This guide walks you through what a commercial landscape maintenance contract should cover.
What is typically included?
Most commercial ground maintenance agreements will include some combination of the following:
| Service | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Grass cutting | Weekly or fortnightly (April to October) |
| Hedge trimming | 2 to 3 times per year |
| Weed control | Monthly or as needed |
| Litter picking | Per visit |
| Leaf clearance | Autumn (October to December) |
| Border maintenance | Monthly throughout the year |
| Pathway sweeping | Per visit |
| Site reporting | Monthly or quarterly |
| Winter gritting or snow clearance | On call or scheduled |
Not all of these will apply to every site. A retail car park has different needs to a school playing field or a hospital entrance. A good contractor will tailor the schedule to suit your site, and should be willing to explain exactly what is and is not included before any work begins.
Grass cutting
Regular grass cutting is often the most frequent task in any contract. During the growing season, commercial sites typically need cutting every one to two weeks. The RHS lawn mowing guide recommends mowing weekly or fortnightly during spring and summer to keep grass in good condition.
Your contract should specify cutting frequency, cutting height, and what happens during drought when growth slows. For larger sites, check the contractor has the right commercial-grade equipment for grass cutting services at scale.
Seasonal tasks
A well-written contract will also include seasonal tasks that are easy to overlook:
- Spring: scarification, aeration, and clearing winter debris
- Autumn: leaf clearance and cutting back perennials
- Winter: gritting pathways and snow clearance if required
If your site needs any of these, make sure they are written into the contract rather than charged as extras. It is also worth confirming who removes green waste after each visit, as this is sometimes listed separately.
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What to check before signing
- Is every task listed with its own frequency? Vague wording like “regular maintenance” is not enough.
- What reporting will you receive after each visit?
- Is the contractor insured, and do pesticide operators hold the relevant PA certificates?
- What is the notice period to cancel or change the contract?
- Is pricing fixed annually, or does it vary by visit?
Choosing a contractor in East Anglia
Local knowledge matters. A company operating across Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire will understand the growing seasons and conditions in your area. Look for a contractor with their own team and equipment, clear written contracts, and transparent pricing.
Anglian Land Services provides tailored grounds maintenance contracts for business parks, councils, schools, hospitals, and more across East Anglia. Get in touch for a free site visit and no-obligation quote.
