Landscaping Contract Template
A complete lawn care service agreement with 9 sections covering scope of work, scheduling, payment terms, liability, and cancellation. Pre-filled with a realistic example so you can customize and start signing clients today.
Pre-filled with a realistic landscaping contract. Click any section to edit, then print or copy when ready.
Landscaping Service Contract
Contract #GE-2026-0042 · 2026-04-01 to 2027-03-31
Contractor
GreenEdge Lawn & Landscape LLC
License: NC-LC-2026-04821
1420 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 555-0147 · marcus@greenedgelawn.com
Client
Sarah & David Mitchell
305 Willowbrook Ct, Cary, NC 27513
Company: GreenEdge Lawn & Landscape LLC
License: NC-LC-2026-04821
Address: 1420 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: (919) 555-0147
Email: marcus@greenedgelawn.com
Client: Sarah & David Mitchell
Property Address: 305 Willowbrook Ct, Cary, NC 27513
Contract #: GE-2026-0042
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Services Included:
- Weekly lawn mowing, edging, and string trimming
- Bi-weekly shrub and hedge trimming
- Seasonal fertilization (5 applications per year)
- Fall leaf removal (4 visits, Oct-Dec)
- Spring cleanup and bed preparation
- Weed control in beds and borders
Frequency: Weekly (April-October), Bi-weekly (November-March)
Exclusions:
- Tree removal or large branch trimming
- Irrigation system repair or installation
- Hardscape construction (patios, retaining walls)
- Pest control or chemical application beyond fertilizer
Service Days: Tuesday or Wednesday (weather permitting)
Time Window: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Seasonal Notes: Service frequency may be reduced during drought or dormancy. Rain delays will be rescheduled within 48 hours. Snow events pause service until ground is clear.
Amount: $185 (Monthly)
Due: 1st of each month
Late Fee: $25 flat fee after 15-day grace period
Accepted Methods: Check, credit card, or ACH transfer
Insurance Coverage:
- General liability insurance ($1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate)
- Commercial auto insurance
- Workers compensation (when employees are added)
Damage Policy:
Contractor will repair or replace any property damage caused by service operations at no cost to Client. Client must report damage within 48 hours of service visit. Contractor is not liable for damage to unmarked underground utilities, buried sprinkler heads, or pre-existing landscape conditions.
Notice Period: 30 days written notice by either party
Early Termination:
If Client terminates before contract end date, Client agrees to pay for all services rendered through the termination date plus a $150 early termination fee. If Contractor terminates, no early termination fee applies and any prepaid amounts will be refunded pro-rata.
1. Contractor will provide 24-hour advance notice before each scheduled visit via text message. 2. Client agrees to keep gates unlocked and pets secured during service hours. 3. Contractor reserves the right to skip service if lawn conditions are unsafe (standing water, ice, extreme heat advisory). 4. Any changes to scope of work must be agreed in writing by both parties. 5. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
Signatures
By signing below, both parties agree to the terms in this contract.
Contractor Signature & Date
Client Signature & Date
What Is a Landscaping Contract?
A landscaping contract is a legally binding agreement between a lawn care provider and a property owner that defines the services to be performed, payment terms, liability, and cancellation policies. It protects both parties from misunderstandings, scope creep, and non-payment.
According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, landscapers without written contracts are 3x more likely to face payment disputes. A signed agreement is also required by most state licensing boards for contracts over $500.
How to Use This Template
- 1Fill in your company details — business name, license number, address, and contact info.
- 2Add your client’s name and the property address where services will be performed.
- 3Customize the scope of work. Add or remove services, set the frequency, and list exclusions so there’s no ambiguity.
- 4Set payment terms that match your pricing structure. Use our pricing guide to set competitive rates.
- 5Review the liability and cancellation clauses. Adjust the notice period and early termination fee to match your state’s requirements.
- 6Print the contract for in-person signing, or copy and paste into your CRM or e-signature tool.
5 Contract Clauses Every Landscaper Needs
Missing any of these clauses leaves you exposed to disputes, lost revenue, or liability. Each one is included in the template above.
Scope of Work
The most disputed clause in landscaping contracts. List every service included AND explicitly state what's excluded. "Mowing and edging" is too vague — specify frequency, areas covered, and clipping disposal.
Payment Terms & Late Fees
Define the exact amount, due date, and grace period. A $25 late fee after 15 days is standard. Include accepted payment methods and specify that returned checks incur a fee. Without this clause, collecting overdue payments is nearly impossible.
Liability & Insurance
Require proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum). State who is responsible for damage to irrigation heads, flower beds, or property. This protects both parties and is often required by HOAs.
Cancellation & Termination
30 days written notice is the industry standard. Include an early termination fee ($100-200) to prevent mid-season cancellations that leave gaps in your schedule. Be fair — the same notice period should apply to both parties.
Independent Contractor Status
Clarify that the landscaper is an independent contractor, not an employee. This matters for taxes, workers comp, and liability. Without this clause, clients could argue employer obligations apply.
Contract vs. Estimate vs. Invoice
These three documents serve different purposes in your lawn care business. Use them together for a professional workflow.
| Document | Purpose | When |
|---|---|---|
| Estimate | Proposes pricing for a specific job | Before the client commits |
| Contract | Legally binds both parties to terms | After client agrees to pricing |
| Invoice | Requests payment for completed work | After each service or billing period |
Create matching documents with our estimate template and invoice template.
Pro Tips for Landscaping Contracts
From experienced landscapers
- Always get the contract signed before the first service visit — verbal agreements are unenforceable in most states
- Include a clause about gate access and pet containment to avoid delays and liability issues
- Add a weather policy — specify how rain days are rescheduled so clients know what to expect
- Review your contract annually and update pricing, especially if fuel or labor costs have changed
- Keep a signed copy on file for at least 3 years after the contract ends (statute of limitations varies by state)
Planning to grow your landscaping business?
Before signing clients, make sure your pricing is competitive, your insurance is in place, and your business plan is solid. Use our landscaping cost calculator to estimate project costs before committing to contract pricing.
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