Multifamily · South Jersey
Landscaping (CSI Division 32)
Multifamily community: landscape planting estimate
A full planting takeoff for a new residential community: 1,186 trees, shrubs and perennials counted by species, plus mulch and seeding areas measured from the landscape plan.
- Plants counted
- 1,186
- Seed & sod area
- 81,216 SF
- Line items
- 44
The challenge
The community includes apartment buildings, smaller residential buildings and a community center, wrapped in dense planting beds, buffer plantings and evergreen screens. The landscape plan specified 32 different species, so every symbol had to be identified and counted correctly before pricing.
The approach
Each species was assigned its own color-coded marker and counted directly on the landscape plan, then checked against the plant schedule. Mulch beds were measured by depth (4" shredded bark and 2" mulch) and lawn areas were measured for seed and sod, with a 10% waste factor on area items. Plant material was priced by species and size from the schedule.
The outcome
The client received a clear, species-by-species planting estimate with material and installation costs for each item. Scope not shown on the provided drawings (irrigation and hardscape) was clearly listed as excluded, so there were no gaps hidden in the number.
Key takeoff quantities
A selection of quantities from the estimate. Pricing is confidential to the client and not shown.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Deciduous & evergreen trees (11 species) | 164 EA |
| Shrubs (15 species) | 673 EA |
| Perennials & ornamental grasses (6 species) | 349 EA |
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 4" shredded bark mulch | 20,440 SF |
| 2" mulch | 43,419 SF |
| Seed / sod | 81,216 SF |
What the client received
- Species-by-species planting estimate
- Plant counts checked against the schedule
- Mulch and lawn areas with waste factors
- Material and installation cost per line
- Color-coded marked-up landscape plan
- Clear list of excluded scope