How much does landscaping cost in Knoxville, TN?

Most Knoxville homeowners spend between $2,800 – $14,100 on landscaping, with an average around $7,050. Local labor prices 6% below the national average, so Knoxville quotes tend to land at the lower end of national ranges.

Why is landscaping more or less expensive in Knoxville than elsewhere?

Licensed trade labor in Knoxville runs about 94% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer. Tennessee weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Knoxville and why.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Knoxville, Tennessee?

Most Knoxville, TN projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Knoxville?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Tennessee contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Knoxville metro market.

How much does landscaping cost?

$3,000 to $15,000 for a typical yard project. A general rule is budgeting 5% to 10% of your home value for full landscaping.

What is the cheapest way to landscape a yard?

Mulched beds with young native plants and seeded lawn. That approach can transform a yard for $1,000 to $3,000.

Does landscaping increase home value?

Quality landscaping typically returns 100% or more of its cost and measurably speeds up a sale.

Sod costs $1 to $3 per square foot and looks finished immediately. Seed costs pennies per square foot but takes a full season.

How much is a paver patio?

$15 to $30 per square foot installed, so $4,500 to $9,000 for a typical 300 square foot patio.

When is the best time to landscape?

Early spring and fall for plantings. Hardscape can be built any time the ground is not frozen, and off-season booking often saves 10% to 15%.

Home/Cost guides/Landscaping/Knoxville, TN

Knoxville metro · Tennessee

Landscaping cost in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville homeowners typically pay $2,800 – $14,100 for landscaping. Local labor and materials price 6% below the national average.

Get my Knoxville estimate Use the Knoxville calculator

Knoxville average

$7,050

Typical low

$2,800

Typical high

$14,100

Per square foot

$4 – $38

Sample ZIP

What drives Knoxville pricing

Local labor

Licensed trade labor in Knoxville runs about 94% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer.

Permits & code

Most Knoxville, TN projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not.

Climate & conditions

Tennessee weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Knoxville and why.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Area to landscape1,500 square feet

Type of work

Site conditions

Irrigation

Design services

Estimated project cost

$1,410 – $5,640

Most homeowners pay around $3,525

Compare type of work

Cost by material in Knoxville

Installed Knoxville pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Sod	$1 – $3	Instant lawn	Needs heavy watering to establish
Hydroseed / seed	$0 – $1	Cheapest lawn by far	Weeks to months to fill in
Mulch beds	$2 – $6	Cheap, retains moisture	Refresh annually
Gravel / xeriscape	$3 – $9	No irrigation, low upkeep	Hot underfoot, weeds
Paver patio	$14 – $28	Durable and repairable	Base prep is the hidden cost
Retaining wall	$24 – $56	Solves grade problems, adds usable yard	Engineering required over 4 feet

Where the money goes in Knoxville

A typical $7,050 Knoxville project, broken down by line item.

Labor45% · $3,173
Plants and materials30% · $2,115
Hardscape materials15% · $1,058
Design, permits and disposal10% · $705

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Knoxville quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Landscape lighting

$1,900 – $5,650

Sprinkler system

$2,350 – $6,100

Fire pit

$750 – $4,700

Drainage / French drain

$1,400 – $5,650

Mature tree planting

Per tree

$280 – $2,350

Sod removal

Per square foot

$1 – $3

Ways to save in Knoxville

Phase the project: hardscape and grading first, plantings the following season.
Use smaller plants — a 1-gallon shrub becomes a 5-gallon shrub in two years at a quarter of the price.
Seed instead of sod where you can wait; the savings are dramatic.
Do your own demo, mulching and cleanup and pay for skilled work only.
Choose native plants to cut irrigation and replacement costs long term.

Knoxville FAQs

Get a Knoxville price you can budget against

Answer a few questions about your project and we'll model a low, average and premium price for your TN ZIP code — then connect you with vetted local pros.

Get landscaping quotes

More Knoxville research

Best landscaping companies in Knoxville Landscaping permits in Tennessee Landscaping near me All Tennessee prices

More Tennessee cities

Nashville Memphis Chattanooga Franklin Murfreesboro

Other project costs in Knoxville

Fence Installation in Knoxville

$1,410 – $3,760

Roof Replacement in Knoxville

$7,990 – $31,960

Kitchen Remodel in Knoxville

$16,920 – $89,300

HVAC Replacement in Knoxville

$5,170 – $16,920

Deck Building in Knoxville

$4,136 – $11,280

Window Replacement in Knoxville

$423 – $1,410

See every Knoxville cost guide