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Frequently Asked Questions
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As a member of The Gardeners Guild - the trade network for qualified gardeners - the answers to most questions are covered in their Consumer Advice which is also available to read here. If you do not see the answer to your question here, do please ask, send your Enquiry.
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Some FAQs:
Why use a member of The Gardeners Guild?
1. Gardeners must prove that they have at least one nationally recognised horticultural qualification at Level 2 or above before being accepted as a member. To achieve a qualification in their chosen field of horticulture (or horticultural related specialism) the gardener has received training, an assessment and has had their identification checked.
2. A good gardener should be easy to contact. You can find a local gardener by searching our Member Register - a free to use online directory of qualified gardeners. The Member Register is actively managed and membership is renewed annually.
3. Members of The Gardeners Guild receive practical support to help them run a successful business;
- Regular legislation updates,
- Health and Safety advice line,
- Legal advice line,
- Discounted business insurance,
- Document templates and many other practical services.
4. Members also benefit from our online forum where they can ask other qualified gardeners for plant care tips and advice.
5. The Gardeners Guild is not a consumer organisation but is committed to quality through careful membership selection and ongoing refining of its members.
Check the logo
Our logo makes it easy to identify a qualified gardener.
There are many excellent trade groups and vetting schemes that small business owners can join. Make sure that you understand why the trader has been issued with a logo and what it represents. Always check that the trader is entitled to use that logo by visiting the schemes website to check their list of members.
Health and safety
A professional gardener will normally have their own tools. If a gardener hurts themselves using their own tools that is their problem.
If a gardener uses your tools - you will need to prove that you have given them appropriate training to use those tools and will be responsible for the maintenance of those tools - ensuring that they are safe to use.
Our members have access to a free 24/7 health and safety advice line and receive regular H&S updates.
Our members also have access to lone working protection services when working in remote locations.
2. A good gardener should be easy to contact. You can find a local gardener by searching our Member Register - a free to use online directory of qualified gardeners. The Member Register is actively managed and membership is renewed annually.
3. Members of The Gardeners Guild receive practical support to help them run a successful business;
- Regular legislation updates,
- Health and Safety advice line,
- Legal advice line,
- Discounted business insurance,
- Document templates and many other practical services.
4. Members also benefit from our online forum where they can ask other qualified gardeners for plant care tips and advice.
5. The Gardeners Guild is not a consumer organisation but is committed to quality through careful membership selection and ongoing refining of its members.
Check the logo
Our logo makes it easy to identify a qualified gardener.
There are many excellent trade groups and vetting schemes that small business owners can join. Make sure that you understand why the trader has been issued with a logo and what it represents. Always check that the trader is entitled to use that logo by visiting the schemes website to check their list of members.
Health and safety
A professional gardener will normally have their own tools. If a gardener hurts themselves using their own tools that is their problem.
If a gardener uses your tools - you will need to prove that you have given them appropriate training to use those tools and will be responsible for the maintenance of those tools - ensuring that they are safe to use.
Our members have access to a free 24/7 health and safety advice line and receive regular H&S updates.
Our members also have access to lone working protection services when working in remote locations.
How much do gardeners charge?
Most tradesmen aim to earn a minimum £150 a day or around £15 - £30 per hour. However, this rate will be higher when using petrol tools, vary with regional variations and increase as the level of danger does. Hourly rates will usually exclude the cost of waste removal, chemicals and sundries. A gardener may have a minimum call out charge to help reduce unpaid travel time i.e. 2 hours work.
Alternatively, a gardener will be able to quote a fixed price for a specific task i.e. lawn mowing. This is ideal for smaller tasks where the fixed price may be less than the minimum call out charge.
The running costs of a professional gardening business are just as high as any other professional trade - accountant, training, insurance, transport and vehicle maintenance, tools and tool maintenance. For example, it can cost as much to service a mower as it does to service a car. A gardener may have more than one mower plus many other petrol tools that all need servicing, oil, fuel, lubricants and replacement parts.
Why not judge the quality of a gardeners work by asking them to do a small task and invite them back only if you are happy.
Saving money with a professional gardener
Garden maintenance is required all year around. Spread the cost by doing the right job at the right time.
Most gardeners will be happy to discuss a maintenance plan before any work needs to be done so that they can advise you on what needs to be pruned and when. This will help your gardener plan ahead and ensure that plants are maintained at the right time so they stay healthy and continue to flower.
You can also talk to your gardener for ideas on how to simplify your garden.
Good gardeners are busy gardeners and get the job done. Professional gardeners have no shortage of work and regular customers so they don't need to make a simple task last all day.
