Landscaping & Gardening
FAQs
Discover the top FAQs about our Landscaping & Gardening Services in Plymouth, South Devon, & East Cornwall.
Questions & Answers
FAQs About Our Landscaping & Gardening Services in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall
Over the years, we have received a diverse range of questions from clients in Plymouth, South Devon, and East Cornwall about our Gardening, Landscaping, Fencing, and Turf services. With this in mind, we decided to put together a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.
If you have any other queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us either by phone on 07399 092364 or through the contact form on our website.
Landscaping & Gardening
How Much Does Landscaping a Garden Cost?
The cost of Garden Landscaping is driven up by the amount of work required, the quality of materials, the size of your garden, and the complexity of the design, such as multi-tiered layouts or intricate paving. Whilst premium options like composite decking or porcelain tiles require a higher initial investment, they offer superior durability and lower long-term maintenance.
Factors that reduce costs include access to machinery, off-season discounts for materials, or bulk-buying plants. However, be wary of low-cost quotes that may mean no insurance, inexperienced staff, or cutting corners on preparation, such as subbases and footings.
If you would like to reduce the cost of the works, we can talk through your budget and then suggest different materials to bring your project costs down.
If you would like to learn more, please feel free to read our guide on Landscaping Pricing.
Can You Block Pave My Driveway?
Yes, we can deliver and install your new block paving driveway and dispose of all the waste, leaving it ready for you to use!
You can choose from a wide variety of materials, colours, and patterns to create a unique look that suits your home. Beyond aesthetics, your driveway will be built for durability, featuring professional groundwork and integrated drainage to ensure a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish.
If you fill in our contact form, we will then get in touch for a free quote and rest assured, we will bring our block paving sample box, so you can choose the style and colour of your new driveway.
Do You Remove Turf & Soil?
Yes, we do. If you’d like to remove your lawn to make way for fresh Turf, a Patio, Decking, or so your garden can be landscaped, we can help! We’ll remove the old turf – using a turf cutter – and then prepare the soil, before levelling it off. What’s more, we’ll remove the debris, leaving you with a clear area to work with.
Can You Level My Garden?
Yes! If your garden slopes, undulates, or is otherwise uneven, we can level the ground to create a flat, smooth base. Levelling the ground is great for gardens that are prone to waterlogging, to repair areas where structures have been removed (such as steps or outhouses) or to prepare areas that you plan to build on (i.e. creating a deck, or the base for sheds, hot tubs or playhouses), giving you a huge amount of versatility.
Do You Have a Price List for Your Garden Maintenance Work?
Because every garden is unique, we don’t offer a standard price list. We would need to visit your property to evaluate your outdoor space, assess the extent of work required, and discuss your needs. Once we have evaluated what needs to be done, we will provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.
No hard feelings – it’s up to you whether you want to proceed. We can always tailor our work to fit your budget if you want us to focus on your priority areas first.
Can You Dispose of My Old Decking, Patio or Paving Slabs?
Yes, we are licensed to remove most kinds of waste, including green waste, rubble, and soil. This ensures all waste can be removed at the end of every project by our trucks and trailers, allowing us to take away any waste produced easily and cost-effectively.
Garden Clearance
Can You Clear My Overgrown Garden?
Yes, we can! We have a wide range of professional equipment to efficiently tackle your overgrown garden. We also have a full registered waste carriers licence, as well as trucks and trailers to take away any waste produced.
We can clear borders, remove rubble, take down old fencing, and tidy your entire outdoor space, handling everything from trees and shrubs to brambles and weeds and leaving you with a clear area to enjoy. If required, we can also rotavate your soil and remove turf.
Simply get in touch with us to find out more about our Garden Clearance services and discuss your requirements.
What Is Rotavating & Do I Need to Have It Done?
Rotavating can be a part of the Garden Clearance process. Designed to churn, break up, and aerate soil, rotavating helps level the ground and improves drainage by creating channels in the soil. Rotavated soil provides the perfect basis for growing vegetables and crops.
Are You Licensed to Remove Japanese Knotweed?
