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Landscaping Budget

Plan your yard project — phased and honest.

Enter your yard size and category budgets. See total cost, cost per square foot, phased annual outlay, and expected resale bump.

$16,000

total project cost

$8,000/yr × 2 yrs

Yard & category budgets

Plan

Total project

$16,000

Per year

$8,000

5-yr all-in

$22,000

Cost / sq ft

$3.20

Resale add-on

$16,800

Freedom Coach™

Plan: ~$16,000 over 2 years — $8,000/yr.

Cost per sq ft: $3.20. Resale bump estimate: ~$16,800.

  • Phase 1: hardscape first (patios, walkways). It anchors the design and beds get planted around it.
  • Trees appreciate — plant them Year 1. Perennials and annuals can wait.
  • Native plants cut annual maintenance 40–60% vs. traditional lawn/shrub combos.

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Save phased plans, track project spend against budget, and see running resale value.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does professional landscaping cost?

Typical projects run $3–$6 per square foot for a full design. A quarter-acre yard (~10,000 sq ft) budget is $10k–$30k depending on hardscape complexity.

What does 'hardscape' vs 'softscape' mean?

Hardscape = patios, walkways, retaining walls, fire pits. Softscape = plants, trees, sod, mulch. Hardscape is usually 40–60% of a landscaping budget.

Should I phase the project?

Yes — most homeowners phase over 1–3 years. Hardscape first (patios/walkways), then softscape (plants), then lighting and irrigation.

Does landscaping add resale value?

According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, quality landscaping recoups ~105% at resale. Curb appeal is one of the highest-ROI home investments.

How much do I need to spend on maintenance?

Budget 5–10% of the install cost per year for maintenance. A $20k project → $1k–$2k/yr for mowing, mulching, plant replacement, and pruning.

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