Gardeners Lee Service Terms and Conditions

These service terms and conditions set out the basis on which Gardeners Lee provides gardening and related outdoor maintenance services to domestic and commercial customers. By making a booking, you agree that these terms apply to the work requested, unless we have expressly agreed different terms in writing. Please read them carefully before confirming any appointment. These terms are intended to be clear, practical, and consistent with standard UK consumer and business expectations.

For the purposes of these terms, references to “we”, “us” and “our” mean the gardening service provider operating under the Gardeners Lee name, and references to “you” or “your” mean the customer. The services covered may include routine garden maintenance, lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, clearance work, and other agreed outdoor tasks. Any service that is not expressly included in the booking confirmation is outside the scope of the agreement unless separately arranged.

These terms apply to one-off visits, scheduled maintenance, seasonal work, and other gardening services arranged in advance. They also apply where work is carried out on a quotation basis, a fixed-price basis, or an hourly basis. If there is any conflict between these terms and a written quotation, order form, or service schedule, the written document will apply only to the extent of that conflict. All other terms in this document remain in force.

Booking Process

Bookings for Gardeners Lee services may be made through the channels offered at the time of enquiry and are only confirmed once we have accepted the request. A request is not a binding agreement until we have issued confirmation, which may include a date, approximate arrival window, scope of work, and any assumptions relied upon in pricing. We reserve the right to decline a booking where the requested service is unavailable, unsafe, outside our operating capacity, or unsuitable for the site conditions described.

Before confirming a booking, we may request photographs, measurements, access details, service preferences, or other information reasonably needed to prepare an accurate quotation. If the information supplied by you is incomplete or inaccurate, the final price, timing, or scope may need to change. You are responsible for ensuring that the area to be worked on is reasonably accessible and that any known hazards are disclosed in advance.

Where a visit is arranged on a fixed appointment, you must ensure that someone authorised to approve the work is available, unless we agree otherwise. If we arrive and cannot gain access, or if the site conditions prevent the work from being carried out safely, the visit may be treated as a cancellation by you and charges may still apply. We may also revise the timetable if weather, access, or safety issues make the original schedule impracticable.

We aim to carry out all gardening work with reasonable care and skill and to the standard that is appropriate for the agreed service, taking account of the condition of the garden, season, weather, and any instructions given. The appearance of living materials, such as plants, grass, shrubs, and trees, can be affected by factors beyond our control, and no guarantee is given that natural growth or recovery will occur in a particular way or within a specific period unless this has been expressly agreed in writing.

Payments

Unless agreed otherwise, payment is due in full on completion of the work, on receipt of invoice, or in accordance with the payment schedule set out in the quotation or service agreement. For larger projects or recurring services, we may request a deposit or staged payments. Any deposit requested is intended to secure the booking and cover preparatory administration, and it may be non-refundable to the extent permitted by law if you cancel after we have reserved time or begun preparations.

All prices are stated in pounds sterling and may be quoted inclusive or exclusive of VAT depending on our trading status and the wording of the quotation. If VAT applies, it will be shown separately where required. If additional work is requested on site, we may provide an updated price before proceeding. If you ask us to continue beyond the agreed scope, you agree to pay for the extra labour, materials, disposal, or subcontracted services reasonably incurred.

Late payments may result in administration charges, suspension of further services, or recovery action where appropriate. We may charge interest on overdue sums at the statutory rate permitted under UK law where the customer is a business, and for consumer matters we may pursue only those remedies allowed by law. You are not entitled to withhold payment because of a dispute over a separate matter unless the law gives you that right or we agree otherwise in writing.

Cancellations and Changes

We understand that plans can change, and Gardeners Lee booking terms allow cancellations or amendments within a reasonable time. If you need to cancel or rearrange a visit, please give as much notice as possible. The exact notice period may be stated in your quotation or booking confirmation. If no specific notice period applies, a minimum of 24 hours is preferred for standard visits and longer for larger or scheduled jobs, to enable us to reallocate resources.

If you cancel with insufficient notice, we may charge a cancellation fee that reflects the time reserved, travel planning, and any materials already ordered. Where we have incurred unavoidable costs, such as specialist waste charges, plant purchases, or subcontractor fees, those costs may also be payable by you to the extent they are reasonable and properly evidenced. If a booking is postponed rather than cancelled, we will try to reschedule, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

We may cancel or postpone a service if conditions make the work unsafe, unlawful, or impractical, including severe weather, storm damage, unexpected site hazards, access restrictions, or equipment failure. In such cases, we will normally seek an alternative date or provide a refund for any undelivered part of the service, subject to deductions for work already performed and costs already incurred. We will not be responsible for delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control.

We may also suspend or end services where you fail to make payment, provide unsafe access, act abusively, or materially breach these terms. In that event, any outstanding sums become immediately due, and we may recover reasonable losses arising from the termination where allowed by law. Nothing in this section limits any mandatory consumer rights that cannot be excluded or restricted.

Liability

We will carry out our work with reasonable skill and care, but our liability is limited to losses that are foreseeable and directly caused by our breach of contract, negligence, or other legal fault. We do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under UK law. Subject to these limits, we are not responsible for indirect or consequential losses such as loss of enjoyment, loss of business, loss of profit, or loss of opportunity.

