Key Takeaways
- Lawn care contracts ensure consistent, professional landscaping maintenance for commercial properties year-round.
- Contracts detail scope, schedule, payment terms, and protect both client and provider.
- Benefits include cost savings, customizable services, and access to professional expertise.
- Choosing the right provider involves assessing needs, reputation, terms, and year-round support.
Lawn care contracts refer to formal and binding agreements between a business or property owner and a lawn care service provider specialized in commercial accounts.
This document details the specific services you expect from the contractor for the maintenance of your commercial landscaping.
By formalizing your lawn care needs into a contract, you ensure regular, professional maintenance of your landscaping, protecting your curb appeal all year round.
Let’s talk all things commercial lawn care contracts — from what they entail to choosing the right one for your business.
Understanding Commercial Lawn Care Contracts
Lawn care contracts’ primary purpose is to ensure that your property’s exterior remains well kept throughout the year, or for however long the contract stipulates, reflecting positively on your business.
The contract includes details about the lawn care schedule, cost, and payment terms, and indicates that the property managers, or owner, and the lawn care service provider are in formal agreement about the terms of service.
It can protect the interests of both the client and the landscaping contractor.
What’s Included in a Lawn Care Contract?
The typical lawn care contract covers a wide range of information and includes details like:
Client information: This includes any information the contractor may need to reach you, including:
- Your company name
- Business address
- Email address
- Phone number
Note: If you have any property managers and real estate agents, you can also include their contact information.
Contractor information
All the contact information about the contractor, including:
- Company name
- A contact person’s name
- Email address
- Telephone number
Scope of services
A detailed list of the services you expect from the lawn care company as part of the contract. This may include:
- Lawn mowing and edging
- Fertilizer application
- Aeration and overseeding
- Pest and disease management
- Irrigation system maintenance
- Seasonal cleanup
- Weed control
The lawn care maintenance schedule
This should state the timelines in which you expect the contractor to perform certain maintenance tasks, for example:
- When your lawn care services season will start and end (e.g., May to September)
- The frequency with which you expect your property to be serviced
- The day of the week and time when the contractor will do the work
Terms of payment and the amount
This indicates all the pricing and payment details, including information such as:
- The payment dates and amounts
- Contingencies for late payment
- The agreed-upon payment method
- Invoicing details
Terms and conditions
This section outlines the rules and exceptions you and your contractor have agreed to regarding your business interaction.
This is where you include details such as the service guarantees, insurance, and cancellation policy.
The best contracts typically cover the following scenarios in this section:
- When you expect your lawn care services e.g., every Saturday at 10 am
- If there are any included service blackout dates, like national holidays
- The type of insurance cover you have if at all
- The notice period required to terminate the agreement
- Any penalties or fines in case of cancellation
Benefits of Commercial Lawn Care Contracts
Operating under the protection of a legally binding commercial landscaping contract comes with many benefits for both parties, including:
Consistency and reliability
Commercial lawn care contracts offer the assurance of consistent and reliable service.
With a contract in place, you can expect regular lawn maintenance at predetermined intervals, ensuring that your landscaping remains pristine all year long.
This consistency helps preserve the appearance of your business, leaving potential clients and customers with a lasting positive first impression no matter the season.
Cost-effectiveness
Working with a contracted landscape maintenance service is typically more cost-effective than hiring a commercial landscaper on an as-needed basis.
Bundling different maintenance services into a contract also ensures more competitive commercial landscape pricing, saving you money in the long run.
Additionally, regular maintenance will nip costly issues like lawn damage and pest infestations in the bud before they become major problems.
Customizable services
No two pieces of lawn are the same.
That’s why a commercial lawn care contract allows you to tailor maintenance services to meet the specific needs of your property.
Your lawn may only need simple mowing and occasional fertilization, in which case, that’s all you’ll pay for.
If you need more comprehensive care such as irrigation system maintenance and seasonal planting, you can customize the contract to include exactly what you need.
Professional expertise
By entering into a commercial lawn care contract, you enlist the services of professionals and experts in their fields.
Typically, these landscape contractors have the knowledge, experience, and new equipment to properly care for your landscaping.
At SunCo, we strive to stay updated on the latest industry practices and products to ensure that your property benefits from the best possible care.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Lawn Care Company to Contract
Selecting a reputable company to manage your commercial landscaping needs is crucial to the success of your landscaping efforts. Here are some key factors to consider before signing on the dotted line:
Assess your needs
Evaluate the size of your property, the areas that need special care, and any challenges the contractors may face. Understanding these factors will help you identify the services you need and how frequently.
Consider the reputation of your contractor
Look online or ask fellow business owners/managers for a company with a track record of delivering high-quality commercial lawn care services and meeting the requirements of its commercial lawn accounts.
Evaluate the terms of the contract: Carefully consider the terms and conditions of the contract and make sure they cater to your needs. Some key aspects to stay on top of include:
- Service frequency: you want consistent care throughout the year
- Scope of work: confirm that the contract details all the services you need
- Cancellation policy: understand the terms of cancellation or modifying the contract
- Warranties and guarantees: check if the lawn care business offers any guarantees such as a warranty or a satisfaction guarantee for added peace of mind.
Budget consideration
Find a service provider who offers a good balance of comprehensive services at a fair price. Also, consider the long-term value.
For example, investing in a slightly more expensive provider who offers exceptional care may save you money in the long run.
Year-round support
Opt for a lawn care business that can provide both summer and winter services to address all your property’s needs throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Ensure My Contract Is Environmentally Friendly?
You can discuss sustainability practices with your service provider before signing. You can also look for a provider that uses organic fertilizers, minimizes chemical use, and employs water-efficient irrigation techniques.
How Much Does Lawn Care Cost?
The amount you pay for your lawn care will depend on various factors including; your location, accessibility to your property, and the services you need.
Get in touch with SunCo today to get an estimate of how much your lawn care may cost.
Can I Modify the Contract Terms After Signing?
Yes, most landscaping contracts allow for modifications. However, the ability to change terms depends on the specific agreement you signed.
Nevertheless, you can discuss potential changes with your service provider and have any changes documented in writing to avoid future misunderstandings.
What Happens if I Need a Service Not Covered in the Contract?
Some landscaping contracts allow for flexible additions while others may require a separate agreement.
That said, most providers will work with you to include the extra services as add-ons after discussions on additional costs and their billing.
Find Your Ideal Commercial Landscaping Partner in SunCo
At SunCo we understand the impact landscaping can have on a business.
This is why we make it our business to deliver the best outcomes for all our clients and produce stunning landscaping results across all seasons.
We’ve invested in the right tools and technology to allow us to meet and overcome whatever challenges a service area has to throw at us and produce beautiful results.
Get in touch with our sales team today and get to experience a stress-free, and hassle-free landscaping experience for your commercial property.
