Division 32 - Exterior Improvements

Landscape and Hardscape Estimating Services in Arizona

Landscape and hardscape takeoffs and estimates for desert landscaping, irrigation, decomposed granite, boulders, pavers, pools, outdoor kitchens and site amenities across Arizona. Plant counts, areas and materials priced for landscape contractors, builders and developers.

Overview

Desert Landscape and Hardscape Estimates

Quick answer: Landscape and hardscape estimating is the takeoff and pricing of planting, irrigation and outdoor construction. The estimator counts trees, shrubs and groundcovers by size from the planting plan, measures decomposed granite, turf and planting areas, measures irrigation lines and counts valves, emitters and controllers, and takes off pavers, walls, steps, pools, shade structures and site furnishings, then prices material, labor and equipment.

Landscaping in Arizona looks different from most of the country. Desert landscapes rely on low-water-use plants, decomposed granite, boulders and drip irrigation, while outdoor living spaces with pavers, pools, fire features and shade structures are a big part of residential and community design.

Our landscape estimators count plants by species and container size, measure ground treatments and hardscape areas, take off irrigation systems and price outdoor features from the landscape and hardscape plans. Estimates are organized by area, such as front yards, backyards, retention basins, amenity areas and streetscapes.

Landscape work pairs with our Sitework and Earthwork Estimating Services, Masonry Estimating Services for site walls and our Custom Home Estimating Services.

What Your Landscape Estimating Includes

Get a Fixed Quote Today

Send your drawings and receive a fixed fee and delivery date, usually the same business day.

Scope of Work

Landscape and Hardscape Work We Estimate

Desert Planting

Low-water-use trees, shrubs, cacti, accents and groundcovers.

Decomposed Granite and Boulders

DG by size and depth, rip-rap, cobble and boulders.

Irrigation Systems

Drip systems, spray zones, valves, controllers and backflow preventers.

Pavers and Flagstone

Patios, walkways and driveways with base and edging.

Pools and Water Features

Pools, spas, fountains and water features.

Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Features

BBQ islands, fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor living areas.

Shade Structures

Ramadas, pergolas and shade sails with footings.

Artificial Turf

Synthetic turf with base preparation and edging.

Community and Commercial Landscapes

Streetscapes, retention basins, amenity areas and parks.

In Depth

How We Estimate Landscape and Hardscape

Planting

Plants are counted by species and container size, from 1-gallon shrubs to 24-inch and 36-inch box trees, with staking, soil amendments and warranty considerations.

Ground treatments

Decomposed granite, rock mulch and rip-rap are measured by area and depth and converted to tons. Pre-emergent herbicide and weed barriers are added where specified.

Irrigation

Mainlines, laterals and drip tubing are measured by length; valves, emitters, heads, controllers, sensors and backflow preventers are counted.

Hardscape

Pavers, flagstone and concrete are measured by area with base and edging; walls, steps, planters and seat walls are measured by length and height.

Features

Pools, outdoor kitchens, fire features, shade structures and site furnishings are priced from the plans or as allowances when design is incomplete.

At a Glance

Landscape Takeoff Items and Units

ItemUnitNotes
TreesEABy species and box size
Shrubs and groundcoversEABy species and container size
Decomposed graniteSF / TNBy size, color and depth
BouldersEA / TNBy size
Irrigation pipe and tubingLFBy size and type
Irrigation devicesEAValves, emitters, controllers, backflow
Pavers and flagstoneSFWith base and edging
Walls and seat wallsLF / SFBy height and finish
Shade structuresEAWith footings

Expert Guide

Arizona Landscapes: Water, Plants and Heat

  • Low-water-use plants: Active Management Areas in Arizona use low-water-use and drought-tolerant plant lists, and many cities and HOAs encourage or require desert-adapted landscaping.
  • Native plant protection: certain native plants such as saguaros are protected under Arizona’s native plant law, and many jurisdictions require salvage or replacement plans on development sites.
  • Drip irrigation: drip systems deliver water efficiently to individual plants and are standard in desert landscapes.
  • Decomposed granite: DG is sold by the ton in specific sizes and colors, and quantities depend on area and depth.
  • Heat and planting season: planting is often scheduled in cooler months to improve plant survival, and summer installations may need extra watering.
  • Shade: ramadas, pergolas and trees are essential for usable outdoor spaces in Arizona.

For full outdoor living budgets on custom homes, see Custom Home Estimating Services.

Arizona Factors

Arizona Landscape Cost Factors

Water-Efficient Design

Low-water-use plants and drip irrigation are expected in most Arizona landscapes.

Native Plant Salvage

Protected native plants may need salvage, storage and replanting on development sites.

Planting Season

Summer planting requires more watering and care; many projects schedule planting in cooler months.

Rock and Caliche

Planting holes and irrigation trenches may hit caliche or rock.

Outdoor Living Demand

Pools, outdoor kitchens and shade structures are common in Arizona homes.

HOA and City Standards

HOA and municipal landscape standards affect plant selection and coverage.

How It Works

How Our Landscape Estimating Process Works

Every project follows the same transparent four-step process. Read the full walkthrough on our How It Works page or see how we build and check numbers on our Estimating Methodology page.

01

Send Your Documents

Email drawings, specifications, addenda and the bid date, or share a download link for large sets.

02

Approve a Fixed Quote

We confirm scope, fee and delivery date in writing, usually the same business day.

03

Takeoff and Pricing

Quantities are measured digitally and priced with current Arizona labor, material and equipment costs.

04

Review and Delivery

A second estimator checks the work before you receive Excel and PDF files with marked-up drawings.

FAQs

Landscape and Hardscape Estimating Services FAQs

We count plants by species and size, measure DG and rock areas and convert them to tons, take off irrigation systems and price hardscape and features from the plans.

DG is measured by area and depth, converted to tons using the material’s density, and priced by size and color.

Yes. Drip and spray irrigation, valves, controllers, backflow preventers and mainlines are priced from the irrigation plans.

Yes, from plans or as allowances when design is incomplete.

Yes, when the plans or jurisdiction require salvage, protection and replanting of native plants.

Most landscape estimates are delivered within 24 to 48 hours; large community projects may take 3 to 4 business days.

Get Accurate Landscape and Hardscape Estimating Services in Arizona

Send your plans today for a fixed quote and a firm delivery date. Every estimate is priced with current Arizona labor, material and equipment costs and checked by a second estimator.

Location & Contact

Our Phoenix Office Serves Contractors Across Arizona

Arizona Cost Estimating works from Midtown Phoenix and supports builders, contractors and owners statewide. Send plans by email, call our estimating desk, or use the map below for directions to the office.

Office Address

413 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Midtown Phoenix, Maricopa County

Estimating Desk Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Arizona Time (MST, no daylight saving)

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