Updated November 3, 2020:

Sample lawn care contracts are easy to find, and they ensure that all parties are satisfied with a particular arrangement when it comes to lawn care. You may use a lawn service agreement under the following circumstances:

  • You provide services for a business as a contractor and not as a permanent employee
  • You are a client who contracts with an independent contractor who provides services to your lawn

Sample lawn contracts are also called lawn care service agreements.

All lawn care agreements should have the following information:

  • Contract issuance date
  • Property location where the work will be completed
  • Service details in the form of trimming, fertilizing, or mowing
  • Service frequency
  • Payment terms
  • Business/person name offering the service
  • Name of client/person that enters into the contract
  • Signature of the contractor and customer
  • Contact info such as phone numbers, emails, and addresses
  • Business logos and taglines

If you deal with small businesses or residential properties and offer a sole service such as mowing a lawn, your handshake or word can be enough to finalize a deal. You may then invoice clients on a monthly basis, and clients can send checks during agreed payment times.

Large Contracts

For larger contracts or multiple worksites, you should take additional steps such as procuring insurance and accommodating certain requests made by clients. Further, larger commercial agreements may require a lawyer to review the full scale of the arrangement.

  • Note: An agreement is the easiest way to deal with problems before they grow into misunderstandings and potential legal action.

You may also detail everything in simple terms, and you go over the contract carefully with clients before signing it.

Additionally, you should include basic elements that detail the overall agreement. Ensure that the agreement has spaces for names and addresses, including the signed date. Make certain that your bond and license information is also stated within the contract. Moreover, include the service date that’s scheduled to start and the work frequency.

Conditional Provisions

If you intend to have other people complete the work with you, name the other parties involved. Most importantly, the issue of money should be discussed, and the agreement should outline the amount a client will pay for lawn servicing, including the consequences if clients fail to pay. For instance, an agreement may say, “Client will pay for services on the last day of every month. If, after a grace period on the seventh day, payment has not been received, lawn service will stop until the balance is fully paid.”

Also, include a provision regarding what would happen if you fail to live up to your end of the agreement. For example, the provision may include the following provision: “If, for any purpose, the contractor fails to fulfill his duty, he will contact the owner and reschedule another time to finish work on the property at a discounted rate of 15 percent.”

Detailed Services

List all services provided in the form of:

  • Mowing
  • Trimming
  • Weed and waste disposal

In addition, mention any exclusions or work that’s not part of the contract. If you are reading an agreement, highlight any clauses or sentences that are ambiguous in nature, and get more clarity. The agreement should determine which party will be responsible for replacing items such as fencing or irrigation system in the event of damage. A contract should also list chemicals used in lawn maintenance and who would pay for them.

Commercial vs. Residential Lawn Care

Before delving into the work, you should conduct any necessary research beforehand, especially in cases where you switch from residential to commercial work. Further, consider switching staff members or dividing staff between commercial and residential work. Mixing the same crew for commercial and residential projects could create confusion and mistakes that could lead to legal ramifications.

Clientele Communication

After you complete the research phase, you may begin to find customers once you understand the distinctions between commercial and residential work. When finding clients, keep in mind who you may be communicating with on a regular basis. Most likely, you will not be talking directly to the owner. In cases where large projects are involved, your person of contact may be a manager or representative of the owner.

To find out more about sample lawn care contracts, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. Whether you’re a client or contractor, UpCounsel’s lawyers will assist you in obtaining your desired goals or compensation amount. In addition, they will help you draft a sound agreement that protects your interests and safeguards you from liability where necessary.