How to Choose a Reputable Landscaper in Farnham

1. Check Their Understanding of Groundworks

Landscaping in Farnham isn’t just about “laying slabs” — it’s about building on the right foundations for local soil conditions (see also soil types in Farnham).

Ask them to explain:

• How deep they excavate for patios and driveways.
• Which sub-base they use (Type 1, Type 3, etc.).
• How they handle tree roots and made ground.
• How they compact and test sub-bases.
• What they do differently in clay pockets around Upper Hale & Heath End.

If they can’t answer confidently and clearly, be cautious.

2. Ask for Local Examples of Completed Work

A reputable landscaper working in Farnham should be able to show recent projects in:

• Farnham town
• Wrecclesham
• Lower Bourne
• Rowledge
• Frensham
• Tilford
• Upper Hale / Heath End

Ideally, you should see photos of works in progress as well as finished shots — this reveals what’s going on under the surface and how they approach drainage and groundworks.

3. Look at How Their Quotes Are Structured

A good quotation should be:

• Clear and itemised.
• Transparent about preparation and groundworks.
• Specific about materials (by type, not just “stone” or “slabs”).
• Honest about what is and isn’t included (waste removal, drainage, steps, etc.).

Very vague or one-line quotes are rarely a good sign and make it hard to compare like-for-like. Our costs guide can help you sanity-check what’s realistic for the scope.

4. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Prices

In Farnham, proper landscaping is rarely cheap. If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, it may mean:

• Reduced excavation depths.
• No proper sub-base.
• Dot-and-dab slab laying.
• Incorrect jointing or inadequate drainage.
• Unlicensed waste disposal.

These shortcuts lead to sinking patios, cracking joints and constant remedial work. For comparison of surface options, see our porcelain vs sandstone guide.

5. Confirm Insurance & Waste Disposal

Ask your landscaper to confirm that they have:

• Public liability insurance.
• Waste carrier registration (for removing soil, hardcore and green waste).
• Established business details (website, email address, not just a pay-as-you-go number).

This is especially important where larger full garden transformations are involved.

6. Ask About Drainage & Soil Behaviour

Farnham has a mix of sandy soils, clay patches and heavily treed slopes. A professional landscaper should understand how this affects:

• Patio and driveway drainage.
• Soakaway suitability.
• French drain design.
• Root-related movement and subsidence.

They should happily talk about fall directions, water paths and overflow strategies. Our drainage & groundworks page explains some of the typical solutions.

7. Look at Communication Style

The way a landscaper communicates before the job tells you a lot about how they’ll behave once work begins.

Positive signs:

• They respond promptly and professionally.
• They answer questions clearly.
• They offer practical suggestions, not just “what do you want?”.
• They explain timeframes and likely disruption.

8. Read Latest Reviews, Not Just Old Ones

Look for:

• Mention of reliability and punctuality.
• Comments about tidiness and respect for the property.
• Feedback on aftercare and how they handled snags.
• Reviews from Farnham, Wrecclesham, Rowledge, Lower Bourne or Frensham specifically.

9. Ask About Aftercare & Maintenance

Good landscapers aren’t just interested in finishing the job and disappearing. They’ll explain:

• How to maintain porcelain or natural stone surfaces.
• How often to clean channels and drains.
• How to care for new lawns and planting.
• What to expect in the first year as the ground settles.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If someone seems rushed, dismissive of your questions, or gives changing answers about their methods, it’s usually a sign to walk away.

A reputable landscaper in Farnham will be open, calm and comfortable with detail, and will encourage you to ask about build standards, drainage and costs rather than brushing them aside.

Areas We Cover

Farnham · Wrecclesham · Rowledge · Lower Bourne · Upper Hale · Heath End · Frensham · Tilford · Crondall · Ewshot · Boundstone

Need a Reliable Landscaper in Farnham?

If you’d like a structured, transparent quotation for a patio, driveway or full garden transformation in the Farnham area, we’d be pleased to help.

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