with a grain of salt. Check reviews for a company to help you make an informed decision, such as using websites like Yelp or checking Google reviews.

Ask potential landscaping companies about the services that they provide. Consider asking questions like: 

  • How long has the company been in business? 
  • Is the company a part of any professional landscaping or construction organizations? 
  • Does the company have insurance? 
  • Does the company offer any guarantees? 
  • Can the company provide you with photos from previous projects? 
By asking the right questions, you can determine if a company is the right choice for you and your project.