How do landscapers bill for materials and plants?

Pass-through at cost-plus-markup. Industry standard markup on materials is 15-25% — covering the time spent sourcing, transporting, and warranty (if a plant dies in 30 days). Above a threshold (often $250 for individual items, or $500 cumulative), client pre-approval is required. State both: "Materials billed at cost plus [X]%, with pre-approval required for purchases over $[Y]." Customers understand the markup; what they hate is surprises.

Should landscaping contracts include snow removal?

It depends on the customer. Many landscaping companies offer year-round contracts that include snow removal in winter; others run separate snow-only contracts because the equipment, staffing, and pricing differ. If you offer both, list them as separate services in the same contract — explicit pricing for snow plowing, salting, sidewalk clearing — rather than bundling into a year-round flat rate. Mixed bundling leads to disputes about whether plowing was "included."

How long should a landscaping contract run?

Most landscaping contracts run for one service season (typically April-November in northern US, year-round in southern states) with auto-renewal each spring. Renewal letters go out in February/March; customers must opt-out before April 1 or the contract renews. This rhythm matches the seasonal nature of the work. Multi-year contracts are rare except for commercial properties and HOAs.

How do landscapers handle property damage during service?

Most landscapers carry general liability insurance ($1M per occurrence is typical) covering accidental damage caused by mowers, trimmers, or other equipment. The contract should reference the insurance and define the damage-reporting protocol: damage reported within 24 hours, photos documented, repair coordinated through Provider's insurance or directly. Pre-existing conditions (already-broken sprinklers, dying plants) are excluded — note them at contract signing if visible.

Contract Generator

Build a professional service contract in minutes

ToolsFeedback

Basics

Parties

Scope

Compensation

Legal

Review

Contract Basics

Set the title, type, and effective date

Contract Title *

Contract Type *

Effective Date *

Currency *

service

Landscaping Services Agreement

Effective May 17, 2026

Service Provider

Greenline Landscaping Co.

Client

1. Scope of Work

Weekly lawn maintenance — mowing, edging, blowing, and seasonal pruning. April through November.

Deliverables:

•Weekly mowing of all turf areas
•Edging of walkways and driveways
•Hardscape and turf cleanup
•Seasonal pruning (Spring + Fall)

2. Compensation

Total Fee: $185.00

Payment Schedule: Monthly retainer

Payment Terms: Net 15

Expense Reimbursement: No

3. Confidentiality

Each party agrees to keep confidential all non-public information disclosed by the other party in connection with this Agreement. This obligation survives termination.

4. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon 14 days' written notice. The Client remains obligated to pay for all work delivered up to the termination date.

5. Weather Delays

Weather conditions (heavy rain, frozen ground, etc.) may delay scheduled visits. Missed visits due to weather are made up at the next available service slot at no additional cost.

6. Materials Pass-Through

Plant materials, mulch, fertilizer, and other consumables are billed at cost plus 15% markup. Material purchases over $250 require client pre-approval.

7. Property Damage

Provider carries liability insurance covering damage to property caused by Provider's operations. Pre-existing conditions and damage from extreme weather are excluded.

Signatures

Service Provider

Greenline Landscaping Co.

Date: ___________________

Client

Date: ___________________

service

Landscaping Services Agreement

Effective May 17, 2026

Service Provider

Greenline Landscaping Co.

Client

1. Scope of Work

Weekly lawn maintenance — mowing, edging, blowing, and seasonal pruning. April through November.

Deliverables:

•Weekly mowing of all turf areas
•Edging of walkways and driveways
•Hardscape and turf cleanup
•Seasonal pruning (Spring + Fall)

2. Compensation

Total Fee: $185.00

Payment Schedule: Monthly retainer

Payment Terms: Net 15

Expense Reimbursement: No

3. Confidentiality

Each party agrees to keep confidential all non-public information disclosed by the other party in connection with this Agreement. This obligation survives termination.

4. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon 14 days' written notice. The Client remains obligated to pay for all work delivered up to the termination date.

5. Weather Delays

Weather conditions (heavy rain, frozen ground, etc.) may delay scheduled visits. Missed visits due to weather are made up at the next available service slot at no additional cost.

6. Materials Pass-Through

Plant materials, mulch, fertilizer, and other consumables are billed at cost plus 15% markup. Material purchases over $250 require client pre-approval.

7. Property Damage

Provider carries liability insurance covering damage to property caused by Provider's operations. Pre-existing conditions and damage from extreme weather are excluded.

Signatures

Service Provider

Greenline Landscaping Co.

Date: ___________________

Client

Date: ___________________

Step-by-step

How to write a landscaping contract

1

State the service season

"Weekly lawn maintenance — April 1 through November 30." Landscaping is seasonal in most US zones; an annual contract that includes winter expects no service Dec-Mar. Specify months covered; skip "year-round" unless you actually visit in January.

2

Define maintenance scope per visit

"Each visit includes: mowing of all turf areas at 3-inch height, edging of walkways and driveways, blowing of hardscapes and turf clippings, removal of trash and limbs under 2 inches diameter." Specific scope prevents the "you missed the back patio" disputes.

3

List seasonal services separately

Spring cleanup, fall leaf removal, winter plowing — these are typically billed separately from recurring maintenance. Either include them in the contract with separate pricing per service, or note that they're billed on quote. Don't bundle into the monthly rate without explicit listing.

4

Address weather delays

"Weather conditions (heavy rain, frozen ground, lightning, etc.) may delay scheduled visits. Missed visits due to weather are made up at the next available service slot at no additional cost. No refunds are issued for weather-delayed visits." Outdoor work needs this clause; without it, customers demand refunds for rained-out Tuesdays.

5

Add materials pass-through pricing

"Plant materials, mulch, fertilizer, and other consumables are billed at cost plus 15% markup. Material purchases over $250 require client pre-approval." Most landscaping installations involve material costs; the markup and approval threshold need to be in writing or customers dispute the bill.

6

Include property damage and liability terms

"Provider carries general liability insurance covering damage to property caused by Provider's operations. Pre-existing conditions and damage from extreme weather are excluded. Provider reports any property damage within 24 hours of occurrence." Lawn equipment damages sprinklers, fences, decorative stones — be clear about liability.

7

Specify pet and access protocols

"Client ensures pets are secured during scheduled visits. Provider is not responsible for pet escape if gates are left open during service, but will take reasonable care to close gates after entry." Pet-related disputes are surprisingly common; the language costs nothing and prevents the issue.

8

Set the cancellation policy

"This Agreement runs for the [April-November] season. Either party may terminate with 14 days' written notice. Cancellation does not refund prepaid services. Renewal occurs automatically each spring unless either party gives notice by [date]." Short notice periods fit landscaping; routes are weekly, not multi-week.

Watch out

Common landscaping contract mistakes

No weather-delay clause. Customers demand refunds for rained-out Tuesdays; without explicit language, you have to argue case-by-case.

Bundling seasonal services into the monthly rate without listing. Spring cleanup and fall leaf removal are real labor; bundling without explicit pricing trains customers they're "included."

No materials markup language. Customers see mulch at Home Depot for $4 and dispute your $7-with-markup line; the markup needs to be in the contract.

Vague "year-round" without specifying which months. Customer expects January service; you don't provide it; dispute.

No property damage reporting protocol. Sprinkler heads get hit, customers find them days later, and now it's your-word-against-theirs.