Commercial garden maintenance for strata and business sites works best as a written scope with fixed visit frequencies, itemised pricing and proof of insurance. The most common mistake is signing a vague contract that does not say what is included, which leads to disputes over missed edging, green waste and extras.
This guide covers what a scope should include, how strata and body corporate sites differ, what to ask contractors and what Sydney visits typically cost. For the wider picture, see our garden maintenance services guide.
Key points
- Write the scope down: mowing, edging, hedges, weeding, mulching, green waste and how often each happens.
- Ask every contractor for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance and a safe work method for higher-risk jobs.
- Check the contract for response times, access arrangements and who pays for extras such as storm clean-ups.
- A fortnightly maintenance plan for a medium lawn typically costs about $60 to $120 per visit in Sydney (October 2026).
Commercial garden maintenance scope: what to include
A clear scope stops arguments, and this table works for offices, retail sites, units and townhouse complexes.
| Task | Typical frequency | What to specify |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn mowing and edging | Fortnightly in the growing season, monthly in winter | Areas covered, edging, and blowing paths clean |
| Hedge trimming | Two to four times a year | Which hedges, maximum height and access equipment |
| Weeding and mulching | Each visit for weeds, yearly for mulch | Beds covered and mulch type |
| Pruning of shrubs | Seasonal | Shrubs only, not trees needing an arborist |
| Green waste removal | Each visit | Whether it is taken off site or left for council collection |
| Garden clean-up | After storms or as needed | Rate, minimum charge and approval process |
Strata garden maintenance in NSW
In strata schemes, common property gardens are usually the owners corporation’s responsibility, and the committee approves spending.
- Check your strata plan and by-laws to confirm which gardens are common property and which belong to individual lots.
- Ask the strata manager for the approved budget, since big changes may need a vote at a general meeting.
- Keep contractor quotes, insurance certificates and service reports in the strata records.
- Agree access arrangements for gates, car parks and visitor spaces, so crews can work without blocking residents.
- Follow NSW noise hours, which are 7 am to 8 pm on weekdays and Saturdays and 8 am to 8 pm on Sundays and public holidays, and check by-laws for stricter limits.
- Seek legal or strata manager advice on contracts and responsibilities, as rules and by-laws vary between schemes.
Body corporate garden maintenance for units and townhouses
In other states the term is body corporate, but the practical issues are similar to strata.
- Check the rules in your state, as body corporate and strata laws differ across Australia.
- Keep a single point of contact, such as the manager or a committee member, to give instructions.
- Agree who looks after private courtyards and balconies, so gaps do not appear between lots and common areas.
- Walk the site with the contractor before signing, and photograph the current state of lawns, beds and hedges.
- Review the service every year, particularly if the scheme has added new landscaping.
- Use consistent mowing and edging so the property looks tidy, which supports property values.
How to choose a commercial garden maintenance contractor
- Write a scope listing every task, area and visit frequency, and send it to at least three contractors.
- Ask for itemised quotes that separate regular visits from extras such as clean-ups and green waste.
- Request a certificate of currency for public liability insurance, and ask about workers compensation cover.
- Ask how they handle higher-risk work, such as working near roads, car parks or above head height.
- Check references from similar strata or commercial sites, and ask to see recent examples of their work.
- Agree on reporting, such as visit notes or photos, so the committee can verify the work was done.
- Set a review date and a clear notice period before you sign.
Commercial garden maintenance cost in Sydney
Prices below include GST and are Sydney metro rates for October 2026; large complexes are usually quoted per site.
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardener, per hour | $52 | $75 | $115 |
| Fortnightly plan, medium lawn, per visit | $60 | $75 | $120 |
| Mowing, large lawn (250 to 500 m²), per visit | $90 | $140 | $210 |
| Mowing, extra-large lawn (500 m² and over), per visit | $140 | $200 | $350 |
| Small hedge trimming, per job | $69 | $115 | $205 |
| Garden clean-up, half day | $170 | $290 | $460 |
| Garden clean-up, full day | $320 | $520 | $805 |
Strata and commercial sites: jobs that belong to other trades
A gardener covers plants, lawns and mulch, but some jobs need a licensed specialist.
- Book a licensed pest controller for lawn grubs, termites and other pests rather than asking the gardener to treat them.
- Book a licensed plumber for irrigation connected to mains water, backflow devices or leaking taps.
- Book a licensed electrician for garden lighting and any outdoor power.
- Book a licensed handyman for fences, retaining walls, pavers and decks.
- Book a qualified arborist for large trees, and check council approval before any significant pruning or removal.
- Check that anyone spraying weeds for a fee holds an EPA ground applicator licence, with an exemption for routine garden maintenance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the lowest quote without checking the scope, which often leaves out edging, blowing or green waste.
- Skipping the insurance certificate, then finding the contractor is not covered when something goes wrong.
- Leaving weeds and mulch until the end of the year, when a clean-up costs far more than regular visits.
- Letting residents give instructions directly to the crew, instead of going through one contact.
- Mowing outside legal hours, which can bring complaints and council action.
- Forgetting to review the contract each year, as sites and needs change.
FAQ: commercial garden maintenance
What does strata garden maintenance include?
It usually covers mowing, edging, hedge trimming, weeding, mulching, pruning of shrubs and green waste removal on common property. The exact scope should be written into the contract, along with visit frequency, extras and who approves additional work.
Who pays for body corporate garden maintenance?
The body corporate or owners corporation usually pays for common property gardens from the scheme’s levies. Lot owners typically look after their own courtyards. Check your by-laws and ask your strata manager, as arrangements vary between schemes and states.
How often should commercial garden maintenance happen?
Most sites use fortnightly visits in the growing season and monthly in winter, with seasonal hedge trimming and mulching. High-profile sites such as retail entries may need weekly visits. Set the frequency in the contract and review it each year.
What should a contractor’s insurance cover?
Ask for a current certificate of currency for public liability insurance, and ask about workers compensation cover. Keep copies in the strata records. Ask your strata manager or insurer if you are unsure what level of cover your scheme requires.
Getting strata and commercial sites maintained in Sydney
If you manage a strata scheme or business site in Sydney, we can quote on a written scope with clear per-visit pricing. See our guides to NDIS gardening services and aged care gardening services for related work, or book garden maintenance in Sydney.
