Where to Find Landscaping Loans & What to Ask Before Applying

Sprucing up your loan, installing a deck, or completing another landscaping project can turn your yard into a beautiful oasis. But landscaping projects can get expensive, so you may be searching for a way to spread out the cost over time. 

Financing options for landscaping projects include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and personal loans. Here’s a closer look at your options for landscaping loans. 

Can you finance landscaping? 

Landscaping projects can be pricey, and you may not have the funds to cover this cost out of pocket. HomeAdvisor says landscape installation may cost between $1,258 and $6,032, and installing a patio could cost from $1,950 to $5,600. 

Landscaping loans offer funds upfront while allowing you to pay them back over time. This convenience comes at a cost in the form of interest charges and possible loan fees. Comparing your options can help you find the most affordable landscaping loan for you. 

You can use landscaping loans for hardscaping, which refers to the nonliving, structural elements of landscaping, such as paved areas, walls, fences, outdoor structures, fountains, and outdoor kitchens. We’ll use the terms interchangeably here.

3 types of loans for landscaping 

You can borrow three main types of loans to finance a hardscaping project: home equity loans, HELOCs, and personal loans. Here’s a closer look at how each type works, including the pros and cons. 

Loan type	Best for
Home equity loan	Homeowners who want fixed monthly payments 📅
HELOC	Homeowners who want flexible access to credit 🔄
Personal loan	Borrowers who have good credit or want quick funds 💵

Home equity loans for landscaping 

If you’re a homeowner, you may be able to tap into your home’s equity with a home equity loan. You’ll need at least 15% to 20% equity in your home, which is the difference between your home’s appraised value and what you owe on your mortgage. 

Depending on the lender, you may be able to borrow 85% of your home’s value minus your mortgage balance. For example, if you owe $200,000 on a home worth $300,000, you might qualify for a home equity loan up to $55,000. 

Home equity loans offer a lump sum upfront you can pay off over a certain number of years. They tend to have fixed interest rates and regular monthly payments. 

Home equity loans are also secured and use your home as collateral. This means your lender can seize your property if you fail to pay back your loan. 

Pros and cons

Pros

• Competitive interest rates

  Home equity loans can be an affordable option with low rates.

• Lengthy repayment terms

  You may be able to pay back your loan over 10 to 30 years.

• May qualify for a tax deduction

  You can write off the interest on your home equity loan if you use it to improve your property and itemize your deductions when you file your tax return (rather than using the standard deduction).

Cons

• Use your home as collateral

  The lender can foreclose on your home if you default on your home equity loan.

• Becomes a second mortgage on your house

  You’ll owe more on your home, which means you’ll have less equity. You could even end up underwater if your home value drops.

• Slower funding times

  Closing on a home equity loan can take two weeks to two months, and the process may require an appraisal and closing costs.

The best home equity loan to finance landscaping

Here’s our top recommendation for a home equity loan for hardscaping.

Spring EQ: Best home equity loan

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LendEDU rating: 3.6 out of 5

• Rates starting at 9.50% APR
• Access up to 95% of your home equity
• Loan amounts: $25,000 – $500,000

Spring EQ is an excellent option for homeowners who want to use their equity to fund their landscaping projects. It offers a simple and speedy application process, and many borrowers can bypass an in-person appraisal. Its rates are competitive.

Spring EQ also excels at customer service. Customers highlight the lender’s responsiveness and willingness to walk them through the loan process, making it the best home equity loan for landscaping.

Spring EQ’s loan funds are available in 21 days, on average. You’ll pay a $1,395 origination fee, and the product is not available in the following 10 states: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota, New York, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

HELOCs for landscaping 

Like home equity loans, HELOCs let you tap into your home’s equity and are secured by your home. However, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit you can draw on as needed and pay back as you go. 

You might have a draw period of 10 years, during which you can take out money and make minimum payments on the amount. After your draw period is over, you’ll make full principal-and-interest payments. 

You might prefer a HELOC to a home equity loan if your landscaping project has unpredictable costs and you want the flexibility of taking out money along the way. Some homeowners keep a HELOC open in case other home improvement projects come up in the future. 

Pros and cons

Pros

• Flexible funding

  You can borrow what you need for your landscaping project or future expenses.

• May be tax-deductible

  As with a home equity loan, you may be able to deduct your HELOC interest if you use it to improve your home and itemize deductions when you file your taxes.

• Competitive rates

  HELOCs can have affordable interest rates, and you’ll only pay interest on the amount you withdraw.

Cons

• Rates may be variable

  Variable rates could increase over time, making your loan more expensive.

• May come with maintenance fees

  You might pay a monthly or annual fee to keep your HELOC open.

• Longer processing time

  It could take two to six weeks to close on your HELOC.

The best HELOC for landscaping

This is our top choice for a HELOC for landscaping.

Figure: Best overall HELOC

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LendEDU rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Competitive fixed rates: 8.35% – 16.55%
• Borrow $15,000 – $400,000
• Must borrow 100% of your credit line (minus fees) at closing

Figure sets itself apart from its competitors by offering an online process for its HELOC. It promises fast decisions and funding, requiring no in-person appraisal and making funds available in as few as five days.

You must withdraw 100% of your credit line, minus fees, when you close on the HELOC, and you can redraw up to 100% of the funds throughout your draw period as you pay down your HELOC.

You’ll pay an origination fee of up to 4.99%, and Figure’s HELOC isn’t available in Hawaii, Kentucky, New York, or West Virginia. But if you plan to use the full amount for your landscaping project and meet Figure’s requirements, its HELOC is an excellent option.

