How Much Does Landscaping Cost in St. Louis, MO? [2026 Data]

Normal Range: $881 - $3,778

Landscaping costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.

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Cost Insights
  • Homeowners in St. Louis, MO, will pay an average of $2,300 for comprehensive professional landscaping services.

  • Your final project total will depend heavily on your exact yard size and the complexity of your chosen design.

  • You must also budget for common additional expenses like local tree removal, which ranges from $195 to $1,910.

  • Hiring a landscaping pro in St. Louis, MO provides reliable help with complex yard work and saves you valuable time.

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

Investing in landscaping in St. Louis, MO, costs $2,300 on average, and ranges from $881 to $3,778. Your total price depends on the size of your yard, the specific plants or hardscaping materials you choose, and current local labor rates. Before starting your landscaping project, understanding these costs helps you plan a beautiful outdoor space that fits your budget and enhances your home.

Landscaping Cost Factors

When you hire a landscaping professional in St. Louis, MO, several variables determine your final bill. The size of your property, the materials you choose, and the complexity of the design all play a direct role in shaping the total cost.

Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot

The size of your yard dictates the volume of materials and the hours of labor required, making square footage a primary driver of your total bill. In St. Louis, MO, larger properties demand higher budgets to cover the expansive area. Preparing a large lot to withstand the region's humid, extreme weather and potential flooding requires extensive grading and resilient plantings. A modest 500-square-foot space costs $2,140 to $5,710. If you are upgrading a larger 1,000-square-foot area, the price increases to $4,280 to $11,500.

Landscaping Area Size (Square Feet)Local Average CostNational Average Cost
200$860–$2,290$900–$2,400
500$2,140–$5,710$2,250–$6,000
1,000$4,280–$11,500$4,500–$12,000
2,000$8,560–$22,900$9,000–$24,000

Front Yard vs. Back Yard

The location of your landscaping project affects the scope of work and the types of features installed. Backyards involve comprehensive overhauls with patios and privacy features, while front yards focus on curb appeal and foundational planting. Homeowners in St. Louis, MO, spend between $881 and $3,778 on average for a standard landscaping project, but a full backyard renovation pushes the total higher. Front yard projects stay closer to the lower end of that range, as they require less extensive hardscaping.

New Homes

Starting with a blank slate on a newly constructed property requires a comprehensive design plan from the ground up. Installing topsoil, establishing a lawn, and planting foundational shrubs all add to the initial investment. While the average landscaping project in St. Louis, MO, runs about $2,300, outfitting a brand-new home requires a much larger budget. You must account for complete hardscaping and softscaping to establish the property properly.

Project Complexity

Intricate designs with custom hardscaping, water features, or specialized lighting demand more time and expertise than basic planting. Complex layouts require advanced planning to ensure proper drainage and structural stability. In St. Louis, MO, complex projects must account for the area's heavy rain and occasional ice storms, necessitating deep footings and robust retaining walls. Simple projects keep your costs low, while multi-tiered patios and custom pergolas drive the final price up.

Labor

The expertise and time required to execute your design make up a significant portion of your landscaping bill. Specialized professionals charge different rates based on their level of training and the physical demands of the work. Hiring a landscape architect in St. Louis, MO, costs more per hour than bringing in a general landscaping crew for basic planting. Labor rates fluctuate based on the season and the specific skills needed to complete your yard transformation.

Materials

The specific plants, stones, and soils you select directly impact your material expenses. Premium pavers and mature trees cost significantly more than basic mulch and young shrubs. In St. Louis, MO, selecting drought-resistant border plants helps your yard survive intense summer heat waves. Purchasing topsoil runs $15 to $55 per cubic yard, while installing durable pavers costs $5 to $25 per square foot.

Landscaping MaterialLocal Average CostNational Average Cost
Sod$0.35–$0.85 per square foot$0.35–$0.85 per square foot
Turf$5–$10 per square foot$2–$6 per square foot
Grass seed$5–$10 per pound$3–$10 per pound
Topsoil$15–$55 per cubic yard$12–$55 per cubic yard
Rocks or gravel$40–$100 per cubic yard$40–$100 per cubic yard
Mulch$0.20–$0.60 per square foot$0.20–$0.60 per square foot
Retaining wall blocks$5–$40 per square foot$3–$40 per square foot
Fencing$15–$90 per linear foot$11–$90 per linear foot
Pavers$5–$25 per square foot$1–$25 per square foot
Border plants$5–$50 per plant$2–$50 per plant
Pool installation materials$19,100–$61,900$20,000–$65,000
Patio materials$5–$35 per square foot$1–$35 per square foot

Type of Landscaping

The overarching style of your yard determines the balance of living plants versus structural elements. Hardscaping focuses on stone and wood features, while softscaping emphasizes garden beds and turf. Homeowners in St. Louis, MO, blend these styles to create a balanced outdoor living space. Softscaping projects range from $765 to $9,510, whereas hardscaping projects cost between $290 and $28,600 depending on the scale of the construction.

