Terms and Conditions - Landscapers Teddington
Welcome to our Terms and Conditions page for Landscapers Teddington. This page explains the rules, responsibilities, and expectations that apply when you use our landscaping services. We believe in clear communication and transparent working practices, so this document is designed to help clients understand how projects are planned, carried out, billed, and completed. By requesting a service, confirming an order, or agreeing to a quotation, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted these terms.
1. Scope of Services
Our landscaping services may include garden design, lawn care, planting, turfing, pruning, hedge maintenance, hard landscaping, paving, fencing, drainage work, raised beds, garden clearance, and related outdoor improvements. The exact scope of work will depend on the quotation, the agreed specification, and the condition of the property at the time the work begins.
It is important to note that all services are provided in accordance with the agreed written or verbal instruction, subject to site conditions, weather conditions, and access limitations. Any work not specifically included in the original agreement may be treated as additional work and may require a revised quotation or separate approval.
2. Quotations and Estimates
All quotations are based on the information available at the time they are prepared. This may include site inspections, photographs, measurements, client discussions, and any written details provided by the client. Quotations are intended to reflect the expected cost of labour, materials, equipment, waste removal, and any other reasonably foreseeable expenses.
Unless stated otherwise, quotations remain valid for a limited period and may be withdrawn or revised after that period. Estimates are not fixed-price contracts unless specifically confirmed in writing. If the project requirements change after the quotation has been issued, the price may also change.
Factors that can affect a quotation
- Changes in scope of work
- Hidden site conditions
- Restricted access to the garden or property
- Additional materials or equipment required
- Unexpected ground conditions, drainage issues, or obstructions
- Client-requested changes after work has started
Where reasonable, any major changes to cost or timing will be discussed before proceeding. This helps ensure that the project remains fair, practical, and aligned with expectations.
3. Booking and Acceptance
A booking is considered accepted when the client confirms the quotation, agrees to the work schedule, or authorises us to begin work. In some cases, a deposit or advance payment may be required before a booking can be secured. Booking dates may be provisional until all relevant details have been confirmed.
We aim to schedule work efficiently and in good faith, but dates may need to change due to weather, staff availability, material delays, or unforeseen site issues. Where this happens, we will make reasonable efforts to rearrange the service as quickly as possible.
4. Client Responsibilities
To help ensure a smooth service, clients are expected to provide accurate information about the property and the work required. This includes informing us of any known hazards, underground services, protected plants, shared boundaries, or access restrictions. Clients must also ensure that the work area is reasonably clear and that pets, valuables, and vulnerable items are kept safe during the project.
Clients are responsible for obtaining any permissions or approvals that may be needed from landlords, leaseholders, neighbours, management companies, local authorities, or other third parties. If permission is required and has not been obtained, the work may be delayed, limited, or cancelled.
Access requirements
- Safe access to the property and work area
- Clear pathways for tools and materials
- Access to water or electricity if required for the agreed works
- Secure parking or unloading space where applicable
If access is not available or is more difficult than expected, additional charges may apply if extra time, labour, or equipment is needed.
5. Materials, Plants, and Product Availability
Landscaping projects often involve natural materials and living plants, which can vary in appearance, size, colour, and quality. Where we source plants, turf, aggregates, timber, or decorative materials on the client’s behalf, we aim to supply products that match the agreed specification as closely as possible. However, exact matching is not always possible due to seasonal availability and supplier stock levels.
Natural materials are inherently variable. For example, stone may differ slightly in tone, wood may vary in grain and finish, and plants may change depending on season and weather. These natural variations do not usually constitute a fault if the goods remain fit for purpose and broadly consistent with the agreed description.
If a specific item becomes unavailable, we may offer a suitable alternative of similar quality and value. Any substitution will usually be discussed in advance where practical.
6. Timing, Delays, and Weather Conditions
Outdoor work is often influenced by weather conditions, ground moisture, frost, wind, and seasonal factors. Some landscaping tasks can only be carried out safely and effectively when conditions are suitable. Heavy rain, freezing temperatures, or extreme heat may affect planting, turfing, paving, or excavation work.
We do not accept responsibility for delays caused by weather or other circumstances outside our control. If a delay occurs, the project may be paused and rescheduled for a later date. In most cases, we will communicate any changes as early as possible and work to minimise disruption.
Completion dates should therefore be treated as estimates unless a firm deadline has been explicitly agreed in writing and confirmed as achievable.
7. Payment Terms
Payment arrangements will be set out in the quotation, invoice, or written agreement. Depending on the size and nature of the project, payment may be required in stages, upon completion, or partly in advance. All invoices should be paid by the due date stated on the invoice unless otherwise agreed.
Late payments may result in further action, including the suspension of ongoing work, the withholding of materials or deliverables, and the recovery of reasonable costs associated with overdue accounts. Where deposits are taken, these may be non-refundable if the client cancels after work has been scheduled or materials have been ordered, except where required otherwise by law.
Common payment structures
- Deposit before work begins
- Stage payments for larger projects
- Final balance on completion
- Full payment for smaller one-off jobs
If an invoice is disputed, the client should raise the issue promptly so it can be reviewed. Undisputed portions of the invoice remain payable by the due date.
