Commercial GroundsCare Terms & Conditions
Payment Schedule
We aim to make paying for your GroundsCare services straightforward and flexible. Here's how it works: We total all the seasonal services you will receive into a grand total. This total can then be divided into either an 8-month or 12-month payment plan, based on your preference. Your monthly installment is a fixed amount and is not affected by the number of services provided in any given month. This ensures your payments are predictable and manageable.
Commercial accounts are invoiced on a Net 30 basis. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. While Net 30 terms are available, TruScape strongly encourages all commercial customers to maintain a credit card or ACH account on file for automatic payment processing. Autopay customers benefit from simplified account management, uninterrupted service, and reduced risk of account suspension due to missed payments. A valid payment method or purchase order is required before service commencement. For annual contracts paid in full upfront, we offer a 5% discount off the total service amount.
To facilitate the processing of payments and streamline our billing procedures, TruScape reserves the right to convert paper checks received from customers into Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. This means that when you provide a paper check as payment, it may be electronically processed in the same manner as an ACH debit. By submitting a paper check, you authorize TruScape to initiate ACH transactions against your bank account to fulfill the payment obligations.
Minimum Service Value
Each GroundsCare account requires a baseline level of administrative time and overhead — including scheduling, routing, billing, communication, and record-keeping — that is incurred regardless of how many services are performed in a given month. The $150.00 monthly minimum reflects this fixed cost of maintaining an active account and ensures TruScape can continue delivering responsive, high-quality service to every customer on our schedule.
All GroundsCare monthly installment plans are subject to a minimum monthly billing amount of $150.00. This minimum applies to all recurring plan customers regardless of the number of services scheduled in a given month. If a customer's selected services total less than $150.00 per month, the minimum will be billed in its place. If a customer reduces their plan scope mid-season such that the remaining services fall below the $150.00 monthly minimum, TruScape reserves the right to require a plan restructure or terminate the agreement with appropriate notice.
The $150.00 monthly minimum does not apply to single-visit, per-occurrence services. One-time services are billed at the quoted rate for the service performed with no minimum charge requirement. Reduction of services does not entitle the customer to a retroactive adjustment of previously billed amounts.
One-Time and Per-Occurrence Services
Certain services may be offered on a per-occurrence, one-time basis without a GroundsCare plan. Only single-visit services are eligible for per-occurrence billing. Any service requiring more than one visit, or any combination of multiple services selected together, requires enrollment in a GroundsCare plan and is subject to the payment schedule described above.
A valid payment method or purchase order is required before any one-time service is scheduled or performed. Payment is due Net 30 from the date of invoice following service completion. TruScape reserves the right to require pre-authorization or a deposit before scheduling a one-time service. By authorizing a one-time service, the customer agrees to pay the full amount of the completed work, including any additional labor or materials required due to site conditions, as described under Materials and Labor below.
TruScape reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether a requested service qualifies for per-occurrence billing or requires a GroundsCare plan. Requests that exceed the scope of a single visit will be converted to a GroundsCare proposal and will not be performed on a per-occurrence basis.
Customer Portal
Our customer portal provides an easy and efficient way to manage your services and communicate with TruScape. The portal allows you to view job site photos, request new work, manage estimates by viewing, accepting, and requesting changes, and manage invoices by viewing and paying them online. You can also communicate with us about changes and other important information regarding your property, and view previous and upcoming scheduled services. Multiple user accounts can be created for different stakeholders within your organization. Once you've created an account, you can log in through the menu on our website, by bookmarking the link, or by visiting portal.truscapepa.com.
Recommended Property Enhancements
At TruScape, we pride ourselves on the attention to detail we provide for each commercial property we service. Throughout the season, our team may identify opportunities to enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and property value of your grounds. To help maintain your property's professional appearance and ensure it reflects positively on your business, we will occasionally send recommended enhancement proposals tailored to your property's specific needs.
