A professionally designed, installed and managed landscape grows in value each year. It is a living investment that will enhance your image and create positive first impressions of beauty, prestige and practicality.

WESTGRO's program is designed with this in mind and is based on the following comprehensive service. The cost for this service is included in the contract price - unless otherwise stated.

1. Watering - (Applies only to site with automatic irrigation systems) All plants are irrigated to insure an adequate water supply for penetration below the root zone.
   
   
2. Pruning
   
   
   1. Pruning Trees - Any limb obstructing walkways, driveways or considered hazardous shall be removed immediately. Pruning is limited to a 12-foot height under this contract.
      
      
      • In general deciduous trees will be pruned for shape and health during the dormant season. Trees should add beauty to the site and enhance the structures - not obstruct them.
        
        
      • Conifers are typically pruned in late summer through fall. Lower limbs are removed to present a well-groomed appearance.
        
        
      • Long-term goals will be discussed with the client to insure a program that promotes the desired results. The idea is to have ongoing pruning that eliminates unnecessary major pruning, which is costly to the client and harmful to the trees.
        
        
   2. Pruning Shrubs - In general, all shrubs will be limbed up off the ground. This gives a clean look and prevents litter and debris build up around plant material. Pruning is to prevent obstructing windows, doorways, walkways and to provide healthy growth in a natural form.
      
      
      • Broadleaf Shrubs such as Photinia and Laurels require shearing to obtain the appearance of a well-trimmed site. Shearing is to promote a teardrop shape.
        
        
      • The shearing of shrubs is to occur twice during the growing season. A flush of growth is allowed between each "Shearing" for the health of the shrub.
      
      
      
   3. Pruning Hedges
      
      
      • Existing hedges up to 5 ft. in height will be maintained.
      
      
      
   4. Ground Cover
      
      
      • To be trimmed as necessary throughout the year to keep growth off of buildings and walkways bordering shrubs and trees.
   
   
   
    
3. Staking and Guying - Established stakes and guys will be used only as necessary. Tree ties and other bands will be checked frequently and loosened to prevent girdling. Trees requiring new stakes and guys will be performed by contractor on a labor plus material basis.
   
   
4. Insect and Disease Control - For environmental protection, pesticides will only be applied when absolutely necessary. These will be EPA approved pesticides. Minor only. Summer pest control reinforces disease suppression and attacks new insects. Minor only (selective).
   
   
5. Fertilizing - The type of fertilizer will depend on plant and soil conditions, but will generally be a complete fertilizer. This will be applied twice a year.
   
   
   • Spring Fertilization - Promotes color, develops health and vigor.
     
     
   • Fall Fertilization - Provides storage of nutrients for winter hardiness.
     
     
6. Weed Control - Chemical and mechanical means will be used to keep open ground between plants free from weeds.
   
   
7. Plant Replacement - Plants that have died due to contractor error negligence will be replaced at no cost to the owner. All other dead or unhealthy plants will be replaced upon approval by the owner and billed on a material plus labor basis.
   
   
8. Leaf Collection - To be done on a partial basis throughout the fall season. After leaf drop is complete a thorough cleanup shall be performed of all landscape areas.
   
   
9. Mulched Beds - Are to present a well-groomed appearance by quarterly raking of beds. High visibility areas(, ie. office, entries and models )are to be groomed on a weekly basis.
   
   

1. Mowing - Lawn areas will be maintained to insure a neat appearance. The frequency and height of mowing will be determined by the contractor after careful inspection of the site and consideration of turf and soil conditions.
   
   
   • Clippings will be blow-cleaned from sidewalks, entrances, etc. after each mowing.
     
     
   • Clippings will be left on turf where practical to replenish soils with their nutrients( at no time will this be allowed to create "clumps" or "piling" left on turf ).
     
     
   • Trimming to be performed weekly around all obstacles and uneven surfaces.
     
     
   
   
   
2. Edging - All established turf edges, both hard and soft, are to be continually improved. This is an area of great concern due to the impact on curb appeal. Edges to be done on a biweekly basis, with a complete rotation occurring every other week.
   
3. Watering - (Applies only to sites with automatic irrigation systems) Irrigation systems will be run at such frequency to insure replacement of soil moisture below the root zone. Sprinkler heads will be kept clear to insure good water coverage.
   
