How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Atlanta, GA? [2026 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

Landscaping in Atlanta, GA, costs $3,422 on average, with prices ranging from $1,153 to $5,692. Your total landscaping price depends on the size of your yard, the specific plants or hardscaping materials you select, and local labor rates. Before starting your outdoor project, understanding these costs helps you plan a beautiful yard that fits your budget.

Landscaping Cost Factors

When you hire a landscaping professional in Atlanta, GA, several elements determine your final bill. The size of your property, the materials you choose, and the specific features you want to install all play a role in shaping your total expenses.

Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot

The total size of your project area directly dictates how much material and labor you need, driving the price up or down accordingly. In Atlanta, GA, heavy spring flooding requires proper grading and drainage, which adds to the square footage costs for larger yards. For a smaller 200-square-foot area, expect to pay between $905 and $2,410 per project. If you have a sprawling property and plan to landscape 2,000 square feet, the price increases to between $9,010 and $24,100 per project.

Front Yard vs. Back Yard

Upgrading your front yard focuses on curb appeal, while backyard renovations involve complex outdoor living spaces that cost more to build. Homeowners in Atlanta, GA, face hot, humid summers, making backyard shade structures and patios highly desirable but more expensive. A standard front yard refresh falls on the lower end of the $1,153 to $5,692 average range. Comprehensive backyard overhauls push your total closer to the $3,422 average or higher.

New Homes

Starting with a blank slate on a newly constructed property requires installing everything from the ground up, resulting in a higher initial investment. In Atlanta, GA, establishing a brand-new lawn means selecting robust plants that withstand the subtropical climate and occasional ice storms. Investing in a complete landscape design for a new build represents a significant portion of your property's value.

Project Complexity

Intricate designs with custom features demand more planning, specialized skills, and time, which increases your total expenses. Building a simple garden bed in Atlanta, GA, costs far less than installing a multi-level terrace designed to manage heavy rainfall and prevent soil erosion. Complex projects require extensive labor and premium materials, driving up the final price.

Labor

The professionals you hire bring expertise and heavy equipment to the job, and their time accounts for a large portion of your budget. Landscaping crews in Atlanta, GA, work through intense summer humidity and require fair compensation for their demanding physical labor. You will pay higher hourly rates for specialized landscape architects compared to standard lawn care workers.

Materials

The physical items you select for your yard, from live plants to stone pavers, form the foundation of your landscaping budget. Sourcing durable materials in Atlanta, GA, ensures your outdoor space survives the rainy, subtropical weather without constant replacement. For example, purchasing topsoil costs between $15 and $60 per cubic yard, providing a nutrient-rich base for your plants. If you opt for hardscaping elements, retaining wall blocks run from $5 to $45 per square foot.

Type of Landscaping

The specific style of landscaping you choose dictates the ratio of plants to structural elements, heavily influencing your final bill. While lush softscaping thrives in the humid climate of Atlanta, GA, incorporating stone and concrete features helps manage heavy runoff during severe storms. Installing traditional softscaping costs between $805 and $10,100 per project. If you prefer drought-resistant designs, xeriscaping ranges from $3,010 to $24,100 per project.

Land Prepping

Clearing and grading your property creates a safe, stable foundation for new installations, but it adds preliminary labor and equipment fees. Preparing a yard in Atlanta, GA, involves removing debris left behind by seasonal ice storms or high winds. Leveling or grading your property costs between $395 and $6,120 per project, ensuring water flows away from your home's foundation. If you need to clear old vegetation, tree removal runs from $205 to $2,010 per project.

General Landscaping Services

Standard yard enhancements improve the health and appearance of your property without requiring major construction. In Atlanta, GA, installing fresh elements helps your yard recover from the intense summer heat and heavy rains. Sod installation costs between $955 and $4,310 per project, giving you an instantly green lawn. For smaller updates, flower bed installation ranges from $805 to $3,010 per project. Adding a layer of protection through mulch installation helps retain moisture during dry spells.

Hardscaping Services

Building permanent, non-living structures transforms your yard into a functional extension of your home. Hardscaping in Atlanta, GA, provides sturdy entertainment areas that withstand the humid, subtropical climate year-round. Constructing a new retaining wall costs between $3,260 and $9,010 per project, which is essential for managing sloped properties. If you want to cook outside, an outdoor kitchen installation requires an investment of $6,010 to $25,100 per project. Reviewing patio installation costs helps you budget for a solid foundation before adding heavy furniture.

Xeriscaping Services

Designing a drought-tolerant landscape reduces your long-term water usage and lowers ongoing utility bills. While Atlanta, GA, receives plenty of rain, xeriscaping minimizes maintenance during unexpected dry spells and intense summer heat. Installing an efficient irrigation system costs between $5.50 and $5.50 per square foot to keep specific zones hydrated. Adding artificial grass ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot, eliminating the need for constant mowing.

Maintenance

Routine upkeep keeps your property looking pristine and prevents overgrowth from damaging your home's exterior. The fast-growing vegetation in Atlanta, GA, fueled by the humid and rainy climate, demands regular attention to stay manageable. Hiring a professional for lawn mowing costs between $55 and $255 per service. For larger vegetation, tree trimming ranges from $275 to $1,810 per project to remove hazardous branches before severe storms hit. Factoring in tree trimming costs and annual lawn aeration ensures your yard remains safe and vibrant.

Landscaping Pro Costs

Hiring a professional in Atlanta, GA, ensures your yard thrives despite the humid summers and occasional ice storms. Local landscaping crews charge $55 to $105 per hour, depending on the complexity of your design and the specific skills required. When budgeting for your outdoor project, remember to account for the local 8.90% tax rate on materials. We recommend bringing in an expert to handle heavy lifting and grading, giving you a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor living space.

Permits

Before starting landscaping, confirm whether your project requires permits in your area and who is responsible for obtaining them. Permit requirements and costs vary by location, but most landscaping permits range from $500 to $2,750, depending on the scope of work and your local municipality.

Working without the proper permits can lead to fines, project delays, or complications when selling your home. If you're hiring a landscaping professional, review your contract to ensure they will handle the permitting process and inspections. To verify permit requirements, visit your city or county's official building department website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Why You Should Hire a Landscaping Professional

Hiring a landscaping professional in Atlanta, GA ensures your outdoor space looks beautiful while saving you valuable time and guaranteeing long-lasting value. We recommend bringing in an expert to handle heavy lifting and machinery, which keeps you safe from yard-work injuries.

• Local experts understand Georgia's specific soil conditions to select plants that thrive in the regional climate.

• Pros possess specialized heavy equipment, like commercial aerators and tillers, to complete extensive grading tasks.

• They implement proper yard drainage solutions to protect your property from heavy seasonal rainfall.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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