Free Landscaping Estimate
Template
Professional estimate template used by 10,000+ contractors. Use the PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets layout below. Fill it out in under 3 minutes.
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3201 Elm Court, Nashville, TN 37215
Date: April 15, 2026 | Valid for 30 days
$15,800
⭐ 4.8 Stars
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What Every Landscaping Estimate Should Include
Your landscaping estimate template, filled in from one photo
Skip filling a landscaping estimate template by hand: photograph the yard and SimplyWise hands back an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds, with material, labor, and fee lines already broken out.
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How to Write a Landscaping Estimate in 5 Steps
Step 1: Survey the Property
Walk the entire property with the client. Note sun exposure, drainage patterns, soil type, existing plants to keep, and utility line locations. Measure all areas to be landscaped. Sketch a rough site plan with measurements and photos.
Step 2: Itemize Materials
List every material: sod type and square footage, each plant by species and size (1-gal, 5-gal, 15-gal), pavers by type and square footage, mulch in cubic yards, soil amendments, edging, and irrigation components. Use nursery and supplier pricing.
Step 3: Calculate Labor
Landscaping labor runs $25-$55/hr per crew member. A full backyard redesign (patio + planting + sod) takes a 3-person crew 4-7 days. Factor in equipment time. Grading, compaction, and hauling add 20-30% to labor hours.
Step 4: Add Your Markup
Apply your markup (25-40% is standard for landscaping). This covers truck/trailer costs, fuel, equipment maintenance, and profit. On a $15,000 project, 30% markup is $4,500. Include a design fee for complex projects.
Step 5: Send It and Follow Up
Export a clean PDF with a simple site sketch or design rendering. Send within 48 hours. Landscaping is seasonal. Spring and fall are peak. Clients comparing 3+ bids choose the most professional-looking proposal.
Most of those steps take about 6 seconds
Photograph the property and SimplyWise builds the itemized estimate for you: material and labor lines from the photo, with built-in markups. Walking the site and sending the bid stay yours.
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Average Landscaping Job Costs to Guide Your Estimates
Use these benchmarks as starting points. Actual costs vary by region, materials, and job complexity.
| Job Type | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full backyard redesign (5,000 sq ft) | $5,000 - $10,000 | $5,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| Paver patio install (300 sq ft) | $2,500 - $5,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 | $5,500 - $10,000 |
| Sod installation (2,500 sq ft) | $1,000 - $2,000 | $800 - $1,500 | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Retaining wall (50 lf, 3 ft) | $2,000 - $5,000 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Irrigation system (5 zones) | $1,500 - $3,000 | $1,500 - $2,500 | $3,500 - $6,000 |
| Tree planting (3 specimens) | $600 - $1,500 | $300 - $600 | $1,000 - $2,500 |
Costs vary by region. Get a location-specific estimate in 6 seconds with SimplyWise Cost Estimator →
Estimating Best Practices for Landscaping Contractors
Include a plant warranty
Offer a 1-year plant warranty for properly maintained landscapes. It shows confidence in your work, justifies premium pricing, and most clients never claim it. Budget 5-10% for replacements.
Break out hardscape and softscape
Separate paver/stone work from planting, sod, and irrigation. Clients can prioritize phases and you can upsell later. A $25K project becomes two $12K phases that feel more manageable.
Always check utilities before digging
Call 811 before every job. A severed gas line or fiber optic cable will cost you $5,000+ and destroy your reputation. Build 2-3 day utility marking lead time into your schedule.
Include seasonal maintenance quotes
Offer a quarterly maintenance package alongside the install estimate. Fresh landscapes need ongoing care. Clients who just spent $15K want to protect their investment. It’s recurring revenue for you.
Use visual proposals
A simple 3D rendering or annotated photo adds 30-50% to your close rate. Apps like iScape or Realtime Landscaping let you create quick mockups. Clients buy what they can see.
Factor in irrigation from day one
If the project doesn’t include irrigation, the plants will die and the client will blame you. At minimum, quote drip irrigation for planting beds. Present it as plant insurance, not an upsell.
Estimate Template vs. Estimating Software
Free
- ✓ Pre-filled line items
- ✓ PDF, Excel, Google Sheets
- ✓ Print or email to clients
- ✓ Manual updates required
- ✓ No cost database
SimplyWise App
- ✓ Photo-to-estimate in 6 seconds
- ✓ Live material pricing by ZIP code
- ✓ Professional PDF estimates + invoices
- ✓ Send directly to clients
- ✓ Track all your estimates
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Frequently Asked Questions
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