During the busy seasons, a good gardener will likely be booked months in advance. Stay in contact with your gardener. A gardener who regularly cuts your grass will likely give you priority when you need other work done. Plan ahead and contact your gardener before your garden becomes very overgrown.
Be specific
To some people it's a wildflower - to others it's a weed. Every customer is different. Let your gardener know exactly what you want. Talk to your gardener - if there is something they have not done it may be because it is the wrong time of year to do so
Alternatively, a gardener will be able to quote a fixed price for a specific task i.e. lawn mowing. This is ideal for smaller tasks where the fixed price may be less than the minimum call out charge.
The running costs of a professional gardening business are just as high as any other professional trade - accountant, training, insurance, transport and vehicle maintenance, tools and tool maintenance. For example, it can cost as much to service a mower as it does to service a car. A gardener may have more than one mower plus many other petrol tools that all need servicing, oil, fuel, lubricants and replacement parts.
Why not judge the quality of a gardeners work by asking them to do a small task and invite them back only if you are happy.
Saving money with a professional gardener
Garden maintenance is required all year around. Spread the cost by doing the right job at the right time.
Most gardeners will be happy to discuss a maintenance plan before any work needs to be done so that they can advise you on what needs to be pruned and when. This will help your gardener plan ahead and ensure that plants are maintained at the right time so they stay healthy and continue to flower.
You can also talk to your gardener for ideas on how to simplify your garden.
Good gardeners are busy gardeners and get the job done. Professional gardeners have no shortage of work and regular customers so they don't need to make a simple task last all day.
During the busy seasons, a good gardener will likely be booked months in advance. Stay in contact with your gardener. A gardener who regularly cuts your grass will likely give you priority when you need other work done. Plan ahead and contact your gardener before your garden becomes very overgrown.
Be specific
To some people it's a wildflower - to others it's a weed. Every customer is different. Let your gardener know exactly what you want. Talk to your gardener - if there is something they have not done it may be because it is the wrong time of year to do so
What's the difference between a Gardener and a Landscaper?
Landscapers often describe gardeners as 'plantsmen' because a gardener is focused on the health and well being of plants whereas landscapers are typically involved in outdoor building work such as driveways, patios, walls etc - 'hard' landscaping.
A good gardener will know what to prune, when to prune and how to prune. A gardener will also identify pests and diseases, apply feeds and herbicides, monitor the weather and adjust mower cutting heights accordingly. A seasoned gardener will know which plants thrive locally and where to buy good plants. A gardener is equipped for gardening whereas a landscaper is equipped for building.
Of course, there will always be some cross-over and a landscaper may also offer some garden maintenance. Equally, a gardener will likely offer 'soft' landscaping such as fence repairs, applying decorative gravel and mulch, creating flower borders, planting advice and small landscaping projects. Some gardening partnerships or larger firms will have the skills and equipment to offer both gardening and landscaping services.
A good gardener will know what to prune, when to prune and how to prune. A gardener will also identify pests and diseases, apply feeds and herbicides, monitor the weather and adjust mower cutting heights accordingly. A seasoned gardener will know which plants thrive locally and where to buy good plants. A gardener is equipped for gardening whereas a landscaper is equipped for building.
Of course, there will always be some cross-over and a landscaper may also offer some garden maintenance. Equally, a gardener will likely offer 'soft' landscaping such as fence repairs, applying decorative gravel and mulch, creating flower borders, planting advice and small landscaping projects. Some gardening partnerships or larger firms will have the skills and equipment to offer both gardening and landscaping services.
What services will a gardener offer?
A gardener can usually help with all aspects of regular garden and grounds maintenance and soft landscaping such as those listed below.
Individual members may also have the necessary skills, qualifications, insurance and equipment for hard landscaping, tree surgery or design - although membership with The Gardeners Guild is primarily concerned with regular garden maintenance and services such as:
- Mowing,
- Strimming,
- Weeding,
- Pruning,
- Hedge trimming,
- Applying feeds and pesticides,
- Planting,
- Applying preservatives to wooden structures,
- Laying ornamental gravel paths and decorative bark on borders
- Waste removal,
- General garden tidy-ups and complete garden renovation and clearance
- Garden consulting, advice and coaching
- Shed and fencing repairs
- Soft landscaping
- Vegetable tending
- Sourcing and supplying
Individual members may also have the necessary skills, qualifications, insurance and equipment for hard landscaping, tree surgery or design - although membership with The Gardeners Guild is primarily concerned with regular garden maintenance and services such as:
- Mowing,
- Strimming,
- Weeding,
- Pruning,
- Hedge trimming,
- Applying feeds and pesticides,
- Planting,
- Applying preservatives to wooden structures,
- Laying ornamental gravel paths and decorative bark on borders
- Waste removal,
- General garden tidy-ups and complete garden renovation and clearance
- Garden consulting, advice and coaching
- Shed and fencing repairs
- Soft landscaping
- Vegetable tending
- Sourcing and supplying
Who would normally hire a gardener?
