Terms and Conditions for Gardeners Old Coulsdon
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which gardening services are provided by Gardeners Old Coulsdon. By making a booking, requesting work to be carried out, or allowing access to a property for the purpose of gardening services, the client agrees to be bound by these terms. They are designed to create a clear understanding of how bookings are arranged, how payment is handled, when cancellations may apply, and how responsibilities are shared between the parties. These terms apply to domestic and commercial customers unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The purpose of these conditions is to ensure that each Old Coulsdon gardening service is delivered in a fair, lawful, and practical way. Gardening work can vary widely in scope, timing, and site conditions, so it is important that both parties understand the limits of the service. Nothing in these terms affects any rights that cannot legally be excluded under UK law, including rights relating to consumer protection where applicable.
These terms should be read carefully before confirming any appointment for gardening services in Old Coulsdon. If any part of the work changes after booking, the price and timing may need to be reviewed. Where a written estimate or quotation is provided, it will normally remain valid for a stated period, subject to site conditions remaining materially the same.
1. Booking process
Bookings for Old Coulsdon gardeners are usually made after an initial enquiry, site review, or description of the required work. The client must provide accurate information about the property, access arrangements, the condition of the garden, and any known restrictions that could affect the service. This may include details such as uneven ground, hidden hazards, pets, restricted parking, water access, or protected plants. Any quotation or proposed schedule is based on the information provided at the time.
Once a booking is accepted, the service date, expected tasks, and any special instructions may be confirmed in writing or by another clear record. A booking is not guaranteed until it has been accepted by the service provider. Where materials, waste removal, or specialist equipment are required, these may be included separately or quoted in advance. The scope of work should remain limited to what has been agreed, although reasonable adjustments may be made on site if necessary and if both parties consent.
If the client wishes to amend the booking, they should give notice as early as possible. Changes to the scope of work may affect timing, staffing, or cost. If the original request becomes significantly different from the agreed job, a revised quotation may be issued. The client agrees not to expect additional tasks to be completed free of charge unless this has been expressly included in the booking.
2. Prices and payments
Prices for garden maintenance in Old Coulsdon may be calculated by fixed quote, hourly rate, daily rate, or a combination of methods depending on the nature of the work. Where a quotation is given, it is based on the details supplied and may exclude unforeseen issues such as hidden waste, difficult access, or unexpected overgrowth. If additional work is required, the client will normally be informed before proceeding whenever reasonably possible.
Invoices are payable in full by the date stated on the invoice or at the time of completion if agreed in advance. The service provider may request a deposit, part payment, or payment on booking for larger jobs, recurring work, or work involving materials. Accepted payment methods may vary and should be confirmed during the booking process. Unless otherwise stated, all prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT according to the legal position of the provider, which will be made clear where relevant.
Late payment may result in administration charges, recovery action, or suspension of future bookings where permitted by law. Any costs incurred in pursuing overdue sums may be added to the outstanding balance where legally recoverable. The client is responsible for ensuring that payment details are valid and that funds are available on the due date. Where a third party is paying, the client remains responsible for the invoice unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.
3. Cancellations and rescheduling
Cancellations for Gardeners Old Coulsdon services should be made as soon as possible. If the client cancels a booking with sufficient notice, no cancellation fee may apply, depending on the nature of the work and whether any expenses have already been incurred. However, if cancellation occurs after materials have been purchased, labour has been allocated, or a visit has already begun, the client may be charged for costs reasonably incurred up to the point of cancellation.
Where a booking is rescheduled rather than cancelled, every effort will be made to offer an alternative date, subject to availability. If access is not possible on the agreed date because the client is absent, the garden cannot be entered, or the site is unsafe, the visit may be treated as a late cancellation or wasted attendance. In those circumstances, the client may still be charged for the appointment, travel, or time reserved.
4. Service standards and client responsibilities
The service provider will carry out the work with reasonable skill and care, using suitable tools, methods, and professional judgment. However, gardening is affected by weather, plant condition, seasonal variation, and existing site issues. As a result, results can differ from one visit to another. The client acknowledges that living plants are not guaranteed to survive trimming, transplanting, or treatment if they are already weak, diseased, or affected by environmental factors.
The client must ensure that the area is reasonably accessible and that any known risks are disclosed before work begins. This includes the presence of underground utilities, broken paving, concealed debris, sharp objects, unstable structures, or aggressive animals. The client should also remove or secure valuable items, ornaments, toys, and fragile objects before the visit. Unless agreed otherwise, the service provider is not responsible for moving heavy furniture, dismantling permanent fixtures, or carrying out work that would require specialist contractors.
Where the client requests that certain plants, borders, trees, or features be retained, these instructions should be clear and specific. If instructions are ambiguous, the service provider may need to interpret them reasonably in order to complete the task. The client accepts that some tasks, including hedge cutting, pruning, or clearance work, may alter the appearance of a garden more than expected if the growth is extensive or neglected.
