Landscapers usually price maintenance per visit or as a monthly or seasonal contract based on lot size and time on site, and price installations by materials plus labor plus markup. Measure the property before quoting. Seasonal contracts smooth revenue for you and budgeting for clients. Charge separately for cleanups, mulching and one-off jobs.
Pricing models
| Model | Best for |
|---|---|
| Per visit | Flexible residential clients |
| Monthly contract | Predictable routes |
| Seasonal contract | Commercial properties |
| Project bid | Installs and hardscape |
Worked example: mowing price
If a lot takes a two-person crew 40 minutes including travel and your cost per crew-hour is $X, the visit cost is two-thirds of X. Add profit to reach your price. Measure, do not guess, and adjust after a few visits.
Contract terms to include
- Number of visits and season dates
- What happens when weather cancels a visit
- Price changes for extra services
- Payment schedule
Service menu and pricing logic
| Service | Includes | Pricing logic |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly mowing | Mow, trim, edge, blow | Per visit by lot time |
| Biweekly mowing | Same service, less often | Slightly higher per visit |
| Seasonal contract | Set visits all season | Monthly installments |
| Spring cleanup | Debris, beds, first mow | Flat by property |
| Mulching | Beds refreshed | Material plus labor |
| Fall leaf cleanup | Leaves removed | By volume or time |
| Installs | Plants, beds, hardscape | Project bid |
Seasonal contracts explained
Many landscapers sell season-long maintenance contracts billed in equal monthly installments. Clients like predictable bills, and the company gets steady cash flow and a planned route. The contract should list the number of visits, services included, skip rules for drought or rain, add-on pricing and cancellation terms.
Cleanups, mulching and installs are quoted separately and often booked by maintenance clients first.
Sample plan terms
"Weekly service runs from April through October, billed monthly. Skips for drought or rain are not charged. Cleanups, mulch and installs are quoted separately."
Mistakes
- Per-visit prices that ignore lot size
- No skip policy
- Free extras that become expected
Pricing installs
Installs are quoted from plants, materials, labor, equipment and disposal, plus design time if you provide plans. List plant sizes and quantities, mulch or stone by the yard, edging and labor separately so clients understand the scope. State any plant warranty and the watering responsibilities that come with it.
Keeping prices healthy
Landscaping prices depend on lot size, obstacles, slopes, gate access and drive time between stops. Measure carefully, time your visits, and price for profit on every stop. Seasonal contracts provide steady cash flow, and add-ons like mulch, cleanups and aeration raise revenue per client without new drive time.
What affects your price
- Lot size
- Visit frequency
- Materials
- Season and cleanup work
Free tools
Common questions
Should I charge by lot size?
Lot size is a good starting point, but time on site matters more.
How do seasonal contracts work?
A set price for a defined set of services over the season, often billed monthly.
Do I charge for leaf cleanup separately?
Usually yes, because volume varies a lot.
Should I charge extra for overgrown lawns?
Yes, a first-cut fee for overgrown lawns is common, since it takes much longer than a routine visit; state it in the quote.
Give customers a clear way to describe the job and request a quote
A quote form that asks the right questions saves back-and-forth and makes your business look organized.
See websites with quote forms