Start with the scope, not a guessed total
A cleanup, bed refresh and full landscape renovation are different projects. First define which areas change, what stays, what must be removed and what result the property must achieve. That separates necessary site work from optional visual upgrades.
The seven biggest cost drivers
Measured square footage, demolition, disposal, soil or grade correction, irrigation work, plant sizes and material access usually have more effect on price than the design style alone. Tight gates, occupied rentals, protected surfaces and long material carries also increase labor.
Small refresh versus full renovation
A focused refresh may reuse healthy plants and irrigation while correcting bed lines, mulch, damaged material and a few high-impact areas. A full renovation can involve removals, layout changes, soil preparation, irrigation relocation, larger quantities and a longer establishment plan.
Why plant size changes the budget
Larger plants create immediate visual impact but cost more to purchase, transport and install. Smaller material reduces the initial spend but needs time, correct spacing and establishment care. Crowding small plants for instant fullness often creates future pruning and replacement costs.
Account for irrigation before planting
New sod and plants cannot establish reliably with broken heads, blocked coverage, incompatible zones or uncontrolled runoff. Testing the system before installation prevents a lower landscape price from becoming a larger replacement bill.
How to compare landscaping estimates
Give every contractor the same work areas and expectations. Compare preparation, quantities, plant sizes, material specifications, irrigation work, exclusions, cleanup, establishment instructions and change-order rules—not only the bottom-line number.
Prepare for a useful site visit
Collect property photos, identify the priority areas, choose a realistic timing window and separate must-have work from optional upgrades. Brandow’s can then build a property-specific scope instead of padding an estimate for unknowns.
We link the underlying source so property owners can verify the recommendation and read the technical detail.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping: 9 Principles