Landscape Design Proposal Template

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Prepared by Your Company Name

Professional Services Proposal

For Client Name

Created on October 27, 2025Valid for 30 days

Introduction

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this landscape design proposal for your property. I am passionate about creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional, sustainable, and tailored to how you live and enjoy your property. My approach combines thorough site analysis, expert plant knowledge, thoughtful spatial design, and attention to environmental stewardship to transform your outdoor areas into spaces you will treasure. This proposal outlines my understanding of your project, design process, timeline, and investment details. I look forward to collaborating with you to create a landscape that enhances your property and brings you joy throughout the seasons.

01

Services & Deliverables

Site Consultation & Assessment

Initial property visit, site analysis including soil, drainage, sun exposure, existing conditions assessment, and design brief development

Landscape Master Plan

Comprehensive design including site plan, planting plan with plant list and quantities, hardscape layout, design narrative, and one revision round

Detailed Planting Design

Specific plant selections with botanical names, quantities, sizes, placement plan, seasonal interest calendar, and maintenance guidelines

Hardscape Design & Specifications

Detailed plans for patios, walkways, walls, edging, and other structural elements with material specifications and construction details

Installation Coordination & Oversight

Contractor bid review, installation oversight, plant sourcing assistance, quality control site visits, and final walk-through

Full-Service Design & Installation

Complete landscape transformation including design, all materials, site preparation, planting, hardscape, irrigation, and installation (quoted per project based on scope)

02

Project Timeline

1
Consultation & Site Analysis
1-2 weeks

Initial meeting, comprehensive site assessment, measurements, photography, soil testing if needed, and client vision discussion

2
Design Development
2-4 weeks

Concept creation including site plan, planting plan, material selections, and design presentation with renderings or sketches

3
Design Refinement & Approval
1-2 weeks

Revisions based on feedback, final plant and material selections, budget refinement, and final design approval

4
Installation Preparation
2-4 weeks

Contractor bidding if applicable, plant and material sourcing, scheduling installation during optimal planting season

5
Installation & Establishment
1-4 weeks

Site preparation, hardscape construction, planting, irrigation setup, mulching, and initial establishment care guidance

03

Investment

Site Consultation & Assessment$350
Landscape Master Plan$2,500
Detailed Planting Design$1,800
Hardscape Design & Specifications$1,500
Installation Coordination & Oversight$1,200
Full-Service Design & Installation$15,000
Total Investment$22,350
04

Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms
  • • 50% deposit required to initiate the project
  • • Remaining balance due upon project completion
  • • All invoices are payable within 14 days of receipt
Project Timeline
  • • Timeline begins upon receipt of deposit and required materials
  • • Delays in providing feedback or materials may impact delivery dates
Intellectual Property
  • • Client retains ownership of all final deliverables upon full payment
  • • Service provider retains ownership of pre-existing materials and methodologies

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1. Understanding Landscape Design Proposal Fundamentals

Landscape design proposals serve as the blueprint for transforming outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful environments. A well-crafted proposal demonstrates your understanding of the site conditions, client vision, and environmental considerations while clearly communicating your design approach, timeline, and investment required. For landscape designers, the proposal is often the first opportunity to showcase your expertise in plant knowledge, spatial design, sustainability practices, and project management. It sets expectations and builds confidence that you can deliver an outdoor space that enhances property value, usability, and aesthetic appeal.

2. Defining Project Scope and Design Services

Clearly articulating the scope prevents misunderstandings and ensures alignment on deliverables. Specify which areas of the property are included in the design (front yard, backyard, side yards, entry, specific garden beds), detail the level of service (design only, design and installation, or design with contractor coordination), outline how many design concepts and revisions are included, and establish boundaries around site preparation, irrigation systems, hardscape construction, and ongoing maintenance. Include details about property size, existing conditions, topography challenges, drainage issues, sun exposure, soil conditions, and any special requirements like native plantings, water conservation, or wildlife habitat creation.

3. Site Analysis and Assessment

Professional landscape design begins with thorough site analysis. Explain your process for assessing existing conditions including soil testing, drainage patterns, sun and shade mapping, views and focal points, existing vegetation to preserve or remove, utility locations, setback and easement restrictions, and microclimates. Discuss how you evaluate client needs including intended use (entertaining, play areas, vegetable gardens, privacy screening), maintenance preferences, aesthetic style, budget constraints, and long-term vision. This comprehensive assessment ensures your design is not just beautiful but also appropriate for the specific site conditions and client lifestyle.

4. Design Concept Development and Presentation

Describe your creative process and what deliverables clients can expect. Explain how you develop design concepts that address functional requirements while creating aesthetic appeal. Detail the presentation materials you provide: site plan showing layout of plantings, hardscape, and features; planting plan with specific plant selections, quantities, and placement; perspective sketches or 3D renderings visualizing key views; material samples for hardscape, edging, and other elements; and maintenance guidelines for the designed landscape. Clarify how many initial concepts you present, your revision process, and how you incorporate client feedback to refine the design. Strong presentation materials help clients visualize the transformation and make informed decisions.

