What does a landscaping scope of work include?

It covers grading, planting, hardscape, irrigation, mulch, and cleanup. It defines the design, materials, timeline, warranty, and payment terms.

Do landscapers guarantee plants?

Most landscaping contractors offer a 1-year plant warranty for material installed by their crew, as long as the owner follows the watering schedule. Check your contractor's specific warranty.

Should irrigation be included?

If you're installing plants, irrigation is strongly recommended. It can be included in the landscaping scope or handled by a separate irrigation contractor.

What about ongoing maintenance?

Installation and maintenance are usually separate agreements. Some landscapers offer a maintenance package after installation, but it should be a separate scope.

Can I modify this template?

Yes. Adjust for your specific project — full landscape install, hardscape only, planting only, or renovation of an existing landscape.

Landscaping Scope of Work Template | Free Download 2026

Landscaping projects can range from a simple plant installation to a complete outdoor transformation. Without a clear scope, it's easy for expectations to get out of line — especially around what's included and what's extra. This template covers the core landscaping tasks: grading, planting, hardscape, irrigation, and cleanup. It works for new installs and renovations. Fill in the details for your project and present a professional scope to your client.

Project Overview

This scope covers landscaping work including site grading, planting, mulching, hardscape installation, irrigation, and cleanup. Applicable to residential and commercial properties.

Typical Projects Include:

New home landscaping package
Commercial property landscaping
Backyard renovation
Planting and mulch installation
Hardscape (patios, walkways, walls)
Irrigation system installation

Scope of Work

Site Prep & Grading

Task	Description
Demolition & Removal	Remove existing plants, old mulch, debris, or hardscape that's being replaced.
Grading	Grade the site for proper drainage. Shape beds, lawn areas, and hardscape sub-grades.
Soil Prep	Amend soil in planting beds as needed. Add topsoil to lawn areas if specified.
Irrigation Rough-In	Install irrigation lines and heads before planting (if irrigation is in scope).

Installation

Task	Description
Hardscape	Install patios, walkways, retaining walls, edging, or other hardscape elements per the design.
Planting	Install trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover per the landscape plan.
Sod or Seed	Install sod or seed lawn areas. Roll sod and water immediately after installation.
Mulch & Rock	Spread mulch, decorative rock, or ground cover in all beds to specified depth.

Finish & Cleanup

Task	Description
Irrigation Final	Connect irrigation, set zones, and test all heads for coverage and operation.
Lighting	Install landscape lighting along paths, at focal points, and per the lighting plan (if in scope).
Cleanup	Clean all hardscape surfaces, remove debris, and leave the property spotless.
Walkthrough	Walk the completed project with the client. Review plant care and irrigation operation.

Timeline & Milestones

Landscaping timelines depend on project size. A typical residential project takes 3-10 days.

Phase	Duration	Description
Site Prep	1-3 days	Demolition, grading, and soil preparation.
Installation	2-7 days	Hardscape, planting, sod, and mulch.
Finish	1-2 days	Irrigation, lighting, and cleanup.

Roles & Responsibilities

Property Owner

•Approve the landscape design and plant selections
•Provide access to the property and water supply
•Water new plantings per the recommended schedule
•Process payments per the agreed schedule

Landscaping Contractor

•Provide all labor, materials, and equipment
•Install per the approved landscape plan
•Grade for proper drainage
•Clean up daily and at project completion
•Provide plant care instructions and warranty info

Materials & Equipment

Plants & Soil

•Trees, shrubs, and perennials per plan
•Sod or grass seed
•Mulch or decorative rock
•Topsoil and soil amendments

Hardscape

•Pavers, flagstone, or concrete
•Retaining wall block
•Edging material
•Base gravel and sand

Equipment

•Skid steer or mini excavator
•Sod cutter
•Plate compactor
•Wheelbarrows and hand tools

Quality Control Standards

Design Match

Installed landscape matches the approved design — plant types, sizes, and placement.

Drainage

Site grades direct water away from structures with no ponding in lawn or bed areas.

Plant Health

All plants installed healthy and properly — correct depth, mulch ring, and initial watering.

Safety Protocols

Utility Awareness

Call 811 before any digging. Hand-dig near marked utility lines.

Equipment Safety

Keep workers and bystanders clear of operating equipment.

Heat & Hydration

Landscaping is outdoor work — monitor crew for heat stress and ensure water is available.

Project Documentation

Signed contract and scope of work
Landscape design plan
Plant list with sizes and quantities
Irrigation zone map
Plant warranty information
Care and maintenance instructions

Financial Terms

Payment Structure

Landscaping projects are typically billed with a deposit, progress payment, and final payment.

Terms & Conditions

•Deposit due at contract signing (typically 30-50%)
•Progress payment at midpoint of installation
•Final payment due after walkthrough and completion
•Plant material may require upfront payment
•Change orders for additions or substitutions require written approval

Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off

The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:

1All plants installed per the landscape plan
2Hardscape installed level and to design specifications
3Irrigation tested and operational
4Mulch or rock at specified depth in all beds
5Site graded with proper drainage
6Property cleaned and debris removed

Frequently Asked Questions

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Landscaping Scope of Work Template