Landscape TypeLocal Average CostNational Average Cost
Xeriscaping$2,860–$22,900$3,000–$24,000
Softscaping$765–$9,510$800–$10,000
Hardscaping$290–$28,600$300–$30,000

Land Prepping

Preparing your property for new installations involves clearing away old vegetation, leveling the ground, and testing the soil. Proper site preparation ensures your new plants thrive and your hardscaping remains stable. In St. Louis, MO, clearing damaged branches after windy, stormy weather or tornadoes makes tree removal a necessary preparatory step. Tree removal costs $195 to $1,910, and leveling or grading the land requires an investment of $375 to $5,820.

Land PreparationsLocal Average CostNational Average Cost
Tree removal$195–$1,910$200–$2,000
Tree stump removal$290–$480$300–$500
Soil testing$670–$1,950$700–$2,050
Land survey$385–$715$400–$750
Sprinkler system$1,620–$3,380$1,700–$3,550
Leveling or grading$375–$5,820$390–$6,110

Landscaping Cost by Project

The specific type of landscaping project you choose dictates the final price tag. Smaller enhancements cost less than complex structural additions.

General Landscaping Services

Standard yard improvements like laying sod or planting flower beds instantly refresh your property's appearance. These foundational services focus on establishing healthy, vibrant plant life. In St. Louis, MO, laying fresh sod helps combat soil erosion during heavy spring rains. Sod installation costs $905 to $4,090, while mulch installation runs $30 to $115 per cubic yard. You must also consider the lawn aeration price when planning your seasonal turf care.

ServiceLocal Average CostNational Average Cost
Planting xeric trees and shrubs$25–$290 each$25–$300 each
Artificial grass installation$5–$10 per sq. ft.$2–$8 per sq. ft.
Irrigation system installation$5.50–$5.50 per sq.ft.$2.50–$4.50 per sq.ft.
Rock and stone installation$10–$25 per sq. ft.$10–$25 per sq. ft.

Hardscaping Services

Building permanent structures like patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens expands your usable living space. These features require heavy materials and specialized construction techniques, driving up the initial price. Homeowners in St. Louis, MO, add sturdy retaining walls to manage sloped yards and prevent flooding. Patio installation requires a budget of $1,910 to $5,520, and retaining wall construction costs $3,100 to $8,560.

Xeriscaping Services

Designing a yard with drought-tolerant plants and stone ground covers minimizes your water usage and ongoing upkeep. This approach replaces thirsty turf with resilient native species and efficient irrigation. Even though St. Louis, MO, receives ample rain, xeriscaping provides a smart choice for areas of the yard exposed to intense summer sun. Artificial grass installation costs $5 to $10 per square foot, and rock and stone installation runs $10 to $25 per square foot.

Ongoing Landscaping Costs to Consider

Maintaining your landscape requires a continuous financial commitment to keep the space healthy and functional.

Maintenance

Keeping your landscape looking pristine requires regular attention and seasonal upkeep. Routine care prevents overgrowth and protects your initial investment from disease and weather damage. In St. Louis, MO, scheduling a thorough yard cleanup prepares your property for the unpredictable transition between seasons, and factoring in tree trimming costs helps manage overgrown branches. Lawn mowing costs $50 to $240 per service, and a comprehensive yard cleanup runs $185 to $955.

Yard MaintenanceLocal Average CostNational Average Cost
Lawn mowing$50–$240 per service$50–$250 per service
Tree trimming$260–$1,720$270–$1,800
Flat rate$50–$100 per hour$50–$100 per hour
Yard cleanup$185–$955$190–$1,000

Operating Costs

Features like irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, and water pumps add to your monthly utility bills. Running these systems consistently ensures your yard remains healthy and well-lit year-round. In St. Louis, MO, operating a sprinkler system during dry spells increases your water usage, while landscape lighting adds a small amount to your electricity costs. Budgeting for these ongoing utility expenses keeps your outdoor space functioning perfectly.

Repairs

Over time, hardscaping shifts, sprinkler heads break, and retaining walls require reinforcement. Addressing these issues promptly prevents minor damage from turning into a major structural failure, whether you need a simple sprinkler repair or a complete patio overhaul. In St. Louis, MO, severe ice storms cause concrete pavers to crack and wooden features to warp. Setting aside funds for periodic repairs ensures your landscape remains safe and visually appealing.

Cost of Common Landscaping Add-Ons

Large landscaping projects present opportunities to tackle other necessary yard improvements simultaneously. Bundling these services saves time and ensures a cohesive final result. In St. Louis, MO, homeowners frequently add pest control or debris removal to their main landscaping project to prepare the site fully. Addressing these add-ons upfront streamlines the construction process and protects your new landscape from damage.

Landscaping Pro Costs

Hiring a professional in St. Louis, MO, ensures your yard transformation is done correctly and safely. For general yard work, a landscaper charges $50 to $100 per hour. If you need comprehensive planning for a major overhaul, hiring a landscape designer costs $50 to $150 per hour. Complex structural additions require a landscape architect, who charges $70 to $100 per hour. Remember that a 9.68% local sales tax applies to any materials purchased for your project.

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 pro in St. Louis, MO adds instant value to your property while saving you hours of heavy labor and preventing outdoor injuries.

  • Experts possess deep knowledge of native plants to ensure your garden thrives in the local climate.

  • Contractors bring commercial-grade equipment to handle grading, trenching, and hardscaping tasks efficiently.

  • Professionals understand local zoning laws and secure the necessary permits for yard transformations.

  • Crews implement proper drainage solutions to protect your foundation from heavy Midwest rainstorms.

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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