Terms and Conditions

Updated: September 25, 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") govern all services provided by Reliable Landscaping ("Company," "we," "our," or "us") to the customer ("Customer," "client," "you," or "your"). By accepting an estimate, signing a contract, or allowing work to commence, the Customer agrees to the following terms.

1. Scope of Services

Reliable Landscaping will provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, property maintenance, hardscaping, seasonal cleanup, snow removal, irrigation, planting, and other services as outlined in the approved estimate, proposal, work order, or service agreement.

Any services requested outside the original scope of work may be subject to additional charges and scheduling.

2. Estimates and Pricing

All estimates are valid for thirty (30) days from the date issued unless otherwise stated.

Pricing is based on the scope of work described in the estimate. Changes in materials, labor requirements, site conditions, fuel costs, or customer-requested modifications may result in additional costs.

The Company reserves the right to amend pricing when unforeseen circumstances arise that materially affect project completion.

3. Change Orders

Any modifications to the original scope of work must be approved by the Customer and may require a written Change Order.

Additional work requested by the Customer may extend project timelines and increase costs.

4. Payment Terms

Payment is due according to the terms stated on the invoice or service agreement.

Unless otherwise agreed:

• Residential maintenance services are due upon receipt.
• Project deposits may be required before work begins.
• Remaining balances are due upon completion of the project.
• Commercial accounts are due within thirty (30) days of invoice date.

The Customer agrees to pay all applicable taxes, fees, and charges associated with services provided.

5. Late Payments

Invoices not paid by the due date may be subject to:

• A late fee of 1.5% per month (18% annually) or the maximum amount permitted by law.
• Suspension of future services until the account is brought current.
• Collection efforts, attorney fees, court costs, and expenses incurred to recover unpaid balances.

6. Property Access

The Customer shall provide safe and reasonable access to the property during scheduled service times.

Reliable Landscaping is not responsible for delays caused by:

• Locked gates
• Restricted access
• Aggressive pets
• Vehicles obstructing work areas
• Unsafe site conditions

Additional charges may apply when crews are unable to perform scheduled services due to access issues.

7. Underground Utilities and Hidden Conditions

The Customer is responsible for identifying and marking all private underground installations, including but not limited to:

• Invisible pet fences
• Irrigation systems
• Landscape lighting
• Private utility lines
• Septic systems
• Drainage systems

Reliable Landscaping is not liable for damage to private underground installations that are not properly disclosed or marked before work begins.

8. Warranty

Part A — Plant Material Warranty

A1. Coverage

A plant qualifies for replacement if it is dead or more than 30% dead (dieback) during the warranty period, as determined by the Company's inspection.

A2. Replacements

• Replacements will be the same variety and size, or a comparable substitute if the original is unavailable.
• Replacements are installed during the next suitable planting season (typically spring or fall), not necessarily when the loss is reported.
• Replacement plants carry a one-time 30-day warranty after installation.

A3. Customer Responsibilities

Plant survival depends heavily on care after installation. To keep the warranty valid, the Customer must:

• Water properly. Follow the Company's watering guidelines, especially during the first two growing seasons. New trees and shrubs typically need deep watering 1–2 times per week unless rainfall is sufficient.
• Keep irrigation systems working and adjusted, if present.
• Maintain mulch around plants and keep lawn equipment away from trunks and stems.

A4. Exclusions

The plant warranty does not cover loss or damage caused by:

• Under-watering, over-watering, or irrigation failure
• Drought, flooding, hail, wind, ice, heavy snow, or extreme temperatures
• Deer, rabbits, rodents, pets, or other animals
• Insects or disease that could not reasonably be prevented by the Company
• De-icing salt, fertilizer or herbicide damage, or chemicals applied by others
• Damage from mowers, string trimmers, snow removal, or vehicles
• Changes to grading, drainage, sunlight, or the surrounding site after installation
• Plants moved or transplanted by anyone other than the Company
• Plants supplied by the Customer, or plants placed where the Company advised against it
• Plants that are removed or discarded before the Company inspects them

Part B — Paver and Retaining Wall Warranty

B1. Workmanship Coverage

The Company warrants that its installation work — including base preparation, compaction, leveling, drainage aggregate, and wall construction — will be free from defects in workmanship during the warranty period. Covered defects include:

• Settling, sinking or heaving beyond 3/8 inch or the manufacturer's stated tolerance
• Pavers shifting or separating due to base failure or loss of edge restraint
• Retaining wall bulging, leaning, or separating due to installation error
• Loose wall caps or step treads, where attached by the Company

The Company will repair covered defects at no charge. The Company will make repairs using the original materials where possible. If matching materials are unavailable, the closest available match will be used, and minor differences in color or texture are not a defect.