Gardening work often involves living materials, soil conditions, hidden utilities, unstable surfaces, and pre-existing defects. We are not liable for damage resulting from hidden weaknesses, decay, infestation, pre-existing structural issues, underground services not clearly marked, or inaccurate information provided by you. If you know of cables, pipes, drains, sprinkler systems, buried objects, or fragile features, you must tell us before work begins.

Where we recommend a course of action, such as pruning, cutting back, selective removal, or treatment, you remain responsible for approving the work. Once the work is approved and carried out in line with your instruction, we are not liable for the natural consequences of that decision, provided we acted with reasonable care and skill. If you ask us to proceed against our professional advice, we may refuse or require written confirmation that you accept the risk.

Materials, Plants, and Site Conditions

The supply of soil, compost, plants, fertiliser, mulch, stones, timber, or other materials may be included in some services and excluded in others. Where materials are supplied, ownership passes to you once full payment has been received, unless we agree otherwise. Natural variation in colour, size, form, density, flowering, and seasonal appearance is normal and does not constitute a defect. Any product or plant warranty, if given at all, will be limited to the specific wording provided at the time of sale.

You are responsible for ensuring that the site is reasonably prepared for work. This includes removing or securing valuables, protecting fragile items, controlling pets, and informing occupants of any noise, dust, or temporary disruption likely to occur. We will take reasonable care while working, but we are not responsible for ordinary disturbance that is inherent in gardening and outdoor maintenance. If you ask us to move items, we may do so only at your risk unless agreed otherwise.

If bad weather affects the quality or timing of the work, we may postpone, reduce, or reschedule certain tasks. Some services are not suitable in wet, frozen, or excessively windy conditions. In those situations, we will use our professional judgment to decide whether work can safely continue. Delays caused by weather do not automatically entitle you to compensation, although we will try to minimise disruption where reasonably possible.

We may take photographs before, during, and after the service for operational records, quality control, and evidence of completion. Any images used for internal administration will be handled appropriately and in line with applicable data protection law. We will not use your personal information except for purposes connected with the provision of services, invoicing, legal compliance, or legitimate business administration.

Waste Regulations and Disposal

Any garden waste created during the service must be handled in accordance with applicable UK waste rules. This includes, where relevant, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, duty of care requirements, and any local or national guidance relating to green waste, controlled waste, and recycling. We will dispose of waste only in lawful and environmentally responsible ways, and where required we may use licensed facilities or approved waste carriers.

Unless the quotation says otherwise, waste removal is not automatically included in the service price. If you ask us to remove waste, we may charge separately for labour, transport, disposal fees, permits, bags, or other associated costs. Waste classified as hazardous, contaminated, bulky, or restricted may require special handling and may be refused unless prior arrangements are made. We will not knowingly transport materials that we consider unlawful or unsafe to move.

You must not ask us to dispose of items that are not garden waste unless we have agreed to do so in writing. This includes household rubbish, electrical items, building rubble, chemicals, asbestos, and other regulated materials. If such items are discovered mixed with garden waste, we may stop work, charge for additional handling, or ask you to arrange suitable removal. Any fines, penalties, or third-party claims caused by your misdescription or unlawful disposal request may be recoverable from you where permitted by law.

Customer Obligations

You agree to provide accurate information, reasonable access, and a safe working environment. If the property is rented, shared, managed, or otherwise occupied by more than one person, you must ensure that you have authority to instruct the work. You are responsible for obtaining any permissions required from landlords, neighbours, management agents, or other interested parties. We are entitled to rely on your instruction as confirmation that you have the necessary authority.

Where services involve cutting back boundaries, removing vegetation near structures, or working close to fences, walls, sheds, ponds, or driveways, you must disclose any known weak points or disputed boundary issues. We will not resolve property disputes and may pause work if there is uncertainty about ownership or access. Any decision to continue in such circumstances is at our discretion and may depend on written confirmation from the relevant party.

We may refuse to use customer-provided chemicals, tools, or machinery if we believe they are unsafe, unsuitable, or not maintained to a proper standard. If you want us to use your equipment, it remains your responsibility to ensure that it is fit for purpose, correctly serviced, and safe to operate. Any damage caused by defective customer equipment is not our responsibility unless caused by our misuse.

Complaints and Disputes

If you believe there is an issue with the service, you should raise it as soon as reasonably possible so that we have an opportunity to assess and, where appropriate, remedy the matter. We may ask for photographs, a description of the concern, and access to the site to inspect the relevant area. Where the complaint is justified, our preferred approach is to rectify the issue, offer a partial refund, or agree another suitable remedy in line with your legal rights.

Nothing in these terms affects any rights you may have under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or other applicable legislation. If you are a business customer, any dispute will be handled in accordance with the written agreement, and any claim must be brought within the relevant limitation period. We both agree to act reasonably and to attempt informal resolution before escalating a dispute where possible.

These terms may be updated from time to time. The version that applies is the one in force at the time you place the booking, unless a newer version is expressly agreed by both parties. Changes made after your booking will not usually affect work already confirmed, except where required by law. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force.

Governing Law

These garden services terms and any dispute or claim arising from them are governed by the law of England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, mandatory consumer protections that apply in your jurisdiction will continue to apply where relevant, but the contract itself will otherwise be interpreted according to the law stated here.

Any dispute that cannot be resolved informally will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, unless applicable consumer law provides otherwise. By booking with Gardeners Lee, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these terms and that they form the basis of the agreement for the services supplied.