What should be in a tree service contract?

A good contract protects both sides and prevents arguments. Keep it plain and short enough that a customer will read it.

Include: the customer's name and the job address; which trees and exactly what work (removal, pruning, stump grinding); the price and when payments are due; the planned dates, with a note that weather can move them; and what is included in cleanup, such as wood, chips and stump.

Add who handles permits where they are needed. Add who finds and marks private underground lines, such as sprinkler or irrigation lines. Utility locating services usually mark public utility lines, so the customer may need to mark private lines. Add a line that your company carries insurance and can send a certificate on request.

Describe how changes work. If the scope grows, write a short change order that both sides sign before the extra work starts.

Both sides should sign and date it, and the customer should get a copy. Keep a copy with your job photos and notes.

Contract rules differ by state, and some states have extra rules for home-improvement or home-service contracts. This is general information, not legal advice. Ask a local lawyer to review your template once, then reuse it.