• Check if there is a charge for preliminary visits and if this is refundable if the contractor undertakes the work
• Find out how long they have been in business and what qualifications they have, checking certificates of competence and insurance if necessary
• Get estimates for each part of the work involved
• Consider having the work done in stages, paying as you go, if firm quotes cannot be provided
• Also consider keeping back about 15 percent to be paid later after any faults been rectified
• Ownership of surplus materials and disposal of rubbish are common causes of dispute, so clarify these in advance
• Follow-up advice and help should also be specified in the contract, if desired

There are professional bodies to which contractors can choose to belong, which vet their members and provide opportunities for ongoing training. These organisations provide some degree of assurance that their members are up-to-scratch, and also have complaints procedures that you can access should you be dissatisfied with the quality of the work done.

However, belonging to these organisations costs money, so there may be satisfactory local contractors who do not belong to them.

Local head gardeners, horticultural colleges and garden centres or nurseries can often suggest suitable people.

The RHS is not able to visit members’ gardens, to act as an ‘expert witness’ or to provide specialist professional or commercial advice. We are also unable to monitor and assess the quality of all the individuals and companies who provide gardening services.

Tree surgery or tree assessment

Determine whether you need a consultant or contractor (a 'tree surgeon' may be either or both). A consultant will give professional advice on the health and safety of a tree, on the potential impact on any proposed or existing buildings or any other tree issue including Tree Preservation Orders and planning regulations. A contractor will typically carry out tree pruning, bracing, planting and felling operations and be able to identify and control (where feasible) tree pests and diseases. If you are employing someone to carry out tree work who is not a member of the Arboricultural Association, ensure they have professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. If you wish them to provide a full tree inspection check that the individual has Lantra Professional Tree Inspection training.

The Arboricultural Association
Tel. 01242 522152
Web: www.trees.org.uk
Maintains a directory of approved contractors and consultants.

International Society of Arboriculture
Web: www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx

Lawn care or weed control operator

Gardeners or other professionals who will be using pesticides (weedkillers, insecticides or fungicides) in your garden or on your land should have the appropriate spray certification; namely Safe Use of Pesticides certificates PA1(foundation) and, frequently, PA6 (hand held applicators).

Note: from 26th November 2015 anyone previously exempt from these qualifications under the so-called 'Grandfather rights' must now have the appropriate training certificate or Certificate of Competence.

Weeds on or near water: There are no weedkillers approved for the control of aquatic weeds in gardens, but there are a small number approved for use by professionals. Because of the danger of water pollution their application is very carefully controlled and prior approval for their use must be obtained from the Environment Agency or equivalent authority. The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) can provide details of suitably qualified contractors to carry out spraying of aquatic weeds.

National Association of Agricultural Contractors
Tel: 01780 784631
Web: www.naac.co.uk

Garden designers

Consider contacting the Society of Garden Designers if you want a specialist designer to draw up expert plans for you.

Many landscaping companies also offer a design and build service, which is a cheaper option than getting a design done separately. See the section on landscapers below.

The Society of Garden Designers
Tel: (01989) 566 695
Web: www.sgd.org.uk

Landscapers

Try contacting the organisations below to find a reputable company.

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)
Tel: 01538 751976
Web: www.landscaper.org.uk

British Association Of Landscape Industries (BALI)
Tel: 024 7669 0333
Web: www.bali.org.uk

Landscaping professionals are encouraged to apply for a Landbased Industry Skills Scheme/Construction Skills Certification Scheme (LISS/CSCS) SmartCard which is exclusively administered by the British Association of Landscape Industries. LISS/CSCS SmartCards are issued to applicants who work on live landbased commercial sites in the UK and recognise a person’s qualifications and health and safety experience. For most SmartCards, applicants must attend and pass a Register of Landbased Operations (ROLO) health and safety course, and, sit and pass a CITB touch screen test. Applicants may also need to provide evidence of an industry-recognised qualification or training certificate to assist with their application. More information and how to apply for a LISS/CSCS SmartCard can be found here.

Maintenance gardening services

Maintenance or 'jobbing' gardeners are often recommended by word-of-mouth. Although such people are likely to provide a reliable service it is worth asking for references and seeking proof of formal horticultural training.

The best professional organisation representing garden maintenance gardeners is The Gardeners Guild who require gardeners to prove that they have at least 1 horticultural qualification at Level 2 or above before being accepted as a member;

The Gardeners Guild
Web www.thegardenersguild.co.uk (includes a 'Find a gardener' directory)

Recruitment agencies:

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
www.greycoatplacements.co.uk
www.horticruitment.com

Trade magazine:

Horticulture Week: www.hortweek.co.uk