Alright, let’s talk about something that doesn’t exactly scream excitement—but could save you a lot of money, time, and stress: roadside mowing contracts. You might be thinking, “It’s just cutting grass along the road—how complicated could it be?” But trust me, when contracts are involved, there’s always fine print, and that fine print can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a contractor bidding on a job or a government agency putting out a request, roadside mowing contracts come with a surprising number of details. And if you’re not careful, those little clauses can lead to big headaches.
We are Keith’s Tractor Mowing, serving the Greater Fort Worth area with outstanding, professional acreage mowing. Call us today when the job you need completed is too large for your skill set.
It’s Not Just About Cutting Grass
At first glance, mowing a roadside might seem simple: fire up the mower, do a few passes, and move on. But contracts for this work often include way more than that. We’re talking about things like:
- How frequently the mowing needs to be done
- What type of equipment must be used
- How close you need to trim around guardrails, signs, and ditches
- Safety regulations and traffic control requirements
- Disposal of debris and clippings
- Reporting and documentation
And the list goes on.
Now, imagine you sign a contract assuming it’s a basic mowing gig, but then you find out you’re supposed to do monthly reports, manage lane closures, or even clear litter before every pass. That’s not just more work—it’s more costs, more liability, and more room for penalties if something gets missed. These are things commercial mowing services take into account.
Penalties and Performance Clauses in roadside mowing contracts
Speaking of penalties—many roadside mowing contracts include performance-based clauses. That means if you don’t mow to the specified height or miss a scheduled mow due to weather or mechanical issues, you could get dinged financially. Some contracts even allow for early termination if the work isn’t up to par.
This is where reading the fine print really matters. It’s not just about what you do—it’s about how and when you do it. And if you don’t spot those “gotcha” clauses early on, you might find yourself in breach of contract for something you didn’t even realize was a requirement.
The Insurance and Liability Trap
Another area where people get tripped up is insurance. Most commercial lawn mowing contracts will require you to carry general liability insurance, but the amounts and coverage details can vary. Some may also require workers’ comp, auto coverage, or even bonding. If you don’t carry the right policies—or if your coverage lapses—you could be disqualified from the job or left holding the bag in case of an accident.
Again, it’s in the fine print. It might look like boilerplate language, but those clauses are there for a reason—and you’ll want to make sure you’re covered.
Don’t Just Read—Ask Questions
Reading the fine print doesn’t mean you have to accept everything without a second thought. If something seems unclear, overly burdensome, or just plain confusing, ask questions. Reach out to the issuing agency or the contract manager. Sometimes clauses are negotiable, or at least they can be explained in a way that makes expectations clearer.
It’s also not a bad idea to have a lawyer or someone with contracting experience look over things—especially if the contract is long-term or high value.
Bottom Line
Roadside mowing contracts might not seem glamorous, but they’re business—and like any business deal, the details matter. What looks like a simple mowing job could turn into a logistical nightmare if you skip over the fine print.
So, before you fire up your mower or submit that bid, take a close look at what’s really being asked. Read every clause. Understand the expectations. And if something doesn’t make sense—ask. It might not be the most thrilling part of your day, but it could be the smartest.
After all, the grass might not be greener on the other side—it might just be covered in red tape for commercial lawn cutting on roadsides.
A final word about Keith’s Tractor Mowing
Keith’s Tractor Mowing is locally owned and operated and we boast an excellent customer review record. From roadside mowing contracts to ranch mowing, from cemetery mowing to baseball fields, we take on the big jobs so you don’t have to.