How to estimate landscaping costs?

Author: Prof. Carmella Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

Landscaping cost per square foot Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the yard size, location, and job complexity. Labor is the biggest expense at around 80% of the total cost. Landscapers will charge about 115% more than the cost of the grass sod, plants, and shrubbery.

How to calculate pricing for landscaping?

Determine the hourly rate for your employees or subcontractors. Multiply that rate by the estimated time for each task to arrive at a labor cost estimate. Find out the cost of materials needed for each task. Add those costs to the labor cost estimate to arrive at a total cost estimate for the job.

How do I make a landscaping estimate?

  1. Establish a Project Plan. First things first: Before you start your estimate, talk to the client. ...
  2. Calculate Overhead Costs. ...
  3. Calculate Material Costs. ...
  4. Calculate Subcontractor Costs. ...
  5. Calculate Time and Labor Costs. ...
  6. Add Your Markup. ...
  7. Calculate the Total Price. ...
  8. How Much Does a Landscaper Charge Per Hour?

What is the most expensive part of landscaping?

The most expensive part of landscaping projects is often the integration of hardscaping features, such as patios and walkways made from natural stone or permeable paving. Due to their complexity and material costs, these non-living elements can add thousands of dollars to your landscaping budget.

How to give a landscaping quote?

Here's how to create a landscaping estimate step by step:
  1. Meet your potential customer on-site. For the most accurate estimates, you and your client should both walk through the work area together. ...
  2. Estimate the time and labor cost. ...
  3. List your expenses. ...
  4. Add your markup.

The Perfect Landscape Estimation Process

How do you calculate landscaping?

To calculate the size, measure the length and the width of your project area. Multiply those two numbers to come up with the square footage of your coverage area.

Should I tell landscaper my budget?

Whether or not you disclose your budget is up to you, but it can help your project in the long run. If your contractor doesn't know your budget, they can't give you the best advice on allocating your time and money.

What is a good landscaping budget?

The average landscaping cost is $3,300 to $13,200, with a typical price range per square foot of $4.50 to $17. Prices vary widely based on the size and scope of the project. You could do some simple DIY landscaping for less than $2,000, or go for a sophisticated look with a premium budget of $40,000 or more.

What landscaping adds most value?

What Kinds of Landscaping Projects Add the Most Value?
  • Tree Planting. Because trees often take many years to mature, large and well-established trees are highly valued by potential buyers. ...
  • Outdoor Living Spaces. ...
  • Irrigation System. ...
  • Sustainable Landscaping. ...
  • Curb Appeal Enhancements.

How much does it cost to landscape 1 acre?

Landscaping cost per acre is between $2,000 and $4,000 for basic landscaping. If you have multiple acres there are landscaping companies that will give you a discount. If your landscaping project is more complex expect to pay $10,000 or more.

How do you bid on landscaping?

Here's how to bid a landscaping job:
  1. Pick the right landscaping projects.
  2. Review the bid documents.
  3. Draw your design.
  4. Price your materials and supplies.
  5. Estimate your labor cost.
  6. Add your overhead and profit margin.
  7. Create and send your landscaping proposal.
  8. Follow up with your client.

How can I make my landscaping cheaper?

11 Cheap Backyard Landscaping Ideas
  1. Use Mulch Alternatives. ...
  2. Repurpose Old Tires. ...
  3. Go Vertical With Your Gardening. ...
  4. Add a Splash of Color. ...
  5. Plant a Functional Garden. ...
  6. Opt for Natural Perennial Ground Covers. ...
  7. Build an Outdoor Fire Pit. ...
  8. Plant a Tree.

How do you price a yard work?

You can charge between $25 and $60 per hour for lawn mowing, or $50 to $250 per service. If you're pricing by lawn size, you can charge between $50 to $200 per acre, or $0.01 to $0.06 per square foot. To set your pricing, find out how much competitors in your area are charging.

How do I charge as a landscaper?

There are a number of ways you can charge for landscaping services, but the most common are hourly or flat-rate project-based. Each has its pros and cons, and chances are, you'll use both at different times. Flat rate pricing involves charging a single fixed price for the entire project.

Do landscapers give free estimates?

Customers will routinely ask, how much will it cost for an estimate of a landscape design. Some companies do it for free, others charge a fee. But the costs we're concerned about in the landscape estimate are all the costs the landscape business is paying.

How do you calculate price per yard?

To calculate the Price Per Yard, divide the total price by the total length in yards.

What decreases property value the most?

10 Surprising Things That Decrease Property Value
  • Bad Neighbors. ...
  • Poor Exterior Paint Quality. ...
  • Deferred Maintenance. ...
  • Neighborhood Foreclosures. ...
  • Proximity to Certain Facilities and Businesses. ...
  • An Unsightly Yard. ...
  • The Address Suffix. ...
  • Too Much Personalization.

What part of landscaping makes the most money?

What part of landscaping makes the most money? High-end landscape design and installation projects make the most profit. These projects usually include custom hardscaping, water features, and elaborate plantings.

Does landscaping increase property taxes?

Assessment of Property Value: Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property, which includes both the land and any improvements such as landscaping. Enhancements that increase curb appeal could raise the assessed value.

How do I write an estimate for landscaping?

Instructions and a detailed description of the work to be done. The materials to be used and their costs. Labor fees, how they are being billed, and a total of all costs. Warranties, job timeline, terms and conditions, and expiration date of the landscaping estimate.

How to determine a landscape budget?

Know what you want to spend and talk budget up front with your landscape professional. Understand what things cost by getting at least three estimates and If you're unsure what to budget, the American Society of Landscape Architects suggests to start with 5 percent to 10 percent of your home's worth.

Is paying for landscaping worth it?

Landscaping can add tremendous value to your home. It not only adds entertainment value, allowing you to enjoy your property more, but it also adds tangible value to your resale value. Knowing this, you don't want to skimp on your landscaping budget. But you also might have no clue what you can expect to spend.

How can I save money on landscaping?

10 Ways to Save on Landscaping
  1. Plant Perennials. Go green with your garden by choosing plants that flower year-after-year. ...
  2. Make Your Own Compost. ...
  3. Grow and Trade. ...
  4. Propagate Your Plants. ...
  5. Choose Plants That Are Natural to Your Region. ...
  6. Shop the End-of-Season Sales. ...
  7. Leave Your Grass Clippings. ...
  8. Don't Cut Your Lawn Too Short.

Do you tip a landscaper for a one time job?

Again, tipping your local landscaper is not mandatory—and it's uncommon after one-time jobs or routine lawn services. Most landscapers don't expect tips at all, but the standard tip is an annual or seasonal bonus. At the end of the day, there's no hard and fast rule.

How much is too much for landscaping?

The average landscaping project costs $3,651 but ranges between $1,249 and $6,281, depending on the scope of the project. Professional landscaping costs an average of $3,651, or anywhere between $200 and $15,000, but it can add serious curb appeal—and value—to your home.

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