Professional Landscaping – How to Choose a Company You Can Trust
Whether you live in Crewe itself or nearby areas such as Nantwich, Alsager or Holmes Chapel, choosing the right landscaping company can feel like a minefield.
There are countless individuals and businesses offering paving, decking, turfing and general landscaping services. At first glance, many look similar. But the difference between a true professional landscaper and a short-term installer often only becomes clear in the months and years which follow the work being completed… when its too late!
The purpose of this guide is simple: to be a money saver… to give you clear, practical advice on what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to avoid costly mistakes when choosing a landscaper for your home.
PAY CHEAP, PAY TWICE – WHY PRICE SHOULDN’T BE YOUR STARTING POINT
There’s an old saying in construction: pay cheap, pay twice. Landscaping is no exception.
The goal is not to find the cheapest quote (not estimate… clear distinction here!). The goal should be to select a company with proven experience, technical expertise and understanding of how ground and gardens behave within the environment over time.
Unlike interiors, gardens are exposed to the elements. Ground expands and contracts (particularly the Crewe Clay). Water also needs somewhere to go. Frost, heat and heavy rainfall all test the quality of the build. If patios, paths or retaining structures are installed without proper consideration, what looks good initially is likely to sink, move, crack or deteriorate.
So, questions to ask?
How deep will you excavate? Why 150mm, 200mm or deeper?
How will you construct the subbase? (No 6f2 please)
Are you using C24, UC3 or UC4 timbers? Why?
How will you work within SUDS? (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems)
What current problems can you see? How will you remedy them?
EXPERIENCE MATTERS MORE THAN MATERIALS
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that problems are caused by cheap materials. In reality, most landscaping faults are caused by poor preparation and rushed installation.
Across projects delivered throughout Crewe and South Cheshire, the most common we have seen are issues such as movement in the paving, standing water, uneven lawns and failed joints. These problems are rarely caused by the materials themselves. They are almost always the result of careless groundwork and inadequate preparation.
Without a correct survey and site set out, the problems have already begun.
Even the best quality of porcelain paving will pop sooner or later if not primed.
Permeable grouts with impermeable porcelain and mortar will soon become problematic.
So, questions to ask?
Do you have enough information on the subgrade to plan and cost accurately?
If you're priming with SBR, what are the risks of this vs industry standard primer?
How does BS7533 relate to my project?
Do I need any permissions for the pergola or fencing?
What if the project goes over-budget? When will it cost me and when will it just cost you?
A PROPER SITE ASSESSMENT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Before design or construction begins, reputable landscapers carry out a thorough site assessment. This includes ground conditions, drainage routes, finished levels, sun and shade, and how the garden will actually be used.
A lot of information can be obtained on site, but this should be checked for accuracy. More information can and should be derived using online resources, which can also be used to check on site observations.
It is important that the owner also check boundary ownership, and bulk waste disposal plus material delivery and storage is considered with the landscaper at an early stage.
If a company is prepared to quote without properly assessing or discussing these factors, that should raise a red flag straight away.
So, challenge your landscaper:
Why have you positioned the pergola “there” not “over there”?
Is a soak-away suitable in my garden?
Will the patio cause any problems for my current lawn?
How many m2 is the garden? … how long is this wall / fence?
What’s the soil pH and conditions? Is it the same everywhere?
TRANSPARENCY IS A SIGN OF TRUST
Good landscaping companies are transparent about how they work. They can explain why certain construction methods are used, how drainage is managed, and how long materials are expected to last.
It goes further than that. You should know exactly what you are getting and how it is planned for installation. You don’t need to understand every technical detail, but a professional should be able to explain what they are doing and why… this may be shown in an itemised estimation of landscaping services with technical specifications. Gooodwin Gardens Ltd includes this within the quote.
There are also Terms and Conditions. These are important, for all parties. They protect you, give clarity on things such as payment schedules and dispute resolution whilst also defining responsibilities and obligations for everyone… the designer, landscaper and client.
So, questions to ask?
What will be in the quote?
How do CDM regulations apply to this project?
What happens if things don’t go to plan?
Where can I find your terms and conditions?
To what extent are you insured? (Hint… liability and professional indemnity)
DESIGN-LED LANDSCAPING VS JUST LAYING WHAT YOU ASK FOR
The best landscapers don’t simply install what’s requested. They consider the needs and wants of the client first then also proportions, flow, usability and how the space will feel once complete. This is the difference between a landscape and a garden. This is the key to getting many years of enjoyment and personal value from your space. This unlocks potential… but not necessarily without blowing the budget!
Whoever you go with, I implore you, explore the potential before going with the obvious!!
A well-designed garden doesn’t just look better. It works better.
If you want modern, contemporary and low maintenance garden… think clean lines with porcelain paving, quality paints and stains, gravel and ornamental grasses or low-growing and compact shrubs… possibly also artificial grass.
If you want a solution for a characterful property rich in heritage… think of working with the current structure… perhaps reclaimed materials and natural stone… secluded corners, shrubbery and herbaceous perennials… possibly also a wild corner with wildflowers?
If you want a taste of the Mediterranean, think of architecture plants with silvery foliage plus herbs and gravel… think cool and earthy colours, clear zones or use and enclosure punctuated by tactile objects, soft lighting and ceramics.
So, questions to ask:
How can you link together everything I need and want from the space?
Does my idea make the best use of space?
Does the patio or lawn have to be this size or shape?
What could be done to develop and improve the basic plan?
What materials should we use and why?
LANDSCAPING IS AN INVESTMENT, NOT AN EXPENSE
A professionally designed and constructed garden adds long-term value to your property and lifestyle. Cutting corners may save money upfront, but it often leads to higher costs later.
An inaccurate survey could result in an inadequate sub-base to your patio.
Lack of thought for permissions and neighbours could lead to frosty relations and council (or legal) intervention.
A garden installed without design could mean you don’t like it later, or are bored of it… far more expensive and potentially disruptive to change than the wall-paper!
Lack of a detailed quote and clarity on expectations could lead to demands for money thus an unknown financial impact… when the work has already commenced.
As the saying goes: do it right, or do it twice.
You could do your own research on the value-added potential of landscaping / garden improvements in comparison to a new kitchen, bathroom etc.
You may also like to consider landscaping as an investment into your family life or your own happiness and wellbeing.
A garden really can make a home. A garden is a place to rest and recharge…. Play, explore and discover… entertain and have fun… even work, or read and eat or simply sit back and breathe!
A garden is, or could be, a life enriching investment that adds equity to your property.
All this depends on choosing the right partner… the right landscaping company, whom you can trust and who respects you and really is there for you… not just to take your hard earned cash. Their primary job, after all, is to give you a return on this investment.
Written and copyrighted by Goodwin Gardens Ltd (2025) - Professional landscape designers and contractors in South Cheshire.
