The best landscape contract has the ability to set your business up for optimal, long-lasting success.
Use your landscape contract to:
Fully outline the services for clients
Provide clear expectations for both parties
Establish a mutual agreement for services rendered
As a result, the best landscape contract reduces the likelihood of miscommunication by establishing a line of clear, open communication from the start.
Use the information in this article to develop the most robust landscape contract possible, and create mutual accountability for agreements.
Streamline communication between the business and the client!
Explain how the contract is final in the disclosure. Both parties must sign any and all future amendments in writing.
The Outline of Your Landscape Contract
While this contract is a great starting point, you’ll need to adjust it to fit your business needs.
Consider all essential elements of your business operations to determine any contract gaps or potential conflicts/misunderstandings needing to be included.
AS ALWAYS, meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant to ensure all main elements are incorporated into the landscape contract.
2. Properly Document the Services Requested
When you properly document the services requested, you’re setting clear, mutual expectations from the beginning.
For example, you’ll need to explain if you need open access to the back yard or a specific part of property.
Plus, it’s important to mention any other details or specifics surrounding the services. Be sure to describe everything included in the service contract.
Remember, it’s critical to also include a disclosure about how unexpected costs or changes can result in a contract price change.
Take a look at a few disclaimers you should consider including:
The estimate is an approximate price and might vary from the actual total price of the service. After the start of the service, the client understands unexpected costs might change the price (including, but not limited to: unforeseen challenges, obstacles, obstructions, loss in profitability, etc.), the client may receive additional charges.
The client understands they must have electrical rights to use the primary building’s electrical to power lighting. The client also understands that third-party electrician subcontractors may be used for completing the light installation.
Even though the [landscape business name] will seek to avoid any property damage, no promises can be made. Any damages caused by [landscape business name] will be covered by [insurance provider name].
[Landscape business name] reserves the right to capture photographs and/or videos of the client’s property for marketing and/or media use.
The client understands they’re required to provide free access to the areas needing landscaping services (e.g. front yard, back yard, etc.). At any time, [landscape business name] has the right to reject any property it deems unsafe.
Even though these disclaimers provide an excellent jumping point, you’ll have to adjust it to be sure it meets your landscaping business needs.
3. Provide an Explanation of the Payment Process
The best way to let clients know how they’ll pay for their services is by providing an explanation of the payment process within the landscape contract.
For instance, will they pay via credit card, cash, check, etc.?
Be sure to include any payment stipulations, such as due dates, declined payments, late fees, and non-payment penalties.
4. ALWAYS Meet With a Lawyer or Legal Consultant Before Officializing
AS ALWAYS, before officializing, it’s crucial to meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant.
After all, the only true way to fully protect your business from conflict, liability, incorrect language, and more is by utilizing proper legal counsel.
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.
Set Your Business Up for Success With the Best Landscape Contract
Now, you can set your landscape business up for success with a robust contract, which mitigates liabilities by:
Developing mutually trusted client relationships
Establishing mutually clear expectations for both parties
Avoiding potential miscommunication between either party
ALWAYS meet with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant to ensure all legal bases are covered with the best possible landscape contract.
Even though developing a robust landscape contract might seem complex, the simplified steps in this article have given you everything needed to easily get started!
Alyssa is the Team Lead of Content Marketing at Xplor Field Services. When she's not writing or creating content, you can find her watching a new sci-fi series or shoving her nose into a book.
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