Gardener Quote Checklist: How to Compare Offers
A practical checklist for comparing gardening quotes like for like, covering scope, waste, materials, timing, extras and red flags to watch for.
Two quotes for the same garden can be hundreds of pounds apart without either being wrong. They are often pricing different jobs. This checklist helps you strip each quote back to what it covers so you can compare fairly.
Step 1: Line them up
Put each quote side by side, in a table or a simple list, with these columns:
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasks listed | |||
| Hours or days | |||
| Waste removal | |||
| Materials | |||
| Total price | |||
| Start date |
Filling this in often reveals that the cheapest option leaves out something important.
Step 2: Check the scope
Does each quote describe the actual tasks, or just say "garden tidy"? Look for:
- Specific areas: front, back, side, borders, lawn.
- Specific actions: cut back, remove, trim to a height, plant.
- Boundaries: what will not be done.
If a quote is vague, ask the gardener to clarify. A professional should be able to describe the work in a few lines.
Step 3: Check the waste
Waste is the item most often missing. Find out:
- Is waste removal included, and how much?
- Is there a limit on volume or number of bags?
- Will heavy waste such as soil, turf or rubble be charged separately?
- Who pays disposal fees?
Our guide to garden waste disposal covers what is typical.
Step 4: Check the materials
If plants, compost, bark, turf or timber are included, you should see quantities and rough costs. If not included, ask who buys them and how they will be charged. For planting jobs, check whether the plants are named or described generally.
Step 5: Check the time
Compare the estimated hours or days. If one quote is much lower, it may allow too little time, which can lead to rushed work or a request for extra money later. If one is much higher, there may be extra labour or a more thorough approach. Ask the gardener to explain.
Step 6: Check the terms
- How is payment arranged, and when?
- What is the policy on bad weather or rescheduling?
- How are changes to the scope handled?
- What happens if you are not satisfied?
Keep the conversation in one place so you can refer back to it.
Step 7: Check the person
Cost matters, but so does how the person communicates. Consider:
- Do they reply promptly and clearly?
- Do they ask questions about your garden?
- Do reviews mention reliability and tidiness?
- Are they comfortable putting the plan in writing?
On Compito, offers come with a profile, ID-verified providers and reviews left after completed bookings, which gives you more to base the decision on than price alone. See how it works.
Red flags
- A request for a large upfront cash payment.
- Pressure to decide on the spot.
- A quote that appears after unsolicited door-knocking, with claims of urgent work.
- A refusal to list the scope or price in writing.
- Prices far below others with no explanation.
If something feels off, take a step back, and read our notes on safety.
What to do after comparing
- Eliminate any quote that lacks a clear scope.
- Ask the shortlisted providers any outstanding questions.
- Check availability against your timeline.
- Choose the quote that best balances price, clarity and confidence.
If you are still unsure, see questions to ask a gardener before hiring.
Worked example: scoring three quotes
A household asks three gardeners to quote for a spring tidy. Quote A is the lowest and says "tidy garden" with no detail. Quote B lists mowing, edging, borders, a 5m hedge trim, green waste removal and one return visit. Quote C is the highest and adds new bark mulch and a seasonal plan. Filling in the comparison table shows that A does not mention waste and B does not include mulch, while C includes materials the household does not actually want. The household chooses B, asks one clarifying question about timings and adds mulch as an optional extra later.
Simple scoring grid
| Question | Score 0, 1 or 2 |
|---|---|
| Scope clearly described | |
| Waste covered | |
| Materials and quantities stated | |
| Time or days stated | |
| Terms and payment clear | |
| Communication quality |
Add the numbers. It is not a formula, but it helps you notice which quote is clearer.
Follow-up questions that save money
- If I do some of the clearing myself, does the price reduce?
- Can the work be split over two visits?
- Is there flexibility on the date if the weather is poor?
- What would be the extra cost of adding a particular job?
Edge cases
- Rentals. Check the tenancy before ordering anything beyond routine care; see garden help for landlords and rentals.
- Quotes from a distance. Photos and a brief reduce the risk of surprises. Use the garden maintenance brief template.
- Big jobs. Ask to see recent examples or talk to a past customer.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always choose the cheapest quote?
No. Choose the one that clearly covers what you need at a fair price. A cheap quote that leaves out waste or finishing work often ends up costing more.
Can I negotiate a quote?
Politely, yes. You can ask whether the price changes if you bundle jobs, choose a quieter time, or deal with waste yourself.
How long is a quote valid?
It varies, so ask. Many gardeners hold a price for a few weeks, though material costs and availability can change.