Commercial grounds maintenance contracts: what should you expect?
More than grass cutting. A good contract keeps your grounds presentable, adapts to the seasons and makes it clear what's included — and what isn't.
Know exactly what you're paying for
Two quotations may look similar but cover completely different levels of service. Before choosing a contractor, make sure these six points are agreed.
Areas coveredLawns, hedges, borders, entrances and any excluded zones.
Visit frequencyHow often the team attends, especially in growing season.
Expected finishFeature lawns and entrances may need extra attention.
Waste arrangementsWhat is left, collected, mulched or removed.
Extra workWho approves variations and how they're priced.
Access & reportingWorking hours, site contacts and safety information.
Our approach: start with the site, not a generic package. We explain the scope in a written quotation so your team knows what to expect.
What standard grounds maintenance can include
These are the core areas we would normally discuss for a commercial Five Willows programme. The exact tasks and frequency are agreed for each site.
Grass & edging
Regular cutting, neat edges and a more ornamental finish where practical.
Hedges & shrubs
Routine shaping and seasonal care of established planting.
Weeding & beds
Keeping planted areas tidy and presentable throughout the year.
Leaves & finishing
Agreed leaf blowing, collection and general site presentation.
Not automatically included: major hedge reductions, specialist tree work, extensive new planting and restoration projects. We'll discuss these separately rather than surprise you later.
Year-round care shouldn't mean the same visit every month
Work changes with growth, weather and the way your grounds are used. A sensible programme moves with the seasons.
Prepare & restore
Restart mowing, tidy borders and assess repairs or lawn renovation.
Maintain the finish
Manage growth, keep lawns tidy and attend to hedges when appropriate.
Clear & protect
Manage leaves, maintain access routes and plan winter priorities.
Look after the site
Suitable pruning, tidying and scheduled works; gritting by arrangement.
Mulching can have a place too. When conditions and the required finish suit it, fine grass clippings can be returned to lawns to recycle nutrients. Mulch for planted beds can also be planned separately.
Additional services, one joined-up plan
Every grounds company offers something different. Five Willows can also help with wider exterior and property-care work, either as separately quoted jobs or scheduled extras within an annual package.
Weed management
Planned treatments on suitable hardstanding and paved areas, with appropriate products and conditions.
Explore grounds care →Mechanical moss removal
Our Westermann machine can tackle moss on suitable concrete, tarmac and similar surfaces.
Explore surface care →Pressure washing
Paths, paving, forecourts, yards and other assessed surfaces, using a suitable cleaning method.
Explore pressure washing →Soft wash & render
Controlled treatment-led cleaning for suitable render and more delicate exterior finishes.
Explore soft washing →Gutters & fascia
Suitable gutter and roofline work within safe equipment and access limits.
Explore gutter care →Snow & gritting
Priority paths, entrances and pedestrian areas, with response arrangements agreed in advance.
Commercial services →Renovation & recovery
Scarification, aeration, overseeding, top-dressing and suitable feeding programmes.
Explore lawn care →Turfing, planting & clearance
New lawns, planted areas, overgrowth clearances and substantial hedge or tree work by assessment.
Explore turfing & planting →Carpets & upholstery
Commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning for suitable offices and managed spaces — not a full domestic cleaning contract.
Explore specialist cleaning →Clear boundaries matter. We assess surfaces, treatment suitability and access before work. Specialist or higher-level tasks are agreed separately; no contractor should promise that every surface or building can be cleaned in exactly the same way.
Build the right package for your business
Some sites need only reliable grounds visits. Others benefit from one annual programme that includes exterior cleaning and carefully timed specialist work.
Core grounds care
Regular mowing, edging, routine shrubs, hedges, beds and seasonal tidying.
Grounds + exterior
Core maintenance with scheduled hard-surface treatments, washing or suitable gutters.
Tailored whole-site care
A planned calendar for grounds, seasonal works, improvements and selected extra services.
Board visit, inspection, client event or a busy trading period? We can discuss adjusting planned work or quoting additional presentation visits, subject to availability and agreed costs.
Before you agree — or renew — a contract
These are the details that make the difference between an attractive quotation and a service that works in practice. Select a question to read more.
Are specialist services included in the monthly price?
Only if they are listed in the agreed scope. Tree work, larger reductions, washing, lawn renovation, treatments and winter responses may be quoted separately or built into an annual programme.
How are attendance and seasonal work agreed?
Your schedule should explain visit frequency and the jobs planned at different times of year. Spring growth, summer presentation, autumn leaves and winter upkeep need different priorities.
What matters beyond the headline price?
Check site size, standards, access, waste removal, labour, materials, equipment, weather flexibility and who authorises any additional work. Comparing like for like is more useful than comparing totals alone.
What about risk assessments and working around people?
Agree safe work zones, access, working hours and suitable controls around staff, visitors, vehicles and the public. Risk assessments and method statements should be provided where needed for the work.
Can work be changed for important visitors?
Often, yes, with reasonable notice. We can discuss changing planned attendance or undertaking extra presentation work, with any additional charges agreed beforehand.
What happens if the weather prevents planned work?
Waterlogged, frozen or unsafe conditions may require a different task or rearranged visit. A good contractor should protect the site and communicate changes, rather than cause avoidable damage.
Small enough to care. Equipped to do more.
We're a family-run property-care business based in Newton-le-Willows and Oxton, supporting commercial sites across Merseyside, Wirral, West Lancashire, all of Wigan, Warrington, Halton, Chester and Cheshire West. We aim to be open about pricing, practical about what's possible and easy to work with.
As we bring further commercial grounds maintenance work into operation, our focus stays the same: reliable service, clear communication and flexible support, whether we're maintaining a lawn or helping with a much wider site programme.
Commercial property care → · About Five Willows → · Areas we cover →
Looking for a commercial maintenance partner?
Tell us your site location, what needs maintaining and whether you want a one-off project, ongoing grounds care or a complete annual schedule. We'll discuss a practical next step.
More useful reading: Property Care Advice & Insights | FAQs & Pricing | Optional official information: HSE slips and gritting guidance ↗
General guidance only. Each commercial quotation confirms the actual work, attendance, exclusions, pricing and any required safety or specialist arrangements. Treatments, washing, tree work and winter services are subject to suitable conditions, approvals and safe access. Caring for your property, inside and out.