EDITABLE WORD SOP TEMPLATES
Pre-filled SOP documents for landscaping businesses, arbor contractors and property maintenance teams that need clear, practical safety procedures without starting from a blank page.
Landscaping, Arbor & Property Maintenance SOP Templates
Each SOP should be reviewed and customised before use to suit your business, equipment, workers, work environment and actual task requirements.
These landscaping, arbor and property maintenance SOP templates are designed to help small businesses document safe work processes for common outdoor maintenance tasks, powered tools, chemicals, mobile plant, trailers and public-facing work areas.
Practical SOPs for landscaping, arbor and property maintenance work
The templates can be used to support onboarding, worker instruction, refresher training, toolbox discussions and your broader WHS documentation system.
Best suited for
Landscaping contractors and subcontractors
Arbor and tree maintenance businesses
Property maintenance teams
Garden maintenance and grounds crews
Businesses building a practical WHS system
SELECT YOUR SOP
Available SOP templates
Choose the SOP that matches the task, tool or work activity. Each product page should include the document format, what is included, who it is suited to and what needs to be customised before use.
Garden Hand Tools SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe use, inspection, storage and manual handling considerations for common garden hand tools.
Chainsaw SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe work practices when using chainsaws during landscaping, arbor and property maintenance tasks.
Rotary Hoe & Cultivator SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe work practices for rotary hoes and cultivators used during soil preparation and landscaping activities.
Mini Loader & Skid Steer SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting controls for mini loader and skid steer operation, including work area setup, attachments and pedestrian separation.
Mini Excavator SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting safe work practices for mini excavator operation during landscaping, trenching and property maintenance activities.
String Trimmer SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting safe work practices for string trimmers used during lawn, grounds and property maintenance tasks.
Tip Trailer SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting safe work practices for tip trailer use, including loading, tipping, unloading and site movement controls.
Pole Saw SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting work practices for powered and manual pole saw use during pruning, trimming and property maintenance tasks.
Post Hole Digger & Auger SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe work practices for post hole diggers and augers used during fencing, landscaping and ground preparation work.
Light Vehicle SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe use, pre-start checks and general work practices for light vehicles used in landscaping and property maintenance work.
Wood Chipper SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting controls for wood chipper operation, including feeding, guarding, exclusion zones and emergency stop arrangements.
Chemical Handling SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting chemical handling, storage, labelling, SDS access and application controls for landscaping and property maintenance work.
Hedge Trimmer SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe work practices for petrol and battery hedge trimmers used during garden, grounds and property maintenance tasks.
Trailer Loading & Load Restraint SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting general trailer loading, load restraint, inspection and transport preparation requirements.
Pressure Washer SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting controls for pressure washing tasks, including setup, surface conditions, runoff, nearby people and equipment use.
Herbicide Spraying SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting work practices for knapsack and Ute-mounted herbicide spraying, including preparation, application and clean-up controls.
Zero Turn Mower SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting safe work practices for zero turn mower operation during mowing, groundskeeping and property maintenance activities.
Generator Use, Portable Power, RCDs, Leads & Wet Areas SOP Template
Pre-filled SOP template for documenting controls for portable power, generators, RCDs, extension leads and electrical equipment use in outdoor or wet work areas.
How to use these SOP templates
Use the SOP as a starting point for your own documented work procedure. Before issuing it to workers, review the content and update it so it reflects your actual equipment, work methods, supervision arrangements and site conditions.
Add your business name and document control details
Confirm the task scope is accurate
Review hazards and controls against the actual work
Use the SOP during onboarding, training and refresher discussions
What to customise before use
Pre-filled does not mean no review is needed. The document should be tailored before use so it properly matches your workplace and the way the task is actually completed.
Equipment make, model and attachments
Site-specific hazards and access conditions
PPE and training requirements
Emergency contacts and escalation steps
Client or principal contractor requirements
Stump Grinder SOP Template
Editable SOP template for documenting controls for stump grinder operation, including work area setup, guarding, exclusion zones and debris management.
Need SWMS as well as SOPs?
Some landscaping, arbor and property maintenance tasks may also require a SWMS where the work falls under high-risk construction work.
COMMON QUESTIONS
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Yes. Each SOP is supplied as a Word document so it can be edited to suit your business, equipment, work methods and site requirements.
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Yes. The templates are written for practical use by small businesses, sole traders and contractors that need clear safety procedures without creating everything from scratch.
FAQs about these SOP templates
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The document is pre-filled, but it should still be reviewed and customised before use to make sure it matches your actual work, equipment and workplace conditions.
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An SOP explains how a task, tool or item of plant should be used or managed safely. A SWMS is used for high-risk construction work and must address the high-risk activity, hazards and control measures.
Need help choosing or customising the right SOP?
If you are unsure which SOP applies, or you need a document tailored to a specific work activity, equipment item or client requirement, you can request support from Squire Safety Consultants.