Maintaining a well-kept church property is an important part of creating a welcoming environment for members, visitors, and the surrounding community. A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and seasonal flower beds can enhance the church’s appearance and reflect good stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to the congregation. However, when it comes to landscaping maintenance, churches often face the decision of whether to rely on volunteers or hire a professional landscaping company.

If your church is considering hiring a landscaping company, here are key factors to consider before signing a contract, including essential services, unnecessary charges, and seasonal considerations like snow removal.

Key Services Your Church Needs

Before negotiating a contract, it’s important to determine which landscaping services are essential and which are optional. A church should not pay for unnecessary services that can be done in-house or managed with occasional volunteer efforts.

Essential Landscaping Services

Lawn Care & Mowing – A weekly or biweekly schedule for mowing, edging, and trimming keeps the grounds looking presentable.
Weed Control & Mulching – Preventing overgrowth around sidewalks, flower beds, and fences enhances curb appeal and safety.
Shrub & Tree Trimming – Regular pruning helps prevent overgrowth, maintains the health of plants, and ensures clear visibility for church signs and entrances.
Seasonal Planting & Maintenance – If the church has flower beds or decorative landscaping, some professional upkeep may be needed to maintain appearances through the changing seasons.
Irrigation System Maintenance – If your church has a sprinkler system, the company should be able to inspect, repair, and winterize it as needed.

Services Your Church May Not Need to Pay For

Leaf Removal – Depending on your church’s size and location, volunteers may be able to handle this task during a church workday.
Excessive Fertilization or Chemical Treatments – While some treatments may be necessary, avoid contracts that include unnecessary applications of expensive fertilizers or pesticides.
Decorative Landscaping Upgrades – If a company suggests redesigning large portions of the property or adding decorative landscaping elements that don’t align with the church’s needs, these costs may not be justifiable.
REMEMBER: the more complicated your landscaping, the higher the cost of maintenance

Using Volunteers for Landscaping

Many churches rely on volunteers for seasonal landscaping projects. While this can be a great way to save money and foster fellowship, it’s not a long-term solution for routine maintenance.

How Volunteers Can Help

Annual Church Workdays – Organizing a yearly “Spring Cleanup” or “Fall Preparation” day can help refresh flower beds, remove debris, and prepare the grounds for the season ahead.
Small Maintenance Tasks – Church members with a green thumb may be willing to help with planting, weeding, or watering flower beds on a rotating schedule.

Why Volunteers Can’t Replace a Landscaping Service

Consistency – Volunteers may not always be available, leading to inconsistent care.
Specialized Equipment & Expertise – Mowing large areas, pruning trees, and handling irrigation systems often require professional-grade equipment and knowledge.
Liability & Safety Concerns – If a volunteer gets injured while using landscaping equipment, the church could be held liable. Professional landscapers carry insurance to cover these risks.

For these reasons, while volunteer efforts can supplement professional landscaping, they should not be relied upon as the primary means of property upkeep.

Snow Removal Services for Churches in Northern Climates

In colder regions, some landscaping companies also offer snow removal services, which can be bundled into a yearly maintenance contract. Since churches often need their parking lots and walkways cleared before services or events, having a reliable snow removal plan is essential.

Options for Snow Removal Contracts

Per-Push Agreement – The church pays a fee each time snow removal services are needed. This is best for areas with unpredictable snowfall.
Seasonal Contract – The church pays a flat rate for the entire winter season, regardless of snowfall frequency. This works well in areas with consistently heavy snowfall.
Full-Service Plan – Includes plowing, sidewalk clearing, salting, and de-icing services. While more expensive, it ensures all surfaces remain safe and accessible.

What to Watch Out For

Hidden Fees – Some companies charge extra for salt applications, multiple plows in one day, or emergency call-outs. Make sure these costs are clear upfront.
Response Time – Ensure the contract specifies when the company will arrive after a snowfall. Churches need priority clearing before Sunday services and midweek events.
Liability Coverage – Make sure the company carries proper insurance in case of damage to the property or accidents involving their crew.

Final Considerations Before Signing a Contract

When reviewing a landscaping contract, keep these final points in mind:
✅ Compare Multiple Bids – Get at least three quotes from reputable companies before making a decision.
✅ Check References & Reviews – Speak with other churches or businesses that have used the company’s services.
✅ Negotiate Custom Services – Avoid one-size-fits-all contracts; ensure the services align with your church’s needs.
✅ Clarify Cancellation Policies – Ensure the church can terminate the contract if the service does not meet expectations.
✅ Confirm Insurance & Licensing – The company should have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

By carefully evaluating your church’s landscaping needs, making use of volunteer efforts where appropriate, and negotiating a fair contract, you can ensure that your church grounds remain beautiful, safe, and welcoming throughout the year.

Hiring a Landscaping Company for Your Church: What to Consider Before Signing a Contract