Our Gardening Service Process: How It Works

A clear, reliable gardening service process makes every visit smooth and stress-free. Here’s how our gardening service works at Gardening Croydon — from first enquiry to aftercare advice — so you know exactly what to expect.

The four step gardening process

We keep things simple and transparent. Whether it’s a one-off tidy or regular grounds maintenance, our four-step approach ensures consistent results:

1. Book and confirm
   Tell us about your garden and goals. We’ll provide an estimate or arrange a site visit if needed, then confirm a convenient date.

2. On site assessment
   Our team arrives within your booking window, walks the site with you, and agrees the scope, priorities, and any safety considerations.

3. Garden work and tidy
   We carry out the agreed tasks efficiently and safely, using the right tools for the job. We handle green waste and leave pathways and access areas neat.

4. Aftercare advice
   We offer simple guidance on how to maintain results afterwards, plus recommendations for seasonal upkeep or ongoing maintenance if you want it.

For pricing guidance and what affects costs, see our pricing approach. Ready to move forward? Send your details via Get a Quote.

Step 1: Book and confirm

• Share your brief: what you’d like done (e.g., lawn mowing, hedge trimming, weed control, garden clearance), garden size, photos if possible, and access notes.
• We’ll review and advise if a virtual estimate is suitable or if a site visit is best for complex or overgrown gardens.
• You’ll receive an estimate or a fixed quote once scope is confirmed. We’ll then agree a date and arrival window.
• If you have specific plants or areas to protect, let us know upfront so we can plan accordingly.

Useful starting points:

• See everything we do on our services overview.
• Check our FAQ for common questions on access, parking, and what’s included.

What we need to start the job

To keep the day running smoothly, please provide:

• Clear access to the garden and any gates or codes.
• Parking information or permits if required.
• Notes on pets, children’s play areas, ponds, or sensitive plants.
• Your priorities: for example, “tame the hedges, then focus on the borders.”
• Power and water availability if we’re pressure washing or using mains-powered tools.

If access is limited, we can usually work with smaller equipment — just tell us in advance so we bring the right kit.

Step 2: On site assessment

This is a brief walk-through at the start of the visit. We’ll:

• Confirm the agreed scope and walk the garden to check for hazards (loose paving, cables, nesting birds, or wildlife).
• Clarify finishes: for example, hedge height, lawn length, pruning style, or how you want beds edged.
• Agree priorities if time-limited, so the most important areas are completed first.
• Advise if anything needs adjusting — such as weather-dependent tasks or work that requires specialist equipment.

If additional tasks arise, we’ll discuss options and, where possible, complete them the same day or schedule a follow-up.

Step 3: Garden work and tidy

Our team focuses on safe, efficient workmanship and a neat finish. Typical activities include:

• Lawn mowing, edging, and tidy strimming.
• Hedge trimming and shrub pruning to shape and encourage healthy growth.
• Bed maintenance, weeding, and mulching for weed suppression.
• Ivy removal, seasonal tidy-ups, and general garden clearance.
• Pressure washing, patio cleaning, or decking cleaning where booked.
• Soft landscaping, planting, or turfing/returfing as agreed.

What happens on gardening day:

• We protect surrounding areas and work methodically from top to bottom (e.g., pruning before mowing).
• We use appropriate tools for the task and conditions, with dust suppression or cuttings control where needed.
• We minimise disruption to neighbours and shared spaces and keep access routes safe and tidy throughout.

How we handle green waste:

• We collect and bag green waste as we go.
• Where disposal is requested, we load and remove green waste for appropriate processing.
• If you have a compost area or council garden waste service, we can place cuttings there instead — just tell us your preference.

How we leave the garden tidy:

• Final sweep or blow-down of paths, patios, and driveway areas.
• Cuttings collected and removed or neatly stacked as requested.
• Gates closed, tools checked, and any irrigation or timers returned to their original settings.

