Landscape Renovations

[Phil Nilsson]

I know you have to make a buck but landscapes that are "overkill" in terms of design ... way too much versus size scope of the area may look "cute" but cause weeding headaches, mulch renewals and are generally too large compared to turf areas ... also excess waviness (bed lines) much more time mowing.

Just my 9 cents worth ...

[RRS]

I know you have to make a buck but landscapes that are "overkill" in terms of design ... way too much versus size scope of the area may look "cute" but cause weeding headaches, mulch renewals and are generally too large compared to turf areas ... also excess waviness (bed lines) much more time mowing.

I'll give you the excess waviness. I'm not big on that either, but the customer drew out a sketch for me to work with, and I put it to scale on drafting paper.

"Weeding headaches" and "mulch renewals", I see has additional services I'll be selling to the customer next season. And like I mentioned the beds aren't always going to be bare expanses of mulch. Eventually they're going to be filled in with perennials which will be more work down the line.

If this were a McDonalds I could understand where you're coming from, but it's an upscale customer's backyard border garden.

Nice work Casey, that looks great, and sure did a nice job to give that area appeal, and still leave room for future work. How many guys did you have on that and how long did it take you?

Thanks, I had 3 hours in the design and consultation, 30 man hours in the rip out and install, and about 2 hours putting extended head on the irrigation.

Basically went like this on the job. Drop off two guys with tractor and cart, wheelbarrows, and tools to do rip out. I go to the nursery to pick up plants, topsoil is delivered about the same time rip out is complete, add topsoil and till in, install plants as mulch is being delivered, install mulch, extende spinkler heads, and go to dump.

[Sasquatch52]

If you dont mind telling, how much did you charge with labor, material and etc.? Just curious.

[RRS]

If you dont mind telling, how much did you charge with labor, material and etc.? Just curious.

Around $4500. Keep in mind there is about $1200 in plants, $500 in soil, mulch and ammendments, $150 in dump fees, and about another $200 in misc costs. Plus, I have maintenance included for one year which consists of any needed pruning, weeding, etc.

[Ric]

I know you have to make a buck but landscapes that are "overkill" in terms of design ... way too much versus size scope of the area may look "cute" but cause weeding headaches, mulch renewals and are generally too large compared to turf areas ... also excess waviness (bed lines) much more time mowing.

Just my 9 cents worth ...

Fill

I think you are a little out of touch with the landscape business. Up scale customer do not want hum drum straight line design. Weeding is now done chemically and topdressing after trimming gives a fresh look. Hello! People want their homes looking sharp. In fact they insist on it. They are willing to pay for this fresh look.

Now it is you that preaches maintenance income for landscaper. Landscape maintenance is higher margin work than lawn mowing. Trimmer, Leaf rake, shovel, and trash bags are a lot cheaper over head than Mowers, weed eaters and blowers. BTW trimming can and does bring a higher hourly rate went preformed right.

RSS has made a statement that I will second. This is an upscale home, Not McDonalds. however I believe in landscape design where "Less is More" however that is not what every customer wants. A professional gives his customer what they want. After all the customer has to live with that landscape, not me.

[Seascape]

I've found that bidding these jobs as seperate bids for the ripout/bed preparation and install/finalization tends to bring better money.

no,,, i meant you more than likely MADE about 2K off this one. Not charged.
"pocket change".