Landscaping Cost Calculator
Build a yard budget line by line — every rate is editable to match local pricing.
Estimated project cost
$2,498.43
- Topsoil
- $416.67 (9.3 yd³)
- Sod
- $420.00 (700 sq ft)
- Mulch
- $74.07 (1.9 yd³)
- Edging
- $0.00
- Plants
- $0.00
- Labor
- $1,320.00
- Subtotal
- $2,230.74
- Contingency (12%)
- $267.69
- Cost per sq ft
- $2.50/sq ft
Estimates only — regional pricing, access and site conditions move these numbers substantially.
Need only the soil volume? Use the topsoil calculator →
How this is calculated
soil yd³ = (area × depth(in)/12) / 27 mulch yd³ = (area × mulch% × depth(in)/12) / 27 sod cost = area × sod% × price per sq ft labor = crew hours × hourly rate total = (materials + labor) × (1 + contingency%)
Volumes use 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and 12 inches per foot. Every unit price is an input rather than a fixed constant, because landscape material pricing varies more by region and delivery distance than by product.
Typical landscaping price ranges
| Item | Typical range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk topsoil delivered | $25-$60 | per cubic yard |
| Sod installed | $1.00-$2.50 | per sq ft |
| Sod material only | $0.35-$0.90 | per sq ft |
| Hardwood mulch | $30-$55 | per cubic yard |
| Steel or aluminum edging | $5-$12 | per linear foot |
| 3-gallon shrub | $25-$60 | each |
| Landscape labor | $45-$75 | per crew hour |
| Irrigation zone | $500-$1,200 | per zone |
Frequently asked questions
How much does landscaping cost per square foot?
Basic soil-and-seed work often lands between $1 and $4 per square foot, sod and beds push it to $5 to $12, and full designs with hardscape, lighting and irrigation can exceed $20. The spread is driven by how much material is trucked in and how much hand labor the site demands.
Is sod or seed cheaper?
Seed costs a fraction of sod per square foot, but it needs weeks of watering, weed control and often a second overseeding. Sod costs more up front and is usable almost immediately, which matters on slopes where seed washes away before it germinates.
How much mulch do I need?
Beds are typically mulched 2 to 3 inches deep. One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches or 162 square feet at 2 inches. Refresh rather than rebuild each year, since piling new mulch on old suffocates roots.
What percentage should I budget for contingency?
Ten percent is a sensible floor for a straightforward yard, and 15 to 20% is realistic when drainage, buried debris or access problems are possible. Landscaping uncovers surprises more often than most trades because nobody knows what is under the grass.
Does labor or material cost more?
On planting and bed work labor usually runs 50 to 70% of the total, because spreading soil and setting plants is slow manual work. Material dominates only when large volumes of stone, soil or sod are being delivered to an easy-access site.
When is the cheapest time to landscape?
Late fall and very early spring are typically the softest pricing windows, since crews have gaps in the schedule and nurseries discount stock. Mid-spring is the most expensive because everyone wants their yard finished at the same time.
All figures are planning estimates that vary by region, season and contractor. They are not quotes and not professional design or engineering advice — get written bids before committing.