Planning to update your outdoor space this year? If you're a homeowner in Suffolk or Nassau County, one of the first questions you're probably asking is: "How much is landscaping going to cost me?"
The short answer is: it depends. Prices on Long Island vary widely based on yard size, scope of work, soil conditions, and even town-specific permit and disposal fees. At Green Horizon Landscaping & Design, we understand the unique challenges of working here — from heavy clay soil and tight property lines to higher labor costs and stricter local regulations than most of the country. This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026.
Long Island is one of the most unique regions in the country to price landscaping. If your neighbor's quote looks different than yours, these are usually why:
Labor here runs 10–20% higher than the national average due to cost of living and insurance. In 2026, a professional 2-person crew generally runs $60–$110 per hour depending on the equipment a job needs.
Many towns enforce strict codes. Tree removal often needs a permit (Smithtown frequently requires a $75 permit), Islip requires a $300 land-clearing permit for major projects, and most towns regulate retaining walls over 2–3 feet. See our full 2026 permit guide for Suffolk & Nassau.
Demand spikes during the Spring Rush (April–June) and Fall Cleanup (October–November). Booking off-season (January–March) can get you priority scheduling.
A flat quarter-acre lot is far faster to service than a hilly half-acre with established oaks, rock beds, and tight gate access. More obstacles means more man-hours.
Every project is unique, but here are the average ranges Suffolk and Nassau homeowners can expect in 2026.
| Project Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Typical full landscaping projects (multiple services, design + install) | $3,000 – $15,000+ |
| Service Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Smaller jobs (lawn care, mulch, or seasonal cleanups) | $250 – $2,500 |
| Crew Type | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 2-person landscaping crew | $60 – $110/hour |
| Skilled labor (irrigation, stonework, etc.) | $85 – $175/hour |
| Individual laborer (general tasks) | $30 – $55/hour |
| Service | National Avg. | Long Island Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Sod Installation | $1.00 – $2.50/sq ft | $1.75 – $3.75/sq ft |
| Lawn Mowing (¼ acre) | $35 – $65 | $50 – $90 |
| Spring Cleanup | $200 – $600 | $300 – $1,200+ |
| Tree Trimming | $250 – $1,000 | $400 – $2,000+ |
| Irrigation (4 zones) | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $2,800 |
2026 mowing rates start around $50–$90 per visit for a quarter-acre property. Most homeowners save by booking weekly service — one-time mows cost a premium because the grass is longer and takes more time. Overgrowth over 6 inches needs a "double cut" (adds 50–100%), and tight gates or slopes that block riding mowers add labor. See our weekly vs. biweekly cost breakdown.
| Lawn Size | Avg. Cost per Visit |
|---|---|
| Up to 1/8 acre | $35 – $55 |
| 1/4 acre | $45 – $85 |
| 1/2 acre | $55 – $110 |
| 1 acre | $100 – $175+ |
| Frequency | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly | $180 – $320 |
| Biweekly | $120 – $200 |
| One-time | $75 – $125 |
Seasonal cleanups typically range from $250–$1,200+ depending on property size and debris volume. A standard cleanup includes debris removal, bed cleaning, hauling, and light pruning. Long Island's mature oaks and maples can produce 100+ bags of leaves, and higher disposal fees push costs up. Follow our full spring cleanup checklist.
| Yard Size | Spring or Fall Cleanup Cost |
|---|---|
| Small yard (up to ¼ acre) | $250 – $650 |
| Medium yard (¼ to ½ acre) | $450 – $950 |
| Large yard (½ to 1 acre+) | $800 – $1,800+ |
Full mulch installation averages $90–$155 per cubic yard. A typical quarter-acre home with moderate beds needs 4–6 cubic yards, so expect $400–$900 to deliver, prep, and install. Bed prep, clean edging, and access all affect price. Use our mulch calculator to estimate your yards.
| Cost Type | Long Island Average |
|---|---|
| Material only (bulk delivered) | $35 – $65 per cubic yard |
| Full installed (material + labor + delivery) | $90 – $155 per cubic yard |
| One yard covers | ~100 sq ft at 3 inches deep |
| Mulch Type | Key Features & Benefits |
|---|---|
| Dyed brown/black mulch | Most popular, color lasts ~1 year |
| Cedar mulch | Pest-resistant and aromatic |
| Rubber mulch | Longer-lasting, higher cost |
| Playground mulch | Soft texture for kids/pets |
Professional resodding averages $2.00–$4.00 per square foot all-in: sod material ($0.35–$0.85), old-grass removal & disposal ($0.75–$1.50), soil prep & grading ($0.50–$1.00), and installation labor ($0.75–$1.25). The "tear-out" of an old weed-choked lawn is a major part of the cost. Read sod vs. seed to choose the right option.
