The landscaping industry in Hampshire and the wider South is largely unregulated, which means the quality of operators ranges from excellent to very poor. Knowing what to check before you commit to any landscaper could save you thousands of pounds and enormous frustration.
7 Essential Checks
Run through all seven of these checks before agreeing to any landscaping work. A professional, reliable company will pass all of them without hesitation.
- 1. Ask to see recent examples of comparable completed work
- 2. Request references from previous customers you can contact
- 3. Confirm they hold public liability insurance — ask for the certificate
- 4. Get a detailed written quote, not a verbal estimate
- 5. Check if they are members of APL, BALI or another trade body
- 6. Ask who will be on site — the person quoting, or a sub-team?
- 7. Never pay more than 10–20% upfront for a large project
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of landscapers who cannot show previous work, ask for large cash payments upfront, quote a price dramatically lower than others without explanation, or pressure you to sign quickly. These are the most common indicators of unreliable operators.
The Value of Local Knowledge
A local landscaper with deep knowledge of Hampshire soils, planning requirements and suppliers will almost always deliver a better result than a contractor who travels a long distance. Local reputation also provides accountability that out-of-area operators lack.
A&T Landscapes is a trusted, fully insured landscaping company serving Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 to arrange a free site visit.