Terms and Conditions for Gardening Services

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which gardening services are provided by Gardeners Barkingside to residential and commercial customers. By making a booking, the customer agrees to these terms, which are designed to create a clear and fair arrangement for both parties. In this document, references to “we”, “us” and “our” mean the service provider, and references to “you” and “your” mean the customer receiving the service. These terms apply to routine maintenance, one-off visits, seasonal work, clearance work, and other garden-related services unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

All services are provided subject to availability, site conditions, weather, and the information supplied by the customer at the time of booking. While we aim to deliver an efficient and professional service, gardening work can be affected by factors outside our control, including ground conditions, plant health, access restrictions, hidden hazards, and waste volume. The customer is responsible for ensuring that the information they provide is accurate and complete before work begins.

By instructing Gardeners Barkingside, the customer confirms that they have read and understood these terms. If any part of these terms is unclear, it is the customer’s responsibility to ask for clarification before the service starts. We may update these terms from time to time, and the version in force at the time of booking will apply to that service.

Booking Process

Bookings may be made following an enquiry and a review of the work required. A booking is not confirmed until we have accepted the request and, where applicable, received any required deposit or written confirmation. The booking process may involve a description of the garden, photographs, measurements, access details, and any special requirements so that an accurate schedule and cost estimate can be prepared.

Where a quotation is provided, it will normally be based on the information supplied by the customer and may be subject to adjustment if the actual site conditions differ materially from the description given. This may include overgrown areas, unexpected obstructions, additional waste, difficult access, or the need for specialist equipment. We reserve the right to revise pricing where the scope of work changes before or during the visit, provided the customer is informed as soon as reasonably practicable.

We will aim to allocate a date and time that suits both parties, but any booking time should be treated as an estimated appointment window rather than a fixed guarantee unless expressly agreed in writing. Delays can occur due to weather, traffic, emergencies, or the completion of previous jobs. If a change is necessary, we will attempt to reschedule within a reasonable timeframe.

The customer must ensure that the site is ready for work on the agreed date. This includes providing safe access to the property, unlocking gates if necessary, securing pets, and removing any obstacles that may interfere with the work. If we cannot access the site or cannot proceed safely because of a condition that should reasonably have been disclosed, a call-out charge or wasted visit charge may apply. Any such charge will be kept reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.

Payments

Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due on completion of the work or in accordance with the invoice terms stated at the time of booking. We may request part payment in advance for larger projects, high-volume waste removal, or jobs requiring the purchase of materials. Accepted payment methods may include bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or other methods notified in advance. Cash payments may be accepted only if agreed before the appointment.

All prices are stated in pounds sterling and may be quoted inclusive or exclusive of VAT depending on our VAT status at the time of service. If VAT applies, it will be shown separately where required by law. Prices are based on the agreed scope of work and do not normally include unforeseen extras unless specifically stated. Additional work requested by the customer during the visit may be charged separately at the applicable rate.

Invoices must be paid by the due date stated on the invoice. If payment is not made on time, we may charge reasonable late payment interest and recovery costs where permitted by law. We also reserve the right to suspend further bookings or withhold the supply of future services until overdue balances are cleared. Any dispute about an invoice should be raised promptly and in good faith, with supporting details where possible.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

We understand that plans can change, and the customer may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving reasonable notice. Unless a different period is stated at the time of booking, at least 24 hours’ notice is expected for standard visits and longer notice may be required for larger or specially arranged work. If a cancellation occurs after we have already incurred costs, purchased materials, or reserved staff time, a cancellation charge may apply.

Where a cancellation is made too late to reallocate the time or resources, we may charge for any non-recoverable expense reasonably incurred in preparation for the work. This may include travel preparation, materials already ordered, specialist waste arrangements, or labour costs for work already carried out. We will not apply cancellation charges unfairly, and any charge will be limited to a reasonable amount reflecting actual loss.

If we need to cancel or reschedule a booking because of severe weather, safety concerns, staff illness, equipment failure, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will notify the customer as soon as reasonably possible and offer an alternative date. We will not be liable for indirect losses arising from such changes, provided we act reasonably and in good faith. The customer acknowledges that outdoor work is often weather-dependent and that postponement may be necessary for safety reasons.

