We explore 10 questions to ask before hiring a garden landscaper. Find our what you need to know when discussing your requirements with a landscaping company.
A new garden can transform your outdoor space, elevate the beauty and value of your UK property, and give many homeowners daily joy.
Yet results hinge on choosing a landscaping company that truly understands your garden needs and long-term maintenance goals. Asking the right questions before hiring a contractor helps you avoid costly mistakes and make an informed decision.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaping Company
A professional gardener or landscape contractor with expert knowledge, clear process, and solid warranty can guide the project from concept to completion while respecting your budget and timeline.
Use this list of essential questions to find a reliable gardener whose craftsmanship, communication, and landscaping services match the vision you have for a beautiful garden-and for the company that will stand behind it in the long run.
What Should I Ask A Landscape Gardener?
Below are the following questions savvy homeowners ask before hiring. Each one is designed to reveal a good gardener’s professionalism, experience, and fit for your specific requirements-helping you feel TRUE confidence that you’re selecting the right gardener for the job.
Are you accredited by a recognised UK trade body?
Membership of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) or similar organisations is a quick way to verify qualifications, certifications, and professionalism.
Accreditation shows commitment to safe practices, ethical standards, and ongoing training-important red-flag filters when comparing one company to another.
Can I see examples of your recent work and before-and-after photos?
Ask for a digital portfolio, on-site visit, or high-resolution images of projects similar to yours, including a pond or water feature if that interests you.
Seeing past projects, talking to past clients, and scrolling through online reviews (think Google or trusted trade sites) lets you verify quality, creativity, and attention to detail.
Do they proudly showcase landscape design that features native plants? Can they provide references so you don’t take the promises at face value?
Do you hold public-liability insurance, and can I view the certificate?
Insurance-even if not legally required-protects you if someone is injured or accidents cause damage to your property.
Confirm that everyone on the team, including any subcontractors, is fully covered and that the policy level matches the scope of work. Ask whether the firm is also bonded for added coverage and peace of mind.
Will you handle planning permission, permits, or council rules if my design requires them?
Certain hardscape construction, tree work in conservation areas, large sheds, or a new installation such as decking may need local approval.
A competent landscaper knows which permits apply, can address them early, and will walk you through any paperwork so delays don’t derail the project.
What exactly is included in the written quote?
A detailed quote-often laid out in a clear table-should break down materials, labour, waste removal, VAT, and other pricing factors. Verify plant sizes, quantities, and brands.
Make sure the quote explains any warranty or landscaping warranties on plants, hardscape, and workmanship. This clarity lets you compare bids like-for-like and sets firm expectations on cost.
How will payments be staged, and what deposit do you require?
Most reliable contractors request a modest upfront deposit, then link further payments to clear milestones.
Confirm in writing how much you’ll pay at each stage, what happens if materials vary in price, and which parts of the contract safeguard your money if the schedule slips.
Who will be on-site each day, and do you use subcontractors?
Knowing who will actually manage the day-to-day work helps you plan access and security. Ask whether the same person or team will remain throughout the project, and whether any specialist subcontractors (for example, electricians for lighting) hold suitable licences. Clear roles minimise misunderstandings.
How will you protect my existing plants, paths, and property?
Discuss access routes, dust control, and measures to prevent soil compaction or erosion. Ground boards, temporary fencing, and gentle mowing, weeding, or pruning during the build can save on repairs later.
Good crews turn up equipped with their own tools to keep your yard tidy and your grass, shrubs, and trees healthy.
What after-care or maintenance do you offer?
Even the best design fails without regular maintenance. Ask if the company provides a garden maintenance plan covering watering, seasonal lawn care, fertilising, and ongoing pruning to keep new plants thriving.
Some firms schedule an annual check-in, while others offer ongoing care packages so you won’t miss essential tasks like basic maintenance. Confirm what’s included and whether there’s a separate cost.
How long will the project take, and what happens if there are delays?
Agree realistic timelines with start dates, daily working hours, and target completion. Clarify how weather, supply issues, or staff illness might extend the time frame, and how any extra cost will be handled.
A trustworthy company keeps you updated, provides options, and shows the same level of professional communication when things change as when they go to plan.
Hiring a Landscape Gardener: Final Thoughts
Taking time to ask these ten questions-and any others specific to your garden-will help you save stress, determine real value, and avoid DIY horror stories.
Remember to check credentials, check reviews, read every line of the contract, and insist on clear, written details about any warranty or guarantee. The right questions reveal a contractor’s expertise, experience, and commitment to transparent, honest communication.
When you find a professional team that openly discusses budget, offers creative solutions, and puts every promise in writing, you can trust they will transform your plans into the beautiful reality you envisioned.
Good luck with your next landscaping project-and enjoy the lasting beauty of a garden that meets both you and nature halfway.
Find Local Landscape Gardeners Near You
Need a landscape gardener? Visit Noticed UK and pop in your postcode. In seconds, you’ll see a list of trusted, local gardening experts ready to improve your outdoor space. Start your search today and make your garden shine.
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