Terms and Conditions - Landscapers Mortlake
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which landscaping services are provided in Mortlake and the surrounding areas. By requesting a quotation, booking a service, or allowing work to begin on your property, you agree to these terms. They are designed to create a clear understanding between the customer and the landscaping provider, covering responsibilities, service standards, project expectations, payment arrangements, and practical matters that help each project run smoothly.
Landscaping work can vary from small maintenance tasks to larger outdoor transformations, and every project benefits from clear rules from the start. A well-defined agreement helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that both parties know what to expect. The information below explains the most important points in plain language, while still reflecting the professional standards expected in landscaping work.
1. General Service Terms
Landscaping services are offered subject to availability, property access, weather conditions, seasonal factors, and the scope of work agreed in writing or confirmed before the work begins. The exact nature of the service may include garden maintenance, planting, turfing, fencing, patio work, soft landscaping, hard landscaping, edging, pruning, pressure washing, and related outdoor improvements.
All work is carried out according to the agreed specification. If the scope changes during the project, additional time, materials, or labour may be required. Any such changes should be discussed and approved before the revised work proceeds. This helps ensure fairness and transparency for both sides.
Customers are expected to provide accurate information about the site, including access limitations, underground services, existing damage, and any special requirements that could affect the project. If important details are not disclosed in advance, it may affect scheduling, pricing, or the final outcome.
2. Quotations and Estimates
Any quotation provided for landscaping work is based on the information available at the time it is issued. Quotes may reflect measurements, photographs, site visits, customer instructions, and material preferences. If the property conditions differ from those originally described, the quotation may need to be revised.
An estimate is usually an informed projected cost and may change if the project scope changes, the materials selected differ from the original assumptions, or unexpected issues are discovered. A fixed quotation, where offered, will usually be valid for a limited period and may depend on the availability and cost of materials.
Prices may be adjusted if unforeseen circumstances arise, including hidden ground conditions, poor drainage, root obstruction, unstable structures, or the discovery of buried items or existing defects. In such cases, work may be paused until agreement is reached on the next steps.
All quotations remain subject to acceptance before the work begins. Acceptance may be verbal or written, depending on the arrangement made, but written confirmation is strongly recommended to ensure clarity.
3. Booking and Scheduling
Project dates are arranged based on availability, project size, weather, and the sequence of work already committed. While every effort is made to meet agreed dates, landscaping work can be affected by rain, frost, heat, supply delays, and site conditions. These factors may require a reschedule.
Customers should understand that outdoor work is particularly vulnerable to weather interruptions. For example, turf installation may be delayed if the ground is too wet or frozen, and paving or concrete-related work may be affected by heavy rain. Such delays are normal in landscaping and do not necessarily indicate a failure to perform.
Reasonable changes to the schedule may be made when needed to maintain quality and safety. If a delay occurs, a new date will usually be arranged as soon as practicable. Customers are asked to ensure that access to the site is available on the agreed day and that any necessary permissions, parking arrangements, or access codes are provided in advance.
4. Customer Responsibilities
To help the work proceed efficiently, the customer must ensure the site is reasonably prepared before the start date. This may include removing personal items, securing pets, informing neighbours if required, and ensuring that the working area is accessible. Any obstruction that prevents the work from being completed may lead to a delay or additional charges.
The customer is also responsible for informing the landscaping provider of known hazards, such as hidden cables, drainage systems, weak ground, or protected plants and structures. If the work involves digging or excavation, the customer should disclose any relevant information about underground utilities or previous site alterations.
Where permission is required from a landlord, managing agent, local authority, or other third party, the customer must obtain this before work begins. Failure to do so may result in cancellation or postponement.
It is important that the customer reviews the agreed specification carefully and raises any concerns before the work starts. Once the work is underway, changes may not be possible without additional cost or time.
5. Materials and Product Selection
Many landscaping projects involve the supply and use of materials such as stone, timber, soil, plants, turf, gravel, cement, and decorative finishes. Unless otherwise agreed, materials are selected to match the budget and specification discussed at the time of booking.
Natural materials may vary in colour, texture, grain, size, and appearance. This is normal and should not be considered a defect. For example, stone may contain natural veining, timber may vary in tone, and plants may differ in shape depending on season and growth stage.
Any product chosen by the customer should be suitable for its intended use. If a customer insists on a particular material or finish against professional advice, responsibility for performance or suitability may rest with the customer. Where possible, alternative options may be suggested to achieve a more durable or practical result.
If materials are subject to supply delays or stock shortages, a similar alternative may be offered. Any substitute should be discussed and approved before installation.
6. Payment Terms
Payment arrangements depend on the size and type of project. Smaller landscaping tasks may be payable on completion, while larger projects may require a deposit, stage payments, or partial payment for materials in advance. The agreed payment structure should be confirmed before work starts.
Invoices are expected to be settled within the stated payment period. Delayed payment may result in further reminders, suspension of ongoing work, or additional administrative charges where permitted by the agreement. The customer should check invoices promptly and report any errors or queries without delay.
All quoted prices are usually based on the scope agreed at the time of booking. If the customer requests extra work, changes materials, or expands the project, the final price may increase accordingly. Additional work should always be approved before it is carried out.
Title to goods may remain with the provider until full payment has been made where such an arrangement is included in the terms of the project. This helps protect supplied materials until settlement is complete.
