General Terms

• Services begin once estimate is approved and any required deposit is paid.
• Late Fees: Unpaid invoices may be charged a late fee of 1.5% per month (or $25 minimum) as allowed by Illinois law. Services may be paused for nonpayment.
• Pricing: We may adjust service pricing if needed (for example, due to fuel or material costs). When we do, we’ll give you advance notice, and you can cancel services with no penalty if you don’t agree to the new price. Gates must be unlocked on service day. If blocked, full price still applies, and no return visit will be made.
• Please remove toys, furniture, pet waste, or other items from service areas. We’re not responsible for damage to unmarked/hidden items.
• Communication is key — let us know about new plantings, special areas, or changes.

Lawn Mowing

• First Visit: Overgrown lawns (12”+) may require an additional charge or brush mower at extra cost.
• Minimum Commitment: 4 mows. Cancelling before 4 will result in full balance due for the remaining visits.
• Skipping: You must call 24 hours before if skipping a mow. If crew arrives and you skip, full price still applies.
• Coverage: Standard package covers front, back, and sides. Unusual areas (behind fences, across streets, etc.) must be quoted separately.
• Limits: We don’t trim against siding, around unmulched plants, or in places where trimmers may cause damage.

Landscape & Install Projects

• Deposits: Deposits secure your spot on our schedule and cover upfront planning/material costs. They are not refundable once a project is booked. Deposit amounts:
  
  • Under $1,000 = $100
  • $1,000–$5,000 = 25%
  • Over $5,000 = 50%
• Billing: Balance charged the day after completion unless paying by check ( full due at scheduling).
• Change Orders: Extra work not on the original estimate will be billed at our hourly labor rate (market price) + 25% markup on added materials.
• Materials: Vendor pricing can change — final invoice will reflect actual costs. All installed materials are final sale.
• Plants: Warranty = 1 year at 50% of original cost, provided watering/care instructions are followed. Not valid for damage from pests, animals, drought restrictions, or neglect. Substitutions may be made if nurseries are out of stock.
• Sod/Seed: 15-day Green Guarantee if watered daily. Failure to water voids warranty.

Seasonal Cleanups (Spring & Fall)

• Pricing: Two-hour minimum applies. Hourly rate per crew member after that. Disposal billed per quarter truck.
• Scope: Includes debris removal, perennial pruning (if applicable), raking beds, stacking leaves at curb (if city pickup offered).
• Auto-Renew: Cleanup packages may auto-renew annually for convenience. We comply with Illinois Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601) by sending required written/email notice before renewal, so you always have the chance to cancel.

Snow Removal

Residential (Flat-Rate Plans)

• Unlimited visits for flat monthly fee — no per-storm billing, no caps.
• Service triggers at ~1” of snow or significant ice. Deicer may be applied at our discretion.
• Coverage: driveway + walkway to door. City sidewalks available as add-on.
• Season runs Dec 1 – Mar 30. Late sign-ups start Dec 1, at a premium.
• Fresh Cut Pros is not responsible for damage to driveways unsuitable for normal plowing or to unmarked objects.

Commercial

• Goal = keep businesses open during snow events. Priority given to key hours (shift changes, lunch rush, etc.).
• Plowing = snow stored onsite unless relocation is requested (extra cost).
• Salting at contractor’s discretion unless otherwise requested.
• Billing = per-push billed next business day or seasonal billed monthly. Net 15. Service may pause for unpaid invoices.

Guarantees

• Mowing & Maintenance: “Love Your Lawn Guarantee” = if you’re not happy with a mowing or program service within 30 days of the most recent visit (or one program cycle), let us know and we’ll make it right or refund that single visit/program portion. Does not apply to one-time services like seasonal cleanups.
• Landscape Installs: Final walk-through sign-off required. If you skip the walk-through, you waive the satisfaction guarantee.

Liability & Legal Stuff

• Limits of Liability: We’re not responsible for losses or damages caused by weather, equipment failure, municipal restrictions, acts of God, or customer neglect (including watering, clearing, or providing access).
• Indemnity: Customer agrees to hold Fresh Cut Pros harmless from claims, damages, or injuries arising out of our services, except where caused by our gross negligence.
• Photos: We may take before/after photos for records and marketing. Let us know in writing if you don’t want photos used.
• Cancellation: Either party may cancel ongoing services at any time with notice. Outstanding balances remain due. For mowing services, if cancellation occurs before four (4) visits are completed, the remaining balance for those four visits will be billed in full (as outlined in the Lawn Mowing section).
• Governing Law: Governed by Illinois law.
• Disputes: Resolved first by mediation, then binding arbitration.
• Severability: If any part of these terms is invalid, the rest remain in force.
• Entire Agreement: These terms override prior discussions or promises not in writing.