Landscaping Contract Template
All states | 16 types
What Is a Landscaping Contract?
A landscaping contract is a legal agreement between a landscaper and a client for professional outdoor services. It outlines the work to be done, the associated costs, the completion date, and who is responsible for materials and liability. This contract protects both parties and provides clear expectations before any work begins.
When Should I Use a Landscaping Contract?
You should use a landscaping contract whenever you hire or provide services such as landscape design, lawn care, irrigation installation, or seasonal maintenance. This applies to both one-time projects and ongoing service agreements, including residential and commercial work.
Using a detailed landscape contract helps clarify expectations, responsibilities, and legal protections for both parties. A written agreement reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps ensure the smooth execution of projects, especially when dealing with weather-sensitive tasks, scheduling changes, or client-specific requests.
What Should I Include in a Landscaping Contract?
A complete landscaping contract should include:
The names and contact information of both parties — guarantee that both the client and contractor are fully identified, including their legal names, addresses, and contact details.
A clear description of the services to be provided — include all landscaping work to be performed, such as planting, grading, mulching, hardscaping, irrigation systems, or maintenance.
Project start and end dates — define when the work will begin and when it’s expected to be completed. For ongoing landscaping contracts, add frequency (e.g., weekly, monthly).
The total cost, payment schedule, and payment method — state the full cost, any deposits or milestone payments, and the method of payment.
A list of materials and equipment needed — clarify whether the contractor or the client provides tools, plants, and supplies, and who is responsible for purchasing or transporting them.
Responsibilities for permits, cleanup, or debris removal — define who is responsible for handling permits, cleanup duties, and waste disposal to avoid post-project confusion.
Insurance and liability terms — confirm the contractor has general liability and, if applicable, workers' compensation insurance to protect both parties.
Terms for cancellation or termination of the agreement — include conditions for ending the contract early, such as notice periods or cancellation fees.
Optional Clauses To Consider:
Weather delays: Include language stating that delays due to rain, storms, or heat waves are not considered a breach of the contract.
Warranties: Add warranty coverage on workmanship or plant survival to improve client trust
Change orders: Outline how extra work or material substitutions will be approved and priced.
Dispute resolution: Include how disagreements will be handled — through mediation, arbitration, or legal action.
These elements, often found in a well-prepared landscape contract template or landscaping contract template, help both the client and contractor stay aligned throughout the project and ensure the document is legally sound.
How To Draft a Landscaping Contract
To create a professional landscaping contract:
Begin with full legal names and contact information. Both the contractor and client must be identified.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including services and deliverables. Be specific to avoid misinterpretations.
Specify the timeline, including start and completion dates. Include estimated duration and deadlines.
List payment terms, including deposit amounts, milestones, and hourly rates. Define the financial structure clearly.
Include legal terms about liability, insurance, and dispute resolution. These protect both parties from unforeseen issues.
Add clauses for unforeseen circumstances or changes in scope. This could include factors such as poor weather or unexpected site conditions.
Review the contract carefully and ensure both parties sign it. Each party should keep a signed copy.
Using a ready-made landscape contract template or a printable landscaping contract agreement PDF simplifies the process and ensures that no important terms are missed. A well-drafted contract helps build trust and prevents costly misunderstandings.