RIFA / PRACTICAL GUIDES
What affects landscape maintenance costs?
Compare the scope before you compare the price.
A maintenance quotation is most useful when it clearly describes the work and responsibilities. Two prices may cover very different tasks, visit schedules and site conditions. These are the details to organise before requesting a quotation.
Discuss your requirements ↗The site and its current condition
The area, mix of planting and current condition help define the work. A site that needs initial remedial attention should be distinguished from its ongoing maintenance requirements. Share current photographs and explain the issues you have noticed.
The systems that need care
Turf, planted beds, green walls and irrigation can require different maintenance tasks. List the areas and systems involved so a proposal does not accidentally leave an important part out.
Access and working arrangements
Working hours, loading restrictions, servicing access and site rules can affect how work is planned. Tell the contractor about these requirements at the quotation stage.
Visit frequency and responsibilities
Ask what happens during a scheduled visit and who is responsible between visits. Confirm the reporting arrangements, response process for issues and what would be treated as additional work.
Make proposals comparable
Compare the same areas, tasks, schedule, duration and exclusions. Ask for any initial work to be identified separately from ongoing service. RiFA can discuss a quotation using your actual site information; this guide does not provide a standard market price.