Sitework & Landscaping Estimator Cheat Page
Learn the Basics of Grading, Paving & Landscape Estimating
1. Understanding Site Plans
- Civil Plans: Grading contours, paving types, curbs, walks, plantings
- Landscape Plans: Tree, shrub, turf layout with quantity symbols
- Details: Curb, planter box, trench drain, concrete joint, and paver sections
- Notes: Mulch depth, sod prep, irrigation callouts
Always check elevation changes and grading arrows to plan cut/fill volumes!
2. Takeoff Basics
- Measure SF of paving, turf, mulch, and plant beds
- Count shrubs, trees, root barriers, and site furnishings
- Include linear foot of curbs, mow strips, edging, trench drains
- Record areas by type (concrete, asphalt, DG, pavers)
Use grouped layers in PDF markup to keep hardscape, planting, and irrigation separate
3. Manhour & Labor Estimating
- Concrete Flatwork: ~0.35 hr/SF
- Tree Install: ~0.5–1.0 hr/tree
- Shrubs & Planting: ~0.2–0.4 hr/each
- Mulch/Soil Placement: ~0.05 hr/SF per inch depth
Account for soil prep, rototilling, weed barrier, and edge restraints
4. Building the Estimate
- Material Cost: Concrete, plants, soil, mulch, pavers, irrigation items
- Labor Cost: Total manhours × rate (e.g., $65/hr)
- Dump Fees: For demo, soil spoils, and green waste
- Overhead & Profit: Add standard company markup
Build reusable assemblies for common curb or planting installations
5. Downloadable Tools
- 📥 Landscaping Labor Chart (PDF)
- 📥 Planting & Paving Takeoff Template (Excel)
- 📥 Mulch & Soil Volume Calculator (Excel)
- 📥 Sitework Symbol Legend (PDF)
Use mulch calculators to convert SF and depth into CY for ordering!