Landing commercial and government lawn care contracts are surefire ways to create a steady year-round income and grow your business. However, bidding can be an issue for many businesses, with some underpricing their services and submitting generic proposals.
This step-by-step game plan will show you how to find commercial lawn care bids and how to bid smarter. You’ll also learn the best ways to land contracts without undercutting yourself.
Use These Strategies to Find Commercial Lawn Care Jobs You Can Easily Bid On
- Search Government Websites for Open Lawn Care Bids
- Focus on Building a Strong Reputation Through Local SEO
- Network Where the Decision-Makers Are
- Use Direct Marketing Tactics
- Offer a Free Property Assessment
- How to Write a Winning Commercial Lawn Care Bid
- How to Win More Commercial Lawn Care Accounts
- How to Bid HOA Lawn Care Contracts and Apartment Complexes
- Land Those Lucrative Commercial Lawn Care Clients With Ease
- Stop Chasing Clients – Start Winning Contracts
Learning how to get commercial lawn care contracts doesn’t have to be a guessing game. The right opportunities are out there—you just need to know where to look.
Here’s how to uncover them and position yourself to win more bids.
Search Government Websites for Open Lawn Care Bids
Government contracts pay well, but they come with some hoops to jump through. If you don’t mind a little paperwork, these jobs can bring in long-term work.
Official government sites, including SAM.gov, and online platforms like Bidnet direct let you filter bids by keywords like “landscaping,” “mowing,” or “lawn maintenance.” Look for local municipal jobs first. They’re often easier to win than state or federal contracts.
- Pros: Steady pay, longer contracts
- Cons: More rules, competitive bidding
If you’re new to government jobs, start small. Once you have a few under your belt, bigger contracts will be easier to land, especially with a user-friendly lawn care management application to guide you.
Focus on Building a Strong Reputation Through Local SEO
Winning bids aren’t just about price—it’s more about trust. Businesses want someone reliable, and a good reputation makes all the difference. Start by claiming and fully optimizing your Google Business Profile with detailed services, original photos, and regular updates.
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online directories. And don’t forget to collect and respond to reviews—Google uses them as a trust signal, and property managers often read them before reaching out.
Network Where the Decision-Makers Are
Tap into local directories, Chamber of Commerce listings, and facility management groups to get your name in front of decision-makers. These small moves add up, helping you build a strong local reputation that makes it easier to win bids and grow steady, long-term commercial accounts
Use Direct Marketing Tactics
Sometimes, the easiest way to get business is to put your name right in front of people.
- Place lawn signs at every job site for free advertising.
- Drop flyers in mailboxes in areas with commercial properties.
- Chat with business owners while working on existing jobs. A quick conversation could turn into your next big lawn care contract bids.
Offer a Free Property Assessment
Not everyone will hire you without proof of what you can do. So, show them.
- Find a neglected commercial property and clean it up for free. Use before/after photos as proof of your expertise.
- Offer pro bono work to a local nonprofit. Get exposure and permission to put up signs promoting your lawn care company.
People trust what they can see. A little effort up front can land you long-term lawn care business contracts as you discover more ways to find commercial lawn care bids.
How to Write a Winning Commercial Lawn Care Bid
Learning how to find lawn care bids and landing them aren’t just about offering the lowest price. Property managers and HOAs want to know exactly what they’re paying for.
Plus, they consider how reliable you are and why they should trust you over someone else. Learning how to write a bid for lawn care works makes all the difference.
1. Start with a Site Walk Through to Understand the Client’s Needs
Before you put together a proposal, take a moment. Assess what the client actually needs. Some properties require full-service maintenance, while others only need basic upkeep.
Knowing the difference can level up your proposal game if you are still unsure about how to charge for commercial lawn care.
Some key details you need to confirm with your clients are:
- Required lawn care services: Mowing, trimming, fertilization, and weed control are standard, but always confirm what the client needs.
- Lawn care service frequency: Clarify whether services are needed weekly, biweekly, or seasonally to set clear expectations.
- Special lawn care requests: High-traffic areas and extra treatments make it easy to bundle lawn care services into a stress-free package.
