LJN Blog Posts

If you are reading this blog post, you may be asking yourself some or all of the following questions:

HOW CAN I HELP MY GARDENER HELP ME?

There are several ways to help your gardener help you this year - we have listed some of them below.

MAKE SURE THEY CAN GET IN:

Nothing frustrates a professional gardener more than travelling to your property only to find that the gates are locked and they can't get in. Most gardeners will let you know what day they will be coming, so you can leave the gates open, or if security is a concern, leave them a key to the gates in a key safe. Something like one of the items on this page would be ideal:  http://www.discountlocks.co.uk/Key-Safe-Outdoor-Key-Boxes-and-External-Secure-Key-Storage-s/63.htm This way your property stays secure and your garden gets maintained too.

Lots of gardening business will charge you for time wasted if they are locked out and can't carry out any work. One penalty charge would probably have bought a key safe and prevented this problem.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PETS:

If you have dogs or other animals that live in your garden, clean up after them - gardeners normally won't deal with this and may charge you if they can't work due to extensive animal fouling. Your pets are your responsibility - NO ONE likes stepping in dog fouling in the street, so make sure the gardener doesn't do it in your garden! 

DON'T OBSTRUCT THEM WORKING:

If you know when your gardener is coming, help them by NOT slowing them down. For example as well as making sure the gate is open, don't do your washing that day if your washing line overhangs the lawn, as this makes it difficult to mow the lawn properly and may result in your clean washing getting dusty or accidentally marked whilst the gardener is working. If you have child's toys, a patio dining set or a trampoline that is in the area where the gardener is to be working, simply move them out of the way before they get there. Whilst the gardener may appreciate the odd offer of a coffee or cold drink, don't interrupt them too much as they are likely to have a very busy schedule.

MAKE SURE YOU PAY THEM ON TIME:

However you pay your gardener, be it cash, cheque or bank transfer, make sure that they have their money by the agreed date. Many business impose charges for late payments - gardening businesses are no exception! If you regularly pay your gardener on time and for some reason miss a payment and get a reminder letter or note, don't panic as they will trust more than likely you that it will be paid ASAP. However if you frequently pay late, some businesses may eventually refuse to visit or impose very strict conditions.

KEEP A DIALOGUE WITH YOUR GARDENER:

This DOESN'T mean spend ages chatting to them, but a word in passing or a quick text, email or note lets them know that their work is appreciated and also lets them know of any plans that you may have for your garden in the future. This leads us onto our next point...

ASK THEM FOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

If you have a specific task that you want doing that your gardener doesn't do, ask them if they know anyone that does. Most will know several local trusted tradesmen and can save you the hassle of finding someone to mend your fence or install that new patio.

Perhaps the gardener even offers that service themselves and you just didn't know. For example a gardener may be able to fertilize, scarify or aerate your lawn instead of you calling another 'lawn care company' to do this work.... 

DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS BLOG WHILST SIMPLY LOOKING FOR A GARDENER OR GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONAL?

If you live within a 7 mile radius of the Spalding, Lincolnshire area and are looking for a professional garden or grounds maintenance service to visit your property, our business (ANP Services Spalding) can help you both maintain AND improve your garden - no matter how big or small.

For your peace of mind, we are FULLY insured and licensed waste carriers, we also provide free, no obligation quotations and in most instances can offer a fixed price for any works required...

For full details on what we can do for you:

See our website

www.anpservicesspalding.com

email us at

anpservicesspalding@yahoo.co.uk

or phone us today

             07745 247488       or             01775 830250