How to Get Commercial Lawn Contracts

Ready to grow your lawn care business? Commercial lawn care contracts can help you do just that. These contracts offer more than bigger paychecks—they also give your business more stability and help you stand out.

We’ll show you how to get commercial lawn contracts that will keep your business thriving by positioning your services and building strong industry connections. Whether you’re considering your first commercial contract or looking to grow your portfolio, we’ll help you take the next steps with confidence. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have everything you need to land your first commercial contract and more.

Understanding the Commercial Lawn Care Market

First, let’s break down how commercial lawn care differs from residential, the opportunities it offers, and why it’s worth the effort.

What are the key differences between residential and commercial lawn care?

When it comes to scope, scale, and frequency, commercial lawn care is a whole different ball game.

Residential customers usually need smaller, flexible services, with visits once a week or as needed. In contrast, commercial properties require more regular, scheduled maintenance to keep their large, high-traffic areas in top shape.

Tasks such as fertilization, pest control, and irrigation also differ significantly. Residential clients might only need fertilization once per season, while commercial clients may need it multiple times per season to keep their lawns lush and healthy.

Additionally, pest control is usually more intensive for commercial properties, especially for high-traffic areas such as malls or office complexes, where it’s important to keep a pristine image.

Commercial property services are also more complex. There are more areas to cover—such as parking lots, entrances, and common spaces—that require consistent care. These areas need regular edging, aeration, and overseeding on a strict schedule to maintain the property’s appearance and health.

Commercial properties require lawn care that looks flawless all year long to maintain a professional image. A neglected lawn or overgrown greenery can look messy and affect a business’s reputation. This is why commercial clients often expect higher standards of performance when it comes to timeliness, quality, and efficiency.

The seasons play a big role in commercial lawn care. In the spring, properties often need thorough cleanups, including leaf and debris removal, to prepare for warmer months. In winter, snow removal and salting become essential for safety and accessibility. Due to these seasonal shifts, your lawn care business must stay flexible and be ready to adapt your services throughout the year.

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Why are commercial accounts worth the effort?

One of the best perks of commercial lawn care contracts? The recurring revenue. These contracts tend to be bigger, which means more predictable cash flow and the chance for long-term relationships. That kind of stability is the best fertilizer for business growth!

But it’s not all about the money. Taking on commercial properties also gives you some serious branding muscle. Think about it: Large, high-profile accounts, such as office parks, schools, and retail space, can boost your reputation and show your capabilities.

Here’s a rundown of commercial clients you could work with:

Office parks: These spaces need regular care and attention to stay sharp.
Schools: Routine lawn care and seasonal cleanups are a must here.
Apartment complexes: High-traffic areas need constant TLC to keep their curb appeal.
Retail spaces: Clean, well-maintained lawns help create that welcoming environment for customers.
Municipal properties: Local government buildings and parks need reliable year-round care.

What are some current trends in the lawn care market?

The lawn care industry is on the rise, with new trends and customer expectations driving change across the board.

One of the biggest shifts? A strong demand for sustainability. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 72% of clients prioritize eco-friendly practices when choosing a lawn care service. More clients are opting for organic products, such as nontoxic fertilizers, and adopting water-saving techniques, such as drought-tolerant grass and efficient irrigation systems.

If you’re not going green, you might be missing out on a huge chunk of potential business. These choices benefit the environment and help reduce operating costs in the long run.

On the technology front, automated irrigation systems and GPS tracking are making it easier for lawn care businesses to maintain commercial properties with greater efficiency. These tools help reduce water waste, ensure even coverage, and make scheduling more accurate.

Additionally, more lawn care businesses are adopting customer relationship management (CRM) systems to stay organized and improve customer experiences, with solutions such as Briostack’s software leading the way. The right CRM system can transform how your business communicates with clients, tracks service history, and streamlines scheduling.

How to Secure a Commercial Lawn Contract

What does it take to get those big commercial contracts? You need to prove that you’re a reliable partner. Here’s how to win those high-value clients:

Build a competitive lawn care service offering.

Big properties mean big expectations—and that’s where scalability comes in. Commercial clients need services that handle their scale and complexity, so make sure you’re covering the essentials:

Mowing and edging those sprawling lawns: Large commercial spaces often have acres of grass. Adjust your mowing frequency and technique to maintain a neat appearance without disrupting the property’s daily operations.
Keeping irrigation systems running smoothly year-round: For large properties, you may need to install and maintain advanced irrigation systems. Automated solutions can apply the right amount of water to different areas based on weather conditions.
Fertilizing, pest control, and everything in between: The scale of your services should align with the size of the property. Fertilization schedules may need to be tailored to large commercial lawns, and pest control might require targeted treatments to prevent infestations without harming the surrounding environment.
Seasonal cleanups (and snow removal if winter’s part of the deal): Commercial properties need cleanups that go beyond the basics, including large-scale leaf removal, debris clearance, and snow removal in colder climates. Plan ahead for seasonal shifts!

