Landscaping Estimates: Setting Expectations Before the Design
A landscaping estimate is your first pricing conversation with a potential customer. Before you've done a full design, measured the property, or sourced specific plants, the customer wants to know roughly what their backyard transformation will cost. A well-structured landscaping estimate template gives them a realistic range based on the scope they've described, while making clear that final pricing comes after a design consultation and site assessment.
What Goes Into a Landscaping Estimate
- Project scope summary - "Estimated cost for rear yard redesign including paver patio, privacy screening, perennial beds, and landscape lighting"
- Budget ranges by category - hardscape ($X-$Y), plant material ($X-$Y), irrigation ($X-$Y), lighting ($X-$Y), labor ($X-$Y)
- Site condition assumptions - "Assumes relatively flat grade, no significant drainage issues, accessible for equipment"
- Variables that affect cost - soil conditions, slope, access limitations, existing tree removal, utility locations
- Material quality tiers - concrete pavers vs. natural stone, container-grown trees vs. balled-and-burlapped specimens
- Contingency - typically 10-15% for landscaping, higher if soil conditions are unknown
- Next steps - "Schedule site visit and design consultation for firm pricing"
Creating Realistic Landscaping Estimates
Use square footage as your baseline for hardscape estimates. A basic paver patio runs $15-$25 per square foot installed in most markets. Natural stone is $25-$50+. A retaining wall costs $20-$45 per face foot depending on height and material. These rough benchmarks let you estimate quickly while staying within a reasonable range of the final number.
For planting, estimate by bed area rather than individual plants until you've done a design. A well-planted perennial bed costs roughly $10-$20 per square foot including plants, soil amendments, and mulch. Foundation shrubs run $150-$400 each installed depending on species and size. Specimen trees (2-3 inch caliper) are $500-$1,500 installed. These averages get your estimate within range.
Always note that your estimate assumes standard site conditions. Rocky soil, steep slopes, limited equipment access (gated backyard, narrow side yard), and the need to remove existing landscape features all increase costs significantly. If you suspect challenging conditions, add 20-25% to your baseline numbers or note the assumption explicitly.
Build Your Landscaping Estimate Today
BillThemToday's free estimate generator helps you create clear, categorized landscaping estimates with budget ranges and contingency allowances. Present a professional PDF that shows customers you've thought through their project even at the preliminary stage. Our landscaping estimate generator moves the conversation from "how much?" to "when can you start?"