The Landscaper's Bid

For the most part, the services included in landscaper's bids are pretty much the same.  But still, you need to clarify what each landscaping company offers with the bid they provide.  When comparing competing bids for a landscape you have in mind, you need to know that the bids are for the same items and services.  You want to compare apples to apples.

Landscaping Plants

Generally, the bid includes the cost of the plants they will use in your yard.  This can be determined in a couple of ways.  For example, if you already know what plants you want to be included in the landscaping project, landscapers can provide you with bids specifically including the costs of these plants.  Most homeowners, however, haven't decided which plants they want in their landscaping design.  After all, this is typically part of the reason you are asking for landscapers' bids in the first place!

If you do not already know what plants you would like included in your landscaping, landscapers often will just include a specific amount of money for plant materials.  Once this figure is established, they will settle on what plants they can purchase for your landscaping that fit within your budget, while still provide the look you are after.

When comparing bids, be sure to look at how much they are setting aside for plants.  While one landscaper's bid is cheaper than another, that company may actually be skimping on the plant costs!  Unless they have an outstanding, but inexpensive source, this is not where you'll be wanting to cut costs.

Decor and Hardware

Everyone's landscaping plan is different.  If your plan involves adding decor, such as statues, fountains, or other water features, this should be included in the bid, as well.  While you may not know exactly what features you want added, the landscapers should be able to include a general amount of money for these types of features.

If you want a pond to be included in your plan, be sure to inform the landscapers before they create their bids.  The size of your pond and the amount of detail it involves can sway the price of your project dramatically.  You'll need to have the landscapers describe what is included in the budget set aside for it.  Make sure the price includes all necessary plumbing and electrical wiring.

Landscaper's Labor

Labor will also be included in the landscapers' bids.  This labor should include more than just the time the landscaper works on the project.  It should also include all of the projected costs of hiring contractors, if necessary, to complete the job.  Be sure to have the landscapers' include exactly what labor is included in the bid.  You do not want to hire a landscaping company, only to learn that you will need to pay extra for an excavator or a concrete designer.  If these elements are necessary for your landscaping plan, the landscapers should include these costs in the bid.

Prepare to be flexible in your planning with your landscape team.  A very costly design can often be achieved with a less expensive alternative when you present your desires and budget and listen to the alternatives to create that look.