B2. Customer Responsibilities

• Use plastic shovels or blades for snow removal where possible.
• Refill joint sand as needed. Joint sand loss is normal maintenance.
• Keep downspouts, sump discharges, and surface water directed away from walls and paved areas.
• Do not place loads the installation was not designed for (for example, heavy trucks, dumpsters, or hot tubs), unless the proposal specifies it.
• Do not dig or plant large trees next to walls or paved areas without consulting the Company.

B3. Exclusions

The paver and retaining wall warranty does not cover:

• Efflorescence (white residue), fading, weathering, or natural color variation between batches
• Polymeric sand haze, joint sand washout, or weeds, moss, and ants in the joints
• Stains from oil, rust, fertilizer, leaves, food, or other substances
• Damage from de-icing salts or chemicals
• Chips, cracks, or scratches caused by snow plows, shovels, ice chisels, or impact
• Settling caused by other contractors, utility work, irrigation lines, or excavation after completion
• Damage from vehicles or loads heavier than the design allows
• Tree root movement
• Normal frost movement within industry tolerances
• Drainage problems caused by downspouts, grading changes, or water sources added after installation
• Soil erosion, landslides, flooding, earthquakes, or other acts of nature
• Walls or paved areas modified or repaired by others
• Installations built with Customer-supplied materials, or built against the Company's written recommendation
• Sealer appearance or performance, unless the sealer was applied by the Company

Part C — General Warranty Terms

C1. Making a Claim

• Claims must be made in writing (email is acceptable) within the warranty period.
• Include the address, a description of the problem, and photos if possible.
• The Company will inspect the issue within a reasonable time and decide whether it is covered.

C2. Limits of Warranty

• Repair or replacement as described above is the Company's only obligation and the Customer's only remedy under this warranty.
• The Company is not responsible for indirect or consequential damages, including damage to other property, loss of use, or reduced property value.
• The Company's total liability under this warranty will not exceed the amount paid for the warranted work.
• Except for this Warranty, the Company makes no other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, to the extent allowed by law.

C3. Transfer

This warranty applies to the original Customer and is not transferable to a new owner if the property is sold.

C4. Voiding the Warranty

This warranty is void if:

• The invoice is not paid in full within payment terms.
• The work is altered, moved, or repaired by anyone other than the Company.
• The Customer fails to follow the responsibilities listed above.

9. Weather Delays

Landscaping services are weather dependent.

The Company reserves the right to postpone or reschedule services due to:

• Rain
• Snow
• Excessive heat
• Frozen ground
• Severe weather conditions
• Other unsafe working conditions

Reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule services promptly.

10. Seasonal Services

Seasonal services, including snow removal, leaf cleanup, fertilization, and irrigation winterization, are performed according to seasonal requirements and weather conditions.

Scheduling may vary due to demand, weather events, and operational considerations.

11. Snow Removal Services

For customers receiving snow removal services:

• Service timing may vary based on storm severity and route scheduling.
• Accumulation triggers shall be specified in the service agreement.
• Snow relocation or hauling may incur additional fees.
• Ice formation may occur despite snow removal efforts.
• Reliable Landscaping does not guarantee completely snow-free or ice-free conditions.

12. Damage Limitation

The Company shall exercise reasonable care while performing services.

The Customer acknowledges that normal landscaping procedures may result in:

• Tire marks on soft ground
• Soil displacement
• Minor disturbance to turf and landscape beds
• Damage caused by concealed or pre-existing property conditions

Any claim for damage must be reported within seventy-two (72) hours of service completion.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Reliable Landscaping's liability shall be limited to the amount paid by the Customer for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

Under no circumstances shall Reliable Landscaping be liable for:

• Indirect damages
• Consequential damages
• Lost profits
• Loss of use
• Business interruption
• Property damage caused by undisclosed site conditions

14. Cancellation Policy

Maintenance services may be canceled upon written notice.

Project cancellations after materials have been ordered or work has commenced may be subject to:

• Material costs
• Labor costs incurred
• Administrative fees
• Restocking charges

Deposits may be non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

15. Customer Responsibilities

The Customer agrees to:

• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Remove personal property from work areas.
• Provide water access if required.
• Inform the Company of hazards or underground installations.
• Obtain any approvals from homeowners associations if necessary.

16. Force Majeure

Reliable Landscaping shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond its reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters
• Severe weather
• Government actions
• Labor shortages
• Supply chain disruptions
• Utility interruptions
• Acts of God

17. Dispute Resolution

The parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation before initiating legal proceedings.

If legal action becomes necessary, the prevailing party may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs as permitted by law.

18. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

Any legal action arising under this Agreement shall be brought in the appropriate courts located within Michigan.

19. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

20. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any signed proposal, estimate, work order, service agreement, or invoice, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions or understandings.

Customer Acknowledgment

By accepting an estimate, signing a proposal, making payment, or permitting work to begin, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.