Terms of Service

These terms govern your use of South River Landscapes services and website.

Last Updated: January 2024

Table of Contents

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website at southriverlandscapes.com, engaging our services, or entering into a service agreement with South River Landscapes ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"), you ("Client," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and South River Landscapes. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our services or website.

Important: By proceeding with any service request or signing a service agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms.

2. Services Description

Commercial Landscape Maintenance

  • Weekly mowing, edging, and turf maintenance
  • Seasonal cleanup and mulching services
  • Tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
  • Weed control and fertilization programs
  • Irrigation system management and monitoring

Landscape Construction & Installation

  • Plant installation and landscape design
  • Hardscaping including patios, walkways, and retaining walls
  • Drainage solutions and erosion control
  • Site preparation and grading services
  • Irrigation system installation and repair

Service Scope: All services are subject to written estimates and service agreements. Additional work beyond the agreed scope requires written authorization and may incur additional charges.

3. User Responsibilities

As a client of South River Landscapes, you agree to:

  • Property Access: Provide safe and unobstructed access to work areas
  • Accurate Information: Provide complete and accurate property information
  • Utility Marking: Ensure utilities are properly marked before excavation work
  • Pet Safety: Secure pets during service visits for safety
  • Payment: Make payments according to agreed terms
  • Communication: Notify us of any concerns or changes promptly
  • Property Conditions: Inform us of any hazardous conditions on the property
  • Permits: Obtain necessary permits where required by local authorities

Important: Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in service delays, additional charges, or termination of services.

4. Payment Terms

Payment Schedule

  • Maintenance Services: Monthly billing, payment due within 30 days
  • Construction Projects: 50% deposit required, balance due upon completion
  • Large Projects: Progress payments as outlined in service agreement
  • Emergency Services: Payment due upon completion

Late Payment Policy

  • Late fee of 1.5% per month on overdue balances
  • Services may be suspended for accounts 60+ days overdue
  • Collection costs and legal fees may be added to overdue accounts
  • Returned check fee of $35 per occurrence

Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, check, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and ACH transfers. Online payment options available for your convenience.

5. Scheduling & Cancellation

Service Scheduling

  • Regular maintenance services scheduled based on service agreement
  • Weather conditions may affect scheduling and service delivery
  • We will make reasonable efforts to notify clients of schedule changes
  • Emergency services available 24/7 with additional charges

Cancellation Policy

  • Maintenance Contracts: 30-day written notice required
  • Scheduled Services: 24-hour notice required to avoid charges
  • Construction Projects: Cancellation fees may apply based on work completed
  • Seasonal Services: Must cancel before service season begins

Weather Policy: Services may be postponed due to inclement weather. No charges apply for weather-related delays. Services will be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity.

6. Warranties & Guarantees

Plant Warranty

  • One-year warranty on plant materials from date of installation
  • Warranty covers plant death due to installation defects
  • Does not cover damage from weather, pests, disease, or improper care
  • Replacement plants provided at no charge (labor charges may apply)

Workmanship Warranty

  • One-year warranty on installation workmanship
  • Covers defects in installation techniques and methods
  • Does not cover normal wear, weather damage, or misuse
  • Warranty repairs provided at no charge during warranty period

Warranty Limitations: Warranties are void if work is altered by others, if property conditions change significantly, or if maintenance recommendations are not followed. All warranties are non-transferable.

7. Limitation of Liability

South River Landscapes maintains comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance. However, our liability is limited as follows:

  • Maximum Liability: Limited to the total amount paid for services in question
  • Consequential Damages: We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Property Damage: Liability limited to direct damage caused by our negligence
  • Natural Events: Not liable for damage caused by weather, acts of God, or natural disasters
  • Third Party Actions: Not liable for damage caused by third parties or vandalism
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Not liable for damage to pre-existing faulty installations or systems

Insurance Coverage: We maintain $2 million general liability insurance and full workers' compensation coverage. Certificate of insurance available upon request.

8. Property Access & Safety

Client grants South River Landscapes reasonable access to property for service delivery:

  • Access Rights: Right to enter property during business hours for scheduled services
  • Safety Requirements: Client must ensure safe working conditions
  • Hazard Disclosure: Client must disclose known hazards (underground utilities, septic systems, etc.)
  • Pet Restraint: Pets must be secured during service visits
  • Vehicle Access: Adequate access for service vehicles and equipment
  • Locked Areas: Access to locked areas must be arranged in advance
  • Security Systems: Client responsible for disarming security systems as needed

Access Issues: If access is denied or unsafe conditions exist, services may be postponed and additional trip charges may apply.

9. Intellectual Property

Intellectual property rights related to our services and materials:

  • Design Rights: Landscape designs remain property of South River Landscapes
  • Website Content: All website content, logos, and materials are our property
  • Photography: We may photograph completed work for marketing purposes
  • Client Usage: Clients may not reproduce or distribute our designs without permission
  • Testimonials: We may use client testimonials and reviews for marketing
  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary methods and techniques remain confidential

Client Rights: Clients retain ownership of their property and may request that we not use photos of their property for marketing purposes.

10. Termination

Termination by Client

  • 30-day written notice required for maintenance contracts
  • Payment due for all services rendered through termination date
  • No refund for prepaid services unless otherwise agreed
  • Construction projects subject to completion or cancellation fees

Termination by Company

We may terminate services immediately for:

  • Non-payment of invoices beyond 60 days
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • Abusive or threatening behavior toward staff
  • Breach of these Terms of Service
  • Illegal activities on the property

Effect of Termination: Upon termination, all outstanding invoices become immediately due, and we will cease all services. Equipment and materials on-site remain our property until paid in full.

11. Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving disputes fairly and efficiently:

Step 1: Direct Communication

Contact us directly at (443) 510-2497 or Office@SouthRiverLandscapes.com to discuss any concerns.

Step 2: Written Complaint

If unresolved, submit a written complaint detailing the issue and desired resolution.

Step 3: Mediation

If necessary, disputes will be resolved through binding mediation in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Time Limit: All disputes must be raised within one year of the service date or issue occurrence.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland:

  • Jurisdiction: Anne Arundel County, Maryland courts have exclusive jurisdiction
  • Applicable Law: Maryland state law governs all aspects of this agreement
  • Venue: All legal proceedings must be conducted in Anne Arundel County
  • Severability: If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains enforceable
  • Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the complete agreement between parties

Legal Compliance: We operate in full compliance with Maryland contractor licensing requirements and local regulations.

13. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service:

  • Notice: Changes will be posted on our website with updated effective date
  • Email Notification: Significant changes will be communicated via email
  • Acceptance: Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of modified terms
  • Existing Contracts: Current service agreements remain under original terms unless amended
  • Review Period: 30-day notice provided for material changes

Stay Informed: We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates or changes.

14. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service or to discuss any concerns:

South River Landscapes

1201 Kendricks Ln
Severn, MD 21144

Contact Details

Phone: (443) 510-2497
Email: Office@SouthRiverLandscapes.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM

Response Time: We will respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours during business days.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you understand our terms, let's discuss your landscaping project. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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