Terms and Conditions for Gardeners Bickley
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Gardeners Bickley provides professional gardening services to domestic and commercial clients. By making a booking, confirming an order, or allowing work to begin, the client agrees to these terms. They are designed to create a fair, clear, and practical agreement for both parties, covering the booking process, payment, cancellations, liability, waste handling, and governing law. Unless agreed otherwise in writing, these terms apply to all services provided by Gardeners Bickley, including one-off visits, regular maintenance, clearance work, planting, pruning, and seasonal gardening tasks.
In these Terms and Conditions, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to the gardening service provider, and “you” or “the client” refer to the person or business requesting services. The scope of work may vary depending on the job, the site conditions, the season, and any limitations identified during inspection or discussion. Any estimate or quotation is based on the information available at the time and may be updated if the circumstances change. These terms should be read carefully before any service is booked or authorised.
If any part of these terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply. No delay or failure by either party to enforce a term shall be treated as a waiver of that term. The client is responsible for ensuring that the person booking has authority to do so and to accept these terms on behalf of the property owner or relevant business where applicable.
1. Booking Process
Bookings may be made after an initial enquiry and confirmation of the type of work required. For Gardeners Bickley, a booking is usually formed once the client has accepted a quotation, provided the necessary job details, and we have confirmed availability. In some cases, a site visit may be required before pricing or scheduling can be finalised. The booking process is designed to ensure that the requested work is properly understood and that the service delivered is suited to the condition and size of the garden or outdoor area.
When you request a booking, you should provide accurate and complete information, including any access restrictions, hazards, pets, planned building works, or special requirements that may affect the service. If incorrect or incomplete information is supplied, we may need to revise the quotation, alter the schedule, or in some cases cancel the booking. Any dates given are estimates unless we specifically confirm a fixed appointment in writing. Weather conditions, equipment issues, staff availability, and health and safety considerations may affect timing.
We reserve the right to refuse or withdraw a booking where the work requested is outside our normal scope, presents an unacceptable risk, or cannot reasonably be completed to a professional standard. If a particular task requires specialist equipment, licensing, or permissions, the client must disclose this before the booking is confirmed. The client must also ensure reasonable access to the property on the scheduled date and that any gates, locks, driveways, or shared entrances are available as agreed.
2. Services, Scope, and Changes
All services are provided in accordance with the agreed scope of work. If the client asks for additional tasks once work has started, we may agree to carry them out subject to extra charges, additional time, or a revised date. Gardeners Bickley does not guarantee that every garden condition can be assessed fully before work begins, particularly where vegetation, hidden waste, boundary issues, or damp ground may affect the practical method required. Any change to the scope should be agreed as soon as reasonably possible.
We aim to perform services with reasonable skill and care, using appropriate tools and horticultural knowledge. However, living materials such as plants, turf, shrubs, and trees are subject to natural variation, seasonal conditions, and site-specific factors that may affect results. Unless expressly agreed, we do not provide a warranty that plants will survive after planting or that any landscaping or garden treatment will achieve a particular aesthetic effect. The client understands that gardening is affected by weather, soil quality, drainage, pests, disease, and ongoing maintenance.
All quotations are based on the expected time, labour, and materials needed. If, during the work, we discover additional complexity or hidden issues that materially affect the service, we may pause the work and discuss the revised cost or approach. Where a quote is stated to be fixed, it remains fixed only for the specified scope and period. A quote does not include work outside the agreed description unless specifically stated.
3. Payments
Payment terms will be confirmed at the time of booking or on the invoice. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due on completion of the work or within the stated invoice period. For larger projects, staged payments, deposits, or advance payments may be required. Deposits are used to secure time and cover preparatory administration, scheduling, or material ordering. If a deposit applies, the booking may not be treated as confirmed until the deposit has been received in full.
Invoices must be paid in the manner and within the period specified on the invoice. If payment is late, we reserve the right to charge reasonable recovery costs and interest where permitted by law. Any bank charges or payment processing fees imposed by the client’s payment method remain the client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed. We may suspend or refuse further work while any sums remain outstanding. A dispute over part of an invoice does not entitle the client to withhold payment of the undisputed amount.
Prices may be subject to VAT where applicable. Materials purchased specifically for a job may be charged separately unless included in the quotation. If the client requests a product or service that increases costs, the price may change accordingly. Discounts, promotional rates, or special offers, if any, apply only for the stated period and service description and may be withdrawn or varied at our discretion before a booking is confirmed.
4. Cancellations, Postponements, and Access Issues
The client may cancel or postpone a booking by giving reasonable notice. Where a cancellation is made at short notice after time has been reserved, we may charge a cancellation fee to reflect lost work opportunities, administrative time, or any materials already ordered. If we arrive at the property and cannot complete the service because access is unavailable, the site is unsafe, or the client is not ready for the appointment, a call-out or wasted attendance fee may apply.
