Gardeners send estimates before installations, cleanups, redesigns, and new maintenance contracts. Clients usually compare two or three quotes, looking at the scope, plant quality, and whether materials and disposal are included. A clear written estimate often wins over a lower price that leaves details vague.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Say which beds, borders, or sections are included so there is no argument about whether the back fence line was part of the job.
For maintenance, state what each visit covers (weeding, pruning, edging, blowing) and how often, so clients know what is and is not included.
Specifying 1-gallon versus 5-gallon pots and exact varieties prevents disputes about what was promised, and affects your cost significantly.
State mulch type and depth, soil amendments, edging, and stone, and whether the client may choose or supply their own.
Clarify whether green waste and old plant material are hauled off and whether dump fees are included or extra.
New plantings depend on watering. Stating that the client is responsible for watering after installation protects your guarantee.
Plant and material prices change with season and supply, so an expiration date (often 30 days) keeps your quote from becoming outdated.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Garden maintenance (weeding, deadheading, edging) | per hour | $40-85 |
| Recurring maintenance visit (small to mid-size yard) | per visit | $75-200 |
| Seasonal cleanup (spring or fall) | flat fee | $200-600 |
| Mulch installation (labor, material extra) | per cubic yard | $40-90 |
| Shrub and hedge pruning | per hour | $45-90 |
| Planting and bed installation (labor only) | per sq ft | $4-12 |
| Raised bed build and fill | flat fee | $250-800 |
| Green waste hauling and disposal | per load | $50-175 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Overgrown beds, slopes, access limits, and soil condition change labor time dramatically. Photos help, but an in-person look avoids underbidding.
Showing labor and plants as different line items makes it easier to adjust scope if the client wants to cut cost, and keeps your markup clear.
Give good, better, best choices, such as 1-gallon versus 3-gallon plants, or standard versus premium mulch. Clients feel in control and often choose the middle option.
Roots, buried debris, and poor drainage show up once you start digging. Add a contingency or state that hidden conditions may require a revised price.
Simple maintenance quotes are usually free. For design work or large installation plans, many gardeners charge a design fee of $75-300 or more, often credited toward the project if the client hires you.
Thirty days is common. For jobs with large plant orders or volatile material prices, 14 days may be safer.
Agree in writing before doing extra work. If hidden conditions or client-requested changes increase the scope, send a change note or revised estimate and get approval first.
For installations, yes in most cases. A 30-50% deposit covers plants and materials and shows the client is committed. For routine maintenance, a deposit is less common.
Use the Gardening invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Gardening invoice template