Gardeners in Milton Keynes

Checking a gardener before you hire

Gardening is not a licensed trade, so it is worth confirming a few basics before work starts. Ask whether the business holds public liability insurance, which covers damage to your property or a neighbour's during the work. If the job involves tree work such as felling, large limb removal or work on trees over a certain size, look for an operative qualified in accordance with Arboricultural Association guidance and check whether any tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order or conservation area rules, which are administered by Milton Keynes City Council. For garden design or landscaping projects, membership of a body such as the Association of Professional Landscapers or BALI can indicate a vetted operator.

Waste, chemicals and seasonal work

Anyone who removes garden waste from your property as part of their service and disposes of it commercially should hold a waste carrier registration with the Environment Agency, so it is reasonable to ask for this. If treatments such as weedkiller are used, a responsible gardener will apply approved products in line with the label and store them safely. Demand for gardeners tends to rise from spring through summer, so booking regular maintenance early in the season helps secure a slot, while clearance and pruning work is often quieter in autumn and winter.