Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect shrubs and borders to assess health, size and any diseased wood

• prune dead, crossing or diseased branches and thin to improve air flow

• reduce height or shape shrubs to agreed dimensions, avoiding major tree works

• cut back growth from fences, paths, patios and close to buildings to prevent damage

• clear leaves, weeds and prunings; collect arisings and either remove or leave in agreed area

• use hand tools, secateurs, loppers and small petrol/electric saws as required; PPE and safe disposal provided

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small tidy with light shrub pruning typically 1–2 hours; average garden with several shrubs and waste removal 2–4 hours; large or very overgrown spaces may take 4–8 hours or require a follow-up visit. Factors that extend time include heavy growth, awkward access, nesting wildlife, need for stump work or long tipping runs and poor weather.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• are you insured for public liability and can you confirm cover for garden works?

• do you charge by the hour or provide a fixed quote and what is included in disposal?

• will you use a chipper or remove arisings by van and are there extra costs for tipping?

• can you confirm who is responsible for clearing borders near neighbouring properties and boundary issues?

• do you inspect for nesting birds or protected species before work begins and how do you manage that risk?

• what safety measures and PPE will your team use, and do you need a power supply for equipment?

How to Avoid Surprises

• confirm access details, gate widths and any tight turns for vans or chipper delivery

• arrange parking nearby or tell the team if permit/paid parking is required

• advise of nesting birds, bats or other protected species and avoid seasonal pruning restrictions

• agree in advance whether arisings are left for composting or removed and where they will be stored

• clear the work area of fragile pots, play equipment and inform the team about pets