These commercial enhancement services are entirely optional and require written approval before implementation. Upon approval, enhancement services will be billed separately from regular maintenance with standard commercial payment terms. All enhancement proposals include detailed scope, timeline, and expected outcomes to help you make informed decisions about your property investments. Enhancement services accepted by GroundsCare customers are governed by the terms of the existing plan and do not constitute a separate per-occurrence agreement.
Acceptance of Maintenance Agreement
By accepting this agreement, you authorize TruScape to perform the work as specified. You represent that you are authorized to enter into this agreement on behalf of the business or entity listed above, and that you have the authority to bind that entity to these terms. TruScape assumes no liability for disputes arising between tenants, property managers, homeowner associations, ownership groups, or other parties regarding the authorization or scope of services.
If your account becomes delinquent, you agree to pay all attorney and collection fees related to the collection of the amount owed, with interest. Complaints must be submitted in writing within 3 days of service completion and must include photographic documentation of the claimed issue. Failure to do so waives any claims, complaints, and demands relating to the work performed. TruScape's liability for any service dispute is limited to the cost of the disputed service. TruScape is not liable for pre-existing conditions, damage caused by unknown underground utilities, irrigation systems, or other concealed obstacles not disclosed prior to service.
Accounts past due are paused immediately until the account is current. Services will also pause if a payment method is removed, expires, or a purchase order lapses without renewal. Any changes to the original scope of work require a written change order approved by TruScape office staff. Verbal agreements made with field crew members are not binding and do not constitute an approved change order. Overdue invoices are subject to a 1.5% interest penalty per month overdue. Non-payment may result in referral to a collections agency or legal action. TruScape accepts cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and electronic transfers.
Scope of Work and Change Orders
All services performed by TruScape are limited to the scope described in the accepted proposal and any subsequently approved written change orders. Field crew members are not authorized to agree to additional work, modifications, or exceptions to this agreement on behalf of TruScape. Any verbal request made to field staff for work outside the approved scope will not be performed and is not binding on TruScape. All scope changes must be submitted through the customer portal or in writing to TruScape's office and are effective only upon written approval and issuance of a change order.
Customers are responsible for ensuring their property management company, ownership group, municipality, or any applicable governing body approves the scope of work prior to service commencement. TruScape is not responsible for researching or complying with property-specific rules, deed restrictions, or local ordinances beyond standard legal requirements. If work performed to the approved scope is subsequently rejected by a governing authority, TruScape is not liable for the cost of modification, removal, or replacement, and the customer remains responsible for payment in full.
Subcontractors
TruScape may engage licensed and insured subcontractors to perform certain services under this agreement. TruScape will exercise reasonable care in the selection of subcontractors but is not liable for the independent acts, omissions, or negligence of subcontractors beyond the same limitation of liability that applies to TruScape's own work. The use of subcontractors does not alter the terms of this agreement or create any direct contractual relationship between the customer and the subcontractor.
Third-Party Service Coordination
If other contractors or service providers (including but not limited to irrigation companies, pest control operators, electricians, or construction crews) are performing work on the property simultaneously or in close proximity to TruScape's scheduled services, the customer must notify TruScape in advance. TruScape is not liable for damage, interference, incomplete service, or scheduling conflicts caused by or attributable to the work of other vendors. If third-party activity prevents TruScape from safely or fully completing scheduled services, the visit may be skipped or rescheduled without refund.
Materials and Labor
Materials and labor quantities are estimates and may vary depending on site conditions. Additional necessary labor and materials will be billed accordingly. For commercial properties, TruScape maintains detailed service logs documenting labor hours, materials used, and service outcomes, which are available upon request through the customer portal. TruScape is not responsible for damage to underground utilities, irrigation systems, invisible fencing, or other buried infrastructure that has not been clearly marked or disclosed prior to service. It is the customer's responsibility to identify and communicate the location of all such features before work begins. TruScape is not liable for damage to or interference with signage, decorative features, personal property, or other customer-owned items left in or near work areas.
TruScape reserves the right to adjust pricing on material-intensive services — including but not limited to mulch installation, seeding, and fertilization — if material costs increase significantly between the time of proposal and the time of service delivery. Customers will be notified of any material cost adjustment prior to service and may decline the service without penalty if the adjusted cost is not acceptable.
