What to look for in a landscaper or gardener
- BALI membership (British Association of Landscape Industries) — BALI members are inspected and graded. Membership is a strong indicator of quality for landscape design and construction projects. For regular garden maintenance, BALI is less common.
- Relevant qualifications (RHS, City & Guilds, NVQ) — For design work, look for RHS qualifications or a degree in landscape architecture. For practical gardening, City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2/3 in horticulture demonstrate formal training in plant care, soil science, and garden management.
- NPTC certification for chainsaw and tree work — Anyone using a chainsaw commercially must hold NPTC (now City & Guilds NPTC) units. This is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. If a gardener offers to fell a tree without NPTC certification, they are breaking the law and putting you at risk.
- Public liability insurance — Garden work involves machinery, chemicals, and working at height (hedge trimming, tree pruning). Ensure cover of at least £1 million. For tree work, insurers typically require £5 million.
- Knowledge of local soil and climate conditions — A good gardener or landscaper in Kent will understand chalky soils, clay drainage issues, and coastal exposure. They should recommend plants suited to your specific conditions, not just what looks good in a catalogue.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Can you show me examples of similar garden projects you have completed? Ask for photos of gardens at least 12 months after completion. New gardens always look good. The real test is whether the planting has established and the hard landscaping has weathered well.
- What is your approach to drainage and ground preparation? For patios, driveways, and lawn areas, the sub-base preparation determines longevity. Ask about MOT Type 1 depths, falls for surface water drainage, and whether they install land drains in heavy clay soil.
- Do you hold NPTC certification for any tree or chainsaw work? If the project involves felling trees, removing large branches, or stump grinding, the person doing the work (not just the company) must hold current NPTC units. Ask to see certificates.
- How do you handle waste removal and disposal? Green waste, rubble, and old fencing need proper disposal. Check whether the gardener has a valid waste carrier’s licence (required by law) and whether disposal is included in the quote.
- Will you provide a planting plan and aftercare instructions? For landscaping projects, a written planting plan shows species, spacing, and position. Aftercare instructions should cover watering schedules, feeding, and when to prune. Without these, your new garden may fail to establish.
Red flags to watch for
- Offers tree felling without NPTC certification. This is illegal and extremely dangerous. Unqualified tree work causes deaths every year in the UK. Never allow unqualified chainsaw work on your property.
- No waste carrier licence. Disposing of garden waste commercially requires a licence from the Environment Agency. Without it, the gardener may fly-tip your waste, which can result in fines — for you as the property owner.
- Skips sub-base preparation for paving. A patio or path laid directly on soil or with insufficient sub-base will sink and crack within a year. If the gardener does not mention MOT Type 1 hardcore or compaction, the paving will fail.
- Recommends non-native invasive species. Planting species like Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, or Himalayan balsam is illegal. A qualified gardener knows which plants are prohibited and will avoid them. If they do not recognise these species, their horticultural knowledge is inadequate.
- No understanding of soil type. Kent has diverse soils — chalk in the Downs, heavy clay in the Weald, sandy loam near the coast. A gardener who does not ask about or test your soil type cannot make appropriate planting recommendations.
What to expect on costs
Garden maintenance typically costs £25–£45 per hour. A full garden landscaping project with patio, planting, and fencing ranges from £5,000–£15,000 depending on size. Laying a new lawn runs £10–£15 per square metre (turf) or £5–£8 per square metre (seed). Tree removal costs £300–£2,000 depending on size and access.
For a detailed breakdown, see our full cost guide.
Find rated landscapers & gardeners in Kent
- Landscapers & Gardeners in Kent — county-level directory
- Landscapers & Gardeners in Maidstone
- Landscapers & Gardeners in Canterbury
- Landscapers & Gardeners in Dartford
- Landscapers & Gardeners in Tunbridge Wells
- Landscapers & Gardeners in Ashford
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