Home › Guides › How to choose a gardener or landscaper: checks that matter
Anyone can advertise themselves as a gardener or landscaper, and plenty do. Making the right choice can mean the difference between a well-maintained garden and an expensive disappointment. Here are the checks that matter before you hire someone.
Check for public liability insurance
A contractor working on your property should have public liability insurance of at least £5 million—this covers accidental damage caused by their work or their staff, such as damaging your building, fence, or underground utilities while digging. Always ask to see a current certificate before agreeing to anything. If they cannot produce one, walk away. A legitimate, established contractor will have this arranged and ready to show.
If the contractor employs staff (rather than working alone), they also need employers’ liability insurance, which is a legal requirement in the UK. Again, ask for proof.
Confirm they are a registered waste carrier
If the contractor will be removing waste—grass clippings, hedge trimmings, soil, branches—they must be registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. This is a legal requirement for anyone transporting waste professionally, and it ensures waste is disposed of lawfully rather than dumped illegally. You can check the Environment Agency’s online register of waste carriers by looking up their registration number; if they do not have one, check this carefully. Failure to use a registered carrier could leave you legally liable.
Look for professional accreditation
The presence of professional membership or accreditation shows that a contractor has met standards and taken training. Key bodies include:
BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) is the UK’s leading trade association for landscape professionals. BALI Accredited Contractors must have traded for at least two years and have been vetted for workmanship, skill, and health and safety practice. Members carry the BALI logo.
The Arboricultural Association maintains a directory of qualified arborists. If your project includes tree work, choose someone from their directory—arborists display the AA logo. Tree work should only be undertaken by people trained in chainsaw safety (NPTC certified) and proper arboricultural techniques. Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon, but only a qualified arborist is trained to assess tree health, prune correctly, and work safely at height.
TrustMark is a government-supported accreditation scheme for traders in home improvement trades, including some gardening and landscaping work. Membership shows the trader is properly insured, vetted, and signed up to consumer protection standards.
References and reviews also matter. Ask for the names of recent clients and check online reviews. A contractor with years of work behind them and positive feedback is more reliable than someone just starting out.
Ask for a written quote
Always insist on a written quote before work starts. The quote should break down the work clearly: what is included, the frequency of visits (if ongoing work), any materials supplied by the contractor or you, and the total price. A written quote becomes part of your contract and protects you if there is a disagreement later about what was agreed.
Be cautious of quotes that are far cheaper than others; this can signal inexperience or planned cutting of corners. Equally, the most expensive option is not always the best. Compare at least two or three quotes from contractors with similar experience.
Understand deposits and payment terms
If the contractor asks for a deposit before starting work, that is normal for larger jobs. However, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the deposit must be reasonable. The contractor can only keep money from a deposit or cancellation charge if the amount covers their actual losses—the costs already incurred and any genuine loss of profit. A clause stating “deposit is non-refundable” is not automatically enforceable if you cancel for a reasonable reason or if the contractor has not yet incurred losses.
Agree on a payment schedule in writing. For ongoing grounds maintenance, monthly payment in arrears (after work is done) is common. For one-off projects, payment may be split: a deposit on signing, a stage payment mid-project, and a final payment on completion.
Know your consumer rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the contractor must provide the service with reasonable care and skill. This means the work should be done professionally and to an industry standard. If the service does not meet this standard—for example, work is left unfinished, poorly done, or damages your property—you have rights. The contractor should either redo the work at no extra cost or give you a price reduction. You are also entitled to a reasonable price and a reasonable timescale if these were not specified beforehand.
Keep all paperwork: the written quote, invoices, and any photos or notes about work done. If there is a dispute, this documentation will be important.
Key points
- Always check for current public liability insurance (£5 million minimum) and ask to see the certificate before hiring.
- Verify the contractor is registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency if they will remove waste.
- Look for membership of BALI, the Arboricultural Association, or TrustMark, which shows professional standards and training.
- Obtain a written quote breaking down the work and price; this becomes part of your contract.
- Understand your Consumer Rights Act protections: the work must be done with reasonable care and skill, and if it is not, you can ask for it to be redone at no cost.