A Bush Hogging Service Contract Protects Your Business 

Being on the same page with a customer is never a bad thing. The more detailed your bush hogging service contract and invoice, the less likely there will be a dispute later. In all businesses that are run professionally, there is a contract between the company and the customer to formalize how the relationship will work. The relationship should be mutually beneficial but there are times one party is going to try and “win”. This creates a win-lose relationship. To avoid this scenario, do two things. 

Two Keys to a Good Bush Hogging Service Contract

1. Charge a fair market price for your service. If you under sell your services, you cannot properly run a business. The hard work you put into it will be lost when you go out of business.

2. Enter into an agreement that outlines the relationship. A Terms and Conditions or Service Contract is the instrument to do this. The more people in the bush hogging and land clearing business that utilize a service contract, the better it is for the entire industry. 

It is easy to bypass this step. You are eager for revenue and do not want to do anything to upset a customer. However, a service contract protects you, and the customer, by establishing the rules. A service contract holds you accountable, holds the customer accountable and protects your family and business. A well written bush hogging service contract protects the customer by specifically stating the work that will be accomplished and protects the bush hogging operator by limiting liability for unforeseen issues. 

If you make a service contract a normal part of your sales process, most customers will sign on the spot. Using a service like Docusign is one way to easily handle it online or print some copies for the truck. The one I started using is Jobber. Will some customers balk and refuse to sign? Absolutely, especially because the last guy that did it for $30/hr did not have a service contract. The quickest way to combat this objection is to say something like:

“Would you rather we don’t sign a contract and if I get hurt, I sue you? A contract protects us both and anyone that does not provide a contract is not someone you want to do business with.”

At this point you can walk away or do the work without a contract. The customer is really at greater risk than you if you are doing basic bush hogging service work. 

This is a sample bush hogging service contract. Consult your legal counsel for one specific to your business or ask they modify this one. The below bush hogging service contact may be used as a starting point after review by your counsel, but not reposted, or used as your own online. You are welcome to share a link to this blog post.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE CONTRACT

(Improved and Professionally Revised)

1. Definitions

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Company” means ABC Co, LLC, including its affiliates, owners, members, managers, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors, and agents.

(b) “Customer” means the individual or entity, whether solely or jointly, authorized to enter into this Agreement.

(c) “Agreement” refers collectively to this document, any attached proposals, estimates, work orders, or invoices, and any written modifications mutually agreed upon.

2. Workmanship and Service Conditions

• Work crews may arrive at the job site without prior notice, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• The Company will make reasonable efforts to meet estimated start dates and completion timelines; however, delays caused by weather, equipment issues, site conditions, or other factors outside the Company’s control shall not constitute breach of contract.
• Only the services specifically listed in the estimate or work order are included. Debris removal, haul‑off, stump removal, grading, or additional services are excluded unless expressly stated.
• Customer acknowledges that heavy equipment may cause ruts, soil disturbance, vegetation damage, or other impacts inherent to land‑clearing operations. The Company is not responsible for such expected impacts.

3. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled service date will incur a $50 fee.
• Cancellations made on the day of service will incur a $100 fee, regardless of whether any work has begun.
• A cancellation is considered valid only upon the Customer’s receipt of a confirmation (email, text, or phone call) from the Company.
• It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure the Company receives the cancellation request and to obtain confirmation.

4. Insurance

The Company maintains liability insurance for injury to persons or property and provides Workers’ Compensation coverage for all employees. Proof of insurance is available upon request.

5. Ownership and Site Authorization

The Customer warrants that they either:

1. Own the property and vegetation on which work is to be performed, or
2. Have obtained written permission from the legal owner.

The Customer agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims, disputes, or damages arising from the Customer’s failure to obtain proper authorization, including associated legal fees.

6. Terms of Payment

• Payment is due in full upon completion of the work and receipt of the invoice.
• Accounts not paid within 15 days of the invoice date will incur a service charge of 1.5% per month or $25 per week, whichever is greater.
• Payments made by credit card or other methods that incur processing fees will have those fees added to the final invoice.
• If collection efforts become necessary, the Customer is responsible for all collection costs, including attorney fees, court costs, administrative fees, and interest as allowed by law.

7. Choice of Law, Venue, and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict‑of‑law principles.

Any dispute between the Company and the Customer shall be resolved exclusively in Hillsborough County, Florida, either in court or through arbitration at the Company’s sole discretion.

The Customer agrees to pay all reasonable legal fees, court costs, interest, and collection fees permitted by law. The burden of proof for any claim brought against the Company rests solely with the Customer.

No party, affiliate, or assignee may offset any amounts owed under this Agreement against any other claim or warranty.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• The Company and its representatives shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to property loss, personal injury, death, lost wages, or lost profits, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
• The Company’s total cumulative liability for any claim arising from this Agreement shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Customer for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
• Nothing in this Agreement limits any non‑waivable statutory rights.

9. Limitation on Time to File Claims

Any claim or cause of action arising out of or relating to this Agreement must be filed within one (1) year from the date the claim accrues. Claims filed after this period are permanently barred.

10. Non‑Disparagement

Both parties agree not to directly or indirectly post, publish, or communicate any defamatory, disparaging, or misleading statements about the other party online or through any public medium.

11. Omissions and Severability

Clerical errors or omissions shall not invalidate this Agreement. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. Site Conditions and Customer Responsibilities

The Customer agrees to ensure that the work area is fully accessible and free of hazards and trash prior to the arrival of the Company’s crew. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying and clearly marking all underground utilities, septic systems, drain fields, irrigation lines, invisible fences, property boundaries, and any other concealed obstacles. The Customer is responsible for removing or securing vehicles, equipment, debris, or personal property that may interfere with operations or be damanaged by flying debris. The Company is not liable for damage to unmarked or concealed utilities, structures, or property. The Customer further acknowledges that land‑clearing and heavy‑equipment work may generate dust, noise, debris displacement, soil disturbance, and vibration, and accepts responsibility for protecting nearby structures, landscaping, and personal property. Failure to provide accurate site information or adequate access may result in additional charges, delays, or rescheduling at the Company’s discretion.

13. Electronic Signatures

The Customer agrees that this Agreement may be executed and accepted by electronic signature, including but not limited to typed names, digital signatures, check‑box acknowledgments, or acceptance through electronic devices. Any such electronic signature shall be deemed valid, binding, and enforceable to the same extent as an original handwritten signature. The Customer further agrees that electronic records associated with this Agreement, including confirmations, approvals, and communications, shall carry the same legal effect as paper documents.