Grass cutting and branch clearing

In the UK’s damp climate, grass and woody shrubs can grow aggressively between April and October. Hiring a professional ensures that borders are kept sharp, lawns remain thatch-free, and overhanging branches don't interfere with gutters, fences, or telephone lines.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Lawn Maintenance: Mowing using professional-grade pedestrian or ride-on mowers, followed by precision edging for a crisp finish.
• Boundary Strimming: Clearing long grass and weeds from fence lines, wall bases, and around delicate flowerbeds.
• Light Arboriculture: Pruning and thinning small branches and overhanging growth up to a height of approximately 3 metres.
• Waste Processing: On-site chipping of woody material or bagging green waste for removal or composting.
• Site Clearance: Blowing or sweeping paths and driveways to ensure all clippings and debris are removed.
• Safety Inspections: Checking for hidden hazards like cables, ground nests, or protected tree species before work begins.

Typical Costs

Prices for garden maintenance vary based on the size of the plot and the volume of waste generated. Most contractors charge a minimum call-out fee to cover travel and equipment setup.

Factors that increase the price include steep gradients, restricted access (e.g., carrying waste through a house), and the presence of "woody" waste which is heavier and more expensive to dispose of than grass clippings.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Suburban Garden: 1–2 hours for a standard mow and light trim.
• Medium Garden (approx. 1/4 acre): 2–4 hours, depending on the number of borders and trees.
• Large Gardens or Neglected Plots: 4–8 hours, often requiring a two-person team.
• Branch Clearing: Adding significant branch removal can add 1–2 hours to a standard session for processing and loading.

DIY or Professional?

While many homeowners enjoy DIY mowing, professional services use industrial-grade machinery that produces a superior finish and handles damp grass more effectively. For branch clearing, professionals bring the necessary safety gear and ladders, reducing the risk of falls or injury from falling timber.

Important: If branches are higher than 3 metres or near power lines, you must hire a qualified tree surgeon (arborist) rather than a general gardener for safety and insurance reasons.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Waste Carrier License: Ensure they are registered with the Environment Agency to legally transport garden waste.
• Insurance: Look for Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1m–£5m) to cover potential damage to your property.
• Equipment: Ask if they use their own petrol/cordless tools or if they require access to your electricity.
• References: Check online reviews or ask for photos of previous "clearance" jobs to see the quality of their finish.

Questions to ask:

• Are you insured for work at height?
• Does your quote include the removal of all green waste from the site?
• How do you handle nesting birds or protected species?
• Is there a discount for regular fortnightly or monthly visits?

UK Regulations

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: It is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. Heavy pruning is often avoided during nesting season (March to August).
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): You must check with your local council before cutting branches from a tree protected by a TPO or located in a Conservation Area.
• Waste Regulations: Professionals must have a Waste Carrier License to remove clippings from your property; otherwise, you could be held liable for fly-tipping.

Common Problems

• Hidden Debris: Stones, toys, or wire hidden in long grass can damage mower blades and cause flying debris; always clear the lawn before the pro arrives.
• Over-Pruning: Taking too much off a hedge or tree at the wrong time of year can "shock" the plant, leading to disease or death.
• Access Issues: Narrow side gates or stairs can prevent the use of large mowers, significantly increasing the time required for the job.
• Weather Delays: Mowing very wet grass can "smear" the soil and damage the lawn’s root system; a professional may postpone work for the sake of your lawn's health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my grass be cut in the UK?

During the peak growing season (April to September), a fortnightly cut is standard. In very wet or warm summers, weekly mowing may be required to maintain a neat appearance.

Can you cut grass when it is raining?

While possible with professional mowers, it is generally discouraged. Cutting wet grass results in an uneven finish, can clog machinery, and leads to soil compaction.

Do I need permission to cut overhanging branches from a neighbour?

Under UK law, you can trim branches that overhang your boundary, but only up to the property line. You must offer the clippings back to the neighbour, though you cannot simply throw them over the fence.

What is the best way to dispose of garden waste?

Most pros will either use your brown council bin, compost on-site, or take waste to a commercial recycling centre. Taking it away is usually an additional cost due to disposal fees.

Will a gardener prune a very tall tree?

Most gardeners cap their work at 3 metres (approx. 10 feet). Anything higher usually requires a specialist arborist with climbing gear, chainsaws, and specific "work at height" insurance.