How To Get Commercial Landscaping Contracts

How To

A well-kept landscape can turn any business property from boring to beautiful. And behind those fresh-cut lawns and shrubs is an important tool: a solid contract.

Contracts spell out exactly how you’ll care for business properties over time. They’re the key to steady work, better income, and solid partnerships with commercial clients.

The US landscaping services market is worth over $150 billion. Commercial landscaping contracts can help you grab a bigger piece of the pie. Whether you’re just getting started in the business or you’re a seasoned veteran looking to grow, you’ll learn how to bid on and win these valuable contracts to take your company to the next level.

Residential Versus Commercial Landscaping

Still thinking about whether to make the leap into commercial properties? Let’s explore the key differences between residential and commercial landscaping to help you decide:

Money Matters

Many landscaping companies start out chasing residential contracts. That’s because the costs of getting up and running are a lot more affordable. You need fewer tools, and you can start with a small team or even go solo.

Working commercial contracts brings bigger rewards. While you might earn less per square foot, commercial lawn maintenance contracts make up for it with size and steady work. Just keep in mind that larger jobs come with higher startup costs. You need bigger, tougher equipment to handle commercial spaces efficiently.

For residential or commercial work, some costs stay the same. You need reliable trucks, landscaping tools, and a skilled team of landscapers.

A major plus of commercial landscaping jobs is the potential for long-term contracts. That means reliable income for your landscaping company and your team.

Project Management

Commercial landscaping jobs come with a different style of project management. Instead of working with homeowners, you deal with commercial property managers or real estate groups. They might oversee multiple sites at a time. That means more structured work, but more complex scheduling and paperwork.

All this takes more planning. But it also means fewer last-minute changes that can throw off your day.

The typical workday looks different too. Commercial contracts cover much bigger areas than home properties. You’ll spend more time on the job, but you’ll also get a bigger check.

Finally, the bidding process for commercial lawn care contracts is more involved. You likely have to spend a bit more time and effort on each proposal.

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How To Get Commercial Landscaping Contracts: 3 Online Strategies

Garden Specialist Preparing Soil For Grass

Most commercial property managers start their search for bids on the internet. A strong online presence helps you stand out and win more jobs. Here’s how to get landscaping contracts online:

1. Foundation: Your Website and Online Presence

Start with a professional website that makes it easy for clients to learn about your services. Make sure your site works well on phones and tablets, since many property managers browse on the go. Include clear details about your services and make it easy to get in touch.

Add a form for bid requests right from your website. This helps you track potential clients and follow up quickly. Show off your best work with before-and-after photos of your jobs.

And don’t forget to stay active on social media. It’s a great way to share updates and connect with local property managers’ associations.

2. Visibility: Getting Your Name Out

Make it easy to find your company online. Research keywords commercial clients might search for. These could include “commercial lawn care” or “landscaping bids.” Use targeted Google Ads to rank highly for those keywords.

Email marketing helps too. Start by building up a list of property managers. Send them helpful updates about your commercial lawn care services. To add value, throw in some seasonal maintenance tips and tricks.

3. Authority: Proving Your Expertise

Share your knowledge through search engine-optimized blog posts. Write about topics that matter to property managers. If possible, include case studies that show how you’ve helped similar clients.

Testimonials help prospective clients trust your commercial lawn care business. Ask happy clients to share their experiences. Include specific details about past winning bids and what you achieved.

Remember to update your online content often. Frequent posts and photos show property managers you stay active and professional.

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How To Get Commercial Landscaping Contracts: 3 Offline Strategies

Not all commercial lawn care contracts come from online searches. Smart landscaping companies know that local connections often lead to the best long-term clients. Here’s how to develop those relationships and get more bids:

1. Reach Out

Start by reaching out to prospective clients. Make a list of properties in your area that might need landscapers. Get in touch and ask when they accept new bids for landscaping contracts. A simple phone call or email can get your foot in the door.

Pro tip: Keep track of when each property’s current contract ends so you know when new bids might open up.

When you visit commercial sites, bring business cards and be ready to explain your services. You could even drop off a professional proposal showing what you can do for their property.

And don’t neglect direct mail. A well-designed flier that shows off your lawn care business can catch a property manager’s eye.

2. Build Local Presence

Join your local chamber of commerce and attend meetings. These events get you in the same room with people who review bids for jobs. You might also meet other landscapers who can throw extra work your way when they have full schedules.

Don’t forget to get involved in community events. When your company helps with local projects or charity work, people notice. And finally, connect with real estate groups in your area. They can tip you off to new properties looking for bids.

3. Grow Your Professional Network

Set up a referral program that rewards people for sending new clients your way. This could be a finder’s fee or a discount on future services. Just make sure the reward matches the value of the commercial landscaping bids they help you get.

Remember, every handshake at a local event could lead to your next big contract. Show up, stay professional, and build those relationships.

How To Create a Commercial Landscaping Contract

Professional landscaper using a hedge trimmer

Once you win a bid, you need a solid contract. This protects both your lawn care business and your client. Here’s how to put one together:

1. Use a Basic Contract Structure

Every contract needs certain basic details. Start with your company information. Include any license numbers or insurance details that prove you’re a fully qualified landscaper. Pencil in your client’s information and who to touch base with about questions or concerns.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Your contract should leave no room for confusion. Write down all the details about:

When your crews will arrive
How long they’ll stay
The equipment they’ll use
How you’ll handle weather delays
Who to call if there’s a problem

Make sure to include the rules for changing or ending the contract. This helps avoid disagreements down the line.

3. Price Your Services

Spell out the services you’ll provide. Be specific about what comes with your commercial lawn care package and what costs extra. List exactly when you plan to do each task.

Write out a clear payment schedule that covers:

When payments are due
What happens if a payment is late
Any seasonal price changes

Finally, have a lawyer review your contract before signing. They’ll make sure your contract is airtight.

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Price Landscaping Jobs (for Contractors)

5 Tips for Avoiding Common Commercial Landscaping Contract Mistakes

Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to set yourself up for success:

1. Develop a Smart Bidding Process

Never rush into bidding without doing your homework. Research what other landscaping contractors charge for similar jobs. Find out how many companies are bidding. Fewer competitors often mean better prices.

If possible, look into your prospect’s history with other commercial lawn care businesses. This helps you understand what they’re looking for before you submit a bid.

2. Watch Your Finances

Some landscaping companies fail because they bid too low. Know your true costs. Include labor, equipment, and overhead. Factor in a healthy profit margin that allows you to deliver quality service while growing your business. The lowest bid won’t win if you can’t deliver consistent results.

3. Choose the Right Target Markets

Not every property makes for a good client. Focus on companies with a strong reputation that manage multiple properties. Avoid those with tight budgets or high turnover.

4. Control Risk

Set clear boundaries about what your service includes. Plan ahead for weather delays and other issues that could affect your work. And don’t skimp on insurance to protect your and your clients’ property. Finally, get everything down in writing so there are no disputes later.

5. Deliver Outstanding Service

Quick responses and professional communication matter. Document any changes clients request. Send regular updates about your progress, and always follow up after submitting a proposal. Happy clients lead to steady work and promising referrals.

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