Terms & Conditions

A legal disclaimer

These terms and conditions ("Agreement") outline the understanding between Grass Grazers ("We," "Us," "Our") and the client ("Client," "You," "Your") for the provision of lawn maintenance and related landscaping services. By engaging our services, you agree to these terms.

1. Our Family Commitment & Service Philosophy

As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable, quality service with a personal touch. We treat your property with the care we would our own, striving for your complete satisfaction. Our objective is to build lasting relationships through consistent, professional work.

2. Scope of Services

Detailed Service Description: We will provide the specific lawn maintenance and landscaping services as outlined in your individualized estimate or service agreement. This may include:

Mowing: Weekly/bi-weekly mowing of all turf areas to a height of [e.g., 3-4 inches], with seasonal adjustments as needed.
Trimming: Edging along all concrete surfaces (driveways, walkways, patios) and trimming around obstacles (trees, utility boxes, flowerbeds).
Blowing: Blowing grass clippings off all hard surfaces.
Leaf Removal: (If applicable, specify seasonal service or additional charge)
Shrub/Hedge Trimming: (Specify frequency, types of plants included and additional charge(s)).
Spring/Fall Clean-ups: (Specify what's included, e.g., debris removal, perennial cutbacks and additional charge(s)).
Other Services: Any additional services agreed upon with additional charge(s).

Exclusions: Unless explicitly stated in your service agreement, the following are generally not included:

Picking up pet waste.
Removing large sticks, toys, furniture, or other debris from the lawn prior to service. (See Client Responsibilities)
Maintenance of gardens, flowerbeds (beyond basic weeding if specified for additional charge), or irrigation systems.
Repair of pre-existing damage to property or landscape features.

3. Scheduling & Access

Service Days/Times: We will strive to service your property on a consistent day each week/bi-week, but specific times cannot be guaranteed due to variations in routing, weather, and unforeseen circumstances. We will notify you of any significant changes.
Weather Delays: In the event of inclement weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms, extreme heat), services may be delayed or rescheduled. We will endeavor to complete your service as soon as conditions allow, potentially on a different day than your usual schedule.
Property Access: You must ensure clear, unobstructed access to all areas of your property requiring service on your scheduled service day. This includes unlocked gates (provide gate codes if applicable) and ensuring pets are secured indoors.
Inaccessible Areas/Obstructions: If we are unable to access a portion of your property, or if there are excessive obstructions (e.g., construction materials, parked vehicles, dog waste), we may skip that area or charge an additional fee for the time spent clearing it. If the entire service cannot be performed due to inaccessibility, a trip charge may apply.

4. Client Responsibilities

To help us provide the best service, we ask that you:

Clear the Lawn: Remove all toys, pet waste, hoses, large sticks, and other debris from the lawn prior to our arrival. An additional charge may apply for excessive cleanup required or if our equipment is damaged by such items.
Mark Obstacles: Clearly mark any hidden or flush-mounted obstacles, such as invisible fences, sprinkler heads, shallow cables, or landscape lighting, that could be damaged by our equipment. We are not liable for damage to unmarked or improperly installed items.
Communicate: Notify us of any concerns, special requests, or changes to your property/service needs in advance (e.g., 24-48 hours for skipped services). Please direct all communication through our main office.

5. Payment Terms

Pricing: All pricing will be clearly outlined in your estimate or service agreement. Prices are subject to change annually, and if extreme price changes on fuel, or supplies (such as grass seed, fertilizer, weed killer ect.) with reasonable notice.
Invoicing: Invoices will be sent [e.g., monthly, after each service, on the 1st of the month].
Payment Due Date: Payment is due [e.g., upon receipt, within 15 days of invoice date, on the 1st of the month for monthly billing].
Accepted Payment Methods: We accept [e.g., credit card, check, cash, online payment]. Please note that credit card payments may incur a [e.g., 3%] convenience fee.
Late Payments: A late fee of [e.g., 1.5% per month or $25, whichever is greater] will be applied to all invoices not paid within [e.g., 30 days] of the due date. Services may be paused or suspended for accounts with outstanding balances until the account is brought current.
Deposits: For larger projects or first-time services, a deposit of [e.g., 50%,] may be required prior to scheduling work. Deposits are non-refundable once work has begun and the materials have been purchased by us.
Fuel Surcharge: A fuel surcharge may be implemented if fuel prices exceed [e.g., $5.00/gallon]. This will be listed as a separate line item on your invoice.

6. Service Guarantees & Damage Policy

Satisfaction Guarantee: We strive for 100% satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with a service, please contact us within [e.g., 24 hours] of the service, and we will address your concerns promptly and work to resolve the issue to your satisfaction.
Damage: While we take utmost care, accidents can happen. If we cause any damage to your property, please notify us immediately, within [e.g., 24 hours] of the service. We will assess the damage and arrange for repair or replacement of covered items. We are not responsible for damage to items that were not clearly marked or properly secured.
Plant Warranty: (If applicable for planting services) [e.g., Trees, shrubs, and plants installed by us are warranted for 30 days from the date of installation and will be replaced once within this period, provided they have been properly cared for. We are not liable for plants damaged by lack of water, animal/pest damage, acts of nature, or conditions beyond our control.]

7. Cancellation & Termination

Recurring Services: Our recurring lawn maintenance services are typically set up for the full season. We kindly request [e.g., 2 weeks'] notice for cancellation of recurring services. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a cancellation fee.
Skipped Services: You may skip a scheduled service visit by notifying us at least [e.g., 24-48 hours] in advance. If no notice is received, the full service charge will apply.
Termination by Either Party: Either party may terminate this agreement with [e.g., 7 days'] written notice. We reserve the right to terminate services immediately for non-payment or repeated failure to adhere to these terms and conditions.

8. Independent Contractor Status

Grass Grazers operates as an independent contractor. Our employees are not employees of the client. We are responsible for our own taxes, insurance, and benefits.

9. Insurance

We maintain appropriate general liability insurance coverage for our services. Proof of insurance is available upon request.

10. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

11. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, along with your specific service estimate/agreement, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

12. Amendments

Any changes or modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.

13. Photos for Promotion

The Client grants Grass Grazers permission to take photographs of their property for promotional purposes (e.g., website, social media, marketing materials). No identifying personal information will be shared.