If you’re operating a lawn service company, you need to have contracts in place with all of your customers.

Contracts not only protect your business from financial risk but can also provide steady income by securing customers over longer periods of time. Lawn care contracts will also set clear expectations between you — the service provider — and your customers, ensuring smoother operations and less administrative headaches.

Now, let’s take a look at how to write your contracts, what to feature in them, and how to use your contracts to win long-term business.

How to write a lawn care contract

When you start your lawn care business, one of the first things you’ll do is establish clear, legally binding contracts with your clients. A well-crafted contract is essential for protecting your business and ensuring that both you and your customers are on the same page regarding services, expectations, and payment terms.

To write a lawn care contract, you might wonder if you need to hire legal help. While it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional to confirm that your contract complies with local regulations, many lawn care businesses use the contract templates available online as a starting point. Websites like LawDepot and Rocket Lawyer offer customizable lawn care contract templates that you can tailor to your needs.

You can draft and manage these contracts online, making it easier to update and send them to clients. However, it’s crucial that each contract is specific to the individual client rather than using the same generic contract for all. 

Tailoring your contracts helps you address the unique needs of each client, whether it’s a residential homeowner or a commercial property manager, and sets you apart as a professional service provider.

What to include in a lawn care contract

When crafting your lawn care contract, certain features are essential to ensure that both you and your clients have a clear understanding of the service agreement:

A) Your business’s information

Your contract should prominently display your lawn care company’s contact information. This includes your business name, a contact name, your email address, and your telephone number. Clear and accessible contact details will make it easy for your clients to reach you with any questions or concerns.

B) Customer information

Include the customer’s details such as their name, property address, email, and phone number. For commercial properties, you’ll want to list the company name, business address, and the property manager’s contact information.

C) Services scope

Detail the scope of work that your lawn care business will provide. This should include services like mowing, edging driveways, weed control, mulching, and seasonal contracts like snow removal. By specifying the services in detail, you help set clear expectations and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

D) Lawn care service schedule

A well-defined schedule is key to ensuring that your clients know when to expect your lawn maintenance services. Include the start and end dates of the service season, the frequency of visits (for example, bi-weekly), and the specific day and time your crew will perform the work. For year-round contracts, specify how services will transition to snow removal during winter months.

E) Payment terms and payment amount

Clearly outline the payment terms, including service pricing, due dates, accepted payment methods, and any late payment fees. It’s also important to include how and when you’ll send invoices, ensuring that there are no surprises for your clients.

F) Terms and conditions

The terms and conditions section should address any service guarantees, insurance coverage, payment penalties, and your cancellation policy. This section protects your business and provides clarity on what both parties can expect throughout the duration of the contract.

G) A spot for a signature

Make sure that there’s a dedicated space for both you and your customer to sign and date the contract. A signed contract serves as a binding agreement, which is crucial for enforcing the terms you’ve outlined.

How to price a lawn care contract

Pricing your lawn care services accurately is critical to maintaining profitability while staying competitive in the market. 

Start by researching average lawn care pricing in your area. Tools like Angi.com provide up-to-date pricing information that can help you gauge the going rates for services like lawn mowing, fertilization, and weed control.

When setting prices, consider factors such as the size of the property, the frequency of visits, and the specific services included in the contract. Offering tiered pricing can be an effective way to cater to different client needs while maximizing your revenue.

For a detailed guide on lawn care pricing, check out GorillaDesk’s lawn care pricing chart, which offers valuable insights into how to structure your rates competitively.

Bidding on lawn care contracts

May the best bid win! When it comes to lawn care contracts, especially commercial ones, you’ll need a strategic approach to beat your competition. Unlike residential contracts, which often involve straightforward pricing, commercial lawn care contracts typically involve a competitive bidding process.

What is a commercial lawn care contract?

A commercial lawn care contract is an agreement between a lawn care company and a business to provide lawn care services for a commercial property. These contracts are often larger in scope than residential contracts and may involve maintaining multiple properties or large estates.

How does the bidding process work?

The bidding process for commercial lawn care contracts usually begins with a request for proposal from the property manager or business owner. You’ll need to submit a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, the pricing, and your qualifications. It’s crucial to also highlight your company’s experience, reliability, and the value you bring to the table.

