A Lawn Care Independent Contractor Agreement is a document used by lawn care freelancers and their clients to set forth the terms of the contracted work, as well as 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 the relationship of a contractor to the client as opposed to a full-time employee.
- Guide both parties through any potential conflicts.
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
Licensing and Certification
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, there is a good chance that they will need a state license.
Check with your state to see the requirements for professional landscapers and lawn care professionals before you start to work. If you are a client planning to hire a contractor, ensure they have a license to perform the work.
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 tend to have the best pay rates for lawn care contractors.
Lawn care independent contractors set their own pay rate, which might be negotiable with the client. Experience plays a significant role in what lawn care contractors will set as their pay rate. A contractor just starting out will be primarily focused on building their client base. A contractor with 20 years of experience is more likely to charge a higher rate.
Sample
Draft your own agreement today with a free lawn care contract template, downloadable in PDF and Word formats.
