Gardeners Richmond Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of gardening and related services by Gardeners Richmond to residential and commercial clients. By booking or receiving any service from Gardeners Richmond, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Client means the person, company, or organisation requesting or receiving services from Gardeners Richmond.
Services means gardening, grounds maintenance, landscaping, garden clearance, hedge trimming, lawn care, planting, and any other work agreed in writing between Gardeners Richmond and the Client.
Agreement means the contract between Gardeners Richmond and the Client comprising these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation, booking confirmation, or other agreed documentation.
Visit means a single attendance at the Client’s premises for the provision of Services.
2. Scope of Services
Gardeners Richmond provides gardening and related services within its normal service area, which may include Richmond and surrounding locations. The specific services to be provided will be set out in a quotation, booking confirmation, or other written agreement with the Client.
Gardeners Richmond reserves the right to decline work that it reasonably considers unsafe, impractical, beyond its professional competence, or outside its standard service offering. In such cases, any fees paid in advance for the refused portion of work will be refunded to the Client.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Initial enquiry
Clients may request a quotation or make a booking enquiry by providing accurate details of the property, garden size, access arrangements, existing condition, and the Services required. Gardeners Richmond will provide an estimate based on the information supplied, which may be revised after a site visit or upon commencement of work if the actual conditions differ materially.
3.2 Quotations and acceptance
Any quotation issued by Gardeners Richmond is an invitation to treat and not a binding offer. Quotations are generally valid for a limited period from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated. A binding Agreement is formed when the Client confirms acceptance of the quotation or when Gardeners Richmond confirms the booking in writing or commences work at the Client’s request.
3.3 Site visits and assessments
Gardeners Richmond may carry out a site visit to assess the garden, access, and any specific requirements. The Client must ensure safe and reasonable access to the property at the agreed time. Any changes to the scope of work identified during a site visit will be communicated to the Client, and any revised pricing must be agreed before work proceeds.
3.4 Recurring services
Where the Client requests a recurring maintenance schedule, such as weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits, the agreed frequency and approximate time frame will be confirmed. Gardeners Richmond will use reasonable efforts to maintain the agreed schedule, but specific times or days cannot be guaranteed and may be adjusted due to weather, seasonal variations, operational requirements, or public holidays.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
Provide safe and reasonable access to the property and all areas of the garden where Services are to be performed.
Ensure that pets, children, and other occupants are kept clear of the working area for the duration of the Visit.
Inform Gardeners Richmond of any known hazards, underground services, cables, pipes, or other risks on the property that may affect the safe delivery of the Services.
Secure any valuables and remove or clearly identify any items that should not be moved, cut, or disturbed.
Obtain any necessary permissions, consents, or approvals required from landlords, neighbours, local authorities, or other third parties.
5. Pricing and Payments
5.1 Pricing basis
Services may be priced on an hourly rate, a fixed price per Visit, or a fixed price for a specific project, as set out in the quotation or booking confirmation. Prices are based on the information provided by the Client and on normal working conditions. If the actual work required or site conditions differ materially, Gardeners Richmond may adjust the price accordingly in consultation with the Client.
5.2 Deposits
For larger projects, Gardeners Richmond may require a deposit before commencing work. The amount and timing of any deposit will be specified in the quotation or booking confirmation. Work will not commence until the deposit has been received in cleared funds.
5.3 Payment terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due on completion of each Visit or project, or in accordance with any staged payment schedule set out in the quotation or invoice. Gardeners Richmond may issue invoices electronically. The Client must pay all invoices by the due date stated on the invoice.
5.4 Late payment
If the Client fails to pay any amount due by the due date, Gardeners Richmond reserves the right to:
Suspend or cancel further Visits or Services until payment is received.
Charge interest on overdue sums at a reasonable commercial rate from the due date until the date of payment in full.
Recover from the Client all reasonable costs, charges, and expenses incurred in recovering any overdue amounts.
6. Cancellations and Rescheduling
6.1 Cancellation by the Client
If the Client needs to cancel or reschedule a Visit, they must give as much notice as reasonably possible. Gardeners Richmond may specify a minimum notice period for cancellations or changes. Where insufficient notice is given, Gardeners Richmond reserves the right to charge a reasonable cancellation fee, which may be up to the full cost of the scheduled Visit if the slot cannot be reallocated.
6.2 Cancellation by Gardeners Richmond
Gardeners Richmond may cancel or reschedule a Visit due to severe weather conditions, safety concerns, staff illness, equipment failure, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control. In such cases, Gardeners Richmond will endeavour to offer an alternative date or time. Gardeners Richmond will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience arising from such cancellations or rescheduling.
6.3 Termination of ongoing services
Either party may terminate an ongoing maintenance arrangement by giving reasonable written notice. Where the Client terminates without reasonable notice, Gardeners Richmond may charge for work already scheduled and any non-refundable costs incurred on the Client’s behalf.
