Landscaping contract template

What's in this landscaping contract

The full text. Words in brackets are filled in from the form above.

1. 1. The parties. This contract is between [Client name] (the Client) and [Landscaper or business name] (the Landscaper) for landscaping work at [Site address] (the Site).
2. 2. The work. The Landscaper will carry out the following work, together with any plan or drawing both parties have signed: [The work].
3. 3. Price. The contract price is [Contract price]. It covers the labour, materials and waste removal needed for the work described above and nothing else.
4. 4. Deposit and payments. The Client will pay a deposit of [Deposit] on signing, which the Landscaper uses to order materials. The balance is due on completion. If the work runs longer than four weeks, the Landscaper may invoice for work completed at the end of each fortnight.
5. 5. Timing. The Landscaper plans to start on [Planned start date] and finish by [Planned completion date]. These dates may move because of weather, late deliveries or changes the Client asks for, and the Landscaper will keep the Client informed of any delay.
6. 6. Changes. Any change to the work, materials or layout must be agreed in writing, with the effect on price and timing stated, before the Landscaper carries it out.
7. 7. Ground conditions and services. The Client will tell the Landscaper about any known underground pipes, cables, drains or septic systems before work starts. If digging reveals something neither party could reasonably have expected, such as rock, buried rubble, contamination or unmarked services, the Landscaper will stop that part of the work and agree a price with the Client before going on.
8. 8. Site access. The Client will provide access to the Site for people, machinery and deliveries, and the use of an outside tap and power supply. The Landscaper will keep the Site reasonably tidy, protect lawns and paths used for access where possible, and clear its waste at the end of the job.
9. 9. Permissions. The Client is responsible for any planning permission, landlord consent or neighbour agreement the work needs, unless the parties agree in writing that the Landscaper will arrange it. Each party should check what the local rules require before work begins.
10. 10. Materials. Natural stone, timber and plants vary in colour and grain, and small differences from samples are not defects. Materials stay the property of the Landscaper until they are paid for.
11. 11. Planting guarantee. The Landscaper will replace plants supplied under this contract that die within [Planting guarantee period] of planting, as long as the Client has followed the watering and care instructions given at handover. The guarantee does not cover damage from drought, flooding, frost, pests, pets or later work by others.
12. 12. Liability. The Landscaper will carry public liability insurance and will put right damage caused by its own negligence. Except for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or anything else the law does not allow to be limited, the Landscaper's total liability under this contract is limited to the contract price.
13. 13. Ending the contract. Either party may end this contract if the other seriously breaks it and does not put things right within 14 days of written notice. If the Client ends it without such a reason, the Client will pay for work done and for materials ordered that cannot be returned.
14. 14. Governing law. This agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing law], and the courts of that place may hear any dispute about it.
15. 15. Entire agreement. This document is the whole agreement between the Client and the Landscaper about its subject. It replaces anything said or written before it, and any change must be in writing and agreed by both.
16. Signed by: the Client, the Landscaper, each with a signature, printed name and date.