Free Landscaping Estimate Template
A complete, line-item landscaping estimate you can preview below — site prep and grading, drainage, topsoil, sod, planting beds, mulch, edging and irrigation zones — with a plain-language guide to positive drainage away from the foundation, backflow protection and the 811 utility-locate rules that apply before any dig.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Site prep — clear, strip & haul | 1 lot | $1,450.00 |
| Grading & positive slope from foundation | 4,200 sf | $1,680.00 |
| French drain & downspout tie-in | 60 lf | $1,320.00 |
| Screened topsoil (3") | 40 cy | $1,600.00 |
| Sod — installed & rolled | 4,200 sf | $3,150.00 |
| Shrubs, perennials & 2 trees | 1 lot | $2,480.00 |
| Mulch & steel edging | 1 lot | $980.00 |
| 4-zone irrigation w/ backflow & controller | 1 | $3,900.00 |
| Total | $16,560.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price landscaping work
- Sod and seed by square foot; soil, mulch and gravel by cubic yard (sq ft x depth in ft ÷ 27).
- Plants are priced per unit by container size, with an install labor factor of roughly 1.5–2x material for larger stock.
- Irrigation is priced per zone plus the backflow, controller and any boring under walks.
Landscaping building-code guide
Landscaping code is mostly about water and utilities: where the water goes, how the potable supply is protected, and what you can safely dig near.
- Grade must fall a minimum of 6" within the first 10 ft from the foundation (5% slope)
- Where lot lines or walls prevent that, provide swales or drains that carry water to an approved point of discharge
- Never discharge downspouts or drains onto a neighboring property or into a sanitary sewer
- Call 811 before any excavation — typically 2–3 business days ahead; the ticket has an expiration date
- Hand-dig within the tolerance zone (usually 18–24in) of a marked utility
- Private utilities (irrigation, invisible fence, landscape lighting, gas to a grill) are not located by 811 — note this on the estimate
- Irrigation systems must be protected from cross-connection with an approved backflow preventer (PVB, RPZ or AVB)
- Most jurisdictions require an annual backflow test by a certified tester — mention it as a maintenance item
- Rain or soil-moisture sensors are required by code in a growing number of states
- Keep mulch and soil below the siding line and off the trunk flare; soil against siding causes rot and termite paths
- Retaining walls above a threshold height (commonly 4 ft) require an engineered design and a permit
- Trees should be sited clear of the septic field, sewer lateral and overhead service drop
Code quick reference — Landscaping
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Grading | 6in fall within the first 10 ft from the foundation | IRC R401.3 |
| Hardscape slope | 1/4 in per ft (2%) away from structures | Best practice |
| Retaining walls | Engineering/permit typically over 4 ft | IRC R404 / local |
| Utility locate | 811 call before any excavation | Federal / state law |
| Irrigation backflow | Approved backflow preventer on potable supply | IRC P2902 |
| Drainage discharge | Daylight or approved point, not onto neighbors | Local stormwater |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Sloped surface — 6in fall in the first 10 ft (IRC R401.3)(2%)
- 2 · Total fall — Drop from high point to low point(4.81")
- 3 · Run — Foundation(20')
- 4 · Slab / gutter thickness — Swale / daylight(4.00")
- Slope: 2% (4.81" over 20')
- Slab / gutter thickness: 4.00"
- 6in fall in the first 10 ft (IRC R401.3)
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Depth below grade — Buried base course + drainage stone(36.00")
- 2 · Footing width — Compacted base(16.00")
- 3 · Height above grade — Wall units(3' 0")
- Depth below grade: 36.00" · Footing width: 16.00"
- Height above grade: 3' 0"
- Buried base course + drainage stone
Inspection-day checklistShow
- 811 locate tickets active and marks photographed before digging.
- Base compacted in lifts for patios and walls.
- Positive drainage checked with a hose after grading.
- Mulch and soil kept below siding and weep screeds.
- Backflow device tested where irrigation ties into potable water.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common landscaping estimating mistakes
- Quoting sod without the grading and topsoil needed to make it survive.
- Skipping the 811 ticket and paying for a cut cable or gas line.
- Not writing a watering and warranty clause — plant warranties die when the client stops watering.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
IRC lot-drainage slope, 811 utility-locate requirements, irrigation backflow protection and retaining-wall permit thresholds.
Landscaping estimate FAQ
What should a landscaping estimate include?
A landscaping estimate should list site prep and haul-away, grading, drainage work, topsoil, sod or seed, plantings by size and count, mulch and edging, irrigation zones with backflow, and a startup or warranty note.
How much slope do I need away from the house?
The IRC requires the grade to fall at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet from the foundation, or a swale or drain system where that slope is not achievable.
Do I need to call 811 before landscaping?
Yes. Federal and state dig laws require calling 811 before excavation, typically 2–3 business days ahead, and hand-digging within the tolerance zone of marked utilities.
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