5. Liability
Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under UK law. Subject to that, the service provider shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, loss of enjoyment, or loss arising from events outside reasonable control. The service provider will not accept liability for pre-existing defects, poor soil conditions, hidden damage, or issues that were not visible or reasonably foreseeable at the time of the visit.
If any damage is caused directly by the service provider’s negligence, liability will normally be limited to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, taking account of the age, condition, and value of the item concerned. The client must notify the provider of any alleged issue within a reasonable period after the work has been completed and must allow an opportunity to inspect the matter before repair or remedy is arranged. Failure to do so may affect any claim.
The service provider is not responsible for damage caused by items left in the work area, by hidden hazards, by inaccurate instructions, or by actions taken by the client or a third party. Any advice offered about plant care, lawn treatment, or seasonal maintenance is provided in good faith but is not a guarantee of outcome. The client remains responsible for ongoing care unless a continuing maintenance contract states otherwise.
6. Waste, green waste, and disposal regulations
All waste generated during Old Coulsdon garden services must be handled in accordance with applicable UK waste law. This includes the proper separation, transport, and disposal of green waste, soil, timber, hard landscaping debris, and general rubbish. Where the service provider removes waste, the client agrees that it may be taken to a licensed facility, recycled where possible, or otherwise disposed of lawfully.
The client acknowledges that some materials may require special handling, including treated timber, contaminated soil, sharp garden waste, or items containing chemicals. Such materials may not be accepted as standard green waste and may require additional charges or refusal of removal if they are unsafe or prohibited. The client must not ask the service provider to dispose of hazardous materials unlawfully or without disclosure. Any waste transfer arrangements will be made in compliance with the duty of care requirements applicable in England and Wales.
If waste is left on site after the work, responsibility for its removal may remain with the client unless removal has been expressly included. The client should not assume that all cuttings, rubble, or unwanted items will be taken away unless this has been clearly stated in the quotation or invoice. Where waste bins are used, the client must ensure that they are suitable and available for the intended material.
7. Access, weather, and postponement
Access to the property must be available at the agreed time. If keys, codes, or attendance arrangements are needed, these must be provided in a timely and secure manner. The service provider may refuse to start or continue work if access is unsafe, unlawful, or materially different from what was expected. Delays caused by blocked access, missing information, or locked gates may result in additional charges or a revised timetable.
Weather conditions can affect the safety and quality of garden work. Heavy rain, frost, strong winds, excessive heat, or other adverse conditions may mean that certain tasks are postponed or altered. The service provider may decide not to use machinery or carry out high-risk tasks if conditions make the work unsafe or likely to cause damage. In such cases, a new date may be offered, but no guarantee can be given that all work will be completed on the original schedule.
Where a visit must be abandoned for safety reasons, the service provider may charge for time already spent, travel, preparation, or partial completion. This is particularly relevant where the client has insisted that work proceed despite unsafe conditions or where the site condition changes after the booking has been accepted. Any postponement will be handled reasonably and with the aim of minimising disruption.
8. Complaints and rectification
If the client believes that the service has not been carried out in accordance with the agreement, they should notify the provider promptly with a clear description of the issue. The service provider may ask for photographs, a site inspection, or other relevant information. Where a genuine fault has occurred, the provider may, at its discretion and where appropriate, return to rectify the issue, offer a partial refund, or agree another reasonable solution.
The client must allow a fair opportunity to investigate and remedy any complaint before arranging third-party repairs or making deductions from payment, except where such action is required by law. Minor variations in appearance, seasonal response, or plant recovery are not usually treated as faults. Complaints relating to workmanship must be made within a reasonable time after completion, otherwise it may be difficult to assess what occurred.
Nothing in this section prevents the client from exercising statutory rights. However, those rights are subject to the facts of each case, including the type of service provided, the condition of the garden before work started, and the information supplied during booking.
9. Termination and ongoing arrangements
Either party may end an ongoing maintenance arrangement by giving reasonable notice, unless a different notice period has been agreed in writing. For recurring Old Coulsdon gardening visits, the provider may also suspend or terminate services if invoices remain unpaid, access is repeatedly denied, the site becomes unsafe, or the client breaches these terms in a serious way.
If the agreement ends, the client must pay for all work carried out up to the termination date, including any materials already ordered or expenses already incurred on their behalf. Any advance payments for work not yet completed will be handled in accordance with the terms of the booking and any lawful refund obligations. Termination does not affect rights or responsibilities that are intended to continue after the service ends, including payment obligations, liability provisions, and waste-related compliance.
10. Governing law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute, claim, or matter arising from the provision of gardening services Old Coulsdon shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, unless mandatory law provides otherwise. If any provision is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms will continue in full force to the extent permitted by law.