A landscaping subcontractor agreement is a work contract for a self-employed individual hired by a contractor to provide landscaping services to a contractor. In this case, the contractor would be engaged by a property owner (client), and the subcontractor would be brought on to complete some or all of the landscaping work. The agreement will need to identify the contractor, subcontractor, and client, and relay the project’s compensation, duration, and required services. The contractor will be responsible for paying the subcontractor and ensuring that their work fulfills the client’s demands.

Contents What is a Landscaping Subcontractor? Types of Landscaping Subcontractors Common Services Planning & Design Construction & Installation Maintenance

What is a Landscaping Subcontractor?

A landscaping subcontractor will generally work for a landscaping company to complete a part of a larger project. However, they may also work as the primary or sole landscaper on a construction or renovation contract.

Subcontractors are often experts in their field and will specialize in a certain type or style of landscaping installation, such as:

• Garden sculptures and arrangements
• Installing Japanese gardens
• Creating lawn irrigation systems
• Designing residential landscaping

As self-employed individuals, landscaping subcontractors will often need to use their own equipment and transportation, and will need to pay income tax as a self-employed individual.

Types of Landscaping Subcontractors

There are three (3) basic types of landscapers that are defined by their specialty and level of training:

• Landscape Architect – These individuals are highly trained and skilled in the design and implementation of planting plans, irrigation, roadways, paths, and terrain features. Unlike other landscapers, landscape architects must be licensed, which involves completing state-mandated training and work experience, and passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). These subcontractors may be hired to draw up plans only, or to plan and carry a project out to completion.
• Landscape Designer – A landscape designer is similar to a landscape architect, except they do not need a license or education to work in the field. These subcontractors are hired to design flower and plant arrangements, simple irrigation, driveways, and pathways.
• Landscaper – Landscapers generally focus on the maintenance of flowers, plants, trees, and lawns. However, they may also be subcontracted to install a landscape architect or designer’s plans.

Common Services

During the course of their work, landscapers can expect to provide some or all of the below services.

Planning & Design

During the first phase of any landscaping project, the landscaping architect or designer will need to consult with the client to assess their needs and draw up proposals for potential installations. These proposals will include scaled blueprints, time and budget estimates, and options for materials, plants, flowers, and trees.

Construction & Installation

Landscape construction involves reshaping the terrain, laying drainage and irrigation, creating special features, and building structures, such as decks, sheds, and gazebos. Installation most commonly refers to planting greenery, including flowers, trees, plants, and lawns. Landscape architects and designers will often subcontract other parties to complete the construction and installation of their design.

Maintenance

The most basic and common service that a landscaper provides is the maintenance of a property’s grounds. This work includes the pruning, trimming, fertilizing, watering, and general care of greenery on a client’s property.