A landscaping subcontractor agreement is a legally binding contract between contractors and landscaping services providers. Landscape design, installation, and maintenance often require specialized knowledge and experience. Rather than handling something outside their area of expertise, contractors often hire a landscaper.
Landscaping subcontractor agreements are common when a contractor, like a construction company, adds landscaping to the client’s contract and then subcontracts a landscaper. The client pays the contractor for the entire project, and the contractor then pays the landscaper.
When to Use
Landscaping subcontractor agreements are common for large-scale construction projects. Property management companies may also subcontract landscaping services for properties they manage. Sometimes, a landscaping company subcontracts an expert to handle specialty services.
Hiring Landscaping Subcontractors
Landscaping services encompass various specializations, from landscape design to irrigation and lawn mowing. To ensure you have the right subcontractor for your landscape needs, consider the type of landscaping, services, and licensing requirements for your project.
Types
Landscaping services can be highly specialized, so finding the right landscaper for your needs is vital.
Types of landscapers include:
- Landscape architects
- Landscape designers
- Landscape maintenance providers
- Arborists and tree removal services
- Snow removal specialists
- Concrete, asphalt, stone, and sand installers
- Irrigation design and installation specialists
Common Services
The services a landscaper offers depend on their specialty. Some standard landscaping services you could subcontract for include:
- Landscape design and installation
- Xeriscaping
- Lawn planting, mowing, and fertilization
- Seasonal plant maintenance and color rotation
- Weed control and trimming
- Perennial plant maintenance and shrub trimming
- Tree installation, trimming, and maintenance
- Leaf blowing, spring cleanup, snow shoveling, and snow plowing
- Fence erection, maintenance, and repairs
- Sidewalks, walkways, flagstones, gravel walks, and other hardscaping
- Retaining walls, exterior seating areas, and waterscapes
- Pest control
- Hardscape installation of patios, steps, and paths
- Planting or Transplanting
- Tree and yard debris removal
- Irrigation and drainage systems installation
Landscapers specializing in certain areas, such as design and installation, may not have the resources for other services like regular maintenance, plant rotation, or upkeep. Evaluate the full scope of your landscaping needs before signing a subcontractor agreement.
Licensing
Depending on state and local laws, certain landscape services require licensing. Review your area’s licensing requirements before entering into a subcontracting agreement.
Many states require that you show proof of insurance as part of the requirements to receive a landscaping license; other conditions might include passing an exam, obtaining specific certifications, and having several years of experience under your belt.
The following is a list of the states that require licensing for landscapers as of the date of this page.
| State | Fees | Education | Experience | Exams | Min. Age |
| Alabama | $325 | None | None | 2 | 0 |
| Alaska | $350 | None | None | 0 | 0 |
| Arizona | $596 | None | 4 years | 2 | 18 |
| Arkansas | $200 | None | None | 0 | 0 |
Checklist for Hiring a Landscaping Contractor
- Verify the license by checking with your respective state’s licensing board.
- Make sure the license is in the trade or skill necessary for your project
- Avoid assuming the lowest bid is the best. Try to get at least three offers.
- Check references and ask for previously completed projects.
What to Include
A landscaping subcontractor agreement can streamline a project and allow contractors to complete tasks more efficiently. It should include the following details:
- Contractor company name and address
- Subcontractor name and address
- Services to be provided under the subcontract agreement
- Compensation the subcontractor will receive for their services
- Payment terms and frequency
- Invoicing terms
- Provisions for debris removal and cleanup.
- Quantity and type of plants, their placement, soil amendments, and all fixtures and equipment.
- A check of underground utilities before work begins and building permits are obtained.
- Supervision of everyone working on the job and proof of workers’ compensation insurance for employees by the contractor.
- A follow-up maintenance plan and any guarantees the contractor offers.
You may include a separate exhibit to detail the full scope of services or pricing schedule.
Landscaping Subcontractor Agreement Sample
Download this landscaping subcontractor agreement template in Word or PDF format.
