One of the biggest challenges for companies (particularly the accounts payable department) is managing the hundreds of invoices received every month. As each invoice needs to be approved before being paid, it’s important to understand the charges on it. This includes commercial landscaping invoices. Unless you’re a landscaping professional (or enthusiast), you might not know what all the charges mean and whether or not they’re necessary. We’ve gathered the most common types of landscaping charges that you’re likely to see for better, faster invoicing.

Basic Services

Mowing. It’s probably not necessary to go into much detail here, but it’s worth noting that the frequency with which a landscaper will cut the grass depends on different factors. Rainfall, growing seasons, and dry seasons can influence how many times the grass will be mowed.

Blowing. Landscapers will blow the excess grass clippings after each cut, or blow leaves in the fall. Blowing is sometimes listed separately on a landscaping invoice.

Edging. The crisp look your commercial property has after service can mostly be attributed to edging, when landscapers cut along the edge of the grass for those clean lines.

Trimming. Keeping bushes and trees trimmed is typically a regular service and helps keep your property attractive.

Weed Removal. Removing weeds is necessary for both appearance and to keep grass, flowers and plants healthy.

Irrigation Inspection. Having a sprinkler system that’s in working order is important and keeps your grass healthy. Commercial systems should be checked regularly throughout the hot months when they get used the most.

Seasonal Services

Mulch. To keep your commercial property’s appearance attractive, landscaping companies use mulch. Other purposes for using mulch are to suppress weeds, help the soil retain moisture, and to keep the soil cool. There are different varieties of mulch and they include:

• Bark, shredded, or chipped
• Compost
• Shredded leaves
• Straw

The price will vary depending on the type used, so mulch might cost more at one property than it does for another.

Seasonal Plants. Much like your commercial property has four distinct seasons to endure, there are four distinct opportunities to create a unique and attractive property for employees and customers alike.

Weed & Pest Control. This will typically be part of your monthly landscape service throughout the spring and summer months. It’s important to have a weed and pest control to keep the weeds and unwanted insects from stealing nutrients from nearby flowers and plants.

Fertilization. Any landscaping company will attest to the importance of fertilizing the grass on your commercial property. Fertilizer gives grass (and plants) the extra essential nutrients for a healthy, lush appearance.

Additional Services

Irrigation Service & Repair. Sprinkler systems occasionally encounter problems that require repair. The most common problems are broken sprinkler heads, valves, and busted pipes. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can be a rather cheap fix or expensive.

Tree Removal. There are several reasons why your landscaping company will need to remove a tree, such as root problems or safety hazards.

Turf Removal/Installation. Unless a property specifically asked to have new grass planted, sometimes it’s necessary because of damaged grass.

Emergency Clean-Up. Storms can cause a lot of damage to properties. In these situations, more work to clean up branches and other debris is involved, so an emergency clean-up fee can be on your invoice.

Even thought some of these are common commercial landscaping services, it’s important for your organization to know and understand what kinds of charges to expect on your invoice.