We may cancel or reschedule a booking where weather conditions, safety concerns, illness, equipment failure, or other circumstances beyond our control make attendance impractical or unsafe. In such cases, we will usually offer a new date or an alternative arrangement. Gardeners Bickley is not responsible for indirect loss caused by a cancellation or rescheduling that is reasonably necessary due to matters outside our control. We will act in good faith to rearrange the service where possible.
Any cancellation rules, notice periods, and charges will be made clear in the booking confirmation or quotation. If the work involves ordering special materials, plants, or waste disposal arrangements, those costs may still be payable if they cannot be returned or cancelled without charge. By confirming the booking, the client accepts that some preparatory expenses may be non-refundable once work planning has begun.
5. Liability and Limitations
We will take reasonable care when carrying out gardening services, but liability is limited to losses directly caused by our proven negligence or breach of contract. We are not liable for pre-existing defects, hidden conditions, structural weaknesses, deterioration, or issues arising from incorrect information given by the client. This includes, without limitation, underground services, unstable borders, weak fencing, concealed debris, or plant disease that was already present before the work began. The client should make us aware of any known risks or sensitive features before the service starts.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded under UK law. Subject to that, we shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or loss of enjoyment arising from the service. Where any liability does arise, our total liability shall be limited to the amount paid or payable for the specific service giving rise to the claim, unless a higher amount is required by law.
The client is responsible for removing or securing valuables, fragile items, ornaments, and obstructions before work begins. We are not responsible for damage caused by items left in working areas, nor for damage arising from the client’s failure to provide sufficient access or safe conditions. If we believe a task may cause unreasonable risk to people, property, or equipment, we may stop work until the issue is resolved or the method is changed.
6. Waste Regulations and Green Waste Handling
Waste generated during gardening work may include cuttings, branches, soil, soil-containing roots, leaves, old compost, packaging, and other organic materials. Unless agreed otherwise, waste removal will be handled in accordance with applicable UK waste regulations and industry good practice. The client should understand that garden waste may be segregated, loaded, transported, recycled, composted, or disposed of through approved routes depending on the type and volume of waste and the facilities available.
We will not remove hazardous materials unless expressly agreed and legally permitted. Hazardous waste may include asbestos, chemicals, oils, contaminated soil, medical waste, invasive species requiring special handling, or items contaminated by such substances. The client must disclose any suspect materials before work begins. If prohibited or hazardous waste is discovered during the job, we may stop work and arrange a revised plan. Additional charges may apply where specialist disposal or separation is required.
The client remains responsible for ensuring that waste produced at the property can be lawfully collected and transported. If waste is left for collection, it should be accessible and clearly identified. Where waste transfer documentation, receipts, or records are required, we will provide them where applicable and keep records as required by law. We expect all waste handling to be carried out responsibly, with due regard for environmental standards and legal obligations. The client must not request any action that would breach waste legislation or local site rules.
7. Property Conditions, Plant Care, and Client Responsibilities
The client must ensure that the garden or work area is reasonably safe and accessible on the scheduled date. This includes arranging permission for entry where required, informing neighbours or managing agents if access is shared, and making us aware of any protected plants, restricted areas, or property features that should not be disturbed. If we need to move items to complete the work, we may do so with reasonable care, but we are not responsible for returning heavy, fixed, or unsafe items to their original position unless specifically agreed.
Where planting, pruning, feeding, or treatment work is carried out, the client should follow any aftercare instructions we provide. Plants, turf, and soil amendments may require watering, protection, or monitoring after the visit. Any advice given is based on the information available at the time and on the condition of the site. Seasonal variations, rainfall, frost, heat, pests, and disease may alter outcomes. Gardeners Bickley cannot guarantee outcomes that depend on future weather or third-party maintenance after our service has finished.
If the client fails to maintain the area after completion, we are not responsible for decline, regrowth, weed return, or reduced appearance over time. Similarly, if the client or another contractor alters the site after our work, any resulting issue falls outside our responsibility. Where ongoing services are agreed, the client must ensure continued access and timely communication regarding changes to the property or desired level of maintenance.
8. Complaints and Problem Resolution
If you are dissatisfied with any part of the service, you should raise the issue as soon as reasonably possible so that it can be reviewed. We may ask for photographs, a description of the concern, and relevant details of the booking. A prompt notification gives us the best opportunity to inspect the issue and, where appropriate, return to the site or propose a suitable remedy. We will consider complaints fairly and in line with the actual facts of the service provided.
Where a complaint is justified, our preferred response is to correct the issue within a reasonable time or agree another practical solution. If correction is not appropriate or possible, a partial refund or other remedy may be considered, depending on the circumstances. No complaint will automatically entitle the client to a refund unless required by law or clearly agreed. Any remedy will be assessed in proportion to the service delivered and the nature of the problem.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with the service, these terms, or the quotation shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, unless mandatory law provides otherwise. By booking Gardeners Bickley, the client confirms acceptance of these terms and acknowledges that they form the basis of the agreement between the parties for the supply of gardening services.