Landscapers send estimates before almost every new job, and often for new maintenance accounts. Clients usually collect two or three bids and compare the bottom line, so the written scope matters as much as the price. Most estimates follow an on-site walkthrough where you measure beds, lawn area, and access.
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
State square footage of lawn or beds, linear feet of edging, and the number of plants, so everyone agrees on what is included.
Name the mulch type and color, plant species and size (for example, 3-gallon), paver brand, or sod variety. Cheaper substitutes are a common source of disputes between bids.
Say whether you are removing existing sod, plants, stumps, or rock, and who pays for disposal. Surprises here are expensive.
Note that buried utilities, rock, roots, or poor drainage could change the price. Mention that the client should have utilities marked, or that you will call 811 before digging, where applicable.
Give a target start window and say that rain, frozen ground, or supplier delays can shift dates.
List the deposit, progress payments, and how added work will be priced and approved in writing.
Plant and stone prices change, so quotes should be valid for a set time, often 14 to 30 days.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn mowing and maintenance (average residential lot) | per visit | $40-90 |
| Crew labor (landscaper plus helper, with basic equipment) | per hour | $50-110 |
| Mulch installation (material and labor) | per cubic yard | $70-150 |
| Sod installation (material and labor) | per sq ft | $1.00-2.50 |
| Spring or fall cleanup | flat fee | $200-600 |
| Shrub and hedge trimming | per hour | $45-90 |
| Tree, shrub, or perennial planting (labor only) | per plant | $15-75 |
| Irrigation repair or sprinkler head replacement | per visit | $75-200 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Use a measuring wheel or satellite measurement tool to get real lawn and bed sizes. Guessing at square footage is the most common reason landscapers lose money on maintenance contracts and sod jobs.
Include travel, fuel, trailer, and equipment wear, not just labor and materials. A small job across town can cost more than it looks.
Give a base option and an upgrade, such as standard mulch versus premium, or basic planting versus a fuller design. Clients feel in control and often choose the middle or higher option.
For larger projects, charge a design fee that can be credited toward the install. This covers your time if the client takes the plan to someone else.
Free estimates are standard for maintenance and small installs. For complex design work or large projects, many landscapers charge a design or consultation fee, often credited toward the job if the client signs.
Fourteen to thirty days is typical. Shorten it if you are quoting during a period when plant or material prices are changing quickly.
Stick to the quoted price unless the scope changes. If you find extra work, such as hidden roots or extra drainage work, stop and give the client a written change order before continuing. Make sure your estimate states how these cases are handled.
A range works when the scope is uncertain, such as cleanups on overgrown properties. For defined work like a mulch install or sod job, a fixed price based on measurements is clearer and tends to win more bids.
Use the Landscaper invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Landscaper invoice template