How do you price landscaping jobs?
Landscaping prices need to carry more than labor and mulch. Crew time, trucks, equipment, fuel, disposal, delivery, mobilization, weather delays, and job-specific materials can all affect the economics.
Use crew-hours, not elapsed hours
A three-person crew working six hours consumes 18 labor-hours. That distinction matters when comparing the selling price with labor capacity.
Separate owned equipment overhead from job-specific equipment cost
Recurring truck, trailer, insurance, and equipment ownership costs often belong in overhead. A rented mini excavator or special disposal fee may belong directly to the job.
Account for mobilization
Loading, travel, unloading, fuel stops, cleanup, and disposal can consume a meaningful part of the day. Small jobs need enough price to support that setup burden.
Track actual production by service
Mulch installs, cleanups, mowing, hardscape prep, planting, and drainage work all have different production patterns. Historical actual hours make future estimates more accurate.