Want to stand out? Custom packages are a must-have. Think tailored services for retail spaces that need pristine greenery or apartment complexes that require consistent upkeep.

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Develop a strong business presence.

These days, a polished online presence says a lot about your business. Start with a professional website that highlights your services, customer testimonials, and past projects. Any impressive commercial projects under your belt? Show them off!

Try these simple (but powerful) SEO tips to get noticed by local commercial property owners:

Claim your Google My Business profile and double-check that all your information is correct.
Ask happy clients to leave positive reviews—think of them as digital word of mouth.
Keep your branding consistent everywhere, from your website to your social media pages.

These small but impactful steps can help you get your name out there and make a great first impression.

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Network and build relationships in the industry.

A significant percentage of lawn care professionals find their biggest opportunities through networking. So, how do you make those connections?

Start by attending trade shows and landscaping expos. These events are great places to meet potential clients and partners face-to-face. Joining local landscaping associations can also help you stay in the loop about opportunities in your area and connect you with others in the industry.

It’s also worth building relationships with real estate agents and property managers. They often oversee multiple properties that need regular maintenance, making them valuable contacts.

And don’t forget about referrals—happy residential customers can be your best advocates! If you consistently deliver excellent service, they’ll likely recommend you to their commercial contacts.

Create winning lawn care contract proposals.

A well-crafted, tailored proposal can be the difference between getting the job and missing out. A strong proposal highlights your strengths and shows the potential client that you understand their needs.

Here are five ways to make your proposals stand out:

1. Show off your work.

Visuals speak louder than words. Include before-and-after photos or examples of properties you’ve worked on. If you’ve handled properties similar to theirs, mention that too!

2. Be transparent with pricing.

Commercial clients usually manage bigger budgets, and they like to know exactly where their money is going. Your pricing breakdown should be easy to understand and clearly show your value—no hidden fees or surprises.

3. Highlight eco-friendly or specialized services.

Sustainability is more important than ever, and many businesses are looking for eco-friendly lawn care options. If you offer sustainable practices, such as using organic fertilizer or water-saving irrigation systems, feature these in your proposal. Specialized services, such as pest control or seasonal cleanups, can also set you apart.

4. Keep it professional but approachable.

Your proposal should feel polished and professional but not stiff. A friendly tone helps build connections with potential clients and makes them feel comfortable working with you. Use clear, easy-to-follow language and leave out the jargon.

5. Wrap it up with confidence.

Remind potential clients why you’re the best choice for the job. Emphasize your reliability, commitment to quality, and how you can meet their specific lawn care needs. They should feel confident that you’re the right partner for their business.

3 Tips to Strengthen Commercial Lawn Care Partnerships

Knowing how to get commercial lawn contracts is just the start. To turn one-time clients into lifelong partners, you need to build strong, lasting relationships.

Here are three simple (but effective!) ways to strengthen your commercial lawn care partnerships:

1. Prioritize contract renewals and customer satisfaction.

Check in regularly, stay proactive, and address their changing needs to build trust. Track key performance indicators, such as cost savings, efficiency, and satisfaction. Share these with your clients to show you’re committed to delivering value—that goes a long way toward securing renewals.

2. Provide exceptional customer service.

Communication is everything—especially in lawn care. Set up clear channels with your clients so they can easily reach you. Keep them updated on issues, such as weather delays, and let them know how you plan to address them. Also, don’t forget to upsell seasonal services so you can keep the contract growing year-round.

3. Focus on long-term contracts.

Consistently providing reliable, high-quality service will earn your client’s trust—and their repeat business. Consider offering end-of-year reviews to show how you’ve added value over the year and suggest upgrades for the upcoming season.

How to Secure Commercial Lawn Accounts Today

Landing those commercial lawn care accounts is easier than you think—and you can start today! Here are some simple steps you can take right now to attract new clients and start building long-term relationships:

Audit your current service offerings. Identify any gaps in your current services that may limit your ability to scale for commercial properties. Do you have the right equipment or processes in place for larger spaces?
Draft a template for proposals. Having a draft ready to go will help you be prepared when an opportunity arises. Don’t waste time reinventing the wheel.
Research top-performing services in your area. Find out what other successful lawn care companies in your area offer. Use their services as inspiration to refine your own and stay competitive.
Reach out to local property managers or business owners. Send an introductory email or flyer to potential clients to start making connections and generate interest in your services.
Update your website. Add a portfolio section to your website to show your best work. Highlighting past commercial projects will make your business more attractive to potential clients.

Your Path to Commercial Lawn Care Success

Now that you understand what sets commercial services apart, how to build strong proposals, and how to connect with the right people, it’s time to make those big moves!

If you really want to take things up a notch, tools such as Briostack’s lawn care software can make a huge difference. We can help organize your operations, improve customer management, and simplify proposal creation. Let our software handle the back-end tasks so you can focus on delivering exceptional services.

Download our free e-book for all the insider strategies you need to secure those long-term commercial contracts today!