After the coldest winter for ten years, it’s certainly nice to feel the warmth of the spring sunshine and look forward to the prospect of warmer days to come. The lengthening days also herald the impending start of the exterior landscape maintenance season and with that in mind we asked our exterior operations manager the most frequently asked questions he comes up against on exterior maintenance contracts.

When does the grass cutting season begin and end?

Generally, our summer season begins on 1 April when grass cutting commences and continues throughout the summer until September. However, we are guided by weather conditions, so sometimes this may be earlier or even a few weeks later.

How often will the team attend?

Contracts are based on either weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits, largely dependent on the size of your site and the exterior maintenance specification you choose.

Will it be the same team who attend at every visit?

Teams are allocated to each site at the beginning of the summer season and remain the same throughout the year. If we must review our schedules or teams are switched because of holidays or sickness we will communicate any changes with you in advance.

What happens if it’s raining on a day you are due to attend?

Our teams operate in most weather conditions, however if inclement conditions prevent certain operations we will attend to other tasks and rescheduled missed operations to the next visit.

Do you treat lawns?

Treatment of grass areas is a great way to enhance a sites visual appearance and we can advise on feeding the grass and weed control. Treatment however is not part of our standard exterior landscape maintenance service, but we have team members certified to carry out these tasks and this can be added to your contract.

What happened to the green waste you remove from my site?

All green waste is taken to a recycling centre to be made into organic compost. This organic compost is then used in our landscaping operation.

Will you cut the branches on my trees?

As part of the standard exterior maintenance specification, we maintain trees up to a height of 3 meters where there is a health and safety requirement to do so. For example, visual obstruction or close to walkways. Any tree works above this height would require to be costed separately.

Are your staff certified and trained?

Each staff member is certified and trained in the tasks they are required to perform, and all teams travel in livered vehicles, wear uniform and carry GP Plantscape ID.

Can you provide risk and COSHH assessments?

GP Plantscape is accredited to the OHAS1800 standard and can provide the relevant risk assessments and COSHH for all exterior landscape maintenance operations.

What is the contract length?

Generally, contracts are provided annually, covering one summer and one winter season, however long-term contracts can also be arranged.

If you still have a burning question please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.