You might be reviewing multiple bids for landscape maintenance at your commercial property in the Greater Chicago area.
Comparing these proposals can be tricky because each contract is worded differently, which adds to your busy schedule. Ultimately, you want to hire a company that shares your high standards for quality.
We understand this challenge and can help simplify the process. Here are some key points to consider when evaluating a commercial landscape maintenance contract, so you can focus on what matters and choose the best fit for your needs.
Commercial Landscape Maintenance Contract Standards
The commercial landscape maintenance contract agreement must be thorough, detailed, and understood by both parties. You have standards, and they should be represented.
These are four of the biggest areas of concern we’ve seen working on commercial properties in Greater Chicago. Keep them in mind when reviewing your contract.
1. Landscaping Services & Frequency
Mowing, edging, fertilization, pruning, mulch installations, spring and fall cleanups – your commercial landscape maintenance contract should naturally list the services to include in a landscape maintenance contract.
But how often are these services performed? And what locations are included?
Your contract should specify the basic services along with any extra services. For example, edging and pruning should be listed as included, so you won’t be charged separately for these tasks later.
Outline your expectations for how you like your lawn mowed, as well as any specifics necessary for special areas. For pruning, outline the important visibility areas you’d like kept clear.
Cleanup might include removing fallen branches and collecting trash in common areas. Consider which areas you want freshly mulched each year, and how often you want to maintain your property’s appearance.
Frequency also matters. Mowing could be weekly, while pruning might be needed only when there's overgrowth, or once or twice a year.
These are details a landscape professional should be happy to discuss with you to ensure expectations are clear.
2. Maintenance Areas
As a commercial property manager, tailor the services in a landscape maintenance contract to your specific facility type.
For example, in properties like homeowners' associations, the emphasis is usually on common areas, with homeowners maintaining their own yards. Different properties may have different preferences.
Conversely, commercial properties such as office parks or retail districts generally require all outdoor spaces to be maintained by the property owner.
Your commercial landscape maintenance contract should outline which areas you want maintained and which ones you don’t. A community map can help you easily outline these goals and clearly mark them to avoid confusion.
3. Landscape Master Plans & Rules
A commercial property attracts visitors and keeps them coming back by offering a look and feel all its own.
As such, a commercial landscape maintenance contract should outline specifics in landscape design and maintenance that are important to your brand and reputation.
For instance, you may want to provide your landscape services professional with a plan that dictates a plant palette that you want them to use to maintain your preferred colors and keep your facility appearance uniform and consistent.
4. Communication is Key
When your commercial landscape maintenance contract is set, it should include preferred methods for you to talk with the landscape company to ask questions or address issues.
It’s also helpful if the same crew leaders and crews are on your property regularly because they know it best and can build relationships, remembering key areas of concern.
Getting a Commercial Landscaping Contract That Works Best For You
You can never ask too many questions when you’re reviewing your commercial landscape maintenance contract. If you’re getting to the point of signing and you are still unsure of some specifics, that’s not a great position to be in. Don’t be afraid to drill down and analyze bids so you feel confident when you make your final decision.
This process should also be about building confidence in the service partnership you're creating. That trust goes a long way in keeping the process smooth throughout the season.
We understand it can be hard to find the right partner that truly empathizes with 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 possible.
Want to learn more about how KD Landscape can help you maintain your Greater Chicago commercial property? Get started today with a free quote. We’ll review your options together so you can feel confident and make a great choice.
