Gardeners Loxford Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Gardeners Loxford provides gardening and related services to residential and commercial customers. By making a booking or allowing us to carry out any work at your property, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before placing a booking or confirming any services.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following words have the meanings given below.

Customer means the person, business, or organisation requesting services from Gardeners Loxford.

Services means any gardening, grounds maintenance, lawn care, soft landscaping, hedge trimming, planting, clearance, or related services supplied by Gardeners Loxford.

Agreement means the contract between Gardeners Loxford and the Customer for the provision of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation, schedule, or service description provided.

Property means the outdoor area, garden, land, or premises where the Services are to be carried out.

2. Scope of Services

Gardeners Loxford provides general gardening and maintenance services in and around the local area, including lawn mowing, pruning, hedge cutting, weeding, planting, tidying, seasonal maintenance, and one-off garden clearance. The precise scope of Services for each booking will be as agreed with the Customer, either through a written quotation, service schedule, or verbal agreement confirmed at the time of booking.

Unless specifically agreed in writing, Services do not include structural landscaping, tree surgery requiring specialist certification, pest control, or any works that require planning permission, building control approval, or other regulatory consents. If such works are requested, Gardeners Loxford may recommend suitably qualified third parties, but does not accept liability for any services provided by those third parties.

3. Booking Process

3.1 A booking may be made by the Customer through any method made available by Gardeners Loxford from time to time, including telephone contact or online enquiry forms. Gardeners Loxford will confirm acceptance of a booking verbally or in writing. An Agreement is formed when Gardeners Loxford confirms the booking and the Customer accepts the date, time, and indicative cost or hourly rate.

3.2 For certain projects, particularly larger works, Gardeners Loxford may provide a written quotation. Quotations are normally valid for a limited period as stated on the quotation. If no period is stated, a quotation will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Acceptance of the quotation by the Customer, within the validity period, forms part of the Agreement.

3.3 Gardeners Loxford reserves the right to refuse or decline any booking without providing a reason, for example where access is unsafe, the requested works are outside the usual scope of services, or the Customer has outstanding unpaid invoices.

3.4 Any estimated start and completion dates given at the time of booking are approximate and may be subject to change due to factors such as weather conditions, staff availability, or unforeseen issues at the Property. Gardeners Loxford will use reasonable endeavours to keep the Customer informed of any significant changes to agreed timings.

4. Access and Customer Obligations

4.1 The Customer must ensure that Gardeners Loxford has safe and reasonable access to the Property for the scheduled time of the booking. This includes arranging access through gates, communal areas, or security doors, and ensuring that any pets are secured so that work can be carried out safely.

4.2 The Customer must inform Gardeners Loxford of any known hazards or restrictions at the Property. This includes, but is not limited to, uneven ground, fragile surfaces, underground cables or pipes, ponds, water features, or any other potential risks.

4.3 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all necessary permissions have been obtained from landlords, neighbours, or other relevant parties for the work to be carried out. Gardeners Loxford will not be liable for any delay or loss arising where the Customer has failed to obtain appropriate consent.

4.4 If the Customer fails to provide reasonable access to the Property at the agreed time, or if the site is unsafe for work to be carried out, Gardeners Loxford may cancel or postpone the visit and may charge a call-out or late cancellation fee as set out in the cancellation section of these Terms.

5. Pricing and Payment

5.1 Services may be charged on an hourly basis, a fixed fee basis, or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the work. The applicable pricing structure for each booking will be explained to the Customer at the time of booking or in any written quotation.

5.2 Prices are quoted in pounds sterling and, unless expressly stated otherwise, include labour and the use of standard gardening tools and equipment. Additional charges may apply for materials, plants, soil, turf, waste removal, specialist equipment, or travel outside normal service areas.

5.3 Gardeners Loxford reserves the right to request a deposit or advance payment for certain bookings, especially large or multi-day projects, or where materials need to be ordered specifically for the Customer. Any such requirement will be made clear at the time of booking or in the quotation.

5.4 Payment terms will be set out in the invoice or quotation. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due on completion of the Services or, for regular maintenance, within an agreed number of days from the date of each invoice. Gardeners Loxford may suspend future visits where invoices remain unpaid.

5.5 Gardeners Loxford reserves the right to charge interest on late payments at the maximum rate permitted by applicable UK legislation and to recover any reasonable costs incurred in pursuing overdue sums, including debt recovery or legal fees.

6. Cancellations and Rescheduling

6.1 The Customer may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving Gardeners Loxford reasonable notice before the agreed start time. The required notice period will depend on the nature of the booking and will be confirmed at the time of booking or in any quotation. As a general guideline, at least 24 hours notice is requested for standard maintenance visits, and more notice may be required for larger projects.

6.2 If the Customer cancels or significantly changes a booking without adequate notice, Gardeners Loxford may charge a cancellation fee to cover time allocated, travel, and any materials purchased specifically for that booking. For larger projects where a deposit has been paid, part or all of the deposit may be retained to cover costs already incurred.

6.3 Gardeners Loxford may cancel or reschedule a booking if conditions mean it is unsafe or impractical to carry out the work, for example extreme weather, staff illness, or unforeseen events affecting access or safety at the Property. In such cases, Gardeners Loxford will endeavour to offer an alternative date and time as soon as reasonably possible.

