Gardeners Locks Bottom Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which gardening services are provided by Gardeners Locks Bottom and explain what customers can expect when booking, paying for, cancelling or receiving work. By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these terms. They are designed to create a fair and clear arrangement for both parties and to support a professional service relationship. Throughout these terms, references to the company, we, us or our mean Gardeners Locks Bottom, and references to you or the customer mean the person requesting the service.
These conditions apply to domestic and commercial gardening work, including routine maintenance, one-off visits, seasonal tasks and related outdoor services. They should be read together with any written quote, booking confirmation, service specification or agreed job scope. If there is any inconsistency, the specific written booking details will usually take priority over these general terms. We may update these terms from time to time, and the version in force at the time of booking will apply unless otherwise agreed in writing.
By using the services of gardeners in Locks Bottom, you confirm that you have read and accepted these terms. If you do not agree with any part of them, you should not proceed with a booking. These terms are intended to be lawful, reasonable and aligned with applicable UK consumer and business law. Nothing in them is intended to remove or limit any rights that cannot legally be excluded.
Booking Process
Bookings may be made by telephone, email, online form or any other method we make available from time to time. A booking is not confirmed until we have accepted the request and, where relevant, received any required deposit or advance payment. We may ask for details about the property, access, garden size, type of work required, preferred dates and any special instructions so that we can assess the job properly. Accurate information from the customer is essential because the price, timing and equipment needed may depend on the condition and complexity of the site.
When a quote is issued by Gardeners Locks Bottom, it will usually be based on the information supplied by the customer and, where appropriate, an inspection of the property. Quotes are generally valid for a limited period stated on the quote or confirmation document. If the scope of work changes after a quote has been accepted, we may revise the price, timing or method of service. Examples include significant overgrowth, restricted access, unsafe conditions, hidden debris or a request for additional tasks not originally included.
We reserve the right to decline or postpone a booking if conditions at the property are not suitable, if the requested work is outside our service scope, or if weather, safety or access issues prevent us from completing the job responsibly. The customer should ensure that the property is ready for the agreed visit, including access to gates, driveways, water and electricity where required, and that pets, vehicles and fragile items are managed appropriately. Failure to provide reasonable access may result in additional charges or the appointment being treated as a cancellation.
Payments
Payment terms will be stated on the quote, invoice or booking confirmation. Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due in full on completion of the work or within the invoice period stated. For larger projects, repeat visits or seasonal contracts, we may request a deposit or staged payments before work begins. Deposits are used to secure the booking date and may be non-refundable where resources have been reserved, materials purchased or labour allocated specifically for your job.
Accepted payment methods may include bank transfer, debit card, credit card or other methods agreed in advance. We may not accept cash unless this has been specifically arranged. Any bank charges, failed payment fees, chargeback costs or collection expenses that arise because of delayed or refused payment may be added to the amount due where lawful. If payment is not received on time, we reserve the right to suspend further work, withhold future visits or pursue recovery of unpaid balances through appropriate means.
All prices are stated in pounds sterling unless otherwise indicated and, where relevant, may be subject to VAT. If a quote is based on estimated time rather than a fixed fee, the final amount may vary if the job takes longer because of factors beyond our reasonable control or because the customer requests extra work. We will normally communicate any material change before continuing, but in urgent situations we may complete necessary work first and then charge fairly for the additional time and resources used.
Cancellations, Rescheduling and Delays
The customer may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving us notice as early as possible. If sufficient notice is provided, we will usually try to offer an alternative date. Cancellations made with little or no notice may still be charged, particularly where staff, transport, waste arrangements or materials have already been committed to the job. If a deposit has been taken, part or all of it may be retained to cover the direct loss suffered as a result of the cancellation, subject always to applicable law and fairness.
We may also need to postpone or cancel a visit due to adverse weather, illness, staff shortages, vehicle problems, unsafe site conditions or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. In such cases, we will aim to rearrange the work for another suitable date. We are not responsible for losses caused by genuine disruption outside our control, provided we act reasonably and keep you informed. Where a booking must be abandoned because the site is unsafe, inaccessible or materially different from what was described, a call-out or wasted journey charge may apply.
If the customer is not present when needed, has not provided access, or the property is not ready for the agreed work, we may treat the appointment as cancelled or charge for waiting time. A delay on our side does not automatically entitle the customer to terminate the arrangement unless the delay is substantial and not reasonably excused. We will always try to act fairly and keep inconvenience to a minimum.
