Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• clear leaves from lawns, beds and paved areas

• prune dead and crossing branches from shrubs and small trees

• lift and divide herbaceous perennials and protect tender plants

• top up mulch and apply winter mulch to borders

• winterise irrigation systems and isolate outdoor taps where needed

• empty and store garden furniture, pots and soft furnishings

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most small gardens take 2–4 hours; medium gardens typically 1 day; large gardens or jobs needing arborist input can take 1–2 days. Factors that extend time include poor access, wet weather, extensive pruning or tree work, requirement for scaffolding or machine hire, and full waste removal. Tradespeople will use PPE when handling green waste and may isolate contaminated compost or mouldy material for safe disposal.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Do you have public liability and employer's liability insurance and can you show certificates?

• Do you include waste removal and disposal charges in the quote or charge separately?

• Will pruning or tree work comply with BS 3998 and do you use an arborist for larger trees?

• What access, parking and water/electricity will you need on the day?

• How do you protect borders, lawns and paving from machinery or heavy footfall?

• What is your weather contingency and cancellation policy for frost or heavy rain?

How to Avoid Surprises

• ensure clear vehicle parking close to the work area

• move pot plants and garden furniture out of the way

• mark out protected trees, nesting birds or gas and electrical points for the tradie

• confirm who is responsible for green waste and where skips can be placed

• provide access to water and a power socket if possible

• agree a start window and contingency plan for bad weather