5. Plant Selection and Horticultural Expertise

One of the most valuable aspects of working with a landscape designer is expert plant selection. Explain your approach to choosing plants that thrive in the specific site conditions, provide year-round interest, meet aesthetic goals, and align with maintenance preferences. Discuss how you consider mature size, bloom times, seasonal color, texture combinations, deer resistance, drought tolerance, native species benefits, and climate appropriateness. Address your knowledge of local growing conditions, hardiness zones, and sustainable planting practices. Clients hire landscape designers specifically for this horticultural expertise that prevents costly mistakes and ensures long-term landscape success.

6. Hardscape and Structural Elements

Many landscape projects include hardscape elements that provide structure and functionality. Discuss your approach to designing patios, walkways, retaining walls, edging, pergolas, arbors, water features, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and other built elements. Explain how you select appropriate materials considering durability, aesthetics, budget, and site conditions. Address your process for creating construction drawings and specifications if needed, coordinating with contractors or masons, and ensuring proper installation. Clarify whether hardscape design and installation are included in your services or require separate contractors, and how you manage that coordination.

7. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Modern landscape design increasingly emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship. Describe your approach to water conservation through drought-tolerant plantings, efficient irrigation, rain gardens, or permeable paving. Discuss native plant incorporation to support pollinators and local ecosystems. Explain how you address stormwater management, soil health, organic practices, and reducing chemical inputs. If clients have specific sustainability goals like Sustainable Sites Initiative certification, wildlife habitat creation, or edible landscaping, explain your expertise and process. This demonstrates that your designs enhance not just property aesthetics but also environmental health.

8. Budget Development and Cost Transparency

Landscape projects involve both design fees and installation costs that can vary significantly. Clearly explain your fee structure (flat design fee, hourly rate, or percentage of installation cost), what is included in design services versus installation costs, and payment schedule tied to project phases. Provide realistic cost estimates for installation including plants, materials, labor, site preparation, irrigation, and contingency. Help clients understand cost drivers like mature plant size, hardscape materials, site accessibility, and soil amendments. Break down costs by project phase or area so clients can prioritize if budget adjustments are needed. Transparent budgeting prevents sticker shock and builds trust.

9. Project Timeline and Seasonal Considerations

Landscape projects are heavily influenced by seasons and weather. Provide a realistic timeline broken down by key phases: initial consultation and site assessment, design development and presentation, design refinement and approval, permitting if required (retaining walls, grading), installation preparation and site work, planting and hardscape installation, and establishment period with initial maintenance. Factor in optimal planting times for your region (spring and fall are typically best), weather dependencies, material lead times for custom elements, and contractor availability during peak season. Address how seasonal timing affects plant selection, installation approach, and project phasing. A detailed timeline with seasonal considerations demonstrates your expertise and sets realistic expectations.

10. Installation, Establishment, and Ongoing Care

The installation phase brings your design to life, but landscape establishment is an ongoing process. If you provide installation services, describe your process including site preparation, soil amendment, proper planting techniques, mulching, irrigation setup, and quality control. If working with contractors, explain your role in bid review, installation oversight, and quality verification. Discuss the establishment period during which new plantings require extra care, your recommendations for watering, fertilizing, and maintenance during this critical time, and whether you provide follow-up visits to monitor plant health. Address long-term maintenance expectations and whether you offer ongoing maintenance services, seasonal consultations, or referrals to qualified maintenance providers. Proper installation and establishment care ensure your design thrives for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this proposal template