Scope of Service and Customer Responsibilities

Our services may include lawn care, pruning, hedge trimming, planting, weeding, leaf clearance, garden clearance, pressure washing of suitable surfaces, and general maintenance, depending on the agreed scope. However, we do not provide legal advice, property valuation, tree surgery requiring specialist certification unless specifically agreed, or any service that would be unsafe or unlawful in the circumstances. The customer must disclose any known hazards, such as unstable structures, buried cables, aggressive wildlife, contaminated materials, or protected plants.

The customer is responsible for ensuring that any necessary permissions, consents, or approvals are obtained before the work starts. This may include landlord approval, management company consent, neighbour agreement where relevant, or planning and conservation-related permissions where required by law. We may refuse or pause work if proceeding would risk breaching a legal obligation or causing damage to third-party property.

Where plants, fixtures, fittings, or garden features are fragile, the customer should point them out in advance. While our team will take reasonable care, gardening work can involve unavoidable contact with surrounding surfaces and vegetation. We are entitled to rely on the customer’s instructions and disclosures unless it is obvious that a condition is unsafe or unsuitable for the planned work. Any request for special handling should be confirmed before the appointment whenever possible.

Liability and Insurance

We will carry out our services with reasonable skill and care and in accordance with generally accepted gardening practices. If we fail to do so, our liability will be limited to the cost of re-performing the relevant service where it is reasonable to do so. We do not exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded under UK law.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for losses caused by inaccurate information supplied by the customer, pre-existing defects, hidden site conditions, natural plant failure, adverse weather, pests, disease, or any event beyond our reasonable control. We are also not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of use, or emotional distress, except where such exclusion is prohibited by law. Any claim must be notified within a reasonable time after the issue is discovered.

If damage occurs and we are found responsible, we may choose to repair, replace, or compensate for the affected item, subject to the limits of our insurance and legal obligations. The customer must take reasonable steps to minimise any loss or damage after an incident. We may request photographs, supporting documents, or access to the affected area to investigate any claim properly.

Waste Regulations

Waste produced during gardening work, including green waste, soil, branches, turf, and similar materials, will be handled in accordance with applicable waste legislation. Where waste removal is included in the service, we will dispose of it lawfully through approved methods. The customer acknowledges that waste handling arrangements may differ depending on the nature and volume of the material collected.

We may separate waste into categories for recycling, composting, reuse, or disposal where appropriate. However, we do not accept hazardous waste, controlled substances, asbestos, medical waste, or other prohibited materials unless specifically agreed and lawfully manageable. If such items are discovered during the work, we may stop the relevant part of the job and advise the customer that specialist removal is required. Any extra time spent dealing with prohibited waste may be chargeable if it was not disclosed in advance.

If waste is left on site for collection by the customer or a third party, the customer is responsible for arranging lawful removal and ensuring that the waste does not create a nuisance, obstruction, or environmental risk. We are not responsible for any penalties, claims, or costs arising from waste that the customer has directed us to leave on site after completion of the agreed service. The customer must also ensure that all waste-related information supplied to us is accurate and complete.

Changes, Complaints, and General Provisions

We may amend these terms where necessary to reflect changes in law, operational requirements, or service structure. Any updated terms will apply to future bookings, not retrospectively to work already agreed unless required by law. If a service element must be changed during a job because the original plan is no longer safe or practical, we will explain the reason and, where possible, offer an alternative solution.

Any complaint should be raised as soon as reasonably possible after the service has been completed or the issue has arisen. We will review the matter fairly and may ask for relevant information, photographs, or access to the site. Our aim is to resolve issues proportionately and without unnecessary delay. Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

These terms form the entire agreement between the customer and Gardeners Barkingside in relation to the relevant booking, unless another written document expressly overrides them. If any provision is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force. Failure to enforce a right on one occasion does not mean that right is waived for future cases.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with the services, the booking, or these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. By proceeding with a booking, the customer agrees that the relationship is governed by UK law and that any formal dispute will be handled under that legal framework.

The parties acknowledge that gardening work is practical and often affected by living materials, changing conditions, and weather. For that reason, these terms are intended to be reasonable, balanced, and suitable for everyday garden services. The customer is encouraged to keep a copy of these terms for reference in relation to their booking, payment, and any future service requests.