7. Service Standards and Garden Conditions
Gardeners Richmond will exercise reasonable skill and care in providing the Services. However, gardening work is influenced by weather, soil conditions, pests, diseases, and other natural factors outside the control of Gardeners Richmond. Accordingly, no guarantee is given that particular plants, lawns, or features will thrive or achieve specific results, even where recommended methods are followed.
The Client acknowledges that existing plants, lawns, and trees may have underlying health issues that are not immediately visible. Gardeners Richmond is not responsible for loss or damage to existing vegetation arising from pre-existing conditions, harsh weather, pests, or diseases that cannot reasonably be foreseen or controlled.
8. Materials, Plants, and Equipment
8.1 Supply of materials
Where Gardeners Richmond supplies plants, soil, turf, mulch, aggregates, or other materials, these will be of a quality reasonably suitable for the intended purpose. Availability of particular plant varieties or products may vary seasonally, and suitable alternatives may be proposed where the originally requested items are not available.
8.2 Ownership and risk
Ownership of materials supplied by Gardeners Richmond will transfer to the Client on receipt of payment in full. Risk in such materials passes to the Client upon delivery to the property. The Client is responsible for appropriate aftercare, watering, and maintenance unless ongoing maintenance services have been agreed.
8.3 Use of equipment
Gardeners Richmond will provide its own tools and machinery unless otherwise agreed. The Client must not use, move, or interfere with equipment belonging to Gardeners Richmond. Gardeners Richmond will take reasonable care to avoid damage to property and utilities, but shall not be liable for damage caused by concealed or unmarked services or structures.
9. Garden Waste and Environmental Regulations
9.1 Handling of green waste
As part of the Services, Gardeners Richmond may generate green waste such as grass cuttings, branches, leaves, and plant material. The disposal of such waste will be handled in accordance with prior agreement with the Client and in line with applicable waste regulations.
Gardeners Richmond may:
Leave green waste neatly on site for the Client to dispose of or compost where permitted.
Use the Client’s garden waste bins or other lawful disposal methods available at the property, subject to local rules.
Arrange for removal and lawful disposal of green waste for an additional charge, which will be set out in the quotation or discussed with the Client.
9.2 Non-garden waste
Gardeners Richmond is not responsible for the removal or disposal of non-garden waste, such as household rubbish, construction debris, or hazardous materials, unless explicitly agreed in writing and subject to applicable regulations and additional charges.
9.3 Compliance with regulations
Gardeners Richmond will take reasonable steps to comply with relevant environmental and waste disposal regulations when handling and disposing of garden waste. The Client must not request or require any disposal method that would breach such regulations or local authority rules.
10. Liability and Insurance
10.1 Limitation of liability
Gardeners Richmond will not be liable for any loss or damage that is not a foreseeable result of its breach of the Agreement or its failure to exercise reasonable skill and care. Gardeners Richmond will not be responsible for any loss of profit, business interruption, loss of opportunity, or any indirect or consequential loss suffered by the Client.
Subject to statutory rights that cannot be excluded or limited, the total liability of Gardeners Richmond in respect of any claim arising out of or in connection with the Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client for the specific Visit or project giving rise to the claim.
10.2 Exclusions
Gardeners Richmond will not be liable for:
Damage to property or plants arising from inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by the Client.
Damage caused by hidden or underground services, pipes, cables, or structures not clearly identified by the Client.
Damage or deterioration resulting from adverse weather, pests, diseases, normal wear and tear, or insufficient aftercare by the Client.
10.3 Insurance
Gardeners Richmond will maintain appropriate public liability insurance cover in connection with the provision of its Services. Details of insurance cover can be made available to the Client upon reasonable request.
11. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should notify Gardeners Richmond as soon as possible, providing details of the issue and any relevant evidence. Gardeners Richmond will investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, take reasonable steps to remedy any proven defect in the Services provided.
Both parties agree to act in good faith and use reasonable efforts to resolve any dispute arising under the Agreement through discussion and negotiation before considering formal proceedings.
12. Force Majeure
Gardeners Richmond shall not be in breach of the Agreement or liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations if such delay or failure results from events, circumstances, or causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather conditions, natural disasters, acts of government or regulatory authorities, labour disputes, or equipment failure outside its reasonable control.
13. Changes to Terms and Conditions
Gardeners Richmond may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the Client’s booking or the latest Visit will apply to the Services provided. Continued use of the Services after any update to these Terms and Conditions will constitute acceptance of the revised terms.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The parties agree that 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 the Services provided by Gardeners Richmond.
15. General Provisions
15.1 Entire agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with any quotation, booking confirmation, or other written document agreed between the parties, constitute the entire agreement between Gardeners Richmond and the Client and supersede all prior discussions, correspondence, or understandings relating to the subject matter.
15.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
15.3 Assignment
The Client may not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under the Agreement without the prior written consent of Gardeners Richmond. Gardeners Richmond may subcontract or assign its rights and obligations where necessary for the efficient provision of the Services, provided that this does not materially affect the standard of service delivered to the Client.
15.4 No waiver
Failure or delay by Gardeners Richmond in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, and no single or partial exercise shall prevent any further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
By proceeding with a booking or allowing Services to be carried out, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