Service Scheduling
Service schedules are subject to change due to various factors such as weather or unforeseen site conditions. Please check the portal scheduling tab often for updates on scheduled visits. For commercial properties, we can accommodate specific timing requests and property access protocols. If special scheduling is required — such as after-hours service or weekend maintenance — additional fees may apply. Commercial customers must ensure their properties are accessible during scheduled service windows. If a property is not accessible, customers will not be refunded for the scheduled service, and the service may be skipped or not fully completed. TruScape will make reasonable efforts to notify customers of skipped services but is not liable for missed service windows caused by inaccessibility.
Site Map and Service Documentation
For all commercial properties, TruScape creates comprehensive site maps and service documentation in the customer portal. These documents show work areas, property boundaries, utility locations, irrigation systems, and other relevant details to ensure clear understanding of service responsibilities. Specific maintenance protocols for unique landscape features or areas requiring special attention are also included. This documentation is incorporated into this agreement by reference and serves as the official record of the agreed service scope. Any discrepancy between the site map and actual site conditions must be reported to TruScape prior to service commencement.
Filming and Photography Consent
By accepting this proposal, you give TruScape permission to film and photograph our work on your property for potential future marketing content. TruScape will obtain additional written approval before using your business name, brand, or logos in any marketing materials. No personally identifiable information will be published without express written consent.
Insurance
TruScape maintains comprehensive general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and vehicle insurance as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Certificates of insurance are available upon written request. TruScape's workers' compensation coverage applies to TruScape employees and does not extend to the customer or their property beyond what is covered under TruScape's general liability policy. TruScape is not responsible for injuries to third parties on the customer's property that are unrelated to TruScape's operations.
Indemnification
The customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TruScape, its owners, employees, agents, and subcontractors from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or resulting from: (a) the customer's failure to disclose known site hazards, buried infrastructure, or property conditions; (b) the customer's own negligence or willful misconduct; (c) third-party claims arising from conditions on the customer's property unrelated to TruScape's operations; or (d) the customer's failure to comply with applicable ordinances, property regulations, or governing requirements applicable to the services requested.
TruScape agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the customer from claims arising directly from TruScape's own gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of services under this agreement.
Personal Guarantee
If the customer is a business entity, corporation, LLC, partnership, or any other organization, the individual signing this agreement personally guarantees payment of all amounts owed to TruScape in the event the business entity fails to pay. This personal guarantee remains in effect for the duration of the agreement and any renewals thereof.
Auto Renewal Agreement
This agreement will auto-renew every January but can be canceled according to the cancellation terms below. TruScape has a standard annual 3.3% price increase to stay in line with the rate of inflation. If the price increase exceeds 3.3%, a new proposal will be sent for approval at least 60 days before renewal. Failure to respond to a renewal proposal within 15 days of issuance will be deemed acceptance of the renewal terms.
Mid-Season Price Review
TruScape reserves the right to adjust pricing mid-season if economic conditions change significantly, including but not limited to significant changes in fuel costs, material prices, or regulatory requirements. Commercial customers will be notified of any price changes 30 days prior to the effective date, with the opportunity to discuss adjustments to service scope if needed. Continued use of services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised pricing.
Fuel Surcharge
TruScape reserves the right to apply a temporary fuel surcharge in the event that average retail diesel or gasoline prices in Pennsylvania rise significantly above baseline levels at the time this agreement was executed. A fuel surcharge will not exceed 5% of your monthly service total and will be assessed only when average regional fuel prices, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) or a comparable public index, increase by 20% or more above the price at the time of agreement execution.
Commercial customers will be notified in writing at least 30 days before any fuel surcharge takes effect. The surcharge will be clearly itemized on your invoice and will be removed or adjusted as fuel prices return to baseline levels. A fuel surcharge is not a permanent price increase and does not affect the standard annual renewal pricing described under the Auto Renewal Agreement.
