Trades Contract Template

Free Landscaper Contract Template

Set clear terms before work starts on site. Cover scope, materials, payment milestones, and warranty in one document.

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What is a Landscaper contract?

A landscaper contract is a written agreement that defines the scope of work, materials to be used, payment schedule, timeline, and warranty terms for a trade job. Trades contracts protect both parties: the tradesperson knows exactly what is expected and when they will be paid, and the client knows what will be delivered and for how much. This template is a starting point only and is not legal advice.

What to include in a Landscaper contract

Common landscaper contract line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Lawn Mowing and Edging $40 - $150 per visit
Landscape Labor $45 - $85 per hour
Mulch Supply and Installation $75 - $120 per cubic yard
Plant Material (shrubs, trees, perennials) cost + 25-40% per plant
Hardscape Installation (pavers, edging) $15 - $30 per sq ft
Debris Removal and Hauling $75 - $200 per load

How to write a landscaper contract

Provide a landscaper contract before starting any work on site. For larger jobs, collect a deposit (typically 10 to 30 percent) at signing and structure further payments around measurable milestones (groundwork complete, first fix complete, final sign-off). Include a variation order clause: any additions to the agreed scope must be signed off in writing before the additional work begins. State the workmanship warranty period and what it covers. Be specific about site access requirements and working hours to avoid disputes with clients or neighbours. If building permits or compliance certificates are required, state who is responsible for obtaining and paying for them. This template is not legal advice: review with a solicitor before use for any significant project.

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This landscaper contract template is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Tidybill does not guarantee that this template is suitable for any particular situation or enforceable in any particular jurisdiction. Before signing or relying on any contract, consult a qualified solicitor or attorney in your jurisdiction. Laws differ between countries and regions.

Frequently asked questions

How many revision rounds should I include in a landscaper contract?
Most landscapers include two to three rounds of revisions in the base fee. A revision round is typically defined as one consolidated set of feedback, not a series of individual requests sent piecemeal. Define "revision" specifically in your contract: what counts as a revision, what counts as a new deliverable, and what you charge for additional rounds. Being specific here prevents misunderstandings and protects your time. Some landscapers charge a flat fee per additional round; others bill at their hourly rate.
Should the contract specify a governing law?
Yes. A governing law clause states which country's or state's law applies to the contract and which courts have jurisdiction if there is a dispute. For most freelance and small business contracts, this is the landscaper's home jurisdiction. Clients in other countries may push back, but it is generally in your interest to use your own jurisdiction. Without a governing law clause, both parties may disagree about which rules apply, making any dispute significantly more complicated and expensive to resolve.
What is a liability cap and should I include one?
A liability cap limits the total amount either party can claim from the other in the event of a dispute or loss. For example, a contract might cap the landscaper's liability to the total fees paid under that contract. Liability caps protect freelancers and small businesses from disproportionate claims. They are standard in professional service contracts. However, the specific wording matters greatly: overly broad or poorly worded caps may be unenforceable. This template is a starting point only and is not a substitute for qualified legal advice.
Do I really need a written contract, or is email enough?
Email exchanges can form a binding agreement in many jurisdictions, but they are far harder to rely on when a dispute arises. A written contract in a single document sets out the full scope, payment, IP ownership, and termination terms in one place. If anything is disputed, you point to one signed document rather than hunting through a thread. For any project above a few hundred pounds or dollars, a proper written contract is worth the time. This template provides a starting point, but it is not legal advice: have a solicitor review it before use for anything material.
What should the deposit be for a landscaper contract?
A common pattern is a deposit of 25 to 50 percent of the total project fee, paid before work begins. The deposit protects you against a client who disappears after you have invested time, and it signals that the client is serious. Some landscapers use a tiered structure: a deposit at signing, a milestone payment at 50 percent completion, and a final payment on delivery. For very large projects, three or four milestone payments spread the financial risk for both sides. Whatever you agree, write it clearly in the contract.
What happens if the client wants to change the scope mid-project?
Scope creep is one of the most common sources of disputes in landscaper work. Your contract should include a change-order clause that states any additions to the agreed scope must be documented in writing, priced separately, and approved by both parties before the additional work begins. Without this clause, clients may expect extra work at no cost. A short change-order form or email confirmation referencing the contract is sufficient. Good contracts make scope changes a process, not a battle.