Landscaping contract 101: Create your own contract template.

A contract gives each party written proof of what work is to be done and can mitigate confusion down the road. This written landscaping agreement also protects both parties if a breach of contract occurs, and often also defines the terms of arbitration. Before you finalize your contract agreement, consult a lawyer or look to applicable laws in your area or the laws of the state.

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When a landscape contract is needed.

A landscaping contract is necessary when you hire (or are being hired) to do lawn care or general landscaping work, such as landscape design, fertilization, horticulture, installing irrigation or sprinkler systems, or yard cleaning services. As this is typically an executory contract, it ensures that both parties fulfill their agreed-upon obligations.

Because the nature and scope of landscaping work changes with the seasons, a contract helps spell out what’s needed year-round and prevent confusion. While a property owner might expect the independent contractors to work once a week for two hours, the length of time it takes to do the work actually depends on the season. More time is needed in the blooming months and less in the winter.

What to include in a landscape contract or lawn care contract.

After the property owner has ensured the contractor has the correct certifications and liability insurance to perform the work, both parties are ready to enter into a written agreement. While every property and landscaping service is unique, most contracts will include the following information:

• Contact information of both parties, including individual names, business names, the business license number, email addresses, and phone numbers
• Date of the contract
• Size of the property, or total square footage of yard to be maintained
• Breakdown of what kind of yard care will be done, including lawn mowing, ​weeding, flower bed maintenance, spreading mulch, fertilizing, and irrigation system installation
• Project deadlines, including the frequency of service and a time frame with projected start and end dates
• Breakdown of the costs, which should be tied to when the work is completed
• Protocols for unexpected situations or breaches of contract
• Space for signatures (or electronic signatures) from both parties

Make landscaping contracts with Adobe Acrobat Pro.

It’s simple to build digital contract forms with Acrobat Pro and use e-signatures to get them signed. Follow these tutorials to manage your digital documents with ease:

• Create your own landscaping contract templates using Adobe Acrobat Sign, and easily fill in the specifics for each landscaping project.
• Then send the documents for signature with a click, and make sure both parties are happy with the terms.
• If changes are necessary, you can manage, track, and change the agreement as needed.

Whether you’re a homeowner who wants to hire professional help to improve the curb appeal of your house or you have a landscaping business and want to land some new business, landscaping contracts are an essential piece of the puzzle. And now, it’s easier than ever to manage those pieces online.