Force Majeure
TruScape shall not be liable for any delay, interruption, or failure to perform services under this agreement resulting from causes beyond TruScape's reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, severe weather, drought, pandemic or public health emergency, governmental orders or restrictions, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, equipment failure due to extraordinary circumstances, or civil unrest. In the event of a force majeure condition, TruScape will make reasonable efforts to notify customers and resume services as quickly as practicable. Affected services may be rescheduled without penalty to either party. Customers will not be charged for services that cannot be performed due to a documented force majeure event, but no additional compensation or damages will be owed by TruScape as a result of such interruption.
Cancellation Policy
Commercial contracts require 30 days written notice for cancellation. Verbal cancellations are not binding and will not be considered valid until confirmed in writing by TruScape. Upon cancellation, you will be charged for all completed services to date, minus any first monthly payment, which is non-refundable. Any refunds will have a 5% processing fee deducted and will be issued according to the repayment terms below. Most contract customers owe a balance upon early cancellation due to the interest-free payment plan spreading costs over 8 or 12 months.
If TruScape owes you a refund upon cancellation, repayment terms are as follows: amounts under $5,000 will be due NET 90 days, and amounts over $5,000 will be due NET 120 days. TruScape is not responsible for any costs or damages incurred by the customer as a result of cancellation, including costs associated with engaging a replacement service provider.
Noise Ordinance and Property Hours
Our operations start at 6:45 AM at our Greensburg office, with work commencing at locations after 7:15 AM, in compliance with local noise ordinances. For commercial properties with specific operational hours or noise restrictions, please notify us in advance so we can schedule services accordingly. TruScape is not responsible for noise ordinance violations arising from erroneous information provided by the customer regarding local restrictions specific to their municipality or property.
Proposal Validity
Commercial proposals are valid for 30 days from the date listed on the document. Pricing is not guaranteed beyond this window and is subject to change based on current material and labor costs.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is applied to most lawn and landscape maintenance services. Prices on this estimate do not include sales tax. For more information, visit www.truscapepa.com/salestax. If you are tax-exempt, you must provide valid proof of exemption before billing begins. TruScape is not liable for sales tax assessed on services where exemption documentation was not provided prior to invoicing.
Pesticide and Fertilizer Applications
Where TruScape performs pesticide or fertilizer applications, all such services are carried out in compliance with the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act (3 Pa. C.S. § 111.1 et seq.) and applicable regulations, and are performed by or under the supervision of a licensed pesticide applicator where required by law. Prior to any chemical application, customers will be notified in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania notification requirements.
The customer is responsible for ensuring all people, pets, and animals are kept off treated areas for the period specified at the time of service, and for communicating re-entry requirements to employees, tenants, and visitors. TruScape is not liable for adverse effects resulting from a customer's failure to observe posted re-entry intervals or application instructions. Results of fertilization and pesticide applications may vary based on weather, soil composition, and site conditions, and are not guaranteed. TruScape operates in compliance with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations regarding landscape chemical use and runoff management.
Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA)
Routine lawn and landscape maintenance services — including mowing, trimming, fertilization, weed control, mulching, pruning, and similar recurring groundscare — are expressly excluded from the definition of "home improvement" under Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (73 P.S. § 517.1 et seq.) and are therefore outside the scope of that law. Accordingly, the consumer protections, contract requirements, and contractor registration obligations established by HICPA do not apply to the maintenance services covered by this agreement.
Certain installation or improvement services TruScape may offer — including but not limited to retaining wall installation, drainage systems, concrete flatwork, and permanent lighting systems — may constitute "home improvements" under HICPA and would be governed by a separate agreement in compliance with that law. This GroundsCare maintenance agreement does not cover those services.
Limitation of Liability
TruScape's total liability to the customer for any claim arising out of or relating to services performed shall not exceed the total amount paid by the customer for the specific service giving rise to the claim in the 30 days preceding the incident. TruScape is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind, including but not limited to lost business revenue, loss of use of property, reputational harm, or costs of replacement plantings due to factors beyond TruScape's control such as weather, disease, or pest activity.
Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement that cannot be resolved informally shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Terms & Conditions are subject to change. The most current version is always available at truscapepa.com/commercial/groundscare-terms.