Includes professional removal of the old lawn, soil preparation, and installation.
| Area Size | Typical Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Small patch (1,000 sq ft) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Standard front yard (2,500 sq ft) | $4,500 – $9,500 |
| Average full property (5,000 sq ft) | $9,000 – $18,500+ |
We source sod from top-tier local farms (like DeLea or De Lalio) so it’s acclimated to the Island’s climate.
| Grass Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Tall Fescue | Drought-tolerant, dark green, durable |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Lush and thick, moderate drought resistance |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Quick to root, blends well with existing lawns |
| Tree Size | Long Island Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $250 – $600 |
| Medium (30{D}60 ft) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Large (60{D}80 ft) | $900 – $2,500+ |
Complete removal to the stump. Prices vary based on complexity and proximity to your home.
| Tree Size | Long Island Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $400 – $900 |
| Medium (30{D}60 ft) | $750 – $1,800 |
| Large (60{D}80 ft) | $1,500 – $4,500+ |
You typically need a permit for any tree over 6–10 inches in diameter.
| Town | Tree Removal Permit Cost |
|---|---|
| Town of Brookhaven | $100 – $395 (varies by project) |
| Town of Islip | $75 – $300 (clearing vs. single removal) |
| Town of Smithtown | $75+ (plus potential arborist review) |
| Standard “other” towns | Starting at $256 (new 2026 standard) |
Hardscaping runs $75–$250+ per linear foot depending on material and design. A 30-foot block wall at 3 feet high typically costs $2,500–$4,500. Walls over 3–4 feet usually require a NYS Licensed PE stamp ($500–$1,500), and a proper compacted gravel base with drainage is essential to survive freeze-thaw. Paver walkways and patios run $18–$35 per sq. ft. installed. Compare pavers vs. natural stone.
Per linear foot for a standard 2-to-3-foot wall, including base prep and installation.
| Material Type | LI Avg. per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated timber | $55 – $95 |
| Segmental concrete block | $75 – $145 |
| Natural stacked stone | $130 – $250+ |
| Town | Retaining Wall Permit Estimate |
|---|---|
| Town of Brookhaven | $640 (standard building permit fee) |
| Town of Islip | $265 + $0.37 per linear foot |
| Town of Smithtown | $75+ (required for walls over 30 inches) |
A professional install includes trenching, a Wi-Fi smart controller, a mandatory backflow preventer, and high-efficiency heads and valves. Water pressure, soil type, and backflow testing all affect price. Most Long Island towns follow an odd/even watering policy and restrict midday watering.
| System Size | Long Island Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per zone (new install) | $500 – $850 |
| Standard 4-zone system | $2,000 – $3,800 |
| Large 8-zone system | $4,000 – $6,500+ |
To protect your pipes from freezing Long Island winters, both services are essential.
| Service | Average 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Spring start-up & inspection | $85 – $175 |
| Winterization (lawn blowout) | $95 – $225 |
Strict town permits and some of the highest disposal fees in the country are a big part of why landscaping costs more here. Always verify requirements with your local building department.
Each town in Suffolk & Nassau has its own code. These are typical starting costs.
| Permit Type | When It’s Required | 2026 Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Removal | Trees over 6–10″ diameter | $25 – $200+ |
| Grading/Clearing | Major soil leveling or drainage | $50 – $660+ |
| Fence Permit | Most fences (especially over 4 ft) | $40 – $150+ |
| Retaining Wall | Walls over 2–4 feet tall | $100 – $640+ |
Unlike many areas, LI contractors must haul and pay to dispose of every yard of waste at licensed facilities.
| Disposal Type | Average 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Yard debris (leaves, brush, branches) | $90 – $130 per ton |
| Stumps & heavy logs | $150 – $250 per ton |
| Clean fill / soil / grass | $25 – $55 per cubic yard |
DIY makes sense for: small flower-bed plantings, a few bags of mulch, light weeding, and minor hedge trimming. Hire a pro for: sod installation, large mulch/soil jobs, retaining walls and hardscaping, and irrigation or tree work. Once a project needs a permit, a rental machine, or more than a ton of material, a pro is usually more cost-effective and safer.
Homeowners often look at material cost but forget the overhead required to do the job right.
| Item / Rental | Estimated 2026 Cost (Long Island) |
|---|---|
| Sod cutter rental (1 day) | $115 – $165 |
| Plate compactor (for pavers) | $110 – $145 |
| Disposal fees (1 ton of debris) | $110+ (Brookhaven rate) |
| Delivery fees (soil/mulch) | $75 – $150 per trip |
| Landscape fabric & staples | $45 – $120 per roll |
| Your weekend time | Priceless |
Most homeowners spend between $3,300 and $13,200 for professional projects. Smaller jobs like mulch or basic softscaping typically run $250–$2,500.
During peak season (mid-April to November), a weekly schedule is standard to maintain health and prevent weeds.
The best window is September through October, so roots establish in cool soil before winter.
Yes — fully licensed and insured to protect your property and our team.
Yes, free on-site consultations and detailed written estimates for all of Long Island.
Every Long Island property is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your yard.