Finding the right gardener can make all the difference in maintaining a beautiful and thriving outdoor space. Whether you need regular maintenance, a garden redesign, or specialist services, having right questions to ask when hiring a gardener to hand, ensures you get the best fit for your needs.
To help you make an informed decision, here are 10 essential questions to ask when hiring a gardener in Maidstone, including the key questions to ask when hiring a gardener.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Gardener:
1. What Gardening Services Do You Offer?
Gardening companies and individuals offer a wide range of services, from lawn care and hedge trimming to landscaping and seasonal planting. Make sure their expertise matches your needs.
Key Considerations:
- Do they specialise in maintenance, design, or both?
- Can they provide one-off jobs or regular upkeep?
2. Are You Qualified or Professionally Trained?
While formal qualifications aren’t essential, a skilled gardener should have relevant training or experience in horticulture, landscaping, or garden maintenance.
Ask About:
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) qualifications
- NVQs or diplomas in horticulture
- Years of hands-on experience
3. Do You Have Public Liability Insurance?
A reputable gardener should be fully insured to protect both you and them in case of accidents or damage. Public liability insurance covers injuries, property damage, and liability claims.
Always check:
- Are they insured for public liability?
- What does their insurance cover?
4. Can You Provide References or a Portfolio?
A trustworthy gardener should be able to showcase past work or provide client references. This gives you an idea of their skills, work quality, and reliability.
Look for:
- Photos of completed gardens
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Online reviews and recommendations
5. What Equipment and Materials Do You Provide?
Some gardeners bring their own tools and materials, while others may require you to supply them. Knowing this upfront helps you avoid unexpected costs.
Ask About:
- Do they provide their own equipment?
- Will they supply plants, compost, or other materials, or do you need to?
6. How Do You Charge for Your Services?
Gardening costs vary depending on job size, complexity, and frequency. Some charge an hourly rate, while others offer fixed pricing for specific tasks.
Clarify:
- Do they charge hourly, per job, or on a monthly contract?
- Are there additional fees for waste removal or materials?
7. Do You Offer a Garden Maintenance Plan?
If you need ongoing care, a garden maintenance plan ensures your garden stays healthy and well-kept throughout the year.
Key Questions:
- Do they offer weekly, fortnightly, or seasonal maintenance?
- Can they tailor a plan to suit your garden’s specific needs?
8. How Do You Dispose of Garden Waste?
Gardeners generate a lot of green waste, so it’s important to know if they handle removal and disposal or if you need to arrange this separately.
Check:
- Do they take waste away with them?
- Is there an additional cost for disposal?
9. What Happens If I’m Not Satisfied With the Work?
A professional gardener should have a clear process for handling client concerns or issues. Ensuring good communication upfront avoids problems later.
Ask About:
- Their policy on revisiting work if needed
- Whether they offer guarantees or corrections
10. Do You Have Availability That Suits My Schedule?
The best gardeners are often booked up well in advance, so checking availability early ensures they can meet your timeline.
Consider:
- Do they have immediate availability or a waiting list?
- Can they work around your schedule and preferred timings?
Finding the Right Gardener in Maidstone
By asking these 10 essential questions, you can confidently choose a gardener who will keep your outdoor space looking its best.
At Cowen Landscapes, we provide expert gardening, landscaping, and maintenance services across Maidstone and the surrounding areas.
📩 Get in touch today to discuss how we can help bring your garden to life!
