Landscaping Estimating & Takeoff Services

Plants, trees, shrubs, groundcover, ornamental grasses, native species, seasonal flowers. We calculate precise material quantities for every species on the planting plan, and we factor in mortality rates too, because most estimates skip that entirely. Tree mortality typically runs 5-8%, shrubs 10-15%, annuals sometimes 20% in tough climate zones. We build those numbers in so your project budget reflects reality, not wishful thinking.

Patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, decorative walls, decks, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, gazebos, fencing... the works. Retaining walls get their own breakdown: block counts, drainage aggregate, geotextile fabric, compaction requirements, all priced separately. We measure square feet, linear feet, and cubic yards for every feature. For projects where concrete flatwork extends beyond the landscape scope, we estimate that separately as well.

This is where a lot of landscape bids fall short, honestly. Sprinkler system estimates, drip irrigation, smart controllers, zone design, controller specifications, backflow prevention, pipe sizing, insulated pipes, sprinkler head counts. We measure linear feet for all piping runs and use our auto count tool to quantify plan symbols accurately. Water pressure calculations are included too, because low pressure problems requiring booster pumps are one of the most overlooked cost factors in landscape bidding. Contractors get surprised by this one more than almost anything else.

Grading, excavation, soil preparation, soil amendments, drainage solutions including storm subdrainage reservoirs and earth drainage systems. Site prep costs can swing wildly depending on what construction equipment has already done to the ground. We look at what's actually there, not what the drawings assume. Need a full site work estimate alongside your landscape scope? We handle that too.

Sod installation, hydroseeding, artificial turf, athletic fields, mulch, gravel, tiles, that kind of thing. We calculate square footage using digital takeoffs and cloud-based estimating software, accurate to the decimal point even on odd-shaped areas. Planting density, species substitution costs, and seasonal availability flags are built into every softscape takeoff.

Fountains, ponds, pond systems, waterfalls. Simple enough to list, but water features are where budgets go sideways more often than you'd expect. We price materials, excavation, liner systems, pumps, and filtration separately. Nothing buried in a line item.

Rain gardens, bioswales, permeable surfaces, earth drainage systems, storm subdrainage reservoirs. These systems have become a bigger part of landscape scope in recent years, especially on commercial and municipal jobs. We price them properly, not as an afterthought.

Native plant takeoffs, xeriscaping, water conservation systems, rainwater harvesting, eco-friendly material alternatives. Acid-loving plants in alkaline soil is a guaranteed failure, so we factor in soil pH testing when the plant list calls for it. Lifecycle cost considerations included on request.

Annual maintenance estimates, seasonal care schedules, replacement planting projections, irrigation maintenance budgets. Not every client needs this, but commercial property developers and property management clients who need long-range numbers ask for it regularly.