Terms and Conditions for Gardeners Sanderstead
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which gardening services are provided by Gardeners Sanderstead and apply to all bookings, quotations, appointments, and related work. By requesting a service, the client agrees to these terms, which are designed to keep expectations clear and the working relationship straightforward. They cover how a booking is made, how payment is handled, when cancellations may apply, the limits of liability, and how waste is managed in line with UK rules. This page should be read carefully before confirming any service, whether the work involves routine garden maintenance, one-off assistance, or scheduled property upkeep.
For the purposes of these terms, references to we, us, and our mean the gardening service provider, and references to you or the client mean the person or business booking the work. These terms are intended to complement any written quotation, estimate, or job specification. If any part of a quotation conflicts with these terms, the quotation will take priority only for that specific point and only where it is expressly stated in writing.
All services are provided subject to availability, weather conditions, access to the property, and the condition of the garden or outdoor area at the time of attendance. The scope of work may include lawn care, hedge trimming, border maintenance, planting, seasonal tidying, clearance, and other garden-related tasks agreed in advance. Any service not explicitly included in the written booking or quotation will be treated as additional work and may be charged separately.
1. Booking Process
A booking is normally made after the client has provided details of the required service, property access, and any specific instructions. We may provide an estimate, a fixed quotation, or an hourly rate depending on the type of work and the level of detail available. A booking is only confirmed when the client accepts the quotation, agrees to these Terms and Conditions, and we confirm a date or service window. In some cases, we may also request a deposit before reserving a slot.
Gardeners Sanderstead reserves the right to decline a booking where the requested work is outside our service capability, where access appears unsafe, or where the job description is incomplete. If the client requests changes after confirmation, we will review the revised requirements and may adjust the price, schedule, or crew size accordingly. Any variation must be agreed in writing or in another clear recorded format before the additional work starts.
It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the property is ready for the agreed service date. This includes arranging access, securing pets, removing fragile items where necessary, and notifying us of hazards such as hidden cables, unstable structures, contaminated materials, or restricted areas. If access cannot be gained, or if the site is materially different from the description provided, we may cancel the appointment and charge a reasonable call-out or wasted attendance fee.
2. Payments and Charges
Payment terms will be stated in the quotation, invoice, or booking confirmation. Unless otherwise agreed, invoices are due within the period shown on the invoice and must be paid in full without deduction or set-off. We may accept bank transfer and other agreed payment methods, but we are not obliged to accept cash or any method not previously approved. For larger or repeated bookings, we may require staged payments, a deposit, or payment on completion of each visit.
Prices may be fixed, estimated, or time-based. Where a price is estimated, the final amount may vary if the work takes longer than expected or if the client requests additional tasks during the visit. Any increase will be communicated where reasonably possible. If materials, hired equipment, specialist disposal, or subcontracted support are required, these costs will normally be charged in addition to labour unless expressly included.
Late payment may result in suspension of further services, administration charges, interest where permitted by law, and recovery action for unpaid sums. If a client disputes an invoice, they must raise the issue promptly and provide clear reasons. Undisputed parts of the invoice must still be paid by the due date. Ownership of any supplied materials, where relevant, may remain with us until payment is received in full, to the extent permitted by law.
3. Cancellations, Rescheduling, and Missed Appointments
We understand that plans can change. If the client wishes to cancel or reschedule, reasonable notice must be given. The amount of notice required may depend on the size and nature of the booking, and any specific notice period stated in the quotation will apply. Cancellations made at short notice may attract a fee to cover reserved time, travel, preparation, and any third-party costs already incurred.
Where weather conditions make work unsafe or impracticable, we may postpone the visit or amend the service plan. Heavy rain, high winds, frost, lightning risk, or waterlogged ground may affect tasks such as mowing, hedge cutting, or waste removal. If we reschedule for safety reasons, we will aim to offer the nearest reasonable alternative date. No liability will arise for delay caused by adverse weather, seasonal limitations, or circumstances beyond our control.
If we are unable to access the property due to the client’s absence, incorrect instructions, locked gates, or another preventable issue, the appointment may be treated as a late cancellation or missed visit. In that event, a fee may still apply. Repeated missed appointments, repeated late changes, or persistent failure to provide suitable access may lead us to withdraw future availability for that client.
4. Work Standards, Site Conditions, and Client Responsibilities
Our gardening services will be carried out with reasonable care and skill, using appropriate tools and methods for the agreed task. However, outcomes can be affected by soil condition, plant health, season, previous maintenance, and existing damage. Where a service involves living plants, lawns, or natural materials, we cannot guarantee exact appearance, regrowth, recovery, or long-term results, as these depend on factors outside our control.
