Terms and Conditions - Landscapers Shortlands
These Terms and Conditions explain the rules, responsibilities, and limitations that apply when using landscaping services in Shortlands. They are designed to create a clear understanding between the service provider and the client so that every project can be delivered with professionalism, fairness, and transparency. Whether the work involves garden maintenance, turf installation, planting, pruning, or full landscape transformation, it is important that expectations are defined from the beginning.
By requesting services, agreeing to a quotation, or allowing work to begin on site, the client acknowledges that these Terms and Conditions apply. They are intended to support smooth project delivery and reduce misunderstandings about scope, pricing, timelines, and responsibilities. All landscaping work is carried out subject to availability, site conditions, and agreed specifications.
1. Scope of Services
The landscaping services covered by these Terms and Conditions may include soft landscaping, hard landscaping, garden maintenance, planting design, lawn care, hedge trimming, soil improvement, and related outdoor improvement works. The exact scope of work will be based on the agreed quotation, written proposal, or project schedule.
Any services not specifically listed in the agreed scope are not automatically included. If additional tasks are requested during the project, they may be treated as extra work and charged separately. This ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of what is and is not included in the original arrangement.
- Soft landscaping such as planting, mulching, and lawn preparation
- Hard landscaping such as paths, edging, and decorative features
- Routine garden maintenance and seasonal care
- Project-specific improvements agreed in writing
2. Quotations and Estimates
Any quotation provided is based on the information available at the time of inspection or enquiry. Prices may depend on site access, ground conditions, plant availability, material costs, and the complexity of the work. A quotation should be treated as valid for the period stated within it, if a validity period is supplied.
An estimate is not the same as a fixed quotation. An estimate provides an approximate cost and may change if the project requirements change, if hidden issues are discovered, or if the client requests alterations. Clients are encouraged to review all quotations carefully before approval.
Where measurements, quantities, or site conditions have been provided by the client and later prove inaccurate, the final price may need to be adjusted. The client accepts that natural outdoor environments can reveal unexpected issues, including poor soil quality, drainage limitations, or root obstruction.
3. Booking and Scheduling
Service dates are arranged based on workload, weather conditions, material availability, and site readiness. While every effort is made to meet scheduled dates, landscaping work may be postponed due to rain, frost, extreme heat, supplier delays, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control.
When a project is booked, the client is expected to ensure that the site is accessible and prepared for work on the agreed date. If access is limited or the area is not ready, the work may need to be rescheduled and additional charges may apply if time is lost.
Timelines are estimates and are not guaranteed completion dates unless expressly agreed in writing.
3.1 Changes to the Schedule
If either party needs to alter the schedule, reasonable notice should be given where possible. Rescheduling may affect material deliveries, plant availability, and the order of work on the project. The service provider is not responsible for losses caused by delays outside its control.
4. Client Responsibilities
The client has an important role in ensuring the project can proceed safely and efficiently. This includes providing accurate information about the property, identifying underground services where known, securing pets, and removing fragile or valuable items from work areas. The client should also inform the service provider about any known hazards or restricted areas before work begins.
- Ensure access to the site on the agreed date
- Provide accurate site information and instructions
- Remove personal items, ornaments, or obstacles from work zones
- Advise of any special requirements or site risks
If the client fails to meet these responsibilities and the project is delayed or affected, the service provider may revise the schedule or issue additional charges for wasted time or repeated visits.
5. Materials, Plants, and Products
Where the service includes the supply of plants, soil, turf, gravel, stone, timber, or other materials, the products supplied will generally be of a quality suitable for the intended purpose. However, natural materials may vary in colour, size, shape, texture, and appearance. Such variation is normal and should not be considered a defect.
Plants are living products and require appropriate care after installation. Their long-term condition depends on watering, weather, soil conditions, maintenance, and seasonal factors. The client accepts that some plants may not perform as expected despite proper installation. No guarantee can be made that all living materials will establish successfully under all conditions.
If the client supplies materials themselves, the service provider is not responsible for defects, delays, shortages, or compatibility issues associated with those items. Work may be paused if supplied materials are unsuitable or unavailable.
6. Payment Terms
Payment terms will be stated in the quotation, invoice, or agreement. Unless otherwise agreed, payments are due according to the stated schedule and must be made in full by the specified date. Deposits, part payments, or staged payments may be requested for larger projects or when materials need to be purchased in advance.
Failure to pay on time may result in work being delayed, suspended, or withheld until payment is received. The client agrees to pay any agreed fees for completed work, materials ordered, or services already provided, even if the project is later cancelled after work has started.
All prices are subject to change if the scope of work changes or if unforeseen site conditions are identified.
6.1 Late Payments
If a payment becomes overdue, the service provider may charge reasonable administrative costs or interest where permitted by law and where stated in the agreement. Continued non-payment may lead to recovery action. Any costs incurred in recovering outstanding balances may be added to the amount due, subject to legal limits.
