Quote templates for landscaping and garden maintenance
Professional quotes for garden maintenance, landscaping projects, and grounds clearance in Ireland.
What to include in a landscaping quote
Landscaping covers two quite different markets that each need a different kind of proposal: recurring maintenance of residential and commercial gardens, and creation or redesign projects.
For recurring maintenance, define clearly: frequency (weekly, fortnightly, monthly), what's included on each visit (grass cutting, hedge trimming, leaf clearance, weed control), and what isn't (new planting, pest treatment, structural work). State the number of hours per visit and the size of the crew.
For creation or redesign projects, break the quote down by phase: site survey and clearance, design and plant selection, groundworks (levelling, drainage), planting and finishing. A garden build from scratch may involve subcontracting for irrigation or hard landscaping, so flag that clearly on the quote.
For grass cutting and one-off clearances, price per visit, per m², or hourly depending on the equipment needed. State clearly whether transport and disposal of green waste is included, since this can be a large part of the cost on an overgrown site.
Example quote for residential garden maintenance
Typical job: monthly maintenance of a residential garden with 350 m² of green space.
- Monthly maintenance visit (half day, 2 operatives):
- Grass cutting with petrol mower, 220 m² of lawn
- Trimming and shaping of hedges (2 boundary hedges)
- Leaf and debris clearance
- Spot weed control on paths and borders
- Green waste removal and disposal included
- Price per monthly visit: €150
- Annual contract (10 visits, March to November): €1,500
- Annual contract discount: 5% = €1,425 per year, paid quarterly at €356.25
Additional work priced separately: • Large tree or conifer pruning: quoted on inspection • Pest and disease treatment: product cost plus labour • New planting: quoted separately based on plants chosen • Fence or gate repairs: €55/hour labour plus materials
How to price landscaping projects
Landscaping projects have a wide price range because the client's choices drive the cost far more than in most trades. A 100 m² garden can run €2,500 or €18,000 depending on materials, planting, and hard landscaping.
Typical cost breakdown for a medium residential garden in Ireland:
- Design and consultation (survey, drawings, plant list): €250 to €650
- Groundworks (levelling, drainage, topsoil): €12 to €22/m²
- Automatic irrigation system: €18 to €35/m²
- Planting (species dependent): €25 to €90 per shrub, €6 to €18 per groundcover plant
- Turf laid or seeded lawn: €6 to €15/m² installed
- Hard landscaping (patio, paths): €35 to €75/m², depending on material, with natural stone and sandstone flags at the top end
Present a tiered proposal: a standard garden (hardy species suited to Irish conditions, seeded lawn) and a premium garden (curated planting, automatic irrigation, natural stone paving). The client sees exactly where the price difference comes from.
Tips for winning more landscaping jobs
Seasonal timing is the biggest factor in this trade. Spring and early summer are peak season in Ireland. Build a list of past clients and reach out in February and March with a seasonal tidy-up offer. Most garden owners don't think to book ahead but appreciate the reminder.
To turn one-off jobs into recurring contracts, always present the annual maintenance option after the first visit. "I can handle the monthly maintenance for €150, so you never have to think about the garden again" is the pitch that turns a sporadic client into predictable monthly income through the growing season.
Before and after photos matter hugely here. Share results on Instagram or WhatsApp, since a well-kept garden is something owners are proud to show off, and it's some of the best free marketing available to a landscaper.
Frequently asked questions
How do I quote a first visit if I haven't seen the garden?
Do a quick assessment visit (15-20 minutes) before sending any proposal. For clearance and maintenance jobs, seeing the site in person avoids surprises for both sides. If a client insists on a remote estimate from photos, give an indicative range and state clearly it's subject to confirmation on site.
Should green waste removal be included in the maintenance price?
For regular maintenance, including it simplifies the relationship and matches most clients' expectations. For large one-off clearances with a big volume of waste, you can charge separately per van or trailer load. Be explicit on the quote: "green waste removal included up to X trailer loads per visit."
How do I protect a garden project quote against unforeseen costs?
Always build a 10-15% contingency into the total project price and explain to the client that it covers things like poor drainage, rock or rubble under the topsoil, or adjustments to the planting plan once groundworks are underway. Presented as honest pricing rather than a surprise later, most clients understand and appreciate it.