When to send a landscaping quote
Send a quote for install work once you have walked the property and agreed on the design: new beds, sod, a paver patio, a planting plan. If the ground is unknown, for example an old yard that may be full of rock or roots, send an estimate so the price can change with approval.
What to include in a landscaping quote
- The plant list: each plant's type, size and quantity.
- Materials and quantities: cubic yards of mulch or soil, square feet of sod or pavers, type of stone.
- Prep included: removing old plants or turf, grading, weed barrier, base material under pavers.
- Exclusions: irrigation changes, permits, rock removal, tree work, unless listed.
- Plant guarantee, if any, and the watering conditions.
- Schedule and weather clause.
- Payment schedule and how long the quote is valid.
- A signature line. The PDF from this tool includes one.
Write a scope the customer cannot misread
| Vague | Clear |
|---|---|
| New front beds | Remove existing shrubs and grass in 2 front beds (about 220 sq ft), install weed barrier, plant 8 three-gallon shrubs, 3 cubic yards brown hardwood mulch |
| New lawn | Remove old turf, grade and add 1 in. topsoil, install 1,200 sq ft fescue sod, first watering |
| Patio | Install 14 × 16 ft paver patio (224 sq ft) on compacted gravel base, with edge restraint and polymeric sand |
The clear version leaves no room for “I thought the old bushes were staying”.
When the plan changes
Customers often swap plants or add a bed once work starts, and the ground can hide rock or old concrete. Agree the change and its price before you continue, and add it as a new line so it appears on the final invoice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a landscaping quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed price for a clear design with named plants and materials. An estimate is an informed guess that can change if the site turns out different, for example when rock or roots are found.
Should I list plant sizes on the quote?
Yes. A 1-gallon and a 5-gallon shrub are very different in price and look. Listing sizes avoids disputes.
Should I take a deposit for landscaping work?
Many landscapers take a deposit on install jobs to buy plants and materials. The tool adds a deposit line based on the percentage you set.
Is the landscaping quote template free?
Yes. Make and download unlimited quotes. Free PDFs include a small line at the bottom saying they were made with QuoteToolbelt.