Plant counts, bulk materials, and irrigation pricing. Choose a project type below for a complete step-by-step guide with formulas, waste factors, productivity benchmarks, and pro tips.
Landscaping splits into hardscape (priced per sq ft of patio/wall plus bulk material) and softscape (per plant installed, per cubic yard of mulch/soil, per square foot of sod). Bulk material delivery has minimum order quantities and delivery thresholds that vary by supplier — under 5 yards of mulch is often a flat trip charge, over 10 yards may free up the delivery, and the math has to be in the estimate. Irrigation is priced per zone (typical residential zone covers 800–1,200 sq ft of turf or 50–80 ft of drip line) plus controller, backflow, and connection to the water supply. Maintenance contracts are flat-rate per visit, with seasonal adjustments for spring cleanup and fall leaves. The new-install vs. renovation distinction matters because removal and disposal — old sod, dead shrubs, hardscape demolition — adds significant cost that's invisible in a plant-and-mulch price. Site access is a frequent surprise: a wheelbarrow route from the curb to the back yard adds 30–50% to bulk material handling labor; a tight side gate that won't pass a Bobcat means hand work. The trade differs from arborists (large tree work, pruning, removal) and irrigation specialists (some markets have separate licensing). Plant guarantees are a 2026 cost pressure — perennials replaced once, annuals not guaranteed, trees and shrubs replaced for a one-year window. Build that replacement risk into plant pricing or it eats next season's margin.
Curb-to-installation walking distance multiplies bulk material handling labor. A 50-ft wheelbarrow route is fine; 200 ft through a tight gate is hand work.
Mulch, soil, gravel, and stone are priced per cubic yard delivered. Order in delivery thresholds (5+, 10+) for better unit pricing.
Each zone is a separate run, separate valve, and separate controller channel. Quote per zone, not per square foot of yard.
1-gallon perennials install fast and cheap; #15 trees need a Bobcat or two-person carry. Plant size drives both material and labor cost.
Old sod, dead plant material, and hardscape demo all need a dump run. Disposal is its own line, not bundled with removal labor.
New plantings need hand-watering for 2–4 weeks until roots take. Either the customer does it (with explicit written instructions) or you do (and bill for it).
Replacement risk is real — about 5–10% of perennials and 2–5% of woody plants don't make it through the first season. Build the cost in or you'll eat it.