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The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Garden maintenance is crucial for homeowners, tenants, and landlords alike. A well-maintained garden not only enhances property value but also contributes significantly to mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that spending time in a garden can reduce stress and improve mood, making it a valuable asset for any property.
Garden maintenance involves a series of regular tasks aimed at keeping outdoor spaces healthy and visually appealing. Key aspects include preventing pest infestations and controlling weed growth, which are essential for maintaining the garden's aesthetic and functional value. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a well-maintained garden can increase property values by up to 20%, underscoring its importance in real estate.
A seasonal maintenance schedule tailored to the UK climate is vital for optimal garden care. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities for garden upkeep.
Spring is the time to clear winter debris and dead plant material, prune shrubs and trees before new growth, and apply slow-release fertiliser to lawns and beds. Regular mowing becomes necessary as grass growth accelerates, and it's the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs and hardy annuals. For expert advice, Sarah Raven, a renowned UK gardening expert, suggests focusing on soil health to ensure robust plant growth.
During summer, regular watering is crucial, ideally in the early morning or evening to minimise evaporation. Deadheading flowering plants encourages continued blooming, while weekly lawn mowing, with a raised cutting height during dry periods, helps maintain a lush lawn. Effective weed control before seed setting is essential, and it's also the season to harvest vegetables and fruits.
Autumn tasks include clearing and composting fallen leaves, cutting back perennials, and dividing overcrowded plants. Planting spring-flowering bulbs, trees, and shrubs is ideal now, along with applying autumn lawn feed and aerating compacted areas. Protecting tender plants before the first frosts is also crucial.
Winter is the time for pruning dormant trees and shrubs, cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment, and planning next year's planting scheme. Protect vulnerable plants from frost and snow, and check garden structures for damage or rot to ensure they withstand the winter weather.
Proper tool maintenance is essential for extending equipment life and improving gardening efficiency. For cutting tools like secateurs and shears, clean blades after each use, remove rust, sharpen blades, apply light oil to prevent corrosion, and store them properly. For power equipment, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, clean air filters, check and replace spark plugs, drain fuel before winter storage, and keep blades sharp and balanced. Research from the University of Reading indicates that well-maintained tools can reduce gardening effort by up to 30% and improve plant health by making cleaner cuts.
Hiring a professional gardener can save time and ensure expert care. Factors affecting cost include garden size, complexity, specific services required, regional location, and maintenance frequency. According to a Bark.com price guide, average costs for common services are: basic lawn mowing (£20–30 per visit), hedge trimming (£40–60 per visit), garden clearance (£150–300 per day), and full garden maintenance (£200–400 per month). Finding vetted professionals through Bark.com can provide free quotes tailored to specific requirements.
Sustainable gardening benefits both the garden and the environment. Composting creates nutrient-rich soil amendments from garden and kitchen waste, reducing household waste by up to 30% and providing free fertiliser. Water conservation is achieved by installing water butts to collect rainwater, which is better for plants than treated tap water and reduces water bills during summer months. Natural pest control involves encouraging beneficial insects and wildlife by planting pollinator-friendly flowers, installing insect hotels and bird boxes, and using companion planting techniques, avoiding chemical pesticides.
Different garden styles require specialised maintenance approaches.
Cottage gardens benefit from regular deadheading for continuous flowering, dividing perennials every 2–3 years, careful pruning to maintain a relaxed but controlled appearance, and supporting taller plants to prevent collapse.
Japanese gardens require precise pruning of ornamental trees and shrubs, regular raking of gravel or sand areas, careful moss management, and meticulous attention to detail and form.
Mediterranean gardens thrive with minimal watering once established, annual pruning of lavender and other shrubs, gravel mulching to reduce evaporation, and protecting tender species during wet UK winters.
Clear communication and well-drafted tenancy agreements are essential to avoid garden-related disputes, which account for 16% of deposit disagreements according to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Landlords are responsible for maintaining trees, large shrubs, and structural elements, addressing safety issues like dangerous trees and unstable structures, major garden clearance between tenancies, and providing basic tools if specified in the agreement.
Tenants should regularly mow lawns, weed, perform basic pruning and hedge trimming, keep the garden tidy and free from rubbish, and report significant issues to the landlord.
To reduce maintenance time while keeping the garden looking great, consider choosing low-maintenance plants like perennials, shrubs, and ground covers. Installing automatic irrigation systems, such as drip systems or soaker hoses, can save time and water. Using mulch extensively suppresses weeds and retains moisture, while grouping plants by water needs (hydrozoning) ensures efficient watering. Investing in quality tools can make gardening tasks faster and more effective.
Hiring the perfect professional gardener involves defining your needs and required services, getting multiple quotes to compare prices and services, checking credentials such as qualifications, insurance, and references, viewing previous work through photos or visits to maintained gardens, and discussing communication expectations. Bark.com can connect you with vetted local gardeners, offering free quotes tailored to specific requirements.
Viewing garden maintenance as an ongoing relationship is crucial for reaping its full benefits. A well-maintained garden extends its advantages beyond its boundaries, enhancing property value and personal wellbeing. Whether you choose to tackle the work yourself or hire a local gardener through Bark.com, the rewards of a thriving garden are well worth the effort.
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!
