Landscaping FAQ

  1. How do The Association of Professional Landscapers registered landscapers differ from non-members?
    Registered APL members comply with our Customer Charter, which signifies their promise to deliver the highest levels of service to customers. Members operate businesses built upon practical landscaping experience and have a proven track record in satisfying the needs of their customers. Many of our members have sector-specific qualifications. APL member must comply with current legislation, including insurance cover, health and safety and employee welfare. And to ensure that our members maintain the very highest standards of professionalism, an approved independent inspector audits their businesses annually.
  2. Why should I choose a TrustMark –registered landscape contractor?
    Registered  APL members who have TrustMark accreditation have been independently checked against standards set by the Government. TrustMark is a nationwide scheme designed to help you find reputable, trustworthy tradesmen to work in your home and garden.
  3. Should I expect a guarantee for the work in my garden?
    Having your garden landscaped is very different from buying a new car or a washing machine… it is never going to break down! However, your guarantee comes in the form of choosing an APL member, who has agreed to abide by the stringent codes set out in our Customer Charter. If things go wrong, for example the firm you have chosen ceases to trade while holding your deposit and with work still in progress, you should be covered by a warranty offered by APL members. You will be given an opportunity to extend this cover yourself once the job is complete. Once you have paid your final bill, it is up to you to look after your garden to the best of your abilities. Few people who have chosen an APL member ever have to call their contractor back once the garden is finished.
  4. Why should I hire a landscaper - could I not do the work myself?
    An enthusiastic amateur with reasonable DIY skills could easily tackle many landscape tasks. However, a trained professional will know which materials to use, what plants are ideal for your environment and how to get the best out of your outdoor space. An experienced landscaper will also be able to accurately estimate projects, anticipate problems and be less prone to costly mistakes or delays.
  5. I don’t need a landscaper - I just need someone to help tidy my garden.
    Many of our members offer a landscape maintenance service. This may include lawn care, pruning, weeding, or general garden maintenance. It may be that you just want a seasonal clean up, or you may require regular maintenance work. Whatever your needs, we will have a member, who can help. If you have spent hard-earned money on landscaping your garden then it is worth considering a regular maintenance contract to keep it in pristine condition.
  6. What is a Landscape Architect?
    A landscape architect is someone who holds professional qualifications in general landscape architecture with training in horticulture, landscape design and planning. Using their knowledge of building, civil engineering, planning and the environment, landscape architects can plan an entire site including the location of buildings, public access, roadways, structures and planting. In general, a landscape architect would be used for commercial projects rather than residential or domestic landscaping.
  7. What is a Landscape Designer?
    A landscape designer has experience and training in horticulture, design and landscape planning. Their knowledge of horticulture means that they can make recommendations as to what is best suited to your garden. They are also skilled at incorporating hard landscaping and features such as arbours, pergolas, water, stonework and ponds into a scheme. A landscape designer can produce an accurate, printed design including a list of materials for installation by a landscape contractor. Many APL members are either skilled designers themselves or have connections with qualified designers. For more information see the Society of Garden Designers website by clicking here.
  8. What is hard landscaping?
    Hard landscaping refers to the elements of a garden that are constructed from ‘hard’ material such as brick, stone, paving etc. It includes patios, walls, driveways, steps, paths and other features constructed from hard materials.
  9. What is soft landscaping?
    Soft landscaping refers to the elements of a garden that are made up of living or green material such as plants, turf, seeding and bulbs. It is also used to refer to areas of lawn, flower and shrub borders, tree planting etc.
  10. What can I do if I have a problem with an APL member?
    In the unlikely event of you facing a problem or disagreement, you can be assured that all APL members adhere to a complaints resolution procedure, which is clear, user-friendly and approved by TrustMark. Problems are usually resolved direct, however, you can contact the APL and we will do our best to help. If the problem is still unresolved, you can use the TrustMark approved, low-cost conciliation or arbitration service that we have in place.