Lawn Maintenance Contract

 

In the previous article I examined the question of choosing and finding a lawn care contractor but once you have chosen a suitable person or company you will need to draw up a comprehensive lawn maintenance contract so that each party fully understand what is required and expected. Such a contract protects both parties and alleviates the risk of confusion.

Any reputable lawn care company will be happy to sign such an agreement which spells out the householders responsibilities as well as those of their company. You should view your contract as a lawn maintenance schedule laying out exactly what is to be done and when each task should be carried out.

Your lawn maintenance contract should spell out, exactly, each time your lawn care service company should visit. Usually this is on a weekly basis but can also be set on a 10 day or even fortnightly basis, your choice will depend upon how uniform you would like your grass to appear. If you want your lawn to always appear perfect you will, more than likely, need to have your grass cut weekly but if you are happy to let it grow a little between each cut you can leave the interval longer.

Your contract should also include details of any additional tasks to be carried out. Normally this would include such things as weeding and feeding, which should be carried out at the very start of the growing season and just toward the end (preparing it for the winter months). Although many lawn care products are available, which include both fertilizers and weed killers, there may be times when a persistent weed needs special treatment, your lawn maintenance contract should specify who is responsible for such weeds, otherwise you could end up with some pretty large weeds here and there.

Another point, which should be mentioned, in your lawn care contract, is the weather. Obviously, if the weather is bad, particularly if it is raining, your lawn is best left well alone as walking on a wet lawn or cutting it when wet can lead to damage. Your contract should state clearly what should be done under such circumstances - either that appointment is canceled or postponed. Some companies are able to visit a few days later, to cut your grass, but others are simply too busy.

Finally you will need to have, in writing, exactly what you will be charged for the services specified. The contract should also include details of any refunds or penalties and under which circumstances they will be enforced (such as cancellations etc.).

By clearly laying out each and every lawn care duty in a lawn maintenance contract you can be sure that all parties can agree before the work begins thus ensuring that you have a perfect lush green lawn all the way through the growing season.

 

More articles about lawn care >