Why are the bids so different from each landscape contractor?

Bid differences often reflect scope, material choices, and business practices. One contractor may specify premium pavers, irrigation parts, or mature trees, while another uses lower-cost alternatives. Labor rates also vary based on whether crews are trained employees or short-term subcontractors. Some companies price aggressively to win jobs and then add charges later through change orders. Others build contingencies into their estimates so there are fewer surprises. In Utah, larger firms with full-time staff and insurance may cost more than small crews that operate with minimal overhead. The way to make sense of different bids is to compare line by line. Ask: Are the plant sizes the same? Does the quote include irrigation tie-ins, soil prep, and disposal? Are warranties included? A landscape company that provides a detailed scope is often worth paying more for because you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Don’t just pick the lowest number — pick the clearest, most complete proposal.