Landscaping guide

Landscaping: planning and what affects the price

Published by Clear House · Updated October 13, 2026

Short answer

Landscaping prices depend on the area, the plants and materials you choose, soil preparation and access for equipment. Small bed refreshes cost far less than full yard redesigns.

Decide on the area and the result you want, then ask for a quote. Clear House lets you request landscaping, mulch or sod work and sends it to one local pro where one covers your ZIP code.

Key points

Soil prep, grading and drainage are often the hidden costs.
Plant size at purchase changes the price a lot.
Irrigation and lighting are usually separate projects.

Is there a Clear House pro for landscaping near you?

Enter your ZIP code to check live. Anyone in the U.S. can plan a project and see a ballpark, even where no pro is available yet.

Or start planning now

What affects the cost of landscaping

Area and access for equipment.
Plants, trees and their sizes.
Soil amendment, grading and drainage.
Mulch, pine straw, sod or hardscape materials.
Removal of old plants or debris.

How to plan it

Take photos of the area and note sun and shade.
Decide on maintenance level: low-maintenance or showcase.
Check where water collects after rain.
Call 811 before any digging so utility lines are marked.

Questions to ask a contractor

What plants and sizes are included?
Do you guarantee plants, and for how long?
Is soil prep or grading included?
How is debris removed?

How Clear House helps with landscaping

Clear House is a planning app and marketplace. It does not do the work itself. You choose the project, answer a few short questions and add a photo if you have one. Clear House then shows a planning ballpark so you have a starting budget before anyone visits your home.

Photo previews are not offered for this kind of project yet, so the planning steps focus on scope and budget.

When you are ready, Clear House checks whether a reviewed independent pro covers your ZIP code and this trade. If one does, you send your project to that one pro, who can review it and send a quote in the app. You are not obligated to accept a quote, and your request is not sent to a crowd of contractors. If no pro covers your area yet, you can join the waitlist and Clear House emails you when one is available.

Common questions

Can Clear House help with lawn care too?

Clear House lists lawn care and other yard services as separate projects. Availability depends on your ZIP code.

Ready to plan?

Free to plan. See a ballpark before anyone visits. Your project goes to one pro at a time, only where a pro covers your area.

Start a project

Sources

U.S. Federal Trade Commission — How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam — Advice on licenses, insurance, written estimates, contracts and down payments.

Clear House is a marketplace, not a contractor. Costs on this page are published averages or planning ranges, not quotes, and your price will differ. Always confirm licensing, insurance and permits with the pro you hire.