How to Get an Accurate Landscape Estimate in 2025 with Kukun

Thinking about transforming your outdoor space? It doesn’t matter if you are dreaming of a lush front yard, elegant retaining walls, or a full commercial landscaping overhaul; creating a landscape estimate is the first step to turning your vision into reality. 

In 2025, the process is easier and more accurate than ever, thanks to advanced estimating software and online cost calculating tools such as the Kukun Cost Estimator. Let’s explore how you can get a reliable cost estimate for your landscaping work, what factors influence the project’s cost, and how to save time and money on your next landscaping project.

Why Is a Landscape Estimate Important?

Getting a landscaping estimate isn’t just about knowing your budget—it’s about making informed decisions. An accurate estimate helps you:

• Understand the average landscape costs for your area and project size.
• Compare landscaping services and contractors with confidence.
• Negotiate better deals with landscaping businesses.
• Plan for material costs, labor costs, and potential extras.
• And, the most important one: avoid surprise expenses during your landscaping work.

Remember, a well-designed yard landscaping can boost your home’s value by 1% to 10%, making it a smart investment for both homeowners and commercial property managers. For a median-priced home, that can mean tens of thousands of dollars in increased value. This gives you all the more reason to start with a solid cost estimate.

What Is the Average Landscape Cost in 2025?

Front yard landscaping generally costs less than backyard projects due to the smaller area and fewer features. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $10,000 for a front yard, while backyard landscaping can range from $1,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on what you add. 

It’s clear that landscaping prices vary widely. But here’s what you can expect in 2025:

• Basic Lawn Care: $50–$100 per hour
• Full Yard Landscaping: $4–$12 per square foot
• Front Yard Landscaping: $1,500–$10,000
• Backyard Landscaping: $1,000–$40,000+
• Outdoor Kitchen: $4,600–$22,000
• Patio Installation: $1,800–$5,000
• Deck Installation: $4,100–$10,700
• Swimming Pool Installation: $14,000–$42,000

What Factors Influence Landscaping Project Costs?

The project’s cost for landscaping varies based on several key factors:

• Size of the Area: Larger yards or commercial landscaping projects naturally cost more.
• Scope of Work: Simple lawn care and planting are less expensive than adding patios, retaining walls, or outdoor kitchens.
• Material Costs: The type and quality of plants, pavers, mulch, and other materials can significantly affect your budget.
• Labor Costs: Labor typically makes up about 80% of the total landscaping cost. And, these rates vary by region and the complexity of the job.
• Design Complexity: Custom features, intricate landscaping designs, or unique plant selections can increase both material and labor costs.
• Geographical Location: Prices for landscaping services differ based on where you live, with urban areas often costing more than rural ones.

How to Create a Landscaping Estimate: Step-by-Step

Creating estimates for landscaping projects doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step approach that works for both homeowners and landscaping businesses:

Get Your Vision Right

Decide what you want: simple lawn care, flower beds, hardscaping, or a full outdoor living space. The best way is to gather inspiration photos and make a list of must-have features.

Consult a Professional Landscaper 

Talk to licensed landscaping contractors to understand whether what you are planning is feasible in your yard or not. How will it look? And, what will it cost you? Many landscaping businesses offer free landscaping estimates to help you get started.

Review Project Plans and Site Conditions

Walk the property with your contractor or use digital tools to measure square footage and assess the terrain. Note any challenges such as slopes, poor soil, or drainage issues that could affect your landscaping budget.

Calculate Material Costs

List all materials needed: plants, sod, mulch, stone, pavers, irrigation, landscape lighting, etc. You can use landscaping software to track quantities and prices for each item.

Estimate Labor Costs

Determine how many workers will be needed and for how long. Factor in hourly rates, which, as mentioned, can vary by region and project complexity.

Include Overhead and Additional Expenses

Don’t forget transportation, equipment rental, permits, and contractor markup. If you’re a landscaping business, use a landscaping estimate template to ensure nothing gets missed.

Review and Finalize Your Cost Estimate

Add up all costs to get your total landscaping price. Consider getting multiple free landscaping estimates to compare options and pricing.

How the Kukun Estimating Software Can Help You

In 2025, technology is your best friend when it comes to landscaping estimates. One of the most efficient ways to save time and get an accurate picture of your budget is to use Kukun’s Cost Estimator. This easy-to-use estimating software calculates everything from material costs to labor costs based on your ZIP code, square footage, and desired features. 

The cost calculator helps you visualize your landscaping project expenses, compare contractor quotes, streamlines the process, and plan ahead. Without any guesswork!

How Does the Kukun Cost Estimator Work to Give You Accuracy?

The cost estimates are based on multiple reliable data sources:

• Industry-standard material and labor costs at the zip-code level.
• Local pricing data, with adjustments for regional differences, structural cost differences, and project-specific calculations.
• Contractor inputs whereby professionals nationwide compare our estimates with actual project bids and help in ongoing refinements.
• Homeowners and property investors using Kukun regularly contribute their feedback.
• We update our data yearly to reflect changes in inflation, supply chains, and industry trends.

Simply enter your project details, such as area size, desired features, and ZIP code, and get a tailored estimate in minutes. This will leave you more time to focus on design and planning. And, you will get a realistic idea of what your project will cost before you even talk to a contractor.

Moreover, the tool also connects you with rated professionals in your area, streamlining the hiring process and helping you find reliable landscaping services.

Tips for Saving Time and Money on Landscaping Projects

• Plan your project. The more detailed your project plan, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter.
• Use Kukun’s Online Calculator to help avoid costly mistakes and ensure accuracy.
• Compare landscaping estimates from several contractors to find the best value.
• Focus on must-have features first, then add extras as your budget allows.
• If your dream yard is out of reach right now, break the project into phases to spread out costs.

Final Thoughts: Get Started on Your Dream Landscape

Whether you’re sprucing up your front yard or tackling commercial landscaping, starting with a detailed landscape estimate sets you up for success. With the right information and tools, you’ll save time, avoid budget surprises, and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful, valuable outdoor space.

Waiting for your dream landscape to take shape? Now, you know how!

Written by Ramona Sinha. March 18, 2021

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.