How to Quote a Landscaping Job in Australia
Complete guide to quoting landscaping jobs. Covers garden design, turf, paving, retaining walls, irrigation, and pricing strategies for Australian landscapers.
Quick answer
Quote landscaping by component, per square metre: turf $25–$45/m² including soil prep, paving $80–$180/m² installed, planted garden beds with mulch $100–$200/m², and drip irrigation $10–$20/m². A small courtyard makeover typically lands at $5,000–$15,000; a full front-and-back project runs $15,000–$50,000. Itemising each element wins more jobs than a lump sum.
Landscaping rates by element
| Element | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Turf laying (incl. soil prep) | $25–$45/m² |
| Paving, installed | $80–$180/m² |
| Garden bed with plants + mulch | $100–$200/m² |
| Automatic drip irrigation | $10–$20/m² |
| Courtyard makeover | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Full front + backyard project | $15,000–$50,000 |
What to Include in a Landscaping Quote
A landscaping quote should cover: site preparation (clearing, levelling, soil amendment), hardscaping (paving, retaining walls, edging), softscaping (turf, garden beds, plants, mulch), irrigation, drainage, lighting, and clean-up. Break the quote into sections so clients can prioritise or stage the work if budget is tight.
Landscaping Costs in 2026
Turf laying: $25–$45/sqm (including soil prep). Paving: $80–$180/sqm installed. Garden bed with plants and mulch: $100–$200/sqm. Irrigation: $10–$20/sqm for automatic drip systems. A typical front and backyard landscaping project: $15,000–$50,000. Small courtyard makeover: $5,000–$15,000.
How to Price Earthworks and Site Prep
Site preparation often accounts for 20–30% of a landscaping quote. Bobcat hire: $80–$120/hour (or $500–$800/day). Soil supply: $50–$80/cubic metre delivered. Crushed rock: $40–$70/cubic metre. Tip fees for green waste and soil: $150–$300 per load. Always visit the site to assess how much earthwork is needed.
Quoting Plants and Softscaping
Plant costs vary enormously: tube stock ($3–$8), 200mm pots ($12–$25), 300mm pots ($25–$50), advanced trees ($150–$500+). Mulch: $60–$100/cubic metre delivered. Quote plants by species and pot size, and include a planting labour rate. A good planting guide: budget $80–$150/sqm for established garden beds.
Winning More Landscaping Jobs
1. Include a simple design sketch or plan. 2. Break the quote into stages so clients can budget. 3. Offer a 'good, better, best' approach for materials. 4. Include before/after photos of similar past work. 5. Send a professional PDF quote — not a handwritten estimate. 6. Follow up within 48 hours.
Pro Tips
- Visit the site to assess access, soil type, and drainage
- Break large quotes into stages so clients can prioritise
- Include a simple design sketch — even a hand-drawn plan helps
- Quote plant species and pot sizes specifically
- Include irrigation as a standard recommendation, not an afterthought
- Factor in seasonal timing — some work is best done in specific seasons
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