Free Lawn Care Contract: Create in 5 Easy Steps

By creating a robust lawn care contract, you can mitigate liability and protect your business for future successful growth.

The best lawn care contract has the power to:

• Outline the full scope of services to the clients
• Set clear expectations for both parties to follow
• Offer a mutual agreement between both parties on rendered services

In turn, the best lawn care contract streamlines communication between the business and the client. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and crossed wires.

This article simplifies the process for creating a complete lawn care contract that establishes and maintains mutual accountability for promised agreements.

Streamline communication between the business and the client!

Download Your FREE Template NOW!

1. Essentials to Include in Your Lawn Care Contract

By including these essential elements in your lawn care contract, you can ensure total mutual understanding between you and the client:

1. Extent of Work
   • State what the service includes.
2. Services
   • State requested services and list specifics about each.
     • E.g. free access to the front and backyard, etc.
   • Include a service description.
     • E.g. front yard, backyard, edging, weed eating, etc.
3. Property Description
   • During your final estimate, list any pre-existing damages property descriptions.
     • If you’re using Service Autopilot, then you can add pictures to the client’s account for easy documentation.
4. Guarantee
   • State there’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
5. Service Pricing
   • State the agreed upon price.
   • Explain how you’ll be charging for services.
     • Typically, this is a flat rate price. Although, you can raise the price later if the property is less profitable than originally anticipated.
   • If you’re completing a commercial contract, then mention a retainer, if applicable.
6. Payments
   • State due dates and payment information.
7. Legal Compliance
   • State that your business is abiding by all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
8. Insurance
   • The business has adequate insurance. Also, you may include who you’re insured by.
9. Subcontractors
   • If applicable, provide a disclosure about potential subcontractors.
10. Unexpected Costs
    • The client understands any unexpected costs or loss in profitability may change their price.
11. Arbitration
    • All disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance to the rules set by the American Arbitration Association.
12. Final Disclosure
    • Provide a complete explanation in the final disclosure about this contract being final. Both parties need to sign any future amendments in writing.

Do you KNOW if your jobs are PROFITABLE?

Here's a FREE pricing calculator to help you grow your lawn care business - so you can know that your jobs actually make money.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Your Lawn Care Contract Outline

This outline offers a great start for your lawn care contract. However, be sure to adjust it to meet the individual needs of your business.

It’s important to consider all of your business’ essential factors. In other words, pinpoint any potential conflict or misunderstanding that needs to be addressed.

Also, remember to ALWAYS meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant. In turn, they can verify all essential elements are included.

2. Document the Requested Services

By documenting the requested services within your lawn care contract, you’re ensuring a mutual understanding of set expectations.

For instance, if you need access to the backyard gate, then explain that in the contract. Also, be sure to detail any other specifics about the service.

In addition, it’s important to explain everything included in the lawn care service.

Also, don’t forget that if you come across unexpected costs, you’ll be able to adjust pricing accordingly.

Here are a few disclaimers to include in your lawn care contract:

• The client’s price may be adjusted to reflect unpredictable changes, unexpected costs, challenges, or loss in profitability.
• The [lawn care business name] will seek to avoid any property damage. Although, no promises can be made. Any damages caused by [lawn care business name] will be covered by [insurance provider name].
• The client understands they’re required to provide free access to the areas needing lawn care services (e.g. front yard, backyard, etc.).
• The service price includes all essential labor, equipment, materials, and travel .

Remember, these disclaimers serve as an excellent kickoff point. Though, you’ll need to make adjustments for your clients to meet your business' needs.

3. Explain the Payment Process

An explanation of your payment process is an essential element in informing clients on how they’ll pay for their services. For example, are are you having them pay via credit card, cash, check, etc.?

Additionally, Service Autopilot allows you to receive same-day automated payments. As a result, this mitigates the risk of late-paying and non-paying clients alike.

Also, don’t forget to mention due dates, declined payments, late fees, non-payment penalties, and any other stipulations surrounding payments.

4. ALWAYS Meet With a Lawyer or Legal Consultant Before Finalizing

Prior to finalizing your lawn care contract, ALWAYS meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant.

Remember, the ONLY way to fully secure your business with a contract that’s free of legal conflict, liability, incorrect language, etc. is by leveraging legal advice.

AS ALWAYS, before finalizing ANY contracts or other legally binding documents, YOU MUST meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant.

Automations is the  #1 way to follow up  with clients. If you’re not using it, your business might still be successful - but it won’t grow. 

Start Automations Tour

In Service Autopilot, our automations send emails and texts to:​

Every lead after an estimate is completed

Clients after their property has been serviced​

Remind leads and clients to send you customer feedback​

Update outdated or declined payment information​

Inform them when a service can’t be completed due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather)​

Remind them of maintenance tips (i.e. putting a cover on the outdoor faucet before the winter)​

Start Automations Tour

5. The #1 Lawn Care Software Obtains Electronic Signatures for You

With the #1 lawn care software, you’ll have the power to easily obtain electronic signatures that are validated with a timestamp and IP address.

Save your lawn care contract in Service Autopilot. Then, obtain your client’s signature via email.

Plus, with the best lawn care software at your disposal, you can streamline everyday operations, such as:

• Automate follow-ups
• Instantly optimize routes
• Automatic two-way texting
• Manage jobs from anywhere
• Same-day automated payments
• Create quick estimates on-the-go
• Quickly schedule jobs in a few clicks
• Track employee location and job progress
• Remote estimate creation with Smart Maps

In addition, Service Autopilot resolves everyday issues, such as:

• Reduce late payments
• Increase recurring revenue
• Send automated appointment reminders
• Access client account history from anywhere
• Secure time-stamped electronic signatures with an IP address

Using Service Autopilot, you can quickly break through your growth ceiling by automating daily tasks.

Grow Your Lawn Care Business... Faster 
(and with Less Stress)​

Instant invoicing

Better scheduling

Manage your clients and employees all in one system

Start Software Tour

Use a Robust Lawn Care Contract to Protect Your Business

At last, you have the power to create a robust lawn care contract that mitigates liabilities. In turn, this protects your business for future successful growth.

Now, you can use your lawn care contract to:

• Create mutual trusting relationships with clients
• Set clear expectations and obligations for both parties
• Ensure there’s no miscommunication between either party

AS ALWAYS, it’s critical to meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant to create a full coverage contract securing all of your legal bases.

Creating a robust lawn care contract might seem impossibly complicated. However, this simplified process can help you get started today!

Related: Lawn Care Pricing: How Much to Charge for Your Services

Originally published Jan 27, 2022 7:00 AM