Top Questions to Ask Every Landscape Contractor Before You Sign a Maintenance Agreement

Avoid Costly Mistakes and Ghosted Services — Use This Smart Checklist to Protect Your HOA or Commercial Property

Hiring a landscape contractor for your HOA or commercial property is a big commitment and getting it wrong can come with serious consequences. Missed mowings, dying plants, and vague invoices are more common than you think.

At Perfect Cut Landscaping and East Coast Sprayers | Lawn Care & Pest Control, we’ve seen how many property managers and board members sign contracts without knowing the right questions to ask. If you’re bidding out your maintenance due to Florida’s 10% budget rule or simply seeking better results, here are the top questions you should be asking every vendor before you say yes.

1. How many mowings are included in your contract and will you skip any?

Some companies promise 34 cuts a year and plan to deliver far fewer. Others cut corners during dry seasons to save on labor. Ask specifically:

“What is the contracted number of mowings per year? Under what conditions will they be skipped?”

At Perfect Cut, we honor our agreed maintenance schedule. We don’t quietly drop visits based on convenience.

2. How is your pricing structured? Is anything being hidden in a lump sum?

A single monthly payment might sound simple, but it can also be a red flag. Some companies quote one big number that includes mowing, trimming, fertilization, and pest control, then quietly stop showing up for the services they can get away with skipping.

“Are fertilization and pest control billed separately and only when performed?”

With Perfect Cut and East Coast Sprayers, your maintenance and agronomy services are clearly separated. You only pay for what’s actually delivered — no ghost spraying, no billing surprises.

3. Who’s applying your fertilizers and pest control treatments, and are they licensed?

This is where things can go wrong fast. Some companies have the license on paper, but the crew applying chemicals has no formal training. That leads to dead sod, scorched plants, and costly repairs.

“Which team members hold a license to apply chemicals? Are they employees or subcontractors?”

At East Coast Sprayers | Lawn Care & Pest Control, we employ licensed professionals who are trained in chemical mixing and application. These aren’t the same guys who were running a trimmer yesterday.

4. How do you ensure communication with property managers and board members?

Poor communication is one of the biggest complaints we hear from HOAs switching providers. Unanswered calls, vague updates, and finger-pointing between subcontractors.

“Who’s my point of contact? Can I call them directly when there’s an issue?”

With Perfect Cut, every HOA gets direct access to a manager, plus ongoing support from ownership. No middlemen. No games.

5. How do I know your crews actually show up and do the work?

It’s easy to claim a service was completed. Proving it is another matter. Some companies rely on outdated systems or none at all.

“Do you send schedules? Will I know when you’re on site for pest control or landscape maintenance?”

We proactively share our mowing schedules and let you know in advance when East Coast Sprayers will be treating your property. You’ll never wonder if we’ve been there.

6. Do you offer references or testimonials from other HOA clients?

Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see video or written testimonials from properties similar to yours.

“Can you provide recent testimonials from other HOAs you maintain?”

We’ve proudly served Wellington Shores for nearly 8 years — handling everything from mowing to drainage. Our clients know we show up, stay accountable, and handle it all under one roof.

7. What happens when there’s a problem?

Every property has challenges. What matters most is how your contractor handles them.

“What’s your process for resolving issues? Can I expect a response within 24 hours?”

Our team is local, responsive, and on-site weekly. We don’t pass the buck. If something needs to be fixed, it gets fixed fast.

The Bottom Line: Transparency, Accountability, and Quality Matter

It’s easy to get caught up comparing price tags, but smart property managers and HOA boards know that long-term value comes from clear contracts, qualified crews, and consistent communication.

Before you sign with any landscape company, ask these questions. And if you’re ready for a provider who checks every box, get in touch with Perfect Cut Landscaping and East Coast Sprayers today.

Contact us to schedule your walkthrough or request a proposal.