How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Middle Tennessee? (2026)
September 13, 2026
Most landscaping projects in Middle Tennessee run $3,000 to $20,000 for a typical yard project, with full landscape design and install running higher. Below is what local homeowners actually pay, what pushes the number up or down, and what to check before you sign anything.
These are estimates, not quotes. Prices below are typical ranges for Middle Tennessee based on common project scopes. Your own number depends on your house, your finishes and who you hire. Always get at least three written quotes.
Landscaping costs in Middle Tennessee
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Mulch, cleanup and refresh planting | $800 – $3,000 |
| Front yard landscape design and install | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Full property landscape install | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Sod, per 1,000 sq ft installed | $700 – $1,600 |
| Irrigation system, average lot | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Drainage correction / French drain | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Prices assume a typical Middle Tennessee single-family home. Nashville and Williamson County usually sit at the top of these ranges; southern Middle Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland usually sit lower.
What moves the price
- Grading and drainage, which matter more on Middle Tennessee's clay soil than the plants do.
- Plant size at install. Mature trees and shrubs cost several times what small stock does.
- Machine access to the back yard.
- Whether irrigation and lighting are included.
What to check before you hire
- Ask for the Tennessee contractor or trade license number and confirm it is current and covers the size of your job.
- Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation if there will be a crew on your property.
- Get a written scope that lists materials by name, not just "customer's choice".
- Never pay in full up front. A deposit plus payments tied to completed stages is normal; paying ahead of work in place is not.
- Get the warranty in writing — both the manufacturer's warranty on materials and the company's own labor warranty.
- Ask who will actually be on site: the owner, employees, or subcontractors.
How to get a fair price
Get three quotes on the same written scope. If you hand each company a different description of the job, you cannot compare the numbers. Ask each one to price the same materials and the same square footage, and to list anything they are assuming.
Be careful with the cheapest and the most expensive bid. The low one is often missing something — permits, disposal, prep, or insurance. The high one may include work the others left out, which is worth asking about rather than dismissing.
Finally, ask when they can start and how long it will take. In Middle Tennessee, good companies are booked weeks out. A crew that can start tomorrow in peak season is worth a second question.
Common questions
When is the best time to plant here?
Fall is ideal for trees, shrubs and sod in Middle Tennessee. Spring works but needs more watering through the first summer.
What grass grows best locally?
Warm-season Bermuda and zoysia handle summer heat well; tall fescue stays greener in shade and winter but needs overseeding.
Do I need a design first?
For anything beyond a plant refresh, yes. A plan avoids paying twice to move things.
How much is regular maintenance?
Typical residential mowing and bed maintenance runs $150 to $400 a month in season.
Find a landscaping company in Middle Tennessee
Browse landscaping companies in the directory — free to search, no sign-up, no ratings for sale. You can also browse by town, including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Clarksville and every other Middle Tennessee town we cover.
Related reading: fencing costs and excavation & land clearing costs.
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