Landscape bidding combines site work, horticulture, and construction skills. This guide helps landscaping contractors win profitable public and commercial projects.
Understanding Landscape Bid Documents
Landscape Drawings
Key Plan Types
- Landscape plans (L-series)
- Planting plans
- Irrigation plans
- Grading plans
- Detail sheets
Information to Extract
- Plant schedules
- Irrigation layouts
- Hardscape areas
- Grading requirements
- Site amenities
Specifications
Division 32 Sections
- 32 10 00 - Bases, Ballasts, and Paving
- 32 30 00 - Site Improvements
- 32 80 00 - Irrigation
- 32 90 00 - Planting
Critical Details
- Plant sizes and species
- Soil amendment requirements
- Irrigation system specs
- Warranty requirements
- Maintenance period
Takeoff Categories
Plant Material
Inventory List
- Trees (by caliper/height)
- Shrubs (by container size)
- Groundcovers (by flat/count)
- Perennials and ornamental grasses
- Sod/seed areas
Include
- Stakes and guy wires
- Root barriers
- Tree grates
- Mulch quantities
Irrigation Systems
Components
- Mainline piping
- Lateral piping
- Sprinkler heads
- Drip emitters
- Valves and controllers
- Backflow preventers
Measurement
- Pipe lengths by size
- Head counts by type
- Valve counts
- Controller locations
Hardscape
Elements
- Pavers and stone
- Concrete flatwork
- Retaining walls
- Site furnishings
- Fencing
Quantities
- Square footage
- Linear footage
- Unit counts
Site Work
Scope Items
- Demolition
- Grading
- Drainage
- Soil preparation
- Import/export material
Pricing Components
Plant Material
Cost Factors
- Wholesale pricing
- Availability
- Delivery charges
- Installation labor
- Warranty replacement
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring demand premium
- Fall availability
- Winter limitations
- Growing season timing
Labor Estimates
Major Activities
- Site preparation
- Irrigation installation
- Planting operations
- Hardscape installation
- Finish grading
Productivity Factors
- Site access
- Soil conditions
- Weather windows
- Crew experience
- Equipment availability
Equipment
Common Equipment
- Mini excavators
- Skid steers
- Trenchers
- Dump trucks
- Compaction equipment
Cost Allocation
- Rental rates
- Operator costs
- Mobilization
- Fuel
Common Bidding Mistakes
Plant Material Errors
Watch For
- Availability issues
- Size specification confusion
- Species substitution rules
- Warranty requirements
Verification
- Confirm availability
- Check lead times
- Understand substitution process
- Know warranty terms
Irrigation Miscalculations
Frequently Missed
- Trenching in hardscape areas
- Sleeving under paving
- Connections to water source
- Controller programming
- Winterization
Labor Underestimation
Common Issues
- Site access limitations
- Utility conflicts
- Weather delays
- Coordination with other trades
- Punch list work
Specialty Landscape Work
Sports Fields
Unique Requirements
- Turf specifications
- Drainage systems
- Irrigation design
- Surface tolerances
Pricing Factors
- Premium materials
- Strict tolerances
- Testing requirements
- Warranty provisions
Green Roofs
Components
- Waterproofing interface
- Drainage layers
- Growing medium
- Plant material
- Irrigation
Special Considerations
- Access and staging
- Weight limitations
- Wind exposure
- Maintenance access
Xeriscaping
Elements
- Drought-tolerant plants
- Efficient irrigation
- Mulch and rock
- Permeable surfaces
Market Demand
- Water restrictions
- Sustainability goals
- Maintenance reduction
- Cost savings
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Typical Classifications
- Laborers
- Operating engineers
- Cement masons
- Irrigation technicians
Compliance
- Correct wage rates
- Certified payroll
- Fringe calculations
Bonding
Requirements
- Bid bonds
- Performance bonds
- Payment bonds
- Maintenance bonds
Licensing
Common Requirements
- Contractor license
- Landscape contractor specialty
- Pesticide applicator
- Irrigation certifications
Warranty and Maintenance
Plant Warranties
Typical Terms
- One-year warranty common
- Replacement vs. refund
- Exclusions (vandalism, acts of God)
- Maintenance requirements
Pricing Warranty
- Historical replacement rates
- Species risk factors
- Site conditions
- Maintenance quality
Maintenance Periods
Common Scope
- 90-day establishment
- One-year maintenance
- Ongoing contracts
Pricing
- Visit frequency
- Scope of services
- Material costs
- Equipment needs
Competitive Positioning
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Design capability
- Plant knowledge
- Irrigation expertise
- Maintenance quality
- Warranty backing
Value Engineering
Options
- Plant substitutions
- Irrigation alternatives
- Hardscape materials
- Phasing options
Working With GCs
Coordination
Key Interfaces
- Site grading
- Underground utilities
- Concrete work
- Paving
- Building completion
Communication
- Schedule coordination
- Access requirements
- Protection needs
- Punch list timing
Subcontract Terms
Review Carefully
- Payment terms
- Warranty requirements
- Schedule provisions
- Change order process
Technology in Landscape Bidding
Software Tools
Options
- LandFX
- PRO Landscape
- DynaSCAPE
- Aspire
Features
- Plant databases
- Takeoff tools
- Irrigation design
- Proposal generation
GPS and Drones
Applications
- Site measurement
- Progress documentation
- Irrigation mapping
- Maintenance tracking
Conclusion
Successful landscape bidding combines horticultural knowledge with construction estimating skills. Understand the plans and specs. Price plant material accurately. Include all irrigation components. Account for site conditions.
The landscape contractors who win profitable work demonstrate expertise in both plants and construction while delivering quality installations.
ConstructionBids.ai helps landscaping contractors discover public bid opportunities and track deadlines for parks, schools, and municipal projects.