7. Cancellations and Postponements
If the client wishes to cancel or postpone a booking, reasonable notice should be given. If materials have already been ordered, labour has been scheduled, or work has already commenced, the client may be responsible for the cost of those items and any non-recoverable expenses.
The service provider also reserves the right to cancel or postpone work where necessary due to unsafe conditions, severe weather, illness, equipment failure, or events outside reasonable control. In such cases, a revised date will usually be offered where possible.
Cancellation policies may vary depending on the size and type of project.
8. Site Conditions and Unexpected Issues
Outdoor projects often reveal conditions that cannot be fully assessed before work begins. These may include buried debris, poor drainage, contaminated soil, hidden roots, unstable ground, or unmarked services. If such issues are discovered, the service provider may need to pause work and discuss the best next steps with the client.
Where additional work, materials, or specialist input is required to address unexpected site conditions, extra charges may apply. The client acknowledges that landscaping work is sometimes dependent on what is found after excavation or site preparation starts.
- Hidden tree roots or stump remnants
- Drainage problems or waterlogging
- Uneven subsoil or compacted ground
- Unknown underground obstacles
9. Variations to the Work
Any changes to the agreed scope should be confirmed before the work is carried out where possible. Variations may affect pricing, materials, and completion time. The service provider is not obliged to proceed with additional work unless the cost and impact on the schedule have been discussed and agreed.
If the client requests a design alteration, extra planting, different materials, or a revised layout after the project has begun, the original quotation may no longer apply. These modifications may be treated as a new instruction or separate charge.
10. Quality and Workmanship
Work will be carried out with reasonable care and skill, using methods appropriate for the type of service being provided. The aim is to deliver a professional finish that reflects the agreed requirements and the condition of the site. However, landscaping is influenced by environmental conditions, material characteristics, and the natural behaviour of plants and soil.
Minor settling, shrinkage, seasonal movement, and natural variation should be expected in many outdoor installations. These are not necessarily signs of poor workmanship. Expected natural changes do not usually constitute a defect.
Any concerns about the quality of work should be raised within a reasonable time after completion so that the issue can be reviewed and, where appropriate, addressed.
11. Warranty and Liability
Where a warranty is offered, its terms will depend on the specific service and any written agreement provided. Warranties generally do not cover misuse, neglect, storm damage, drought, pest problems, disease, vandalism, or failure to maintain the finished work properly.
The service provider is not liable for indirect losses, loss of enjoyment, or any damage caused by events outside its control, except where liability cannot legally be excluded. Any liability for direct loss may be limited to the amount paid for the relevant service, unless otherwise required by law.
The client is responsible for ongoing maintenance unless maintenance has been explicitly included in the service agreement.
11.1 Plant Establishment
Plant establishment depends on many factors, including watering, weather, soil health, and aftercare. Advice may be provided regarding maintenance, but the client remains responsible for following any required care routine. Failure to water or maintain plants appropriately may result in poor performance or loss.
12. Health, Safety, and Access
All work must be carried out in a way that promotes health and safety for workers, clients, and visitors to the property. The client should ensure that children and animals are kept away from active work areas. Any known hazards should be disclosed before work begins.
If the site becomes unsafe due to weather, hidden hazards, structural concerns, or restricted access, work may be paused until conditions improve. The service provider may refuse to continue work if a risk is identified that cannot be managed safely.
- Keep access routes clear
- Secure pets and supervise children
- Disclose hazards or known risks
- Allow safe use of tools and equipment
13. Property Protection
Reasonable care will be taken to protect existing features such as paving, fences, trees, lawns, ornaments, and nearby structures. However, some disturbance is unavoidable during landscaping work. The client should highlight fragile areas, recently installed features, or surfaces that may require special protection.
The service provider is not responsible for damage to unreported underground services, hidden weak structures, or fragile items left in work areas. It is also the client’s responsibility to remove or protect items that could be damaged by dust, movement, or machinery.
14. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If the client is unhappy with any part of the service, the issue should be raised as soon as possible so that it can be reviewed. Many concerns can be resolved quickly through discussion, clarification, or minor adjustment. Clear communication is encouraged throughout the project to reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Where a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the parties should attempt a fair and reasonable solution before considering formal steps. This may include reviewing the original scope, site conditions, and any written instructions provided during the project.
Prompt reporting of concerns helps protect both the client’s interests and the quality of the final result.
15. Changes to These Terms
These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in services, pricing structures, legal requirements, or business practices. The version in force at the time of booking or acceptance will normally apply to the relevant project unless a newer version has been agreed in writing.
Clients are encouraged to review the terms before confirming any new work so that they remain fully aware of their rights and obligations.
16. General Provisions
If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining sections will continue to apply. Failure to enforce any clause on one occasion does not mean that the clause is waived for future use.
These terms are intended to create a balanced and professional framework for landscaping services in Shortlands. They support clear communication, responsible project delivery, and fair treatment for both parties. By proceeding with a booking, the client confirms acceptance of the terms applicable to the service requested.
In summary, these Terms and Conditions are designed to protect the quality, clarity, and reliability of every landscaping project.
