Damage, Risk & Liability Policy

Purpose of this page

This policy sets expectations for property risk, utilities, irrigation, hidden site conditions, and what we are and are not responsible for.

Definitions and notice timing rules used across policies are available on our policies overview page. We do not restate them here.

Irrigation lines and systems

When relevant (for example, work that impacts irrigation or requires irrigation confirmation), the customer may need to provide access to the irrigation timer/controller (sometimes in a garage or locked area) so we can test affected zones and confirm irrigation is functioning.

If irrigation is confirmed working before work and our crew breaks it:

• We will repair it the same day when possible, or schedule a return visit.

Exclusions and limits:

• Pre-existing issues discovered mid-job are excluded.
• Repairs are limited to components in the work area/project-impacted areas (we do not promise repairs for unrelated zones or areas).

If hidden or unknown irrigation problems are discovered and additional work is needed, that may require a change order. See Change Orders & Scope Policy.

Utilities, 811, and private lines

We will arrange 811 marking only when it is necessary, based on 811 recommendations for the type of work being performed.

Even when utilities are marked, some private lines may not be marked.

Important exclusions (not covered):

• Shallow or invisible private lines
• Homeowner-installed wiring/lines (including low-voltage landscape lighting wire, irrigation wiring, and similar private lines)
• Unknown septic systems

Customer responsibility: Before the project starts, please disclose any known private lines, septic systems, prior work, or areas where you suspect shallow wiring/lines may exist.

Property conditions and inherent risk

Outdoor projects involve natural site conditions that can affect results and timelines. We set expectations up front so there are no surprises.

• Soil and grade realities: Soil behavior (including heavy clay), settling, and compaction needs can affect how an area performs over time.
• Drainage realities: Drainage improvements can reduce problems, but extreme storms and site limitations can still overwhelm systems.
• Roots, rocks, and debris: Buried roots,/rock/, and debris may be encountered and require scope changes. See Change Orders & Scope Policy.
• Access constraints: Tight access, locked areas, and limited staging space can affect methods and timeline.

Weather and acts of nature

Weather events and “acts of nature” are not workmanship defects.

• Examples include extreme rain, flooding, drought, high winds, hail, and other severe events that impact outdoor areas.
• If remediation is needed after an extreme event, it may require a new scope and quote.

Weather delays are handled under the Cancellations & Rescheduling Policy (rescheduled at no charge). We do not restate that policy here.

Damage reporting and resolution process

If you believe damage occurred during your project, please follow this process:

1. Send photos + a short description (same day if possible).
2. We review what you sent and respond with the next steps.
3. If needed, we schedule an inspection.
4. Resolution plan + timeline: TODO[CONFIRM: What is your standard response/inspection timeline?]
5. Document the outcome: what was fixed, what was excluded, and whether a change order is needed.

Note: Visible installation defects/workmanship issues must be reported within 48 hours of completion for correction at no cost. After 48 hours, issues are handled under warranty terms. See Warranties Policy.

What this policy does not cover

This policy covers damage boundaries, utilities/private lines, irrigation boundaries, inherent site risk, and the damage reporting process. It does not replace other policies:

• Deposits & Payments Policy
• Cancellations & Rescheduling Policy
• Change Orders & Scope Policy
• Project Guidelines Policy
• Warranties Policy

For definitions and notice timing rules, see policies.

Definitions and notice timing

M-F 9am to 5pm. Written notices sent outside business hours are treated as received at 8:00 AM CT on the next business day. Please confirm receipt.