Landscaping Cost in Austin, TX
Austin landscaping isn't cheap — but it doesn't have to be confusing. This page breaks down every common service from weekly mowing to full backyard transformations. Real 2026 prices from the Austin market. No vague ranges, no bait-and-switch.
Compare Landscaping Quotes
Takes 60 seconds. No obligation. Free quotes from vetted pros.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
These are the recurring costs that keep your yard looking good week after week:
| Service | Austin Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly Lawn Mowing | $30–$75/visit |
| Bi-Weekly Mowing | $40–$90/visit |
| Monthly Mowing Package | $120–$300/month |
| Fertilization Program (annual) | $200–$600/year |
| Weed Control (per treatment) | $50–$125 |
| Mulch (install) | $50–$100/yard |
| Leaf Cleanup | $100–$400 |
| Seasonal Flower Bed Rotation | $200–$500 |
Project & Installation Costs
One-time projects — from a simple sod install to a complete outdoor living space:
| Service | Austin Cost |
|---|---|
| Landscape Design (plans only) | $500–$5,000 |
| Front Yard Redesign | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Backyard Transformation | $5,000–$25,000+ |
| Sod Installation | $1.50–$3.50/sq ft |
| Xeriscaping | $5–$20/sq ft |
| Patio (pavers) | $15–$35/sq ft |
| Patio (flagstone) | $20–$50/sq ft |
| Retaining Wall | $20–$50/linear ft |
| Outdoor Kitchen | $5,000–$25,000 |
| Irrigation System | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Landscape Lighting | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Fire Pit | $1,000–$5,000 |
Tree Service Costs
Tree work in Austin costs more than other cities due to heritage tree regulations and oak wilt concerns:
| Service | Austin Cost |
|---|---|
| Tree Trimming (small) | $200–$400 |
| Tree Trimming (medium) | $400–$800 |
| Tree Trimming (large) | $800–$1,500+ |
| Tree Removal | $500–$5,000 |
| Stump Grinding | $100–$400 |
| Oak Wilt Treatment | $200–$500/tree |
All prices reflect 2026 Austin-area averages. Actual costs vary by yard size, access, terrain and project complexity.
Why Austin Landscaping Costs More
Higher Labor Costs
Austin's cost of living is 15–20% above the Texas average. Landscaping wages reflect that. A crew lead earning $18/hr in San Antonio earns $22/hr in Austin. That difference flows directly into your bill.
Specialized Knowledge Required
Austin's soil varies dramatically (limestone west, clay east). Water restrictions limit what you can plant and how you maintain it. Heritage tree rules add permitting costs. Oak wilt requires careful pruning schedules. A landscaper who doesn't know these things will cost you more in mistakes than they save on hourly rate.
Year-Round Demand
Austin's population has grown 25%+ in the past decade. New homes need landscaping. Existing homes need maintenance. Contractors stay busy year-round, which means less pressure to discount prices. Getting 3 quotes is essential to ensure competitive pricing.
Budget Tiers: What Your Money Gets
Basic Maintenance
$200–$400/monthWeekly mowing, edging, trimming, blowing. Quarterly fertilization. Basic weed control. Your yard stays neat and healthy without any design upgrades.
Curb Appeal Upgrade
$3,000–$8,000 one-timeFresh mulch, new plantings, defined bed edges, a small patio area, landscape lighting along the front walkway. Transforms your home's first impression without breaking the bank.
Full Transformation
$15,000–$50,000+Custom landscape design, xeriscaping or sod, paver patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, irrigation system, lighting, privacy plantings. Your backyard becomes an extension of your living space — usable 8–9 months per year in Austin's climate.
How to Save on Austin Landscaping
- →
Get 3 quotes. Prices vary 30–50% between Austin companies. Our matching service sends your request to 3 vetted pros simultaneously. Free and no obligation.
- →
Schedule projects in summer. July–August is slower for installation work (too hot for planting). Some companies offer 10–20% discounts on hardscaping during this window.
- →
Choose native plants. They cost the same or less to install and need zero supplemental water once established. That cuts your ongoing maintenance costs significantly.
- →
Bundle services. Many companies discount 10–15% when you combine mowing, fertilization and seasonal cleanup into one annual contract.
Landscaping Cost Questions — Austin, TX
How much should I budget for landscaping in Austin?
For ongoing maintenance only: $200–$400/month covers weekly mowing plus a fertilization program. For a one-time project: budget $5,000–$15,000 for a solid front and backyard refresh. For a full outdoor living transformation: $15,000–$50,000+. Austin prices run 15–25% above the Texas average due to higher labor costs and specialized knowledge requirements.
What's the cheapest way to improve my Austin yard?
Highest impact for lowest cost: (1) Clean mulch in all beds — $200–$500. (2) Edge all sidewalks and driveways — part of regular mowing. (3) Add a few native plants to empty spots — $50–$200. (4) Power wash hardscapes — $100–$300. (5) Trim overgrown shrubs — $100–$300. Total investment: $450–$1,300 for a dramatic curb appeal improvement that takes one weekend.
Is xeriscaping cheaper than traditional landscaping long-term?
Yes. Xeriscaping costs more upfront ($5–$20/sq ft vs. $1.50–$3.50 for sod) but saves money every month after. Traditional lawn: $200–$400/month for mowing + $50–$150/month water. Xeriscape: $50–$100/month maintenance + minimal water. Break-even point: 2–4 years. After that, you're saving $150–$350/month permanently. In Austin's water-restricted environment, it's the financially smart play.
How do I get accurate landscaping quotes?
Get at least 3 written quotes with detailed scope. Make sure each company is quoting the same work — apples to apples. A good quote breaks down materials, labor and any permit fees separately. Be specific about what you want: "install a 200 sq ft paver patio" gets better quotes than "do something with the backyard." Our matching service sends your request to up to 3 vetted pros simultaneously.
When is the best time to start a landscaping project in Austin?
Fall (September–November) is ideal. Plants establish roots before summer stress. Contractors are less busy than spring. Soil is still warm for root growth. Spring (March–April) is the second-best window. Avoid starting major projects in June–August — Austin's heat stresses new plantings severely and irrigation can't fully compensate. Hardscaping (patios, walls, concrete) can happen year-round.
Compare Landscaping Quotes — Free
Takes 60 seconds. No obligation. Free quotes from vetted pros.