Financing landscaping with personal loans 

You can use a personal loan on any expense, whether that’s redesigning your lawn or purchasing a lawn mower. Unlike home equity loans, personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning they don’t require collateral. 

A lender will review your financial profile when you apply, especially your credit and income, to determine whether you qualify for a loan. Borrowers with good or excellent credit tend to get the lowest rates, but you can find lenders that cater to borrowers at all credit tiers. 

Rates and terms will vary by lender, but you’ll often see rates between 7% and 36% and repayment options from one to seven years. Available loan amounts will vary too, but the minimum might be between $1,000 and $5,000, and typical maximums are $50,000 and $100,000. 

Since interest rates on personal loans are fixed, you can expect to pay the same amount each month until you’ve paid off your loan in full.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Don’t require collateral

  Most personal loans are unsecured, so you don’t need to worry about losing an asset if you fall behind on payments.

• May come with low interest rates

  If you have good or excellent credit, you might qualify for a rate as low as 7% or 8%.

• Fixed monthly payments

  Your monthly payments will stay the same, making it easier to budget and estimate your long-term loan costs.

Cons

• May be tough to qualify

  To get a personal loan, you must meet the lender’s requirements for credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio (or apply with a cosigner who can).

• Some lenders charge origination fees

  If you have weak credit, you may need to pay a personal loan origination fee, which can be up to 12% of your loan amount.

• Missing payments can damage your credit

  Lenders will report any late or missed payments to the credit bureaus, which could lower your credit score.

The best personal loan for landscaping

Here is our top pick for a personal loan for hardscaping.

LightStream: Best for excellent credit

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LendEDU rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rates (APR): 7.49% – 25.49%
• Loan amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
• No fees whatsoever

LightStream offers excellent rates to borrowers with superb credit. The loan application process is straightforward and fast, with funding available as soon as the same day in some cases.

LightStream will beat the rate other lenders offer you if the terms match, ensuring you can get the lowest rate with this lender if you take the time to rate shop.

Because LightStream doesn’t allow borrowers to prequalify with a soft credit check to see their rates, we think it’s best for those with FICO credit scores of at least 740 who are confident they’ll be approved.

How to choose the right landscaping loan 

With several types of landscaping loans available, you may wonder which option is best for you. 

Our expert’s recommendation

Erin Kinkade

CFP®

Depending on your personal goals, if you’ve recently applied for a loan or will need an additional loan in the near future, weigh which expense goal is a priority, and then wait at least six months—ideally 12 months or more—to apply for another loan or mortgage. Consider the interest-rate environment too. In a high-interest-rate environment (such as in May 2024), waiting until interest rates decline would be wise, especially if the landscaping loan is not an urgent need. Also, consider which type of loan you would like to take out. Fixed rates on a home equity loan are better for those who prefer predictable payments that are easy to add to their budget without worrying about what interest rates are doing. HELOCs are less predictable but could make sense for those who need a loan in a high-interest-rate environment and don’t want to lock in a higher interest rate (if the loan is a need and waiting isn’t an option). 

Asking yourself the following questions can help you decide: 

• How much equity do you have in your home? You’ll generally need 15% or 20% equity to qualify for a home equity loan or HELOC. Depending on the lender, you may be able to borrow up to 85% or even 95% of your home’s value minus your remaining mortgage balance. 
• Does your project have fixed or unpredictable costs? If you know how much you need to borrow for your landscaping installation, a home equity loan or personal loan may be a better fit. If you expect ongoing or variable costs, you might prefer the flexibility of a HELOC. 
• What’s your credit score? A good credit score makes getting approved for any type of loan easier. Good credit is crucial to access a low rate on a personal loan from a lender that doesn’t charge origination fees. 
• What repayment term works for your budget? You can often spread out a home equity loan or HELOC over 20 years or longer, whereas a personal loan will have a shorter repayment term. You may prefer a shorter term to pay off your debt sooner and save on interest. 
• How soon do you want your funds? The process of taking out a HELOC or home equity loan can span several weeks or months, whereas some personal loan lenders can fund your loan the same or next day you apply. 

If…	Choose…
You’re a homeowner with a fixed-cost project	A home equity loan
You want a flexible line of credit	A HELOC
You have a good or excellent credit score  or want a loan quickly	A personal loan

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Alternatives to John Deere Manufacturer or Dealer Financing

FAQ

Do landscaping companies offer financing?

Many landscaping companies offer financing options for their clients. This can be through in-house credit arrangements or partnerships with finance companies. However, terms, conditions, and interest rates may vary. It’s always wise to compare these with external loan options to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

What are the best hardscaping personal loans?

The best hardscaping personal loans depend on your personal financial situation.

LightStream is our top pick for borrowers with excellent credit, but factors such as your credit history, income level, and the loan amount required will play a part in determining the best loan for you. Some lenders excel in offering competitive rates to those with excellent credit, while others specialize in lending to those with less-than-stellar credit.

Can you get a landscaping loan with bad credit?

It’s possible to obtain a landscaping loan even with bad credit, but your options may be limited. Some lenders cater to bad credit. However, these loans often come with higher interest rates and more stringent terms. Depending on your circumstances, it might be best to improve your credit score before applying for a landscaping loan.

Is it worth it to get a landscaping loan?

Whether a landscaping loan is worth it depends on your individual circumstances. For some, it can provide the needed funds to transform their property into a dream space. For others, the extra debt might not be justified. When deciding whether to apply for a landscaping loan, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the loan’s terms, rates, your financial situation, and the potential return on investment.

Recap: Best hardscaping loans

Lender & product	Rates (APR)
Spring EQ home equity loan	Starting at 9.50%
Figure HELOC	8.35% – 16.55%
LightStream personal loan	7.49% – 25.49%