We may cancel a booking if the customer behaves abusively, provides false information, fails to cooperate, or asks us to carry out work that would be unsafe or unlawful. In such circumstances, any refund or charge adjustment will depend on the work already carried out and any losses reasonably incurred. Repeated changes to the agreed schedule may also result in amended fees or the withdrawal of future service offers.
Liability and Insurance
Gardeners Locks Bottom will carry out work with reasonable care and skill in line with normal professional standards. However, gardening work often involves natural variation, hidden defects, fragile structures and living materials, so results may not always be identical or permanent. We are not responsible for pre-existing faults, poor soil conditions, disease, pests, structural weakness, concealed services, underground obstructions or deterioration that was not reasonably visible before work started.
We accept responsibility for direct loss or damage caused by our proven negligence, subject to the limitations set out in these terms and any restrictions permitted by law. We do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded. However, we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss such as loss of profit, loss of enjoyment, loss of opportunity or business interruption unless required by law.
Any claim for damage should be reported as soon as reasonably possible after the issue is discovered. The customer must allow us a fair opportunity to inspect the alleged damage and, where appropriate, rectify it, replace an item or agree a reasonable settlement. We will not be responsible for loss or damage arising from the customer’s failure to follow advice, secure pets, remove valuables, identify known hazards or maintain work carried out after completion.
Waste Regulations and Site Disposal
Waste handling is an important part of gardening services, and both parties must comply with applicable UK waste laws, including requirements relating to responsible transport, segregation and lawful disposal. Unless otherwise agreed, green waste created by the work may be removed by us for disposal or composting where this is included in the service scope. Any waste transfer will be carried out in accordance with relevant legal duties and accepted environmental practice.
The customer must inform us in advance of any waste that may need special handling, such as treated timber, soil contaminated by chemicals, sharp objects, asbestos-related materials, animal waste, building rubble or electrical items. Such materials are generally outside the scope of standard garden waste removal and may require specialist disposal. If prohibited or hazardous waste is discovered during the work, we may stop the task, adjust the price, arrange specialist collection or leave the material in place until safe disposal is possible.
Where waste remains the property or responsibility of the customer, the customer is responsible for ensuring it is stored, removed or disposed of lawfully. We will not knowingly transport or dump waste in breach of environmental regulations. If the customer asks us to dispose of material in a way that would be unlawful or unsafe, we may refuse the request and, if necessary, end the booking immediately. Any charges already incurred for labour, travel or materials will remain payable.
Customer Responsibilities
The customer must provide accurate information, safe access and any instructions needed to complete the service properly. This includes telling us about underground services, irrigation systems, fragile planting, protected areas, security codes, parking restrictions or neighbourhood access rules that may affect the work. If the customer fails to disclose relevant information and this causes delay, damage or extra cost, the customer may be responsible for those consequences.
Customers should also ensure that children, animals and bystanders are kept away from active work areas. We may refuse to begin or continue work if we believe conditions are unsafe. If the customer asks us to work near valuable items, decorative features or delicate surfaces, we may ask for them to be moved or protected before proceeding. We are not responsible for damage to items that could reasonably have been removed or shielded in advance.
Any plant stock, tools, materials or equipment supplied by the customer must be suitable for the intended use. If items provided by the customer are defective or unsuitable, we may refuse to use them or may charge extra if time is lost as a result. The customer remains responsible for routine care after completion unless a separate maintenance agreement states otherwise.
Complaints and Disputes
If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, you should notify us promptly so that we can investigate and, where appropriate, put things right. We aim to resolve issues fairly and without unnecessary delay. Where an error has occurred, our preferred approach is to inspect the problem, discuss the concern and agree a practical solution. Delayed complaints may be harder to assess, especially where weather, growth, use or third-party interference may have changed the situation.
Nothing in these terms prevents either party from seeking informal resolution or using lawful dispute processes available in the UK. If a disagreement cannot be resolved directly, the matter may be referred to the courts of England and Wales, subject to any mandatory consumer rights or statutory remedies. We encourage both sides to act reasonably and to keep records of booking details, invoices, messages and photos where relevant.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction, except where consumer law or other mandatory legal rules provide otherwise. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force to the extent permitted by law.
This document is intended to provide a clear legal framework for services delivered by gardeners in Locks Bottom while remaining broadly applicable to customers across the UK. It is not a substitute for personalised legal advice, and businesses may wish to obtain independent review before using these terms commercially. By proceeding with a booking, you acknowledge that the work will be carried out under the conditions set out above, subject to any specific written agreement between the parties.