When preparing your bid, consider offering flexible pricing options, such as seasonal contracts, that include services like snow removal. Also, emphasize your ability to meet the client’s specific needs, whether that’s maintaining a high-traffic commercial property or providing specialized services like weed control and fertilization.

3 factors that help companies win lawn care contracts

Winning lawn care contracts is about more than just offering the lowest price. These three factors can significantly improve your chances of securing a contract:

1. Professionalism and reputation

A strong reputation for reliability and high-quality service is often the deciding factor for clients. Make sure to include testimonials, case studies, and a portfolio of your work in your bids. Businesses that consistently demonstrate professionalism are more likely to secure long-term contracts and build trust.

2. Flexibility and customization

Clients appreciate service providers who can tailor their offerings to meet specific needs. Offering customizable lawn care packages or seasonal contracts that include specialized services can set you apart from competitors.

3. Competitive and transparent pricing

While price isn’t everything, offering competitive and transparent pricing can make a big difference. Be clear about what’s included in your pricing and avoid hidden fees. A transparent approach builds trust and can tip the scales in your favor.

Frequently asked questions about lawn care contracts

Lawn care contracts are complicated, and you will likely have lots of questions. Here are some common queries for lawn and landscaping professionals as well as our best advice on them. 

What do customers expect of a lawn care provider?

As a lawn care provider, you are expected to deliver consistent, high-quality services as outlined in your contract. This includes showing up on time, using professional-grade equipment, like mowers and mulch spreaders, and completing the agreed-upon scope of work. Additionally, good communication with clients is key to maintaining a positive relationship and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What can be expected of a lawn care client?

From the client’s side, you can expect timely payments, clear communication regarding any changes in service requirements, and adherence to the terms of the contract. Clients should also provide access to the property as needed and check that the client removes any obstacles that could hinder the service before your team arrives.

Do you need a lawyer to look at your lawn care contract?

While you can draft a lawn care contract using templates and online resources, having a lawyer review your contract is advisable. A legal professional can certify that your contract complies with local laws and protects your business from potential legal disputes. They can also customize the contract to better suit the unique needs of your lawn care business, whether you’re dealing with residential homeowners or commercial property managers.

The dangers of not having a lawn care contract

One thing to avoid is skipping the contract aspect of your business entirely. Here are a few of the risks you run if you opt not to use contracts with your clients:

1. Unclear expectations

Without a contract, there’s a higher risk of misunderstandings between you and your client regarding the scope of work, payment terms, and service schedules. This can lead to disputes and dissatisfaction on both sides.

2. Financial risks

A lack of a formal agreement leaves your business vulnerable to late payments, non-payment, or unexpected cancellations. A contract ensures that you have legal recourse in such situations, protecting your financial interests.

3. Liability issues

Without a contract, you may not be adequately protected in the event of damage to property or other liability issues. Including terms and conditions that outline your insurance coverage and liability limitations in your contract is key for mitigating these risks.

How to send a lawn care contract

Once you draft your contract, sending it to clients is easy with the right tools. Many lawn care business owners use email to send contracts in PDF format, allowing clients to sign electronically. 

Lawn Care Software platforms like GorillaDesk can streamline this process by integrating contract management with your customer relationship management (CRM) system. This makes it simple to track contract statuses and follow up with clients as needed.

Don’t miss our case study to see how PurLawn in Florida transformed its business with our software.

Provide industry-leading customer service with GorillaDesk’s CRM system. (Source)

Managing your contracts and customer relationships

Managing contracts effectively is essential to maintaining strong customer relationships. 

GorillaDesk’s lawn care software offers comprehensive tools for contract management, including automated reminders for contract renewals and easy access to customer information. This helps you stay organized and focused while delivering the best possible service to your clients. 

Set recurring invoices with GorillaDesk’s tools. (Source)

By integrating contract management with CRM tools, you can track every client interaction, ensure contracts are up-to-date, and maintain your service schedules. 

For more insights, check out our lawn care software buying guide, which will help you choose the right tools to manage your contracts and customer relationships.

Scale your lawn care company effectively by winning contracts

Contracts are the backbone of any successful lawn care business, providing clarity, protection, and a foundation for long-term customer relationships. By carefully crafting your contracts, pricing them appropriately, and effectively managing them, you can set your lawn care company up for sustained success.

Ready to take your lawn care business to the next level? Start your 14-day free trial with GorillaDesk today.