Gardeners
are often concerned about the reliability; skill and professionalism
of people they engage to carry out work in their gardens.
Unfortunately, the RHS does not have the resources to establish
the quality of the many individual people and companies providing
gardening services, but there are some professional bodies
to which contractors can belong. These provide some degree
of assurance that their members are up-to-scratch and can
often help if a dispute arises. Landscapers, garden maintenance
and tree surgery are the commonest needs.
Belonging to organisations can be expensive and there are often satisfactory local contractors who do not belong. Local contractors can offer good value as they are familiar with the area, may be recommended by word-of-mouth and there are few travelling costs. However gardeners should get references from at least two satisfied customers, ask to inspect examples of previous work and check that they have satisfactory insurance cover. Local head gardeners, horticultural colleges, council officials and garden centres or nurseries can often suggest suitable people.
Initially decide what jobs need doing, how much input you intend to have over the contractors work and how much you are willing to pay. This helps pick a contractor with expertise and willingness to meet these needs. Check if there is a charge for preliminary visits and if this is refundable if the contractor undertakes the work. Find out how long they have been in business and what qualifications they have, checking certificates of competence and insurance if necessary. Ask to see references, and photographs, and ideally speak to previous clients to check work was satisfactory. Discuss the work with more than one contractor to get a general idea of costs, and then get estimates for each part of the work involved. Consider having the work done in stages, paying as you go, if firm quotes cannot be provided. Also consider keeping back about 15 percent to be paid later after any faults have become apparent and been rectified. Ownership of surplus materials and disposal of rubbish, are common causes of dispute. Follow-up advice and help should also be specified in the contract.
Tree surgeons
Determine whether you need a consultant or contractor (a 'tree surgeon' may be either or both). A consultant will give professional advice on the health and safety of a tree and advise on the potential impact on any proposed or existing buildings or any other tree issue including providing guidance in relation to Tree Preservation Orders and planning regulations. A contractor will typically carry out tree pruning, bracing, planting and felling operations and be able to identify and control (where feasible) tree pests and diseases.
The Association
of Professional Landscapers (APL)
Tel: 01538 751976
Website: www.landscaper.org.uk
Directory of registered landscapers offering a professional
service
British
Association Of Landscape Industries (BALI)
Tel: 024 7669 0333
Temporary Website: www.bali.co.uk
Organisation representing the landscape industry. Directory
of members online
The Arboricultural
Association
Tel: 01794 368717
Website: www.trees.org.uk
Maintains directory of approved contractors and consultants.
Organisation representing arboriculture.
Alternatively, contact the Tree Officer of your local council who should also be able to supply a list of local experts.