Residential 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 a 12-month payment plan. 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.

For residential customers, a payment method (credit card or ACH) on file is required. This ensures timely payments and uninterrupted service. If you prefer, you can also choose to prepay the entire seasonal total upfront for a 5% discount.

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 credit card on file is required before any one-time service is scheduled or performed. Payment will be charged to the card on file upon completion of the service. TruScape reserves the right to require pre-authorization or a deposit before scheduling a one-time service. By providing a credit card for a one-time service, you authorize TruScape to charge the card for 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. 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 Add-On Services

At TruScape, we pride ourselves on the attention to detail we provide for each property we service. Throughout the season, our team may identify opportunities to enhance the beauty and health of your landscape. To keep you informed and to help you get the most out of your outdoor spaces, we will occasionally send recommended add-on service proposals. These suggestions are tailored to your property's specific needs, ensuring it remains vibrant and well-maintained all year round.

Please note that these services are entirely optional. If you choose to accept a recommendation, it will be billed per occurrence and added to your monthly bill for your convenience. Add-on services accepted by GroundsCare customers are governed by the terms of the existing plan. Add-on services do not constitute a separate per-occurrence agreement and are subject to the same billing and cancellation terms as the underlying GroundsCare plan.

Acceptance of Maintenance Agreement

By accepting this agreement, you authorize TruScape to perform the work as specified. You represent that you are the property owner or have full legal authority to authorize landscape services on the property. If you are not the property owner, you personally guarantee payment for all services rendered. TruScape assumes no liability for disputes arising between tenants, property managers, homeowner associations, or property owners 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 if auto-charge is turned off. 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% interest penalty per month overdue. Non-payment may result in referral to a collections agency or legal action. TruScape accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.

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 HOA, municipality, or any applicable governing body approves the scope of work prior to service commencement. TruScape is not responsible for researching or complying with HOA-specific rules, deed restrictions, or local ordinances beyond standard legal requirements. If work performed to the approved scope is subsequently rejected by an HOA or 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. 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 by the customer 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 lawn ornaments, decorative features, hoses, 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. Because scheduling is available for viewing in the portal, customers must ensure their properties are accessible for our crews. If a property is not accessible — including but not limited to locked gates, vehicles blocking access, or animals present — 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

For most estimates, we attach a site map in the customer portal. This map shows work areas, property lines, and other relevant details to ensure that both parties are on the same page about the scope of work to be performed. This helps in clearly defining the areas of responsibility and avoiding any misunderstandings regarding the services provided. The site map is incorporated into this agreement by reference. Any discrepancy between the site map and actual site conditions must be reported to TruScape prior to service commencement. Services performed in accordance with the approved site map are deemed properly scoped.

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, including use on our website and social media platforms. No personally identifiable information (such as street addresses or full names) will be published without your express written consent.

Insurance

TruScape maintains general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Certificates of insurance are available upon written request. Customers are advised that 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 HOA rules, local ordinances, or other 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.

Auto Renewal Agreement

This agreement will auto-renew every January but can be canceled at any time. 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. 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, including but not limited to significant changes in fuel costs, material prices, or regulatory requirements. You will be notified of any price changes 15 days prior to the effective date. 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.

You will be notified in writing at least 15 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.

By accepting this agreement, you acknowledge that fuel costs are a material operating expense for TruScape and that a surcharge under the conditions described above is a reasonable and necessary adjustment to ensure continued service delivery.

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

You can cancel services at any time by contacting our office in writing. 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 $2,500 will be due NET 90 days, and amounts over $2,500 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 Information

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. TruScape is not responsible for noise ordinance violations arising from erroneous information provided by the customer regarding local restrictions specific to their municipality or HOA.

Proposal Validity

Proposals are valid for 15 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 keeping all people, pets, and animals off treated areas for the period specified at the time of service. TruScape is not liable for adverse effects resulting from a customer's failure to observe posted re-entry intervals or application instructions. TruScape is not responsible for pre-existing soil conditions, pest infestations, disease, or environmental factors that may limit the effectiveness of applied treatments. Results of fertilization and pesticide applications may vary based on weather, soil composition, and site conditions, and are not guaranteed.

TruScape is not responsible for stormwater runoff, erosion, or drainage issues attributable to pre-existing site conditions. 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.

Please note that certain other 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.

Nothing in this section should be construed as legal advice. If you have questions about your rights under Pennsylvania law, you are encouraged to consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

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 use of property, loss of enjoyment, 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.