Commercial landscape contracts involve many decisions. We’ve always encouraged property managers to ask the right questions before signing one. But one topic that isn’t as often discussed is the length of that contract.
While property managers tend to default to an annual landscape contract because it’s familiar and convenient, there are good reasons to consider a multi-year landscape contract for your commercial landscaping services.
In this article, we’ll dive into a comparison that will help you make the choice that’s right for your Chicagoland commercial property maintenance needs.
We certainly understand why commercial property managers may lean toward an annual landscape contract. Annual contracts are comfortable, familiar, and provide flexibility.
But multi-year contracts are often better for established relationships. A 3-year agreement, for example, gives the property manager pricing and service stability while allowing the contractor to plan ahead.
Some of the important benefits of a multi-year landscape contract can include:
A multi-year agreement can potentially be more cost-effective. A longer commitment may allow the contractor to offer more competitive pricing because they have greater confidence in future revenue and can plan labor and equipment more efficiently. It can also protect the property from unnecessary annual price fluctuations.
When a commercial property maintenance provider truly gets to know your site, it improves operational efficiency. There’s a learning curve in getting to know any commercial property, but if a contractor has worked there for a while, they’ll know all of the ins and outs. This lets them work more efficiently on your site.
It’s ultimately beneficial to you for a landscaping provider to know your property so well because it also means they truly understand what’s needed. They know problem areas and ongoing needs. Having someone new re-learn this can slow things down. Operational efficiency is ultimately beneficial for everyone and is one of the reasons for potential cost savings as well.
Yes, a long-term contract will ultimately improve property maintenance.
Good landscape maintenance is a long-term process, not just a series of individual visits. A contractor with a multi-year commitment can identify recurring problems, improve soil and turf health, develop plant material, address drainage issues, and make preventative recommendations rather than simply reacting to problems.
With a multi-year landscape contract, you can anticipate:
Understanding what should be included in a commercial landscape contract is important. This document should be thorough, detailed, and fully understood by both parties.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for:
Is a multi-year agreement worth it?
Yes, but only when you select the right contractor. The value isn't simply in getting a lower price. It's in creating a long-term partnership where the contractor becomes invested in the property's appearance, health, budget, and overall success.
How long should a commercial landscaping contract last?
Three years is often a good balance. It gives the contractor enough time to understand the property, establish a maintenance program, and show measurable improvement without locking the property into an excessively long commitment.
What are the benefits of a multi-year landscape contract?
Consistency, price predictability, and the opportunity to build a strong relationship with your commercial landscape maintenance provider are all key benefits to choosing a multi-year agreement.
What does a typical commercial landscape contract include?
A standard commercial landscaping contract typically includes mowing, edging, fertilization, and pruning, though services are always tailored for the specifics of your given property.
What services are usually considered “extras?”
Mulching, irrigation, and flower installations (“enhancements”) are normally outside of the scope of service. But these are also valuable services to consider incorporating into your plan.
Hopefully this information gives you a good starting point for better understanding your commercial landscaping contract. But don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to.
It can be a red flag if a company isn’t willing to take the time to answer your questions or help you structure a contract that fits your specific property. Often, how things go during the initial commercial landscaping consultation previews what it will be like working with that company.
We know it can be challenging to find a partner who truly understands the unique challenges of your Greater Chicago commercial property. But the work must get done, and KD Landscape wants to help you make the most informed decision.
For that reason, we’re always here to help answer questions. We believe that communication is at the heart of the best relationships with our property managers. We also know how important it is to have a thorough and clear contract. We’re not here to play games or muddy the waters. We want to make sure that you’re making choices that are truly best for your property.
Want to learn more about KD Landscape’s commercial landscape maintenance in Chicagoland? Get started today with an on-site consultation. We’ll review your options together so you can choose what's best for you.