Best Landscaping Loans: Compare Top Financing Options for Your Project

Ready to transform your yard into something you actually want to show off? Major landscaping projects can quickly run into the thousands, but the right financing can make them manageable.

From personal loans to home equity options, learn the best ways to fund your landscaping project and what to consider before you borrow.

What Is a Landscaping Loan?

A landscaping loan is a financing option that’s used to improve the exterior of a house.

• Loan types: Personal loan, home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC) or 0% credit card

• Loan amounts: Can vary from $1,000 to $50,000

• Common terms: One year to seven years

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

According to HomeGuide, landscaping can commonly cost anywhere between $300 to $16,000.

• Manage the cost: Many homeowners use landscaping loans to break down large expenses into predictable monthly payments.

• Watch out for in-house financing: Some contractors offer their own loans and they can come with higher interest rates compared to traditional lenders.

• Shop around: To secure the best deal, always compare multiple loan options rather than settling for the first one offered.

Best Landscaping Loan Options: At a Glance

Here's a side-by-side look at the most common landscaping financing options, including annual percentage rate (APR) ranges, funding speed and overall risk.

Personal Loans for Landscaping

When it comes to landscaping loans, a personal loan is often the best bet for financing a landscaping project. You can usually apply for a personal loan through a bank or credit union.

You can also find personal loans through online lenders or by using MoneyLion – for a seamless way to compare multiple personalized offers.

Here are a few more key points to know:

• Typical loan amounts: $1,000 to $100,000 or more

• Typical APR range: 6% to 35%

• Term lengths: Two to seven years

• Funding times: Funding is quick

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

Cost Comparison

Here’s how a personal loan compares to a home equity loan if you wanted to finance $10,000:

Using Your Home’s Equity To Finance Landscaping

You can use your home’s equity to secure financing for your landscape projects through a home equity loan or a HELOC.

Home Equity Loans vs. HELOCs: Key Differences

Home Equity Loans

With this option, you secure funding using your house as collateral. Instead of drawing funds when needed, a home equity loan pays in a lump sum. Lenders usually require a minimum credit score of 680 to approve a home equity loan.

Pros and Cons of Home Equity Loans

HELOC

If you have equity in your home, you might consider taking out a HELOC. This method works like a revolving line of credit where you can withdraw funds as needed.

Pros and Cons of HELOCs

Credit Cards for Landscaping

Credit cards can be a good option if you need flexibility to spread out landscaping purchases over time. As long as you make at least the minimum payment each month, you can pay down the balance at your own pace.

This option is best for those who have projects that cost less than $10,000. If you’re opening a new card, look for a 0% introductory APR offer — and have a clear plan to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid high interest charges.

Pros and Cons of Credit Cards

Cash Advance Options

A cash advance app can get you quick, small-dollar coverage if you're just a little short. With offerings like MoneyLion’s Instacash®, you’re not taking out a loan – you’re accessing a portion of your paycheck early. There are no credit checks and no monthly fees. You only pay a small fee if you choose optional expedited delivery.

Cash advance apps are best used as a short-term bridge. The amount is automatically repaid from your next paycheck, which helps you avoid long-term debt.

A cash advance app may be a good fit if you get regular paychecks and don’t need a hefty sum.

Pros and Cons of Cash Advances

How To Choose the Best Landscaping Loan

Before you borrow, use this checklist to choose the landscaping loan that fits your budget and timeline.

• Match the scope of the project to the loan type: Choose a financing option that aligns with your project’s total cost and timeline.

• Shop around: Before deciding, make sure you compare APRs from different lenders.

• Fees: Look at origination and late fees, as well as prepayment penalties.

• Choose the best term length: Pick a repayment term that matches your project timeline and monthly budget.

• Decide between secured and unsecured: Decide whether you want to have collateral securing the loan.

• Evaluate funding speed: Choose a loan that has the fastest deposit speed.

Qualifying for the Best Rates: 3 Quick Tips

Want the lowest rate possible? Focus on these factors before you apply.

1. Make sure your credit score is in the best place: The ideal score is 720 for the best rate, but getting it above 640 will open up better rates.

2. Keep your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio low: Lenders look at how much debt you’re carrying. Aim for a DTI that is less than 36%.

3. Use your existing relationship with your bank: If you already bank with an institution, apply for a loan to possibly take advantage of a lower rate.

Key Takeaways

• There are many options for landscaping loans — personal loans, HELOCs, home equity loans, cash advance apps and credit cards.

• Match the scope of your project with the type of loan you need.

• Loan terms can be from two to seven years with varying loan amounts.

• You can get a secured or unsecured loan. A secured loan may have a lower APR, while an unsecured loan may get you faster funding.

FAQs About Landscaping Loans

Landscaping loans can vary by lender, credit score and project size. These FAQs break down what to expect.

What credit score do you need for a landscaping loan?

Landscaping loans require a credit score of more than 640. The higher the credit score, the more favorable the loan.

Is a personal loan or HELOC better?

A personal loan is better if you have a smaller home improvement project between $5,000 to $15,000. A personal loan requires no collateral and is faster to fund. A HELOC is usually for $25,000 or more and has lower interest rates.

Can I finance landscaping with bad credit?

You can finance landscaping with bad credit, but it can be expensive. You may need a co-signer and may only qualify for a subprime loan, which can have exorbitant interest rates.

Are landscaping loans tax deductible?

Landscaping is considered a personal expense and isn’t tax deductible. However, there are exceptions if you have a substantial improvement that’s a result of a home equity loan. In this case, you may be able to deduct the interest.

Sources

• HomeGuide. 2026. "How much does landscaping cost?"

Anna Yen contributed to the reporting for this article.