10 Questions to Ask a Gardener and Landscaper Before You Book
A five-minute conversation before you book tells you most of what you need to know about a gardener and landscaper. Here are the ten questions that matter, and what a good answer sounds like.
About the business
- How long have you been trading under this name?
- Can I see photos of similar recent jobs, or speak to a past customer?
- Where can I read your reviews?
- Do you hold public liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Do you hold no licensing scheme — judge on photos, references and reviews?
About the quote and the money
The answer you want to every one of these is “it's in writing”.
- Is this a fixed quote or an estimate, and what could change it?
- Does the price include materials, VAT and waste removal?
- What deposit do you need, and what is it for?
- How are stage payments linked to completed work?
- How will changes or extras be agreed and priced?
What good answers sound like
Good gardeners and landscapers answer these questions readily and put the answers in writing without being asked twice. Evasive answers, or irritation at being asked, tell you how the rest of the job will go.
Typical fair pricing for context: Garden maintenance typically costs £20–£40 per hour. Landscaping projects are usually quoted as a whole: a new patio runs £80–£120 per square metre including materials.
Get it in writing
Ask for the agreed answers to appear in the written quote or a simple contract. If anything changes mid-job, confirm the new price and scope by text or email before work continues. Clear paperwork protects you and the trade equally.
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