How to Choose a Reputable Landscaper in Chichester

1. Look for a Solid Online Presence

A reputable landscaping company will have:

• A professional website that clearly explains their core services
• Real before/after project photos from local jobs
• Contact details that actually work
• Clear explanations of how they build, not just glossy finished pictures

Take a moment to look for consistency: does the name on the website match the name on vehicles, quotations and email signatures?

2. Read Local Reviews

Genuine reviews tell you far more than a brochure.

Look at:

• Google Reviews for patterns in how clients describe the work
• Facebook recommendations and local community groups
• Neighbourhood forums in Chichester, Bosham, Tangmere and surrounding villages

A good landscaper should have a steady run of positive feedback across different platforms, not just one or two glowing comments.

3. Ask for Previous Work Examples

Any good landscaper should be able to show:

• Photos of completed patios, driveways or garden builds
• Recent jobs in Chichester or nearby villages
• Before/after shots demonstrating how they handle levels, steps and drainage

When possible, visit a finished project — particularly one that has been through at least one winter.

4. Check They Use Proper Construction Methods

You want a landscaper who understands local conditions and builds to suit them. Around Chichester that includes:

• Recognising the different soil types (chalk, sand, clay and mixed ground)
• Correct excavation depths for both patios and driveways
• Full mortar bedding and priming for porcelain patios
• Drainage requirements in coastal villages and low-lying plots
• How to stabilise weak, sandy or made-up ground before laying paving

Our own driveway construction standards guide gives a sense of the level of detail you should expect.

5. Avoid “Too Cheap” Quotes

Cheap quotes usually mean:

• Shallow dig depth and inadequate sub-base
• Poor compaction or missing layers
• Incorrect mortar mixes for porcelain and natural stone
• Cut corners on drainage and waste removal
• Inferior materials that won’t cope with Chichester weather

If a quote is much lower than others for the same specification – something is almost always wrong. Compare pricing with a neutral guide such as your own notes or a local Chichester landscaping costs overview.

6. Ask the Right Questions

Always ask:

• How deep will you excavate and why?
• What sub-base material will you use?
• How will you handle surface water and drainage?
• Do you provide a written quotation and specification?
• How long have you been operating in the Chichester area?
• Do you remove waste legally and include it in the price?

A confident contractor should be able to talk clearly about build-ups, drainage and waste removal rules without vague wording.

7. Ensure They Are Properly Insured

A reputable landscaper will have:

• Public liability insurance
• Employer’s liability cover (if they run a team)
• A valid waste carrier’s licence or a clear arrangement with licensed waste partners

Don’t be afraid to ask for evidence — responsible companies expect the question.

8. Understand Their Communication Style

Clear communication is essential for a smooth project.

A good landscaper will:

• Reply promptly to calls and emails
• Provide realistic timelines
• Give honest, practical advice if something won’t work
• Update you throughout the project, especially when weather or access changes plans

9. Value Experience with Local Conditions

Chichester has genuine micro-climates and tricky ground conditions:

• High water tables in Bosham and low-lying coastal areas
• Chalk slopes and shallow soils in Lavant and Goodwood
• Clay pockets in Tangmere and Oving
• Sandy soils in Fishbourne, Apuldram and parts of Donnington

Choose a landscaper who understands these conditions and builds accordingly, not a “one spec fits all” approach. Our drainage and groundworks guide shows how we adapt designs to each site.

FAQ: Choosing a Landscaper in Chichester

Do I need multiple quotes for my project?

It’s sensible to get at least two or three quotes for larger projects. Make sure each contractor is pricing the same specification so you’re comparing like-for-like, not a robust build versus a “thin” one.

Should my landscaper provide drawings?

For simple patios and driveways, a clear written description may be enough. For bigger garden transformations, scaled drawings or a simple plan help everyone understand levels, steps and planting zones before work begins.

How far in advance should I book a landscaper?

Good contractors in the Chichester area often book several months ahead, especially for spring and summer. If someone can “start tomorrow” on a big job with no notice, ask why.

What should be in a proper quotation?

A good quotation will describe excavation depths, sub-base, laying methods, drainage, materials, access assumptions, waste removal and payment stages — not just a single line saying “Patio £X”.

Areas We Cover

Chichester · Bosham · Fishbourne · Lavant · Tangmere · Oving · Donnington · Hunston · Goodwood · Westhampnett · Apuldram · South Downs villages

Want a Trusted Landscaper in Chichester?

We follow correct construction standards, use premium materials and take pride in producing long-lasting work across Chichester and all nearby villages, from compact courtyards to full garden rebuilds.

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