Step 4: Aftercare advice

We’ll provide straightforward guidance to help you maintain results:

• Lawn: recommended mowing frequency, watering, and seasonal treatments (aeration, scarifying, overseeding).
• Hedges and shrubs: ideal pruning windows and how to encourage shape and density.
• Beds and borders: mulch depth, weed suppression tips, and watering guidance.
• Hard surfaces: how to keep algae and dirt at bay between cleans.

If you’d like ongoing help, we can set up a maintenance plan at intervals that suit you — weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or seasonal. You can also request ad-hoc visits for specific tasks like weed control or hedge trimming.

How to request additional tasks

Plans can change on the day. If you’d like extra tasks completed:

• Mention them during the on site assessment so we can factor them in.
• If time allows, we’ll complete the items and adjust the quote accordingly.
• If not feasible on the day, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit and provide a clear estimate.
• For larger add-ons (e.g., turfing, planting schemes, or overgrown garden clearance), a separate booking may be recommended for quality and safety.

What’s included and what’s not

Included as standard (unless agreed otherwise):

• Labour for the booked tasks.
• Tools and equipment necessary for the work.
• Basic tidy-up and blow-down of worked areas.
• Green waste collection and either on-site stacking or removal if requested in your quote.

May require additional time or a tailored quote:

• Large-scale removals, ivy on structures, or extensive stump/root work.
• Access solutions where parking or carrying distance is challenging.
• Specialist materials (e.g., new turf, plants, mulch, aggregates).
• Pressure washing that needs mains water/power or containment measures.
• Work at height or near utilities that requires specific controls.

If in doubt, ask during booking — we’ll confirm what’s included so there are no surprises.

Safety, care, and respect for your property

• We carry out risk assessments appropriate to the task and conditions.
• We use safe working methods and clean, well-maintained equipment.
• We protect your property and any shared access.
• Wildlife awareness matters — for example, we avoid hedge works where active nesting is identified and agree alternatives.

For details on cover and risk controls, see our insurance information.

Timings and availability

• Arrival windows help us account for traffic and weather. We’ll keep you updated if schedules shift.
• Some tasks are weather-dependent (e.g., certain lawn treatments, pressure washing in freezing conditions). If we need to rearrange for quality or safety, we’ll offer the next suitable slot.
• Peak seasons book up quickly — booking early helps secure your preferred time.

Payment and paperwork

• You’ll receive an estimate or fixed quote before we start.
• Any changes will be agreed with you before proceeding.
• We provide an invoice outlining the work completed and any materials used.
• Payment methods and terms will be set out with your booking confirmation.

If you need a formal quote for a commercial property, our team can provide a detailed scope aligned with your site needs and maintenance frequency.

Preparing for the visit

A few quick actions make a big difference:

• Move vehicles to provide safe access, if possible.
• Secure pets and let us know about any restricted areas.
• Unlock side gates or provide access codes.
• Mark any plants to avoid, or tell us about new plantings under mulch.
• Share any recent chemical treatments or irrigation changes.

After the visit: how to maintain results afterwards

• Water new turf or plants as advised; stick to the schedule to help them establish.
• Keep lawn cut little and often rather than removing too much at once.
• Refresh mulch annually to maintain weed suppression and moisture retention.
• Note recommended pruning windows for hedges and shrubs.
• Schedule seasonal tidy-ups before peak growth or leaf fall for best value.

If you’d like reminders or a seasonal plan, we can set that up as part of ongoing maintenance.

Common scenarios we help with

• One-off blitz before hosting or property viewings.
• Overgrown garden recovery, followed by maintenance visits.
• Regular lawn care combined with hedge trimming every few visits.
• End-of-tenancy or pre-let refresh to meet inventory standards.
• Commercial grounds maintenance with agreed service levels.

Explore options on our services page and then request a quote.

Why choose Gardening Croydon

• Local team serving Croydon and the wider CR area.
• Friendly, professional approach with clear communication.
• Practical advice tailored to your garden and budget.
• Flexible scheduling for one-off and regular work.

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your garden, share a few photos, and we’ll take it from there. There’s no obligation to proceed after receiving your estimate.

• Start here: Get a Quote
• Have questions? Check our FAQ or contact us for guidance.

We look forward to helping you enjoy a tidy, healthy garden all year round.