Find a Gardener near you
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Hiring a professional gardener can transform your outdoor space from a mere backyard into a flourishing garden. However, choosing the right gardener is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your garden thrives. This guide provides key questions to ask before hiring a professional gardener, helping you make a well-informed decision.
Before reaching out to potential gardeners, identify the specific services you require. Professional gardeners offer a variety of services, from routine maintenance to complete garden redesigns.
"Many people fail to clearly communicate their expectations, leading to dissatisfaction on both sides." – Sarah Thompson, Head of the Professional Gardeners Guild
Common gardening services include:
Routine maintenance (mowing, weeding, pruning)
Seasonal clean-ups
Planting and replanting
Garden design
Irrigation system installation and maintenance
Pest and disease management
According to Bark.com's gardener price guide, hiring a gardener in the UK typically costs between £15–£45 per hour, with standard maintenance averaging around £25 per hour. For larger projects, day rates range from £150–£280, depending on the complexity. For more insights on how to improve your garden for selling, consider exploring this improve your garden guide.
When interviewing gardeners, prioritise their qualifications and experience.
What horticultural qualifications do you hold?
Are you affiliated with any professional gardening associations?
How many years of experience do you have in the gardening profession?
Do you have experience with gardens similar to mine in size and style?
Can you provide references from clients with similar gardens?
Research indicates that gardeners with formal qualifications from institutions like the Royal Horticultural Society may charge 10–15% more but often bring valuable expertise that can prevent costly errors. For further advice on hiring a gardener, you might find this article helpful.
Ensure your gardener has the necessary insurance coverage to protect against potential accidents on your property.
Important insurance questions include:
Do you have public liability insurance? (Request proof)
What is the coverage amount?
Are any workers you bring covered under your insurance?
Do you offer guarantees on your work or installed plants?
A well-insured gardener should have at least £1 million in public liability insurance, with many professionals carrying £2–5 million. This protects you from property damage or injuries occurring during their work.
Clarifying a gardener's pricing structure can help you avoid unexpected expenses and budget effectively.
Do you charge by the hour, day, or project?
Are there seasonal pricing variations?
What is your payment schedule?
Do you offer discounts for regular, ongoing work?
What additional costs might arise that aren't included in your quote?
Many gardeners offer 10–20% discounts for winter work when demand is lower, according to a Homebase survey. Taking advantage of these seasonal variations can lead to significant savings.
With increasing environmental awareness, many homeowners prioritise sustainable gardening practices.
Sustainability questions to consider:
What is your approach to pest management? Do you offer organic options?
How do you handle garden waste? Is green waste recycling included?
Do you use electric or low-emission equipment?
Can you recommend drought-resistant plants suitable for our climate?
The Royal Horticultural Society notes that sustainable gardening can reduce water usage by up to 50% and decrease the need for chemicals. Learn more about sustainable practices on the RHS website.
A gardener familiar with your area will understand local soil conditions, microclimates, and regional pests.
Are you familiar with the soil conditions here?
What plants do you recommend for our local climate?
How do you address specific regional challenges (e.g. clay soil, coastal salt spray)?
Do you source plants locally, and if so, from where?
Research by the UK Gardening Trade Association shows that plants chosen for local conditions have a 60% higher success rate, reducing replacement costs and maintenance needs.
A successful relationship with your gardener depends on compatible communication and working styles.
Questions about working style:
How often will you update me on the work?
What is the best way to communicate with you?
How do you handle requests for changes or additional work?
Will you provide a written maintenance plan for me to follow between visits?
A gardener's portfolio and client testimonials speak volumes about their work quality.
Ways to verify their work:
Request before and after photos of similar projects
Visit a current garden they maintain (with the owner's permission)
Check online reviews on platforms like Bark.com
Contact at least three references
According to a Bark.com survey, 87% of clients who checked references and previous work reported high satisfaction, compared to 62% who hired based solely on price.
Professional gardeners should have their own well-maintained equipment and access to quality materials.
Questions about equipment and materials:
What equipment do you use, and how is it maintained?
Do you provide all necessary materials, or should I purchase anything?
Do you offer plant guarantees for new installations?
How do you ensure plant health during establishment periods?
Gardens are dynamic ecosystems, and unexpected issues can arise.
Questions about problem-solving:
How do you handle unexpected problems during a project?
What is your policy if plants fail to thrive after installation?
How do you manage weather delays?
What happens if additional work is needed once a project begins?
The best gardeners help your garden evolve and improve over time.
Can you provide a seasonal maintenance calendar specific to my garden?
Do you offer garden design consultations as part of your service?
How do you recommend developing the garden over the next few years?
What investments would yield the best return in terms of enjoyment and property value?
Garden design consultations typically cost between £50–£150, according to Bark.com, but many gardeners include basic design advice for ongoing clients.
Once you've chosen the right gardener, formalise your arrangement with a clear agreement.
Elements to include:
Detailed scope of work
Frequency of visits
Pricing and payment terms
Cancellation policy
Weather contingency plans
Communication expectations
Plant guarantee terms (if applicable)
Hiring a professional gardener is about more than just lawn mowing — it's about forming a partnership with someone who understands your vision and can bring it to life.
By asking these comprehensive questions, you'll find a gardener with the skills and experience to maintain your outdoor space and share your gardening values. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value — investing in a qualified, reliable gardening professional can save you money and heartache while helping your garden thrive for years to come.
Whether you need regular maintenance or a complete garden transformation, platforms like Bark.com can connect you with vetted local gardeners with excellent reviews, simplifying your search for the perfect gardening professional. For more inspiration, explore inspiring gardening ideas to enhance your outdoor space.
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Need a gardener but not sure of the cost? Read our handy price guide to find out how much your expert will charge for all your gardening needs, including landscaping services, pressure washing, and more!
