Commercial Landscaping Contracts: Everything You Need to Know

Commercial landscaping contracts define the scope, pricing, and expectations between property owners and landscape contractors. A strong contract protects margins, reduces disputes, and builds client trust. Learn the essential elements to include, the pros and cons of fixed price versus time and materials contracts, strategies to win more bids, and how mapped scoping and estimating tools like SiteRecon improve professionalism and close rates.

Whether you're expanding from residential work or already managing commercial accounts and looking to sharpen your approach, understanding how to structure and leverage landscaping contracts is key to winning and retaining high-value clients.

Commercial contracts aren't just bigger versions of residential jobs. They're structured differently, negotiated more carefully, and reviewed by more decision-makers. Getting them right can mean bigger paydays—and longer, more stable client relationships.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what commercial landscaping contracts are, how to build strong ones, the types you’ll encounter, and practical tips for winning and keeping more commercial business.

What Are Commercial Landscaping Contracts?

A commercial landscaping contract is a legally binding agreement between a property owner or manager and a landscaping provider. It spells out:

• What services will be delivered
• When and how they’ll be performed
• What they’ll cost
• How the relationship will be managed over time

While residential work might be more casual, commercial contracts need to be airtight. You’re often dealing with property managers, boards, or asset owners—and they expect professionalism from the first document you send.

✅ Pro Tip: Start strong with our Winning Landscaping Contract Checklist, a free guide to building contracts that inspire trust from day one.

Key Elements of a Strong Landscaping Contract

Every solid commercial landscaping contract should include these components:

1. Cover Page

Start with a polished cover page that includes:

• Your logo
• Client’s logo
• Property photo
• Name of the decision-maker

First impressions matter—this signals professionalism before they even open the document.

2. Property Assessment

Show that you’ve actually walked the site. Highlight issues you spotted during your visit and outline how your services will address them. Align these points with the prospect’s concerns.

✅ Tip: Use SiteRecon’s Site Quality Audit tools to quickly capture and map property conditions for use in proposals.

3. Scope of Work

Be specific. Define:

• Services (mowing, trimming, irrigation checks, etc.)
• Service frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, seasonal)
• Materials and special treatments if applicable

4. Pricing and Payment Terms

Lay out:

• Fixed price or time and materials
• Payment schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Late payment penalties (if any)

5. Timeline

State:

• Contract start and end dates
• Any automatic renewal clauses

6. Testimonials and References

Add credibility by inserting real client testimonials or references showing past successes.

7. About Us Section

Finish with a short introduction to your company and the team members who will service the property.

Watch this 60-minute masterclass from Ken Thomas to learn how to create Winning Landscaping Contracts:

Types of Commercial Landscaping Contracts

Depending on the project and client, you’ll likely use one of these main contract types:

Fixed Price Contracts

In a fixed price contract, you and the client agree on a total cost upfront for a defined scope of work.

Advantages:

• Cost certainty for the client
• Predictable revenue for you

Risks:

• If you miss key variables in estimating (e.g., extra trimming or difficult site access), you absorb the cost.

This is why accurate scoping and estimating is critical. Tools like SiteRecon Estimator help companies build service-line accurate bids mapped to real property conditions.

Time and Materials Contracts

In this model, you bill for actual hours worked and actual materials used.

Advantages:

• Flexibility for both sides when scope is unclear
• Easier to accommodate changes

Risks:

• Clients may worry about open-ended costs.
• Requires careful documentation and communication.

Read More: How to generate an accurate landscaping quote fast?

How to Win Commercial Landscaping Bids

Contracts don't win themselves—you need to win the trust first.

Here’s how:

Understand the Client's Needs Deeply

Before submitting a proposal, use the Needs Assessment Guide to structure your site walk and client interviews.

Identify hidden pain points, risk areas, and enhancement opportunities they may not even realize yet.

Build Trust with Visual Site Intelligence

Use mapped site audits from SiteRecon to show prospects:

• You know their property
• You’ve scoped it thoroughly
• You’re not just guessing

This elevates you above competitors who submit templated bids. You can document site conditions on the map within minutes with the SiteRecon mobile app: Learn More

Showcase Your Expertise

Leverage before/after project photos, testimonials, certifications, and highlight team experience. Clients hire confidence.

✅ If you want more tactical advice, watch our Winning Landscaping Contracts Webinar featuring Ken Thomas—a veteran with decades of commercial bidding success.

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Why a Well-Structured Contract Matters More Than Ever

In today’s competitive commercial landscaping space, a sloppy contract isn't just risky—it’s a disqualifier.

A strong contract:

• Sets clear expectations
• Protects you legally
• Shows professionalism
• Reduces disputes later
• Positions you as a trusted long-term partner

And remember:

Contracts aren't static.

Review them annually. Adapt scopes if properties change. Keep communication open, and update terms when needed.

Webinar: Become a million dollar producer in 2024 🤑

Conclusion: Win Bigger and Grow Faster with Better Contracts

Mastering commercial landscaping contracts isn’t just paperwork—it’s sales strategy.

A great contract demonstrates:

• You understand the client’s needs
• You’ve scoped their property properly
• You can deliver predictably, professionally, and profitably

Success in commercial landscaping is built on great relationships—and great relationships start with great contracts.

FAQs

How do I get commercial landscaping contracts?

• Research property managers and businesses in your area
• Network actively at industry events
• Build a strong proposal portfolio
• Submit thoughtful, customized bids
• Deliver exceptional service on every project

What should a landscaping contract include?

A strong contract includes a detailed scope of services, payment terms, schedule, client references, property assessments, and terms and conditions.

What’s the difference between fixed price and time and materials contracts?

Fixed price contracts lock in a total cost for specific work. Time and materials contracts bill based on actual labor and materials used, offering more flexibility but requiring close oversight.

How can SiteRecon help with commercial landscaping contracts?

SiteRecon’s mapping, scoping, estimating, and audit tools help landscapers build faster, more accurate bids—and stronger, more professional contracts.

Why is client onboarding important after winning a contract?

Proper client onboarding ensures all expectations, site conditions, and service scopes are aligned from the start—reducing risks of disputes and setting the relationship up for long-term success.