2. Break Down Your Services Clearly
Your proposal should be crystal clear. Clients should never have to guess what’s included in your service.
Keeping templates for service packages works best if you’re dealing with multiple client needs. This is one of the most efficient ways to write a bid proposal for lawn care projects.
- Mowing and Edging: Grass is mowed weekly to keep it tidy and stop overgrowth. Edging along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds creates sharp, clean lines for a well-kept look.
- Weed Control: Applying targeted treatments every [X] weeks stops invasive weeds before they spread. Regular lawn care also keeps the grass healthy, even, and free of bare spots.
- Fertilization: Seasonal treatments feed the lawn exactly when it needs it, keeping it green and strong all year. Each plan is customized to match the soil and weather.
Pro Tip: Vague wording like “as needed” can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, be specific so they know what to expect. Doing so will also help you clarify service inclusions and exclusions to prevent future misunderstandings.
3. Be Transparent With Pricing
Nobody likes surprises when it comes to pricing. Keep it simple, direct, and easy to understand. Not everyone understands lawn care jargon or complicated calculations, so make sure your proposal is clear. Here’s an example of how to price commercial lawn care:
- Lawn Maintenance: $X per visit
- Fertilization: $X per application
- Additional Services: $X per request or per hour
Pro Tip: If you offer discounts for long-term contracts or bundled services, highlight those. Many commercial clients prefer a predictable, locked-in rate over time. This also guarantees you more income while reducing the effort of looking for new clients.
4. Showcase Your Team & Expertise
When targeting commercial contracts, be specific about the type of business and property type you specialize in—like office parks, retail centers, or apartment complexes. Most larger property managers want to know you understand their unique needs, from maintaining irrigation systems to handling high-traffic areas.
Include a unique selling proposition that lets commercial clients know you specialize in lawn care services for their specific type of property. You can write something like:
“Commercial lawn care that’s reliable, responsive, and built around your schedule, not ours. For [X] years, we’ve helped [commercial properties] stay sharp and keep landscapes pristine, year-round. Fully insured. Fully accountable. Always on schedule.”
Pro Tip: Tailor your marketing to show you’re not just any lawn care company—you’re one of the top commercial lawn care companies built to handle big jobs professionally
5. Make It Easy to Act
End your bid with a clear next step.
Here’s a great example of a Call to Action (CTA):
“Let’s get started. Call [phone] or email [email] to confirm your service plan.”Speed up client decisions with a simple incentive, like “Book by [date] and get your first [service] free.”
Bonus Tip:
Before you send that contract, go over these points:
- Is the pricing clear and easy to understand?
- Are the services detailed and well-structured?
- Does the bid explain why they should choose you?
- Is there a strong call to action?
If all answers hit the “Yes” button, click send—and land that contract.
How to Win More Commercial Lawn Care Accounts
Great service alone won’t cut it. You need to stay visible and memorable to win commercial clients. Here’s how to stand out and win more commercial lawn care jobs:
1. Target Property Managers and HOAs
HOAs and property managers handle multiple sites, so one contract can mean steady work. Be reliable and deliver quality. Clients will gladly commit to long-term contracts.
2. Showcase Your Work Online
Businesses want to know they can trust you before hiring. If you don’t have a website or reviews, they’ll probably pick someone who does.
Even a simple website with your contact info, photos, and testimonials can impact your business.
3. Be Available Year Round
Seasonal service is just one part of the job. Offer packages that include snow prep, storm cleanup, mulching, and other off-season services. This makes you a long-term partner instead of a one-season vendor—and that’s what commercial clients are after
4. Network With Local Businesses
A strong local network brings referrals and keeps you in the loop on how to get commercial lawn care accounts even more. Get out there and meet people at business events, real estate groups, or even casual get-togethers. The right connections can help you land big contracts.
5. Follow Up on Bids
A quick follow-up can help secure the job as you learn how to bid on lawn care projects effectively. Follow up in a few days with a quick call or email to stay on their radar—without being pushy.
