I agree with Jeff & Ginny. Landscaping & land maintenance costs can vary greatly, depending on the area in which you live, the weather, the type of terrain.. even the access to the site (can the landscaper access the site directly by truck, or do they have to move materials to something smaller, like a wheelbarrow, to get it to the right spot?). Here in Northern California, maintenance for a typical lot in a subdivision can run $100-200 per month. For more rural type properties with a little acreage, the price may be considerably higher. I would suggest calling a few local landscapers and get some bids before you agree on any company.. In these tough times, some may be willing to cut their normal rate, just to have the steady work. And I'd also recommend driving by a few of their current jobs, so you can see their work for yourself.

Your lawn costs vary considerably according to the area where you reside. A northern climate would entail fewer times the lawn needs to be mowed than a similar sized lawn in Florida, where the cost for full service lawn maintenance varies between $150 to $200 a month depending on the type of turf, the amount of actual lawn versus the number of bushes and trees that require year round fertilizing and trimming. Perhaps that sounds discouraging until you factor in that snow removal is free of charge in Vero Beach, Florida.

Your best bet is to call around to some local landscapers and see what they charge. I have a 1/4 acre and have paid $2000 for a season and am now paying $135/month.