6.4 Where Gardeners Loxford has to cancel a booking through no fault of the Customer and no Services have been provided, any payment taken in advance for that visit will be applied to the rescheduled booking or refunded, at the Customer's preference.

7. Service Quality and Complaints

7.1 Gardeners Loxford aims to provide Services with reasonable care and skill and to a standard consistent with a competent provider of general gardening services in the UK.

7.2 The Customer should inspect the work upon completion of each visit where practicable. If the Customer is not satisfied with any aspect of the Services, they are encouraged to raise this with Gardeners Loxford promptly, so that any issues can be addressed. Where a genuine defect in the Services is identified, Gardeners Loxford will, at its discretion, either re-perform the Services or offer a suitable adjustment.

7.3 Complaints should be raised within a reasonable time after completion of the relevant Services. Gardeners Loxford is not obliged to investigate or remedy complaints raised after a significant delay where it is no longer possible to assess the conditions at the Property at the time the work was carried out.

8. Gardening Work, Materials, and Planting

8.1 Where the Customer requests planting, turf laying, or the supply of plants, Gardeners Loxford will use reasonable care in selecting healthy stock and planting it in a suitable manner. However, the long-term success of plants, turf, or seed depends on weather conditions, soil, pests, diseases, and aftercare, many of which are outside the control of Gardeners Loxford.

8.2 Instructions for aftercare, including watering, feeding, and maintenance, may be provided to the Customer where relevant. It is the Customer's responsibility to follow these instructions and to provide ongoing care to plants and lawns after the visit.

8.3 Gardeners Loxford does not guarantee the survival or performance of any plants, turf, or seed beyond what is required by applicable consumer protection law, unless a specific written warranty is provided.

8.4 Any materials supplied remain the property of Gardeners Loxford until paid for in full. Gardeners Loxford may remove unfixed materials from the Property if sums due in respect of those materials have not been paid in accordance with agreed payment terms.

9. Waste Handling and Environmental Regulations

9.1 Gardeners Loxford will comply with applicable UK regulations regarding the management and transport of green waste and other waste generated during the provision of Services. This includes adhering to any licensing, duty of care, or disposal requirements that apply.

9.2 Standard gardening Services do not automatically include removal of waste from the Property. Waste may be bagged or placed in designated areas, such as the Customer's garden waste bin or compost area, as agreed. Where removal and disposal of waste is requested, an additional charge may apply, which will be communicated to the Customer.

9.3 The Customer is responsible for making Gardeners Loxford aware of any restrictions on waste storage or movement at the Property, such as shared access routes, local authority rules, or private estate regulations.

9.4 Gardeners Loxford will not remove or dispose of hazardous waste, including but not limited to asbestos, contaminated soil, sharp or clinical waste, or chemical containers. If such materials are discovered, work may be paused until they are safely removed by a suitably qualified contractor engaged by the Customer.

10. Liability and Limitations

10.1 Gardeners Loxford will carry out the Services with reasonable care and skill and will take reasonable measures to avoid damage to property. However, minor scuffing to surfaces, disturbance to soil, or similar incidental effects may occur as a natural part of gardening work and will not be treated as damage.

10.2 Gardeners Loxford will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the Customer, failure to disclose hazards, or failure to obtain necessary consents.

10.3 Where damage occurs directly as a result of negligence by Gardeners Loxford, liability will be limited to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of the affected area or item, taking into account age, condition, and fair wear and tear. Gardeners Loxford will not be responsible for pre-existing faults or conditions at the Property.

10.4 To the fullest extent permitted by UK law, Gardeners Loxford will not be liable for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use, or any indirect or consequential loss arising from or in connection with the Services.

10.5 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under UK law.

11. Insurance

11.1 Gardeners Loxford maintains appropriate public liability insurance in respect of its gardening services. Details of cover can be made available to the Customer upon request.

11.2 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that their own household or business insurance covers any particular risks that concern them in relation to the Property and any items kept there.

12. Data Protection and Privacy

12.1 Gardeners Loxford will collect and use certain personal information from Customers in order to manage bookings, provide Services, issue invoices, and communicate about appointments. This may include names, addresses, and contact details.

12.2 Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection law. Information will not be sold to third parties. It may be shared with subcontractors or suppliers where necessary to perform the Services or meet legal obligations.

12.3 Customers may request access to the personal information held about them and may ask for corrections where information is inaccurate.

13. Force Majeure

13.1 Gardeners Loxford will not be in breach of the Agreement, nor liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any obligations under the Agreement where such delay or failure results from events, circumstances, or causes beyond reasonable control. These may include extreme weather, natural disasters, acts of government, strikes, or interruption of utilities.

14. Amendments to Terms

14.1 Gardeners Loxford may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to that booking. A current copy of the Terms and Conditions will be made available upon request and may be published on any website used by Gardeners Loxford.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

15.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

15.2 If the Customer is a consumer, any dispute may be brought in the courts of England and Wales. If the Customer resides in another part of the United Kingdom, they may also be able to bring proceedings in the courts of their home jurisdiction, where permitted by law.

15.3 If the Customer is a business, the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or their subject matter.

By confirming a booking or allowing Gardeners Loxford to commence work at the Property, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.