What is Landscaping & How to Finance It?

Landscaping involves the art and science of designing and maintaining outdoor spaces, using a combination of gardening techniques, hardscape elements like walkways and patios, lawn management, and water features. It encompasses everything from plant care to the installation of structural elements, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional use of the space. Leveraging landscaping financing allows you to enhance property value and create a personalized outdoor environment that meets your lifestyle needs.

Landscaping costs can vary substantially based on the type of project you have in mind. A complete yard overhaul can require a significant investment, particularly when planning major additions. On average, landscaping for new homes can cost anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000.* Financing your landscaping project allows you to improve your yard with fixed, affordable monthly payments. as opposed to one lump sum payment. Review an itemized breakdown of average landscape project costs below.

Softscaping costs:

Softscaping encompasses gardening, lawn care, and planting, ensuring the right plants are chosen based on aesthetic preferences and environmental factors. Softscaping costs generally include the cost of materials (e.g. plants) and labor.

• Planting shrubs: $25 — $50
  While these estimates include the cost of labor and materials, the type if shrubs you choose and their size may affect the cost of the project.
• Tree planting: $150 — $300
  Mature trees and fruit trees may be more expensive than young ornamental trees. The accessibility of the yard and rockiness of the soil may also impact the pride.
• Tree pruning: $350 — $650
  Pruning removes dead or old branches from mature trees. Pruning helps trees bear fruit. You'll also need to occasionally trim any mature trees in your yard to prevent damage to your home or power lines.
• Lawn seeding: $550 — $1,500
  A beautiful and lush lawn is an essential component for curb appeal. Seeding is more expensive when you're starting a new lawn from scratch.
• Flower bed installation: $1,000 — $3,000
  Flower bed installation costs can vary based on the size of the beds, the plants you've chosen, the number of plants, etc. They can add a splash of color to your yard and attract pollinators.
• Sod installation: $5,800 — $7,200
  Sod gives you an instant lawn without hassle of seeding. But turf can be expensive if you're covering a large surface area. You can lower costs by combining it with other landscaping.

Hardscaping costs:

Hardscaping includes walkways, patios, walls, fences, water features like ponds and fountains, and other structures such as gazebos, pergolas, and outdoor lighting. Materials, project complexity, project scale and size, and labor all factor into the cost.

• Patio: $2,000 — $8,000
  A patio offers an outdoor living space that's perfect for dining or unwinding. You can choose from different materials, shapes, and styles to complement your home. You can add a pergola to your patio for shade.
• Fencing: $2,000 — $10,000
  Fences can help separate your property from the neighbors and can enhance privacy in your yard. Sturdy materials like metal or brick are useful for keeping your yard safe for pets or kids.
• Fire Pit: $300 — $1,400
  Fire pits can serve as a focal point for an outdoor space. Simple, mobile firepits can cost a few hundred dollars. Built-in pits tend to run at a higher price point, but they last longer and can usually be customized.
• Walkway: $500 — $900
  Pathways and walkways can be made from different materials like gravel, brick, tile, or stone. Gravel is a more economic option, while stone may have greater visual appeal.
• Deck: $5,000 — $15,000
  A deck can serve as a comfortable addition to your yard area. A deck provides a welcoming space to gather outdoors. Small and simple decks can be built for around $5,000, while larger decks with premium materials cost more.

Pools are also considered hardscaping, and some homeowners opt to finance pool construction using a pool loan.

Budgeting for landscape

Budgeting for landscaping is vital to ensure you achieve your desired outcome without overspending. Start by outlining your project's scope, including both softscaping and hardscaping elements. As you budget, consider the average cost of both regular yard maintenance and specialty projects.

• Ongoing maintenance: Professional landscape maintenance can average between $165 and $540 per month,* depending on factors such as yard size, complexity, specific services required, and your location.
• Special projects: Structural additions like installing a new patio, water feature, or extensive landscaping can vary widely in cost depending on the scope of the project and the materials chosen.

As you budget, prioritize the essential features of your outdoor space, and consider breaking up the project into phases to spread out expenses. Additionally, set aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Exploring landscaping financing options can help you manage these costs and budget accordingly to make your outdoor space a reality.

There are a few ways to finance a home improvement project, like landscaping. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), professional landscaping can boost your home's value by 15%.** Further, research by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) indicates that even basic landscaping projects can have a significant return on investment (ROI) of 200-400%.* Investing in good landscaping can pay off for homeowners who intend to sell their home, but finding the right financing is important. Here are some options:

• Landscaping loan: Landscaping loans are a type of personal loan that you can use to finance outdoor home projects. Landscaping loans don't usually require collateral and can be processed quickly, provided you meet the lender's credit requirements. As with any other personal loan, borrowers receive the funds as a lump sum and then repay the amount in monthly installments with interest.
• Credit card: You can pay for landscaping with your credit card, but it's advisable to reserve this financing method for smaller, inexpensive projects or use a credit card with a 0% introductory APR. The offer allows you to get the funds you need with no interest costs as long as you repay what you owe within the offer period. If that's not possible, a landscaping loan may be a more strategic choice, since carrying a large balance on a credit card could be a more expensive option than most landscaping loans due to interest costs.
• Home equity loans/Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A home equity loan or line of credit allows you to leverage your home equity to pay for landscaping projects. A loan offers a lump sum that you repay in fixed installments (also known as an installment loan), while a HELOC offers access to revolving credit with variable interest rates. Both options are suitable for long or expansive landscaping projects. Typically, to secure a home equity loan or HELOC, you'll need at least 20% equity in your home.

You can use a BHG Financial home improvement loan up to $250,000¹ to facilitate creating your landscape vision. Get funding in as few as 5 days² with repayment terms of up to 10 years^1,3. BHG's concierge service will handle all the heavy lifting. With no appraisal, equity, or collateral requirements, you can get the funds you need hassle-free.