The client must provide accurate information about the site, including any known hazards, sensitive plants, underground services, irrigation systems, wildlife nesting concerns, or protected features. If we discover a risk not disclosed before the appointment, we may pause work until the issue is addressed. We may also refuse to complete part of the job if continuing would be unsafe, unlawful, or likely to cause damage.
Clients are responsible for protecting personal belongings, ornaments, vehicles, valuables, and fragile items before work begins. Although care will be taken, we do not accept responsibility for items left in areas where gardening work is being undertaken unless loss or damage is caused by our negligence. If the client requests that certain items remain in place, that instruction should be confirmed in advance and may affect how the service is delivered.
5. Liability and Limitations
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under UK law. Subject to that, our liability is limited to the direct loss or damage that is reasonably foreseeable and caused by our proven breach of contract or negligence.
We will not be liable for indirect, consequential, or economic losses such as loss of profit, loss of opportunity, loss of enjoyment, or loss arising from delays outside our control. We are also not responsible for pre-existing defects, hidden damage, structural weakness, poor plant condition, disease, pests, or the natural failure of materials that are already compromised at the time of service. Any claim relating to damage must be reported as soon as reasonably possible, with supporting details.
Where a claim is valid, our liability may be limited to the cost of re-performing the service, correcting the issue, or paying a reasonable sum not exceeding the total fee for the specific job in question, depending on the circumstances. This limitation applies to the fullest extent permitted by law. Clients are encouraged to check whether their own insurance covers valuable items, garden structures, or special planting arrangements that may be affected by outdoor works.
6. Waste Regulations and Disposal
Garden waste must be handled in accordance with relevant UK environmental and waste management rules. Unless otherwise agreed, green waste created during the service may be collected, bagged, left on site, composted, or removed for disposal depending on the agreed arrangement and the facilities available. If waste removal is included, it applies only to the specified waste stream and not to hazardous, contaminated, or prohibited materials.
We will not transport or dispose of waste that is illegal to carry without special arrangements, including asbestos, chemicals, oils, paint, contaminated soil, needles, clinical waste, or any material classed as hazardous unless separately agreed and lawfully managed. If such waste is encountered unexpectedly, work may stop until the client arranges compliant removal. Any additional disposal charges, licensing costs, or specialist handling fees will be the client’s responsibility where the waste did not form part of the original agreed service.
It is the client’s responsibility to disclose whether garden waste includes items that require segregated disposal or special treatment. We may require the client to confirm in writing that waste presented for collection is safe, lawful, and accurately described. If the client asks us to dispose of waste at a licensed facility, we will do so only where the arrangement is practical and lawful, and any relevant certificates, receipts, or disposal notes will be provided only if agreed in advance.
7. Termination, Suspension, and Refusal of Service
We may suspend or terminate ongoing services if payment is overdue, if access is repeatedly denied, if the property is unsafe, or if the client behaves abusively, unlawfully, or in a manner that makes performance unreasonable. In such cases, any outstanding sums for work already completed remain payable immediately. If a booking is terminated because the client has provided false or misleading information, we may also charge for wasted time and incurred costs.
We reserve the right to refuse instructions that would breach health and safety obligations, environmental rules, planning restrictions, tenancy conditions, or other legal requirements. If an instruction is refused for such reasons, we may suggest an alternative approach, but we are not obliged to carry out work that we consider unlawful or unsafe. Any waiver of these rights must be agreed expressly and in writing.
These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will generally apply to that booking, unless a later written agreement states otherwise. Continued use of our gardening services after any update will be treated as acceptance of the revised terms for future bookings.
8. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them or their subject matter, shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where mandatory legal rules provide otherwise. If any clause is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that clause will be interpreted as narrowly as necessary or severed to the minimum extent required, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force.
This legal page is intended to support clear, fair, and practical arrangements for Gardeners Sanderstead and its clients. It does not affect any statutory rights available to consumers under applicable UK law. Nothing in these terms is intended to create a partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between the parties. The service is provided on an independent contractor basis unless otherwise agreed in writing.
By confirming a booking, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. For the avoidance of doubt, the agreement applies to all related services unless a separate written contract states otherwise. Gardeners Sanderstead aims to provide a reliable, professional, and legally compliant service, while keeping communication clear and expectations realistic. All work is undertaken subject to these terms and any lawful variation agreed by both parties.