How do I choose a reputable landscaper in Godalming?

Look for a landscaper who can clearly explain their groundwork approach, including sub-base depths, drainage planning and retaining wall design. Ask for recent local examples of work in Godalming and surrounding villages, check that they are properly insured and licensed, and review the clarity and detail of their written quotation.

Should I always choose the cheapest landscaping quote?

No. A significantly cheaper quote often indicates that corners are being cut on preparation, drainage or foundations. This can lead to problems such as subsidence, pooling water, cracked slabs and failing walls. It is usually better to choose a well-specified quote from a reputable contractor, even if it is not the lowest price.

What should be included in a professional landscaping quote?

A professional quote should clearly set out the scope of works, materials, sub-base and drainage details, retaining walls and level changes where relevant, waste removal, and payment stages. It should be detailed enough that you know exactly what you are paying for and can compare it with other quotes on a like-for-like basis.

Do landscapers in Godalming need insurance and a waste carrier licence?

Yes. Any reputable landscaper should carry public liability insurance as a minimum, and anyone transporting soil, rubble or green waste as part of their business should hold a valid waste carrier licence. These checks help protect you if something goes wrong and ensure that waste is disposed of responsibly.

How to Choose a Reputable Landscaper in Godalming

With so many landscapers working in Godalming, Milford, Farncombe and Witley, choosing the right one can feel confusing. This guide gives you the exact checks to make so you can feel confident you’re hiring a professional who will build a garden that lasts — whether that’s a new porcelain or sandstone terrace, a driveway or a complete garden redesign.

1. Check Their Groundwork Knowledge

Landscaping is not just “laying slabs” — it’s construction. A reputable Godalming landscaper must fully understand:

Sub-base depths for patios and paths and driveways
Drainage requirements for clay-heavy areas — especially on plots where our garden drainage & groundworks approach is needed
Level management on sloped gardens (very common in Busbridge and Hurtmore)
Retaining wall construction standards

If they can’t explain their groundwork approach clearly, it’s a red flag.

2. Ask for Local Examples of Previous Work

Good landscapers will have completed work in:

Godalming town centre
Milford
Farncombe
Witley
Chiddingfold
Busbridge
Hambledon
Charterhouse

Ask for recent photos, not just carefully staged portfolio images, and ideally examples of similar full garden transformations or driveway projects to your own.

3. Check Whether They Use Correct Installation Standards

Ask them directly about:

Full mortar beds (not dot-and-dab) for patios and paths
Porcelain priming slurry for modern paving
Type 1 or MOT sub-base depth in line with usage
Proper compaction methods
Drainage planning for patios and driveways — tying into wider garden drainage where necessary

Professionals love to explain their process. Amateurs avoid these questions.

4. Look at Their Quote Structure

A good quote should be:

Clear
Itemised
Transparent about materials
Detailed enough that you know exactly what you’re paying for

If you’re comparing options, it can help to sanity-check prices against our Godalming landscaping costs 2025 guide, especially for larger projects.

5. Avoid Unrealistically Low Prices

Cheap landscaping nearly always leads to problems such as:

Subsidence and sinking patios
Poor drainage and pooling water
Loose joints or cracked slabs
Walls that fail or lean
Incorrect foundations

If one quote is much cheaper than others, it almost always means corners are being cut. Issues like these often show up later as subsidence and reduced patio longevity.

6. Check for Insurance & Proper Business Setup

Always ask if they have:

Public liability insurance (essential)
Waste carrier licence (if removing soil and materials)
Written contracts or terms
Clear payment stages

For projects involving level changes, boundary walls or front-garden parking, it’s also sensible to confirm they understand local planning permission rules.

7. See How They Communicate

Reliability doesn’t start on day one of the job — it starts with your first conversation.

Signs of a professional:

Replies promptly
Explains things clearly
Shows genuine interest in your project
Provides thoughtful suggestions

8. Ask About Aftercare

Landscaping is an investment. A trusted Godalming landscaper will explain:

How to maintain porcelain or natural stone surfaces
When to water new turf or plants
How to protect joints in winter
What to do if you experience minor settling

9. Read Recent Local Reviews

Look specifically for reviews mentioning:

Professionalism
Cleanliness
Quality of finish
Communication
Punctuality

Reviews from Milford, Farncombe, Witley or Busbridge residents are especially valuable, as ground conditions and access patterns are similar to your own.

10. Trust Your Instinct

If something feels off — the quote is too vague, the price is too good, the answers are evasive — walk away. Good landscapers are confident, clear and consistent.

Areas We Cover

We work across:

Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Witley, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Hurtmore, Hambledon, Chiddingfold and the wider Surrey Hills.

Need Reliable Landscaping in Godalming?

We’d be pleased to visit your property, discuss your ideas and provide a clear, fixed quotation based on proper construction methods — whether you need a patio installation, driveway construction or a complete garden rebuild.

Request a Consultation

Godalming Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Witley, Hurtmore, Hambledon and the surrounding Surrey Hills.

Patio Installation - Driveway Construction Standards - Garden Drainage & Groundworks - Porcelain vs Sandstone - Retaining Wall Rules & Safety - Soil Types in Godalming - Planning Permission Rules - Landscaping Costs 2025 - Complete Garden Rebuilds - Choosing the Right Contractor - Waste Removal & Skip Rules - Subsidence & Patio Longevity - Tree Roots & Landscape Longevity

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If you’re considering a new driveway, patio or full garden transformation, we’d be happy to talk through your ideas and advise on the best way forward.

Call: 01428 654812 · 07500 877949

Email: richard@tlchaslemere.co.uk

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Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Witley, Hurtmore, Hambledon and the surrounding Surrey Hills