Landscaping and Gardening Service Agreement Terms

What a good one includes

• A detailed scope of work that explicitly outlines what services are included, what materials will be used, and what tasks are considered out-of-scope.
• Clear payment terms detailing deposit requirements, progress payment milestones, late fees, and accepted payment methods.
• A property access clause that guarantees your crew safe, unobstructed entry to the work area and specifies the client's responsibility to secure pets and gates.
• A utility and damage disclaimer that holds the client responsible for marking private underground lines, such as dog fences or sprinkler systems, not covered by public utility locators.
• A comprehensive weather and delay clause explaining how acts of nature or supply chain disruptions affect the project timeline and completion dates.
• A cancellation and termination policy that defines the notice period required to cancel services and how completed work or custom-ordered plants will be billed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to define who is responsible for watering and maintaining new sod, plants, or trees immediately after installation, often leading to costly disputes over dead vegetation.
• Omitting a specific clause for unforeseen underground obstacles, leaving the contractor to absorb the labor costs of digging through unexpected ledge or buried concrete debris.
• Using vague descriptions for materials, which allows clients to demand premium botanical specimens or hardscape elements that exceed the original estimated budget.
• Neglecting to specify who owns and is responsible for disposing of green waste, soil, and excavated debris generated during the project.

Frequently asked questions