   
4. Fertilizing - A healthy green color will be maintained by applying 4-6 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet each year. Other elements will be applied as necessary as determined by soil testing.
   
   
   • Spring Application - Complete balanced fertilizer, insect and moss control(condition permitting).
     
     
   • Early Summer Application - Complete balanced fertilizer broadleaf weed control(condition permitting).
     
     
   • Late Summer Application - Complete balanced fertilizer, broadleaf weed control(condition permitting).
     
     
   • Fall Application - Complete balanced fertilizer, broadleaf weed control as required.
     
     
   • Late Fall Application - Complete balanced fertilizer for root development and winter storage of nutrients.
     
     
5. Weed Control - Mechanical and chemical means will be used as necessary, using only EPA approved materials.
   
   
6. Insect and Disease Control - For environmental protection, chemicals will be applied only when absolutely necessary. These will be approved chemicals. One Spring Application only is included in this contract.
   
   

1. Maintenance - The irrigation system will be maintained in proper working order by the contractor. This service includes cleaning and adjusting sprinklers, valves and electric controllers. Cleaning of in line debris is considered a "repair" item.
   
   
2. Repairs - Damage to irrigation system due to the contractor's operation will be replaced at no charge to the owner. Failure of the system due to normal wear, vandalism, accidents caused by others, etc. will be reported to the owner and replaced on a material plus labor charge basis.
   
   
3. Start up Testing and Winterization - The contractor will winterize the system in the late fall. At the beginning of the growing season the contractor will test the irrigation system, flush all lateral lines and adjust the heads to insure proper coverage. The owner will be notified that these operations have been carried out and that the system is in proper working order. Billing to be as shown under special provisions.
   
   

1. Major Pruning - Trees over 12 feet in height are not included in this contract.
   
   
2. Loss and/or Damage - The contractor assumes no responsibility for losses and/or damage due to vandalism, acts of God and other causes that are beyond the control of the contractor.
   
   
3. Major Hedging - Hedges over 5 feet in height require added equipment and labor. These operations will be performed by the contractor on a material plus labor charge basis.
   
   
4. Cleaning and/or repairing due to vandalism, natural disorders, acts of God(Examples: Wind, Fire, and Freezing tempuratures)
   
   
5. Other - Services not specifically included in the above outline are excluded unless mutually agreed upon by the owner and the contractor and are included in the section entitled "Special Provisions".
   
   

1. Bark Mulch - Bark and/or other specified mulch will be replenished in the planting beds if authorized by the owner. This service will be billed on a material plus labor charge basis. Maintenance of Annual plantings is also offered as an option.
   
   
2. Seasonal Color - Annual and/or perennial bedding plants will be furnished and installed upon authorization by the owner. This service will be billed on a material plus labor charge basis. Maintenance of annual plants is also offered as an option.
   
   
3. Lime Application - Neutralizes soil to increase efficiency of fertilizer (as needed). This service will be billed on a material plus labor charge basis.
   
4. Core Aerification - Reduces compaction, helps control thatch build-up and increases water penetration. This service will be billed on a material plus labor charge basis.
   
   

   Billing and Payment

   Regular monthly service bills will be issued by the 1st of the month in which the service is being performed. Payment is due by the 25th of the same month. Additional work orders authorized by the owner will be billed upon completion of the service. Payment will be due within 10 days. Overdue bill are assessed a penalty at the rate of 1.5% or the maximum allowed by law.
   
   

   Licenses and Insurance

   The contractor agrees to have all licenses and to provide all necessary insurance as required by law. All pesticides will be applied by licensed applicators only, as per Washington State Law.
   
   

   Term Cancel

   This agreement will be in effect for an initial period of one year but the customer has the option to contract for a period of up to two years. Either party may cancel the agreement with just cause during such term upon (30) days written notice to either party. Just cause is defined as either parties failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Service Agreement.
   
   

   Quality Control

   On a monthly basis, our account manager will personally inspect the entire site to insure on-going quality control. This inspection will include but not be limited to: condition of grass areas( color, height, quality of cut ), soil moisture content, weed control, edges, plant growth, hard surfaces, insect and disease controls. Also to be analyzed are the following: our crew's work schedule; is it timely with what the weather conditions are as well as the hours being put to best use to benefit the landscape.