What a landscaping estimate should include
A yard project is hard to picture from a number. The sample above quotes Kara Simmons for a front yard makeover, and each line gives her something she can walk outside and check.
- Measurements on the line. 1,200 sq ft of sod removal, a 14x16 ft patio, 4 cubic yards of mulch. The client can pace it out, and if she asks for a bigger patio you can re-price without starting over.
- The layers under the patio. "Base, sand and edging" names the work nobody sees once the pavers are down. It explains why a patio costs more than a pile of stones.
- Plant size and count. Three Japanese maples at 15 gal is specific. Without the pot size, the client can't tell a young tree from a big one, and you can't prove what you promised.
- Irrigation as its own line. New beds need water to get started. Pricing drip irrigation separately lets the client choose it with the cost in front of them.
- Haul-away and dump fees. Old sod and dug-out soil have to go somewhere, and dump fees are a real cost. A line for it keeps it out of your margin.
- What's not in the price. The sample excludes delays from utility line marking, plant replacement after 1 year, and lighting. Lighting is a common "I thought that was included," so it's worth saying.
- A short price window and a deposit. "Valid 21 days. 50% deposit books the start date." Plant and paver prices change with the season, and spring calendars fill fast.
How to write a landscaping estimate
- Measure and sketch the yard. Mark where the patio, beds and trees go. Take photos from the street and from the house so you and the client see the same space.
- Write the finished picture. One or two sentences at the top: new patio by the front walk, three maples, mulched beds on drip. Then the lines.
- Price by unit where the client might change their mind. Square feet, cubic yards and per-tree prices make "can we add one more maple?" an easy answer.
- Plan for underground utilities. Get lines marked before you dig, and say in the estimate that waiting on marking can move the start date. The rules for this vary by area, so check yours.
- Say what happens if the ground fights back. Rock, big roots, buried debris or wet soil can add hours. Write that extra digging or hauling is priced as a change order and done once the client approves it.
- State your plant guarantee, if you give one. Say how long it lasts and what voids it, like plants not being watered.
- Get the yes on paper. Have the client sign the estimate before you order pavers and plants. With TapBill they can sign right on your phone in the yard, and the signed estimate becomes the invoice in one tap.
Use this landscaping estimate template
When the patio is done, the landscaping invoice template shows how to bill the project and ongoing yard work. Outdoor jobs in other trades have the same weather and season issues: see the painting estimate for an exterior repaint and the roofing estimate for pricing work you can't fully see.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write up an estimate for landscaping?
Measure the area, describe the finished yard in a sentence, list each part of the work with its quantity, then add exclusions, how long the price is good for and the deposit. The sample on this page is laid out in that order.
Should I price landscaping by the square foot or as one number?
Use both where they help. Unit prices suit work the client may resize, like sod or mulch. A single price suits a defined piece of work, like a patio of a set size. Either way, show the measurement.
What if I hit rock or roots while digging?
Stop and show the client. Write a change order with the extra time or equipment and get their approval before carrying on. A short line in the original estimate saying this can happen makes that talk easier.
Can I use this as an estimate template for lawn care?
Yes, with different lines. For mowing or seasonal care, list the service, the visit frequency, the price per visit and the season it covers, so the client knows what a month will cost.