Landscaping Costs: What Are the Prices in 2026?

As spring arrives, it’s only natural to critically assess the state of your yard and consider which landscaping projects to undertake, especially when evaluating how much landscaping costs and overall landscaping costs in Canada. What’s the average cost to revitalize your lawn or install a fence? How much should you budget for building a deck or pergola, and how much it costs to landscape a backyard efficiently? What materials offer the best value in terms of budget and durability?

If the to-do list is long, it’s even more important to stay on budget. To find out if your ambitions are realistic, read on for practical information and tips to help you make the right choices.

How Much Do Landscaping Services Cost? Pricing Examples and More, Including a Detailed Landscaping Prices List

Source: Construction CMP inc.

Laying Sod and Seeding Prices

Is your lawn looking a little worse for wear? You might need to reseed it, unless you prefer to lay sod. But how much can you expect to pay to make your lawn the envy of the neighbourhood and manage your average landscaping costs?

If you choose to reseed, you’ll need to add enough garden soil first, which can cost between $1,000 and $10,000 for a 5,000-square-foot area, or $0.20 to $2 per square foot, aligning with the cost of landscaping per square foot. For reseeding alone, expect to pay between $500 and $4,000, or $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot.

Prefer sod? Keep in mind that proper installation requires levelling the ground, staggering seams during placement, and watering thoroughly afterward. Installing sod will cost approximately $1,750 to $20,000 for a 5,000-square-foot yard, or $0.35 to $4 per square foot, contributing to your overall landscaping price estimate.

The Cost of Installing a Fence

Your fence is an important feature that defines your property’s boundaries. If it can’t be repaired, you might be curious about the cost of replacement and installation per linear foot, based on the material, as part of your total landscaping costs:

• Aluminum: $45 to $150

• Ornamental iron: $150 to $300

• Chain link: $60 to $100

• Treated wood and PVC: $60 to $100

• PVC: $55 to $100

Deck Construction: Cost Per Square Foot

A deck or any sort of outdoor lounge area is the go-to spot to enjoy beautiful, sunny days. Given that it’s one of the focal points of your backyard and where you’ll host guests, your old, rickety deck might be in dire need of a revamp, impacting your average landscaping cost.

Here’s a rundown of the average costs currently in effect for deck installations, useful for any landscaping prices list:

• Composite wood: $50–$90 per square foot

• Western red cedar: $45–$65 per square foot

• Pavers: $25–$45 per square foot

• Roasted/torrefied wood: $50–$70 per square foot

• Treated wood: $35–$65 per square foot

• Concrete: $45–$80 per square foot

• Exotic wood (teak/ipe): $10–$30 (excluding installation)

• Fibreglass: $20–$55 per square foot ($3–$5 for sanding)

Note that treated wood and red cedar are under a limited lifetime warranty, whereas composite wood has a 25-year warranty.

For those seeking eco-friendly options, consider bamboo, which costs between $6–$16 per square foot. Since it grows quickly and is mould- and insect-resistant (provided the wood is treated accordingly before installation), it makes for a great alternative to other exotic woods, such as teak or ipe. However, note that such species need an oil-based treatment to prevent fading over time.

How Much Should You Budget to Build a Pergola?

This small haven of peace, sheltered from the sun and intended for relaxation, is often considered an extension of the indoors to the outdoors. Since it is a more complete structure than a traditional patio, its price is also higher and contributes to overall landscaping costs.

Among the options available to you are the attached, freestanding, or removable pergola. The first type is attached to the façade of the terrace or garden, giving the terrace a modern look. The second is more of a free-standing installation. As for the last type, as the name suggests, it is primarily a temporary installation. Regardless of which type of pergola your heart leans toward, the price you will pay for it will be directly related to the material from which it is made.

For an aluminum pergola, prices will range from $1,000 to $5000. For a vinyl model, you should budget between $500 and $5,000. What about a wooden or metal pergola? For each, you’ll pay between $1,000 and $7,000 and between $800 and $6,000, respectively.

How Much Do Professional Landscapers Charge on Average Per Hour?

Source: Reno Quotes

If you are considering rethinking the design of your yard or believe that the placement of several elements needs to be redesigned, working with a landscape architect might be an idea worth considering when evaluating how much landscaping costs.

After analyzing your terrain and its specifics, and taking into account your functional and aesthetic needs, they can present several landscaping proposals. For example, the design of a façade and the necessary plan for its implementation could cost between $2,000 and $7,000.

