How to Hire a Gardener: A Step-by-Step UK Guide
Learn how to hire a gardener in the UK, from defining the job and getting quotes to agreeing access, payment and what happens on the first visit.
Hiring a gardener should be straightforward, yet a lot of disappointment comes from vague requests and unspoken assumptions. A little preparation leads to quotes you can compare and a result you are happy with.
Step 1: Decide what you actually need
Gardening covers a wide range of work. Write a short list of jobs, then group them:
- Regular maintenance: mowing, edging, weeding, light pruning.
- One-off tasks: a hedge cut, a patio clean, a clearance.
- Projects: a new border, turfing, raised beds.
- Specialist work: large trees, electrics, structural walls and groundworks.
If you are weighing regular upkeep against a single tidy, our article on a regular gardener versus a one-off tidy will help.
Step 2: Gather details for the brief
The more specific you are, the more reliable the quotes. Include:
- Postcode and approximate garden size, and whether there is front and back.
- Photos of problem areas and of the garden as a whole.
- Access, such as a side gate, steps, or no parking.
- Equipment on site: mower, tap, power socket.
- What to keep: plants, features, wildlife areas.
- Waste: whether it should be removed or composted.
If you want a structure, use the garden maintenance brief template.
Step 3: Find and shortlist
Look for gardeners who work in your area and whose profile describes the work you need. A gardener who specialises in lawns may not be the best person for a planting scheme. Read reviews for comments on punctuality, communication and tidiness, not just star ratings. On Compito, you search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers and read reviews left after completed bookings.
Step 4: Ask for quotes
Request quotes from at least two or three providers using the same brief. Compare:
- Whether labour, waste and materials are separated.
- Hours or days estimated.
- What is excluded.
- Their availability and lead time.
Do not choose solely on price. A lower quote that excludes waste removal may end up costing more. Our guide to what a gardener costs will help you check whether quotes are in a sensible range.
Step 5: Ask good questions
Before accepting, ask:
- Who will actually do the work, and will anyone else be involved?
- What will you do about waste?
- Do you have experience with this specific job?
- What happens if the job takes longer than expected?
- When can you start?
There is a fuller list in questions to ask a gardener before hiring.
Step 6: Agree the details in writing
Confirm the scope, price, date and payment method in writing, in the same place you will be able to find it later. Using an online booking that records the offer and your messages gives you a clear reference. On Compito you can message the provider, accept the offer and pay online, so the details sit together. See how it works.
Step 7: On the day
- Be available at the start for a short walk-round.
- Show them what to keep and what to remove.
- Point out hazards such as ponds, wasp nests, loose paving or livestock.
- Check the finish before they leave and raise any issues promptly.
After the job
Pay as agreed, and leave an honest review once the booking is completed. If something is wrong, raise it with the provider first and keep your messages. The platform's support team can help if it cannot be resolved; see help and safety.
Worked example: from vague to booked
A homeowner types, "Garden needs doing." Responses are slow and prices vary. They try again with a short brief: back garden about 12m by 7m, mow and edge, weed two borders, cut a 6m laurel hedge to 1.8m, remove green waste, side gate 90cm, outside tap available, any weekday in the next fortnight. They add four photos. This time three providers reply with questions that show they have read the brief, and the quotes are close in scope. They pick the one who suggested trimming the hedge before mowing to avoid raking clippings twice.
Timeline for a typical job
| Stage | Roughly how long |
|---|---|
| Writing the brief | Fifteen to thirty minutes |
| Receiving offers | Often a few days |
| Comparing and asking questions | A day or two |
| Booking | As availability allows |
| On the day | Hours to a day |
A first-time customer checklist
- Know what you want, and what you want left alone.
- Take photos in daylight.
- Set a rough budget and a preferred window.
- Ask the same questions of each provider.
- Keep everything in one message thread.
- Check the work before the gardener leaves.
Special cases
- Renting. Check with the landlord before major pruning or removal; see garden help for landlords and rentals.
- Not at home. Agree access arrangements and a photo update at the end.
- Elderly relative. Write the brief together and join the first conversation; see garden help for older homeowners.
- Big or risky work. Tree work and work at height should go to a qualified tree surgeon.
Building a lasting arrangement
If the first job goes well, ask about regular visits or a seasonal plan. A gardener who knows your garden will usually be quicker and spot problems early.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book a gardener?
Spring and early summer are busiest, so a few weeks ahead is sensible. Outside peak season, many gardeners can start within days.
Do I need to be at home?
Not always, but it helps at the start for access and instructions. For routine visits, many people leave the garden accessible and communicate by message.
What if I am not happy with the work?
Speak to the provider promptly, with photos, and give them the chance to put it right. Keep the conversation in writing so there is a clear record.