Hardscaping is usually the most expensive part of landscaping. Patios, retaining walls, decks, and pools cost far more per square foot than planting because they combine heavy materials with skilled labor. A paver patio typically runs $15 to $30 per square foot in the US, a retaining wall $40 to $100 per face foot, and an inground pool $60,000 and up in 2026.
On the planting side, mature trees are the big line item: a 15-foot specimen can cost $1,500 to $3,000 installed. Professional design fees add $2,000 to $15,000 on larger projects.
The cheapest insurance is settling the layout before any concrete is poured. Previewing a few versions of your yard from a photo costs a fraction of one change order; see what OutdoorBrite costs.