Landscaping business guide
Landscaping pricing guide
For landscaping work, a reliable process should build a price from labor, material, overhead and target profit. Record site area, plant list, material quantity and maintenance scope, and itemize each visit, square foot, plant, material and equipment hour that affects the price.
Price landscaping installation from measured areas and quantities, site preparation, plants or materials, delivery, crew time and equipment. State whether maintenance is included, and distinguish approved design changes from the original installation scope.
Measure installation and maintenance differently
For installation, record planted areas, bed preparation, plant size and count, edging, mulch or soil quantities, access and disposal. For maintenance, record the visit tasks, frequency and expected crew time. A one-time landscape installation and recurring care should have separate scopes.
Confirm which materials and substitutions require customer approval. Soil condition, drainage, access and removal of existing material can change the labor estimate. Mark these assumptions so a customer can see what an inspection or changed design might alter.
Worked landscaping price
These hypothetical costs illustrate the method. The two-person crew works for six hours each, producing 12 person-hours. The margin is calculated on total allocated job cost.
| Cost item | Example |
|---|---|
| 12 person-hours × $28 loaded cost | $336 |
| Plants, soil and mulch | $420 |
| Delivery and disposal | $90 |
| Equipment hire | $80 |
| Allocated overhead | $120 |
| Total allocated cost | $1,046 |
| Price at a 25% margin on allocated cost | $1,046 ÷ 0.75 = $1,394.67 |
Explain establishment and follow-up work
State who handles watering, plant establishment, ongoing care and replacement terms. Identify included follow-up visits rather than implying that the installation price includes unlimited maintenance. Define how a revised design or additional area will be priced.
Compare actual material quantities and person-hours with the estimate after completion. Keep supplier records, approved plant substitutions and customer changes with the job. Use that evidence to update future estimates for similar site conditions rather than applying one blanket price per area.
Frequently asked questions
Should landscape maintenance be included in an installation quote?
Only when it is part of the agreed scope. List included follow-up visits and tasks, or quote recurring maintenance separately.
How do I account for a landscaping crew?
Add every worker’s hours. Two workers for six hours equal 12 person-hours, before any separately recorded travel or preparation time.