Landscape Estimate

Chloe

I just had an estimate submitted by a landscaper that comes recommended because he is "willing to work" with customers to keep cost down. My beds have been virtually ignored for three years. New edging was installed last Fall and now I am wanting a complete weeding and cleaning of the beds (which includes removing some old mulch), application of something like Preen, new weed fabirc cut around existing plants and application of double dyed brown mulch. I am guessing that the total square footage is about 975 square feet. There are three beds of about 100 sq. ft each and the rest are straight beds that are against the house. He is ordering 5 cubic yards of mulch (he said he may need more) and will lay it about 2 inches deep. He is providing all the materials and said labor may take up to a week. I thought the labor time was high, but he said that in order to really prep the beds correctly, that may take up to 2 days alone. No new plants are going in...I will move stuff around afterwards because I want to. The estimate was $1500 for all of it. What do you guys think? In my head, I am thinking $500 in materials (probably lower), $500 in labor and $500 for him is his formula. I like this company, but I always wonder. I had the entire job quoted last Fall with another company (including the edging back then) plus some new plants and they came in well over $3000.00. Any insight would be appreciated. I really like the guy, but want to be a smart customer. I know, I could always get more estimates... Thanks!

handy man88

Sounds a bit steep, as the work alone shouldn't take more than 2-3 days, especially if he uses heavy equipment like a Bobcat. Using the bobcat, he will easily remove all that stuff in no time. Mulch wise, 5 cubic feet shouldn't cost more than $150. I think compost and/or peat moss should be added and tilled into the soil too before plantings.

You said that no plants are involved, but they will need to work around existing plants. That will drag things out. I think all in all, should take no more than 3 days and should cost no more than $800-1000. If he's stuck on that price, I would make him add a few things like maybe a few Japanese Maple trees. He's got other jobs to go to, and other money to make. For sure, he won't be spending 1 week on your property just to put down mulch.

clark lawn

well first of all if this landscape has been let go for a number of years and they will be cleaning it out and removing the old mulch you will need to put down 4" of new mulch to do the job right. At 975 sqf that would be about 10 yards of mulch. dont waste money on landscape fabric it is best for use under stone to keep it from sinkng into the soil. Also put down snapshot not preen ( if he's legit he should be able to get it) much better weed control. My cost for that would be 1500-2000 depending on how bad the beds are to clean out.

Pilgrims Pride

That is good advice.
The snapshot is good stuff too.
Its not cheap, but is my weapon of choice these days as well.
If your scaper is on the level he can buy it.