How to estimate a landscaping job
Price the hardscape by the square foot. Patios, walkways, and walls depend on base depth, cuts, and access. Price them by the square foot or linear foot with the base included, and say what the base is.
List plants with sizes and counts. A client cannot compare "planting" with another bid. List the number of plants and their sizes, and say what your plant guarantee covers.
Add maintenance as an option. A maintenance line turns a one-off install into recurring work. Put it last, say that it is optional, and the client can remove it without a new estimate.
Plan for access and the season. Narrow access, slopes, and hard soil add hours. Note them in the estimate, and say which work depends on the season, such as sod and planting.
What a landscaping estimate should include
The example above has a place for each of these:
- A short design or scope, with the areas to work on
- Removal of old plants, turf, or hardscape
- Plants with counts and sizes, and the plant guarantee
- Soil, mulch, and stone by the cubic yard or ton
- Hardscape by the square or linear foot, with the base
- Irrigation and lighting
- Optional maintenance, as its own line
- The deposit, the schedule, and what depends on the season
For a firm price instead of an estimate, choose Quote in the settings panel. Our quote and estimate guide explains the difference.
Estimate templates for other trades
Each template starts with a worked example for its trade. Your business details carry over between them.