7. Cancellations and Postponements
If the customer needs to cancel or postpone a booking, as much notice as possible should be given. This allows the schedule to be adjusted and reduces unnecessary disruption. In some cases, deposits paid for materials or reserved labour may not be refundable if costs have already been incurred.
Where a project is cancelled after preparation has begun, the customer may be charged for labour, design time, planning, ordered materials, or other expenses already committed. This is particularly relevant for bespoke landscaping works involving custom items or advance procurement.
If a service must be postponed due to weather or site conditions, the project will normally be rescheduled. Such postponement does not usually count as cancellation. However, if repeated delays make it impractical to continue, a revised arrangement may be needed.
Fair notice and open communication help avoid unnecessary charges and ensure that all parties can manage their commitments properly.
8. Workmanship and Standards
Landscaping work should be carried out with reasonable care, skill, and attention to detail. The aim is to achieve a professional result that matches the agreed specification and suits the conditions of the property. Natural outdoor environments can present challenges that are not always visible at the outset, so exact outcomes may depend on site circumstances.
Minor variations in levels, alignment, finish, or natural settlement may occur in outdoor environments. These are not always defects, especially where the project involves soil movement, turf establishment, planting, or materials that settle over time.
Reasonable tolerance is expected in relation to natural materials and outdoor surfaces. For example, new lawns may require a period of establishment, planting may evolve as it grows, and timber may expand or contract with the weather. Customers should allow for these normal characteristics when assessing the finished work.
If a genuine issue arises due to workmanship, it should be reported within a reasonable time so that it can be reviewed and, where appropriate, remedied in line with the terms agreed.
9. Planting, Turf, and Natural Growth
Plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, and other living materials are subject to seasonal and environmental influences. Their long-term success depends on soil quality, weather, watering, sunlight, drainage, and ongoing care. Because of this, no guarantee can normally be given that every living item will thrive in every circumstance unless a specific written warranty is provided.
Turf may need regular watering and careful maintenance after installation. Newly planted items may require support or protection during the establishment period. If the customer does not follow the recommended care routine, the condition of the planting may deteriorate.
Customers should understand that living materials are not comparable to manufactured products. Growth, colour, and health can change over time and are affected by conditions beyond anyone’s direct control. This is part of the natural character of landscaping work.
10. Site Conditions and Hidden Issues
Outdoor projects often involve conditions that cannot be fully assessed until work begins. These may include unstable soil, excess moisture, buried debris, root systems, old foundations, drainage failures, or previous poor workmanship. Such issues can affect timeframes, costs, and the technical approach required.
If hidden issues are discovered, work may need to be paused while a suitable solution is agreed. This may involve additional excavation, replacement materials, or design changes. Where these matters are beyond the original scope, further charges may apply.
No responsibility is accepted for pre-existing defects that were not caused by the landscaping work itself. However, any such issue should be handled professionally and discussed with the customer so that a practical path forward can be identified.
11. Liability and Limitations
Reasonable care is taken to protect property, plants, structures, and surfaces during the course of work. However, landscaping can involve the movement of heavy materials, machinery, and tools, and some risk is inherent in outdoor construction and maintenance.
The landscaping provider is not responsible for damage caused by pre-existing weak structures, undisclosed hazards, hidden services, or defects unrelated to the work performed. Likewise, no responsibility is accepted for delays or failures caused by weather, supply disruption, access problems, or third-party interference.
Liability is generally limited to direct loss arising from proven negligence, and not to indirect or consequential losses, unless otherwise required by law. Customers should ensure that valuable items are removed from the work area before the project begins.
12. Complaints and Resolution
If the customer is unhappy with any aspect of the work, the concern should be raised as soon as possible so that it can be inspected and addressed. Most issues can be resolved through direct discussion and a practical follow-up plan.
Complaints should be specific and clear, with reference to the agreed work and the area of concern. Where appropriate, a remedial visit may be arranged. This approach helps maintain a professional standard and avoids unnecessary escalation.
A prompt and fair complaints process is beneficial to both the customer and the service provider. It allows genuine problems to be corrected while preventing misunderstandings from becoming larger disputes.
13. Termination of Work
Either party may stop the project if the other side breaches the agreed terms in a serious way, fails to cooperate, or creates circumstances that make continuation unreasonable. If work is terminated, the customer may remain responsible for payment for completed labour, ordered materials, and other committed costs up to the point of termination.
Termination does not remove the need to settle legitimate charges already incurred. Likewise, if the landscaping provider ends the arrangement for valid reasons, this should be communicated clearly, and any partial work already completed will normally be assessed and invoiced fairly.
14. Governing Understanding
These Terms and Conditions are intended to provide a practical and fair framework for landscaping services in Mortlake. They reflect the realities of working outdoors, the need for clarity around scope and cost, and the importance of mutual cooperation. By setting expectations early, both parties can approach the project with confidence.
In summary, customers benefit from clear communication, accurate site information, timely payment, and realistic expectations regarding natural materials and outdoor conditions. The landscaping provider benefits from safe access, agreed instructions, and cooperation on scheduling and site preparation. When both sides follow these principles, landscaping projects are more likely to run smoothly and produce a result that is attractive, durable, and suited to the property.
By proceeding with a landscaping project, the customer confirms understanding of these terms and agrees that the work will be carried out in accordance with the agreed scope, reasonable professional standards, and the practical conditions of the site.