People and organisations who hire a gardener often do so because they need someone who is competent, equipped and reliable. They also recognise that a professional gardener can work quickly and safely.
Some private residences have bigger gardens than the shared gardens around flats and residential estates - so it is not unusual for the management of communal gardens, commercial grounds and public spaces to hire a gardener.
Local gardeners are regularly hired by:
- Large private gardens and grounds
- Garden 'sitting' while on holiday
- Small domestic gardens
- Pensioners
- Professionals
- Busy families
- Anyone with temporary or permanent physical limitations
- Landlords/tenants
- Estate and Letting Agents
- Holiday lets
- Housing and residents associations
- Solicitors and estate executors
- Flats with shared gardens
- Property Management Companies
- Care Homes
- Commercial grounds
- Private roads
- Schools
- Local councils for public spaces
Talk to your local qualified gardener to see what they can offer.
Some private residences have bigger gardens than the shared gardens around flats and residential estates - so it is not unusual for the management of communal gardens, commercial grounds and public spaces to hire a gardener.
Local gardeners are regularly hired by:
- Large private gardens and grounds
- Garden 'sitting' while on holiday
- Small domestic gardens
- Pensioners
- Professionals
- Busy families
- Anyone with temporary or permanent physical limitations
- Landlords/tenants
- Estate and Letting Agents
- Holiday lets
- Housing and residents associations
- Solicitors and estate executors
- Flats with shared gardens
- Property Management Companies
- Care Homes
- Commercial grounds
- Private roads
- Schools
- Local councils for public spaces
Talk to your local qualified gardener to see what they can offer.
Garden waste recycling
Any tradesman who removes any kind of waste from your property must be a licensed waste carrier. Anyone found transporting other peoples waste without a license can be prosecuted. Only licensed waste carriers are allowed to deposit other peoples waste at approved recycling centres. If they don't have a license they cannot dispose of it legally. If that waste is traced back to you - you may be prosecuted for encouraging fly-tipping!
A gardener who transports only green garden waste can apply for a free waste carriers license (lower Tier waste carriers license). Anyone who transports mixed waste (building rubble etc) will have to pay for an Upper Tier waste carriers license.
However, this does not mean that a gardener can dispose of green garden waste for free. Many local recycling facilities are for domestic use only and do not accept commercial waste even if it is a result of gardening work at a domestic property. Your gardener will need to visit a privately owned recycling centre who will charge (£) based on weight or van size. These sites will have a minimum charge, so your gardener will need to store (£) green waste until there is sufficient to justify a visit to a commercial recycling centre - these are often few and far between and will take time to get to (£).
Waste disposal fees can be expensive. Try to home compost and recycle when you can.
Not all gardeners will remove green waste. Your council may also provide a green waste recycling service as part of their regular home waste removal service.
A gardener who transports only green garden waste can apply for a free waste carriers license (lower Tier waste carriers license). Anyone who transports mixed waste (building rubble etc) will have to pay for an Upper Tier waste carriers license.
However, this does not mean that a gardener can dispose of green garden waste for free. Many local recycling facilities are for domestic use only and do not accept commercial waste even if it is a result of gardening work at a domestic property. Your gardener will need to visit a privately owned recycling centre who will charge (£) based on weight or van size. These sites will have a minimum charge, so your gardener will need to store (£) green waste until there is sufficient to justify a visit to a commercial recycling centre - these are often few and far between and will take time to get to (£).
Waste disposal fees can be expensive. Try to home compost and recycle when you can.
Not all gardeners will remove green waste. Your council may also provide a green waste recycling service as part of their regular home waste removal service.
Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance ensures that there are sufficient funds available to pay compensation in the event of personal injury or damage to property - it does not protect against bad workmanship.
The insurance policy is owned by the trader. Just like any other insurance policy, the trader is able to set an insurance 'excess'. The bigger the 'excess', the lower the premiums paid by the trader will be. The amount you receive in compensation will be less the traders insurance 'excess' which you will need to claim direct from the trader.
Public Liability Insurance is normally specific to a particular trade as different trades have different levels of risk. For example, tree surgery carries a higher risk than lawn mowing. Someone who specialises in one trade is more likely to have appropriate insurance.
Accidents will happen. Reduce risk of injury by keeping your distance when your gardener is working. If you are concerned, ask to see the traders public liability insurance certificate.
