Why a checklist helps
Garden work is easy to describe loosely and hard to compare. Whether the green waste is taken away, and how large the areas are, can change a quote more than the hourly rate.
Rules on tree removal, green waste and chemical use differ by council, state and territory. Check your state's rules and your local council's website before any tree or large-branch work.
How to use this checklist
Work through each phase and tick items as you go. Anything unticked is a question for the gardener. Use it with the gardening and lawn care cost guide and the mulch and soil calculator for quantities.
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Find a providerFrequently asked questions
Is green waste removal included?
Not always. Check the quote says whether green waste is taken away and where it goes. Council rules on dumping and bin collection differ, so check your council's website.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Often you do, but rules differ by council, state and territory. Check your council's website and your state's rules before any tree is cut.
How much mulch do I need?
It depends on the area and depth. Use the mulch and soil calculator to estimate a volume, then ask each supplier for quantities in the same units.
Should I book a regular gardener or one-off visit?
A one-off tidy suits an overgrown garden. Regular visits suit upkeep. Ask providers to quote both so you can compare them.