How to Bid HOA Lawn Care Contracts and Apartment Complexes
HOAs and apartments care about trust, good value, and clear updates—not just saving money.
Key Differences Between HOA and Commercial Bids
- HOAs and Apartment Complexes: They need lawn care all year to keep shared spaces looking nice and residents happy.
- Standard Commercial Properties: They focus more on making their property look good for customers and renters, so their schedules can be more flexible.
Walk the property before submitting a bid. Property managers may not mention problem areas like uneven terrain or drainage issues, but spotting them early helps you provide a more accurate quote when it comes to knowing how to land commercial lawn care accounts.
What Property Managers and HOAs Look For
- Dependability: They need a service provider that shows up on schedule and handles issues proactively. Missed visits can lead to complaints from dozens of residents.
- Comprehensive Service Packages: Offering mowing, edging, fertilization, and seasonal treatments in one contract simplifies management for them.
- Professionalism and Communication: Clear reporting on completed services, issues spotted, and upcoming treatments helps property managers keep residents informed.
Offer a dedicated point of contact. HOAs and property managers juggle multiple vendors. Having one person they can reach directly makes their lives easier and builds trust.
Also, think about providing before-and-after photos in reports. It reassures clients that work is getting done and helps justify your pricing.
Structuring Multi-Year Contracts for Consistent Revenue
Make lawn care hassle-free, and HOAs and apartments will stick with you for a steady income and long-term clients. Here’s how you can structure your service contracts to maximize revenue:
- Locked-in Pricing: Multi-year agreements help stabilize revenue while offering HOAs predictable costs. Consider small annual rate adjustments to account for inflation.
- Seasonal Service Plans: Outline services by season—spring fertilization, summer mowing, fall aeration—so clients see the full value of a year-round contract.
- Performance Guarantees: A satisfaction guarantee or dedicated account manager builds trust and makes long-term contracts an easier choice.
Pro Tip: For a leg up on how to bid lawn care jobs, incentivize longer contracts. Offer small discounts or value-adds (like a free spring aeration) for clients who commit to two- or three-year agreements.
Land Those Lucrative Commercial Lawn Care Clients With Ease
Lawn care businesses often struggle with creating professional, detailed proposals that win clients. Housecall Pro’s lawn care business software simplifies this process by allowing you to send clear, customizable estimates and proposals with ease.
Here’s how Housecall Pro can help you grow your client base and increase revenue:
Online Booking: Reserve With Google Integration
Housecall Pro’s online booking software makes it easy for commercial clients to book services directly from your Google Business Profile. Housecall Pro integrates with Reserve with Google, allowing you to add a “Book Now” button to let interested leads book your services directly from search. There’s no back-and-forth calls—just leads filling your calendar.
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On average, Pros increase monthly revenue generated through Housecall Pro by 50% after their first year.
See plan options and feature breakdown on our pricing page.
Professional “Good, Better, Best” Estimates & Proposals
First impressions matter. Simply send polished, customized proposals in minutes and close deals faster if you’re still unsure of how to bid a lawn care contract.
With features like “Good, Better, Best” pricing, you can offer custom solutions that appeal to a wide range of budgets, opening the door to upsells.
Automated Follow-Up Reminders and Review Requests
With automated follow-up reminders and review management software, Housecall Pro helps you stay top of mind with commercial clients without extra effort. You can schedule automatic reminders for pending approvals or upcoming services, and automate review requests after every service.
Recurring Commercial Lawn Care Services
Housecall Pro makes it easy to set up and manage recurring services, ensuring commercial clients receive consistent, scheduled lawn care throughout the year. HOAs and businesses love the consistency, and you avoid seasonal slumps.
Stop Chasing Clients – Start Winning Contracts
With Housecall Pro’s lawn care business software, you can stop wasting time chasing clients and start winning lucrative commercial contracts. Don’t let the name deter you, it streamlines everything for you—from creating professional proposals to managing recurring services—while automating follow-ups and review requests to keep you top of mind.
It’s time to stop scrambling for new clients and start securing long-term, reliable contracts. Try Housecall Pro free for 14 days and set yourself up for success to win more commercial lawn care contracts.
