Terms and Conditions for Gardeners Whitton

Introduction These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which garden services are provided by Gardeners Whitton and apply to all bookings, quotations, scheduled visits, and related work. They are designed to give clarity to both the customer and the service provider, covering how services are arranged, how payments are handled, what happens if a booking changes, and the limits of responsibility that apply to garden maintenance and related tasks. By requesting work from Gardeners Whitton, the customer agrees to be bound by these terms unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

These terms are intended for domestic and commercial gardening services, including routine maintenance, hedge trimming, lawn care, planting, clearing, and seasonal garden work. They are written in plain language, but they still operate as a legal agreement. If any part of these terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply. Nothing in these terms is intended to reduce any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded.

When a customer books a service, the details provided at the time of enquiry are used to prepare the quotation and schedule the work. The scope of the job, access arrangements, site conditions, and any special requirements should be described as accurately as possible. If the work requested changes after booking, the price or completion date may need to be adjusted. Gardeners Whitton may refuse or reschedule work where conditions are unsafe, access is limited, or the requested service falls outside the agreed scope.

Booking Process All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation. A quotation may be provided after the customer supplies relevant information about the garden, the type of service required, and any specific instructions. In some cases, a site visit may be needed before final pricing is confirmed. A booking is only deemed accepted when the service provider confirms it in writing, by email, message, or another agreed method. Any verbal discussion is not binding until confirmed.

Customers are responsible for ensuring that the information they provide is complete and accurate. This includes details of garden size, work access, presence of pets, parking limitations, hidden hazards, or items that may affect the service. If incorrect or incomplete information causes extra time, extra labour, or additional materials, the price may be revised accordingly. Gardeners Whitton will make reasonable efforts to accommodate preferred dates, but scheduled times are estimates and may be affected by weather, traffic, equipment failure, or prior job overruns.

The company reserves the right to subcontract or assign work where necessary, provided the standard of service remains reasonable and consistent with the agreement. If a booking requires repeated visits, each visit may be treated as part of the overall contract, and the customer should ensure ongoing access on the agreed dates. If access is denied or the site is not ready for work, a wasted visit charge may apply.

Payments and Pricing Prices are normally based on the quotation issued before the work begins. Quotations may be fixed for clearly defined work or estimated where the final cost depends on the actual time, materials, or waste generated. Unless stated otherwise, all prices are quoted in pounds sterling and may be subject to VAT where applicable. Any additional work requested during the visit will only proceed if agreed by the customer or a person acting on their behalf.

Payment terms will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation. In many cases, payment is due on completion of the work, although deposits, part payments, or advance payments may be required for larger or repeated projects. Invoices must be paid by the due date shown. If payment is delayed, Gardeners Whitton may charge reasonable costs associated with collection, administration, or late payment, to the extent permitted by law. The company may also suspend further work until overdue amounts are settled.

Any discounts, promotional prices, or special rates are discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time before acceptance of the booking. If the customer disputes any part of an invoice, they should notify the service provider promptly and clearly identify the item in question. Undisputed sums remain payable by the due date. Where a payment plan has been agreed, failure to meet one instalment may allow the full balance to become immediately due.

Cancellations, Postponements, and Access Customers may cancel or reschedule a booking, but notice should be given as early as possible so that the appointment can be reassigned. If cancellation occurs at short notice, an administrative fee, wasted journey cost, or part charge may apply where losses have been incurred. The amount charged will depend on the notice given, the time reserved, and any materials already purchased for the job. Repeated short-notice cancellations may result in future bookings being refused.

If the service provider must cancel or postpone a booking due to illness, severe weather, equipment failure, staff shortages, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control, a new date will normally be offered. No liability is accepted for indirect losses caused by such changes, but any prepayment relating to uncompleted work will be refunded or applied to a rearranged visit, depending on the customer’s preference and the circumstances.

If the customer is not present, the site must still be accessible and ready for work at the agreed time. Locked gates, missing keys, unsafe conditions, or failure to provide necessary access may lead to a delayed start, a partial service, or a wasted visit charge. Where there is a security system, the customer must ensure that it can be safely operated by those carrying out the work. Any delay caused by access issues may affect the final cost.

