A Lawn Care Contract is a document used by lawn care freelancers and their clients to set forth the terms of the contracted work and any circumstances that could be grounds for termination.
The contractor often drafts this, but it may be created by a corporate client who frequently works with different landscaping professionals. Regardless, it must be signed by both the contractor and the client. Once it is signed, it becomes legally binding and enforceable.
Why Use
- Make sure both parties understand the terms of the project.
- Lay out specific terms such as “confidentiality.”
- Define a contractor’s relationship with the client as opposed to a full-time employee.
- Guide both parties through any potential conflicts.
Types of Lawn Care Services
“Lawn care services” is an umbrella term for any labor that can be done on your lawn. In most cases, this refers to maintenance issues, but landscaping contractors may also refer to themselves as lawn care professionals. This covers a wide range of services, such as:
- Landscaping
- Lawn mowing
- Lawn fertilization
- Weed control
- Tree, shrub, and flower trimming services
- Pest control
- Mulching
Do Lawn Care Professionals Need Licenses?
Lawn care contractors typically only need a business license. However, landscapers often require a state license or certification to work within the city. If the landscaper intends to install rocks, gravel, sand, or plant trees or shrubs, they will likely need a state license.
TIP
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets federal guidelines for the safe and responsible application of pesticides and herbicides. Lawn care businesses that use these chemicals must comply with these regulations to ensure environmental and human safety.
Many states also require lawn care professionals who apply pesticides to be certified by their state’s Department of Agriculture or a similar agency. Check with your state to see the requirements!
Salary & Hourly Rate
Pay rates for lawn care contractors depend on the type of work they perform. For instance, professional lawnmowers typically make anywhere from $19-25 per hour [1] . Landscapers nationwide make an average of $17 per hour [2] . California and Washington have the best pay rates for lawn care professionals.
Lawn care independent contractors set their own pay rate, which might be negotiable with the client. Experience plays a significant role in what they will set as their pay rate. A contractor starting out will primarily focus on building their client base while one with 20 years of experience is more likely to charge a higher rate.
Lawn Care Contract Sample
