LandscapersUpdated March 2026 · 2 min read

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.

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.