Not only will the architect handle the conceptual aspect of your project, but they can also oversee each step of its execution. For the services of a landscape architect, you will need to pay between $50 and $100 per hour. Since this is a significant investment, don’t hesitate to request multiple quotes.

In case you mainly need professionals to carry out the work, you might choose to hire a landscaper. Keep in mind that they are usually paid a flat fee depending on the scope of the work to be done. Once again, we emphasize the importance of obtaining multiple quotes to ensure you pay the best price possible for the types of services offered.

How Much Does Landscaping Maintenance Cost Per Month?

Landscaping maintenance generally costs between $100 and $200 per month, including general garden upkeep and lawn treatments. The total cost varies depending on the size of your property and the extent of the work required, contributing to your average landscaping costs.

Factors Influencing Landscaping Prices

Source: Canadian Constructor Creations Inc.

The Complexity of the Terrain

The terrain on which landscaping work is carried out has a major impact on costs and overall landscaping price. An uneven surface, a steep slope, or natural obstacles (such as rocks or tree roots) often require additional work for leveling, drainage, and stabilization. These more technical and time-consuming operations drive up the bill due to the labour and equipment required.

The Quality of the Chosen Materials

The choice of materials used for a landscaping project has a decisive influence on the total cost. High-end pavers, natural stones, mature plants, or rare tree species are more expensive than standard materials or younger plants. Although more costly, these options often provide superior durability and aesthetics, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.

The Accessibility of the Site

The accessibility of the work site can complicate interventions and increase labour costs. If the site is difficult to access, professionals may need to use specialized equipment, such as cranes or lifting machines, which leads to additional fees. Furthermore, projects located in urban areas, where traffic and parking restrictions are common, often have higher costs compared to rural sites.

The Level of Expertise Required

Certain landscaping features require specific skills and extensive expertise, such as retaining walls, water features, or complex irrigation systems. Hiring qualified professionals who can guarantee safe and durable work is reflected in the higher hourly rate charged for these specialized services. This expertise is a wise investment, as it ensures a high-quality result that will withstand the test of time.

How to Save Money on Backyard Landscaping Projects

Source: LSB Renovation Inc.

Are you working with a hefty or limited landscaping budget and wondering how much it costs to landscape a backyard affordably? If you need to save a few bucks, several tips can help you do so. Among these, consider buying recycled materials from local ecocentres/recycling centres.

Next, keep an eye out for clearance sales and discounts in local nurseries. Discounted flowers or perennials can drastically lower overall project costs. Also, why not consider swapping plants with one of your neighbours? Since perennials can be separated, the latter is entirely feasible. You can also redesign your flower beds, making it easier to spot plants to part with.

Buying young trees can also be a very cost-effective measure. Naturally, exercise some patience as it’ll take years before you can bask in their full-grown splendour, but the savings are worth it. Similarly, buying young perennials is also very economical. Such plants tend to grow quickly, and within a season, they’ll be fully grown, standing as tall as their counterparts retailed and ready for harvest. Everything comes to those who wait.

More Budgeting and Cost Management Tips for Landscaping Projects

• Break your landscaping project into phases, prioritizing essential structural elements first and adding decorative features in later stages to spread out costs.

• Request detailed, itemized quotes from contractors to clearly see labour, material, and equipment costs—helping you avoid hidden fees and make informed decisions.

• Set aside a contingency fund of 10–15% above your estimated budget to cover unexpected expenses or site issues.

• Take advantage of off-season discounts by scheduling design or installation work during winter or late fall when demand is lower.

• Consider financing options or payment plans offered by some contractors to make larger projects more manageable.

• Use a mix of professional and DIY work: hire pros for complex or structural tasks, but handle simpler jobs (like planting or mulching) yourself to save money.

• Choose native or drought-resistant plants to reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs.

• Communicate with local authorities before starting to ensure you have all required permits and avoid costly fines or rework.

• Shop for recycled or discounted materials, and consider plant swaps or buying younger plants to further stretch your budget.

Did You Know…

In our kitchen and bathroom home improvement blog articles, we often mention the importance of return on investment. But, as a homeowner, did you know that quality landscaping can also increase the value of your property? Potential buyers see it as a major asset, and in return, your home’s value surges by 15% to 25%. Pretty interesting, no?