8. Cancellations and Postponements
Clients may need to cancel or postpone a booking due to personal, financial, or property-related reasons. Where possible, we ask for as much notice as possible so that the schedule can be adjusted. Cancellations made shortly before the planned start date may result in charges if materials have already been purchased, labour has been allocated, or other costs have been incurred.
We always aim to act fairly and reasonably when dealing with cancellations. If a project is postponed rather than cancelled, the work may be rescheduled subject to availability and seasonal conditions.
If we must cancel or delay a booking due to unforeseen circumstances, we will also aim to provide notice and arrange an alternative date where feasible.
9. Site Conditions and Hidden Issues
Many landscaping jobs involve working with older gardens, existing structures, or previously altered ground. Hidden issues may include unstable soil, buried debris, concealed pipework, weak retaining features, drainage faults, or unexpected roots. These issues may not be visible during a basic inspection.
If hidden issues are discovered, the original plan may need to be adapted. Additional time, labour, materials, or equipment may be necessary. Any resulting changes in cost or programme will normally be discussed before extra work proceeds, where practical.
Although every effort is made to identify risks early, not all hidden conditions can be detected in advance, especially in outdoor environments.
10. Waste Removal and Site Clearance
Where waste removal is included in the service, it will normally cover standard green waste, soil, old plants, and common garden debris arising from the agreed work. Large volumes, hazardous materials, contaminated waste, or items not specified in the original quotation may incur additional charges or may need to be handled separately.
The client should make us aware of any unusual waste before the job begins. This helps avoid delays and ensures the correct disposal arrangements are in place. Any waste removed will be handled in line with relevant environmental and disposal practices.
11. Quality, Completion, and Snagging
We aim to deliver work to a professional standard and to complete each project in line with the agreed specification. On completion, clients should inspect the work and notify us of any obvious issues as soon as possible. Minor adjustments or finishing touches may be required after the main work is complete, especially in projects involving planting or natural settlement.
Some elements of landscaping may change over time, including plant growth, turf establishment, soil settlement, and timber movement. Such natural development is not necessarily a defect. Where a snagging issue is identified, we will usually assess whether it falls within the original scope and whether any remedial action is appropriate.
Examples of acceptable natural changes
- Freshly laid turf settling slightly
- New plants adjusting after transplanting
- Soil compacting after rainfall
- Timber drying and minor movement
12. Liability and Limitations
We take reasonable care in the planning and delivery of our services. However, as with any outdoor work, there are limits to what can be guaranteed. We are not responsible for losses resulting from inaccurate information supplied by the client, unforeseen site conditions, third-party interference, or events outside our control.
Nothing in these terms excludes liability where it cannot lawfully be excluded. Any liability that is not excluded will usually be limited to the value of the relevant service, except where the law states otherwise.
We are not liable for indirect losses such as loss of enjoyment, loss of use, or business interruption unless required by law. Clients are encouraged to protect personal items, ornaments, furniture, and fragile garden features before work begins.
13. Guarantees and Workmanship
Where a guarantee is offered, its length and scope will depend on the specific service provided and any conditions stated in the quotation or invoice. Some items, especially living materials like plants and turf, may be subject to different expectations than structural landscaping elements.
Guarantees usually do not apply where problems are caused by misuse, neglect, extreme weather, poor aftercare, accidental damage, or changes made by the client or a third party. The client is responsible for following any care recommendations provided at the end of the project, especially in relation to watering, mowing, feeding, or protecting new planting.
14. Aftercare and Maintenance
Many landscaping improvements need ongoing care to remain healthy and attractive. Newly planted shrubs, trees, lawns, and soft landscaping features may require watering, feeding, pruning, and monitoring during the establishment period. If aftercare instructions are provided, they should be followed carefully.
Failure to carry out routine aftercare may affect the condition of plants and surfaces. In such cases, deterioration is not usually considered a fault in the original service. Maintenance services can often be arranged separately if regular upkeep is required.
15. Changes to These Terms
These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in services, legal requirements, business practices, or operational procedures. The version in force at the time of booking will usually apply to that project unless otherwise agreed.
It is the client’s responsibility to review the applicable terms before confirming work. If a change materially affects a project already agreed, we will normally provide notice where reasonable.
16. General Provisions
If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect. Failure to enforce a right or condition on one occasion does not mean that right has been waived for future situations. These terms should be read together with any quotation, invoice, or written agreement relating to the service.
By proceeding with a booking, you confirm that you understand the nature of landscaping work and accept that outdoor projects can involve variation, timing changes, and site-specific considerations. Clear communication and mutual cooperation help create the best possible outcome for every project.
17. Summary of Key Expectations
To make the service efficient and professional, both parties should work within the agreed scope, communicate clearly, and respond promptly to any issues that arise. A successful landscaping project depends on accurate information, realistic scheduling, safe access, and fair payment.
Key points to remember
- Quotations are based on the information available at the time
- Outdoor work may be affected by weather and site conditions
- Additional work may result in extra charges
- Payments must be made according to the agreed terms
- Natural materials and plants can vary in appearance and performance
- Clients should provide access, permissions, and accurate property information
These Terms and Conditions are designed to support a smooth and professional service for landscaping work in Teddington. They help ensure that expectations are clear, responsibilities are understood, and projects can move forward with confidence. If you are considering a landscaping project, understanding these terms is an important first step toward a well-managed and successful outcome.