How much do landscape design services typically cost?+
Landscape design fees vary based on project scope, property size, and complexity. Design-only services typically range from $1,500-$5,000 for residential properties, with larger or more complex projects costing $5,000-$15,000+. Hourly rates for landscape designers range from $75-$200/hour. Some designers charge per square foot ($0.10-$0.50/sq ft for design). Installation costs separate from design fees and vary widely: simple planting projects might be $5,000-$15,000, while comprehensive landscape renovations with hardscape can range from $25,000-$100,000+ depending on materials, plant sizes, and site conditions. Full-service design-build projects often charge 15-20% of installation cost for design.
What is included in a landscape design proposal?+
A comprehensive landscape design proposal includes project understanding and site description, scope definition (areas included, level of service), site analysis approach and what you will assess, design process and methodology explanation, deliverables (site plan, planting plan, renderings, specifications), plant selection philosophy and sustainability approach, hardscape and structural element design if applicable, budget breakdown separating design fees from installation costs, project timeline with seasonal considerations, installation approach (designer-led, contractor coordination, or design-only), designer credentials and portfolio examples, contract terms and payment schedule. The proposal should clearly distinguish what is included in design services versus what requires additional fees or separate contractors.
How long does a landscape design project take?+
Timeline varies by project scope and seasonal factors. Design phase typically takes 4-8 weeks: site assessment 1-2 weeks, design development 2-4 weeks, revisions and approval 1-2 weeks. Installation timing depends on project size and weather: small planting projects might take 1-2 weeks, comprehensive landscape renovations 4-8 weeks or longer. Seasonal considerations are critical: spring and fall are optimal planting times in most regions, hardscape work best in dry weather, some plants only available certain seasons. Total timeline from initial consultation to completed installation typically 3-6 months, though design-only projects complete faster. Large estates or phased projects may span multiple seasons or years.
What is the difference between a landscape designer and landscape architect?+
Landscape architects have formal degrees (typically bachelor or master in landscape architecture) and are licensed by the state after passing rigorous exams. They can design complex sites, handle grading and drainage engineering, prepare construction documents, and stamp plans for permitting. They often work on commercial projects, public spaces, and large estates. Landscape designers may have formal education or learn through experience but are not licensed. They typically focus on residential properties, plant design, and aesthetic improvements without major grading or engineering. For simple residential gardens and planting designs, either can work well. For projects requiring permits, significant grading, retaining walls over certain heights, or commercial work, hire a licensed landscape architect.
When is the best time to start a landscape project?+
Design phase can happen any time, but installation timing matters significantly. Optimal planting times in most regions: spring (after last frost) allows plants full growing season to establish, fall (6-8 weeks before first frost) takes advantage of cooler weather and autumn rains with less transplant stress. Avoid: summer heat stresses new plantings requiring intensive watering, winter when ground is frozen or too wet. Hardscape work: best in dry weather, can happen year-round in mild climates but avoid frozen ground. Plan ahead: start design process 3-6 months before desired installation to allow time for design development, contractor scheduling, and plant sourcing. Fall design allows spring installation; winter design allows fall planting.
Do I need a landscape designer or can I DIY?+
DIY works for simple projects if you have time and knowledge. Hire a landscape designer when: you lack plant knowledge for your climate and site conditions, you have challenging site issues (drainage, slopes, poor soil, difficult microclimates), you want cohesive design tying together multiple areas, you need hardscape design and material selection expertise, you want to avoid costly mistakes in plant selection or placement, you lack time to research and plan, or your property value justifies professional design investment. Designers prevent common DIY mistakes: wrong plants for conditions leading to plant death and replacement costs, poor spacing resulting in overcrowding or sparse appearance, ineffective layout wasting space or creating maintenance headaches, inappropriate materials for climate or use. Designer fees often pay for themselves by preventing mistakes and creating lasting value.
What should I prepare before meeting with a landscape designer?+
Prepare for your consultation by: collecting inspiration photos of landscapes you love (Pinterest, Instagram, magazines), identifying functional needs (privacy screening, entertaining areas, play space, vegetable garden, low maintenance), noting problem areas (poor drainage, erosion, ugly views, lack of privacy, dying plants), determining rough budget for both design and installation, thinking about maintenance preferences (willing to prune and deadhead or prefer low maintenance), listing plants or features you love or hate, gathering property survey or plot plan if available, photographing current landscape from multiple angles, noting sun and shade patterns throughout the day. The more information you provide, the better the designer can create solutions tailored to your property, lifestyle, and budget. Be honest about budget and maintenance willingness.
How do landscape designers charge for installation?+
Several installation pricing models exist: Design-only: You receive plans and implement yourself or hire separate contractor. Designer may provide plant sourcing list. Design-build: Designer handles both design and installation, pricing materials and labor as package. Typically charges cost-plus (materials at cost plus 20-30% markup, labor at prevailing rates). Design with contractor coordination: Designer creates plans, helps select contractor, oversees installation for quality control. Charges separate design fee plus hourly oversight rate. Maintenance contract: Some designers offer ongoing maintenance as additional service. Clarify installation approach upfront: whether designer provides installation, works with preferred contractors, or provides plans only. Installation typically costs 3-10x the design fee depending on project scope, plant sizes, hardscape elements, and site conditions.
How does Growlio help with landscape design proposals?+
Growlio streamlines landscape proposal creation with professional templates designed for landscape designers and firms, customizable service packages for different project types (design-only, design-build, consultation), integrated budgeting separating design fees from installation costs, visual presentation capabilities for showcasing portfolio and plant palettes, timeline templates accounting for seasonal considerations and planting times, digital signature and approval for fast client commitment, proposal tracking showing when clients view and engage, and client portal for sharing design iterations and plant selections. Create polished proposals in 15 minutes instead of spending hours on formatting. Ensure consistency across all proposals while maintaining flexibility to customize for each unique property and client vision.
Should I include portfolio examples in my landscape design proposal?+
Yes, relevant portfolio examples significantly strengthen proposals and help clients visualize your capabilities. Include 3-5 completed projects similar in style, scope, or site conditions to the proposed project. For each example show: before and after photos demonstrating transformation, project description highlighting design challenges solved, plant palette or key design features, timeframe from design to mature landscape if possible, budget range if appropriate, client testimonial if available. Show projects in different seasons if possible to demonstrate year-round interest. Digital proposals can link to more extensive portfolio. Select examples matching the prospect project type: if proposing a shade garden, show shade garden work; if designing a modern hardscape, show contemporary installations. Portfolio proves you can execute the vision and builds confidence in your expertise.