Service Standards and Customer Responsibilities Gardeners Whitton will carry out services with reasonable care and skill, using suitable methods and equipment for the agreed task. However, gardening involves living materials, weather-dependent conditions, and natural variation, so results may differ from one season to another. Pruning, cutting, turf work, and planting all depend on plant condition, soil quality, and external factors. The company does not guarantee that all plants will survive or that every area will remain unaffected by environmental influences.

The customer is responsible for informing the service provider about known hazards, underground services, fragile structures, protected items, or areas that should not be touched. Where advice is requested, it is given in good faith, but any decision to follow advice remains the customer’s responsibility. The customer should also ensure that children, pets, and vulnerable persons are kept away from work areas during the visit. The company may stop work if conditions become unsafe or if the customer’s instructions create a risk.

Gardeners Whitton will not be responsible for pre-existing damage, hidden defects, deterioration caused by age, or issues caused by severe weather. If there is any uncertainty about what can reasonably be achieved, the service provider may suggest an alternative method or may decline part of the work. The customer must inspect completed work promptly and raise any concerns within a reasonable time, so that matters can be reviewed while the relevant details are still available.

Waste Handling and Regulations Garden work often produces green waste, soil, branches, old compost, packaging, and other materials. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, waste removal is only included where stated in the booking or quotation. If the service includes waste collection, the customer should understand that waste will be handled in accordance with applicable waste management requirements and disposed of through appropriate channels. Any extra waste not mentioned in the original job description may lead to additional charges.

The customer remains responsible for identifying items that should not be removed, including plants or materials they wish to keep. If any waste is contaminated, sharp, heavy, or potentially hazardous, the service provider may refuse to handle it unless suitable arrangements are in place. Waste transfer, transport, and disposal must comply with relevant UK rules, and the customer agrees not to request disposal of prohibited materials through standard garden clearance services. Where waste must be separated, the customer may be asked to assist by identifying the different types of material.

If the job involves the use of bags, skips, containers, or licensed disposal arrangements, these may be charged in addition to labour. Gardeners Whitton will take reasonable care to tidy the work area, but complete removal of all debris cannot always be guaranteed, especially where access is limited or waste is embedded in borders, lawns, or dense planting. The customer should also understand that some recyclable or compostable waste may be retained for lawful processing rather than disposed of immediately.

Liability and Limitations Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Subject to that, the service provider will not be liable for indirect, consequential, or economic losses arising from garden services, including loss of profit, loss of enjoyment, or loss of opportunity. Any liability for direct loss is limited to the amount paid, or payable, for the specific service that gave rise to the claim, except where the law requires otherwise.

The customer acknowledges that garden work may involve the use of tools, machinery, ladders, sharp equipment, and chemicals such as fertilisers or treatments where applicable. The service provider will use these safely and in accordance with reasonable practice, but the customer accepts that some residual risk cannot be eliminated entirely. Any damage caused by following the customer’s instructions, or by working on fragile or concealed structures not disclosed in advance, is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The company shall not be responsible for delays or failure to perform obligations due to events outside reasonable control, including adverse weather, flooding, storms, fire, industrial disputes, transport disruption, supplier failure, or government restrictions. Where such an event occurs, the affected obligation will be suspended for the duration of the event. If the event continues for an extended period, either party may cancel the affected service by giving written notice.

Complaints, Amendments, and General Terms If the customer believes that any aspect of the work falls below the agreed standard, they should raise the issue as soon as possible after completion. The service provider may request photographs, a description of the concern, or access to inspect the work. A reasonable opportunity to remedy the issue may be offered where appropriate. This process does not affect any rights that cannot be excluded by law, but it helps both parties resolve matters efficiently and fairly.

These terms may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in law, business practice, or service structure. The version in force at the time of booking will normally apply to that booking unless a later written agreement says otherwise. If any amendment materially affects an existing booking, the customer will be informed where reasonably practicable.

Governing Law These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where mandatory consumer law provides otherwise. By booking with Gardeners Whitton, the customer confirms acceptance of these terms and acknowledges that the service is provided on this basis.