If you serve on an HOA board, you know how a landscape contract can go sideways. The proposal looked fine, the price seemed fair, and six months later the neighbors are emailing you about the entrance. Before you sign, it helps to have answers to ten questions: what the written scope covers, how often crews visit, what is excluded, whether the company is insured, who your contact is, how missed work is handled, how seasonal services work, how the lawn program is managed, what the contract terms are, and whether the company can provide references.
To be upfront: this checklist is not a sales pitch. It is meant to help you hire well, whoever you end up choosing.
10 questions to ask before hiring a commercial lawn care company
- Is the scope of work written down? The agreement should list the areas serviced and the tasks included, such as mowing, edging, and blowing.
- How often will crews visit? Ask for the service frequency and the usual service day, and how weather delays are handled.
- What is excluded? Anything not listed, such as mulch, pine straw, or cleanups, may be billed separately.
- Are you insured, and can you show proof? A property should never rely on a verbal promise. Ask for documentation.
- Who is our point of contact? You want one person who answers questions and resolves problems quickly.
- What happens if a visit is missed or the work falls short? Look for a clear process to report and fix issues.
- How are seasonal services handled? Spring and fall cleanups, mulching, and pine straw are common, so find out whether they are included or quoted separately.
- How do you manage weeds and fertilization? Ask what the program includes and when treatments are scheduled. Our lawn care service page shows what a complete program covers.
- What are the contract length, renewal, and cancellation terms? Know how to exit the agreement before you sign it.
- Can you provide references from similar properties? Public reviews help too. You can see ours on our reviews and verified business profiles page.
What are the red flags in a landscape bid?
- A price far below the others with a vague scope
- No proof of insurance
- No written agreement
- Slow or unclear communication during the quoting process
If you notice one of these, it does not automatically mean the company is bad. It just means it is worth asking a few more questions before you move forward.
How should a board compare proposals?
Put the proposals side by side and compare the same items: areas covered, visits per month, exclusions, insurance, and terms. A proposal that looks cheaper often covers less. If two bids differ in scope, ask each company to price the same list of tasks so the comparison is fair.
A little about us, in case it is useful
North Metro Atlanta Turf and Landscape LLC is a local company serving Grayson, Loganville, Snellville, Lawrenceville, and surrounding Gwinnett County. We are fully insured, we serve both commercial and residential properties, and we stand behind our work with a total satisfaction guarantee. If you are skeptical about any company, including us, that is natural. Ask us these same ten questions and judge the answers for yourself.
Do you serve HOAs and apartment communities?
Yes. We maintain commercial properties including HOA common areas and apartment communities. See our commercial lawn care and turf management services.
How do I start a conversation about my community?
Call 404-740-1441 or use our contact page. There is no pressure and no obligation, and if we are not the right fit, you will still leave with a clearer idea of what your community needs. You can also read what a proposal should include in our guide to commercial lawn care costs in Gwinnett County.
Related: See our full commercial lawn care services in Gwinnett County, or read what drives commercial lawn care pricing.
