What should I check before hiring a gardener?
Most problems with gardeners come from a missing quote, missing insurance or waste being dumped. These eight checks take ten minutes and avoid nearly all of them.
- Public liability insurance. Ask how much cover they have and for a copy of the certificate.
- Recent local reviews. Look for reviews on Google from the last 12 months that mention streets or areas near you, such as Ealing, Hanwell or Perivale.
- Photos of their own work. Stock photos are a warning sign. Ask to see jobs like yours.
- Waste carrier registration. Anyone who takes garden waste away should be registered with the Environment Agency. You can check the public register online.
- A written quote after a visit. It should list what is included, the price, and how waste is handled.
- A real address and landline or mobile. A local base means they can come back if something needs fixing.
- DBS checks for work at schools, nurseries, care homes or blocks with residents around.
- How long they have been trading. A business that has worked in the same area for years has a reputation to protect.
How much should a gardener in Ealing cost?
General garden care in Ealing and West London is typically around £30 to £45 an hour in 2026, with skilled work such as hedge shaping or tree work higher. Our guide to gardener costs in London covers hourly, day and regular plan prices.
Gardener or landscaper: who do I need?
A gardener looks after what is already there: mowing, hedges, borders and tidying. A landscaper builds things: patios, fences, decking and new lawns. Some small firms do both, which helps when a garden needs a makeover and then regular care.
Who are A.K. Gardening Specialist?
A.K. Gardening Specialist is a gardening and landscaping company based in Northolt, run by Karol Antolak since 2006. The team works across Ealing and West London, is insured, and Karol and his team are DBS checked for schools and communal sites. The business is rated 4.8 on Google. Visits and written quotes are free.
Questions people ask
Does a gardener need insurance?
There is no legal requirement, but any gardener working on your property should hold public liability insurance. It covers damage to your property or injury to others while they work. Ask for the certificate.
Does a gardener need a waste carrier licence?
Yes, if they take garden waste away as part of the job they should be registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. If waste is fly tipped, the householder can also be fined.
Should I pay a gardener upfront?
For regular garden care you normally pay after each visit or monthly. For larger landscaping jobs a deposit for materials is common, with the balance on completion. Avoid paying the full amount before work starts.
How do I find a reliable gardener near me in Ealing?
Look at Google reviews from the last year, check insurance and waste registration, and ask for a free visit and written quote. A local firm based in or near Ealing will usually respond faster and charge less for travel.
Karol Antolak
Owner of A.K. Gardening Specialist in Northolt. Looking after gardens across West London since 2006. Fully insured, DBS checked.