The insurance policy is owned by the trader. Just like any other insurance policy, the trader is able to set an insurance 'excess'. The bigger the 'excess', the lower the premiums paid by the trader will be. The amount you receive in compensation will be less the traders insurance 'excess' which you will need to claim direct from the trader.
Public Liability Insurance is normally specific to a particular trade as different trades have different levels of risk. For example, tree surgery carries a higher risk than lawn mowing. Someone who specialises in one trade is more likely to have appropriate insurance.
Accidents will happen. Reduce risk of injury by keeping your distance when your gardener is working. If you are concerned, ask to see the traders public liability insurance certificate.
CRB / DBS Checks
If you need a gardener (or any trader) to work in the vicinity of children or vulnerable adults you should check that the trader has undergone a DBS check (formerly known as CRB checks).
The primary role of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups including children.
The DBS was established under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and merges the functions previously carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
For more information visit: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs/
The primary role of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups including children.
The DBS was established under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and merges the functions previously carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
For more information visit: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs/
Complaints
The Gardeners Guild is a national trade network for qualified gardeners. Membership is primarily for the benefit of the member. We give our members access to practical support that will help them grow their business.
The Gardeners Guild is not a consumer organisation or vetting scheme but it is committed to pursue the interests of both its members and the consumer through careful membership selection and ongoing refining of its members.
While members of The Gardeners Guild must meet certain criteria to join, membership in itself does not offer any guarantee on their work.
Even the most qualified and experienced gardeners can make mistakes.
If you have a complaint against one of our members please contact the member direct and give them a chance to resolve matters themselves.
If your complaint cannot be resolved with the member, please also tell us about your complaint by sending an email to [email protected]
We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days.
The member will be told about the complaint and given the opportunity to explain to us their view of events and circumstances.
Details of your complaint will be kept in the members file and reviewed at least annually and before membership is renewed.
Although we cannot accept any liability for the quality of work carried out by our members, if necessary we will cancel membership in proven instances of deliberate illegal trading, unfair trading or, at our discretion, conduct likely to damage the reputation of The Gardeners Guild or its members. This is an internal decision between The Gardeners Guild and the member.
The Gardeners Guild does not offer a disputes resolution service. We are not responsible for
paying compensation or making a financial award.
If a dispute cannot be resolved directly with the member, you can of course consider court action. The Small Claims Mediation Service deals with monetary claims under £10,000 that are already going through the courts. If both parties agree to using mediation, they will be contacted by the service. As most cases are dealt with by telephone, they save the time and the expense of having to go to court. This service is not free and they do charge for this service.
Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland have taken on responsibilities and resources from the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) and Consumer Focus by offering free and independent advice. Starting 2 April 2012, a new advice line succeeding Consumer Direct was launched by the Citizens Advice service.
If you require general consumer advice you are advised to contact the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 05 or visit their website at https://www.adviceguide.org.uk/.
The Gardeners Guild is not a consumer organisation or vetting scheme but it is committed to pursue the interests of both its members and the consumer through careful membership selection and ongoing refining of its members.
While members of The Gardeners Guild must meet certain criteria to join, membership in itself does not offer any guarantee on their work.
Even the most qualified and experienced gardeners can make mistakes.
If you have a complaint against one of our members please contact the member direct and give them a chance to resolve matters themselves.
If your complaint cannot be resolved with the member, please also tell us about your complaint by sending an email to [email protected]
We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days.
The member will be told about the complaint and given the opportunity to explain to us their view of events and circumstances.
Details of your complaint will be kept in the members file and reviewed at least annually and before membership is renewed.
Although we cannot accept any liability for the quality of work carried out by our members, if necessary we will cancel membership in proven instances of deliberate illegal trading, unfair trading or, at our discretion, conduct likely to damage the reputation of The Gardeners Guild or its members. This is an internal decision between The Gardeners Guild and the member.
The Gardeners Guild does not offer a disputes resolution service. We are not responsible for
paying compensation or making a financial award.
If a dispute cannot be resolved directly with the member, you can of course consider court action. The Small Claims Mediation Service deals with monetary claims under £10,000 that are already going through the courts. If both parties agree to using mediation, they will be contacted by the service. As most cases are dealt with by telephone, they save the time and the expense of having to go to court. This service is not free and they do charge for this service.
Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland have taken on responsibilities and resources from the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) and Consumer Focus by offering free and independent advice. Starting 2 April 2012, a new advice line succeeding Consumer Direct was launched by the Citizens Advice service.
If you require general consumer advice you are advised to contact the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 05 or visit their website at https://www.adviceguide.org.uk/.