No, we’re not licensed to remove Japanese Knotweed. Your local authority can recommend a registered company that will be able to dispose of this for you.
Turf Laying
After the Turf Has Been Laid, How Soon Can I Walk on It?
We recommend not walking on your turf for 3 weeks after laying new turf. The longer you leave it to ‘settle’, the better, as this allows the turf roots to grow and become established, giving a better result. Please note, you should mow your turf on a high setting 2 weeks after it’s been laid to further aid establishment.
How Much Will It Cost to Lay New Turf in My Garden?
As every garden is different, there are no set prices for our Turf Laying services. If you are interested in having turf laid in your garden, we recommend contacting us to arrange for us to visit and assess your garden to give you a free, no-obligation quote (As costs depend on how much topsoil is needed and whether your garden requires clearing or levelling).
What Types of Turf Can I Have?
We carry two different turf options: ‘Meglio Premium Seeded’ and ‘Supina Shade and Wear’. If you’ve got a sunny or south-facing garden, then the Meglio turf would be your best option. For shady or high-traffic areas, we recommend the Supina turf.
What Time of Year Can I Have Turf Laid?
We can lay turf at any time of year, dependent on weather conditions. The only time of year when we can’t lay turf is when the ground is frozen or during extreme weather, such as torrential rain or gale-force winds.
Can You Maintain the Turf for Me Once It’s Been Laid?
Yes, we can! We offer a wide range of turf care services, including Lawn Care and Grass Cutting, so you can hire us to perform regular or seasonal maintenance work.
Lawn Care
Can You Still Treat My Lawn or Lay Turf During Bad Weather?
Generally, we can work in most weather conditions, though frost will prevent us from being able to do so successfully. However, we’ll always notify you if adverse weather prevents our work, and we’ll arrange a suitable alternative appointment with you.
Do I Need to Mow My Lawn in Winter?
If you have a well-established lawn, then it’s recommended to cut your lawn between March and October, with a small ‘touch-up’ mow in winter to keep things looking neat. For newly laid turf or young lawns, we recommend following the guidance provided by our Gardener upon laying.
Should I Be Watering My Lawn?
As a rule of thumb, lawns do not need to be watered during winter. Light watering is fine in spring and autumn, and more regular watering is best in the summer months.
Newly laid turf should be watered daily for the first few weeks after it’s been laid, tapering off to a few times a week and then once a week in time. In hot weather, you may need to water the lawn more frequently.
I Think My Lawn Is Beyond the Point of Saving – Is There Anything You Can Do?
In our opinion, all lawns can be rescued one way or another! We offer a comprehensive Lawn Repair and Renovation Service to help bring patchy and dry lawns back to life, so if we can save your existing lawn, we will. We can also re-turf gardens using premium local Turf if you would prefer a clean slate and instant results.
We pride ourselves on transforming even the most barren and dried-out gardens, using our four-step lawn care process:
- We begin by scarifying the lawn, which helps to remove debris and any build-up of moss and thatch that may have accumulated on the grass. This build-up can suffocate the lawn beneath, preventing it from being effectively nourished in the sward and root zone. This suffocation results in a thin, patchy and dehydrated lawn that can die off quickly during times of drought and extreme heat. Scarification removes this, in order to encourage fresh and hardier grass growth.
- Next, we aerate the lawn to remove cores of soil and allow oxygen, water and nutrients to penetrate the root zone. Aeration also helps to loosen compacted ground (often caused by high foot traffic), improves surface drainage, reduces moss infestation and achieves an optimum foundation for overseeding.
- Before we overseed the lawn, we fertilise the area to aid the seed’s germination. Fertilisation also helps to encourage the growth of new roots and grass blades.
- Following fertilisation, the lawn is then reseeded, so that it will grow and become luscious and healthy. The seed should then be left for several weeks and be watered regularly. Results can be seen quickly (dependent on weather conditions) and in time, your lawn will be transformed into something plush and beautiful!
Once we’ve completed the lawn makeover, we’ll recommend an aftercare routine so that you know exactly how to care for and nurture your new lawn.
How Long Will It Take to See a Difference in My Lawn?
This entirely depends on the condition your lawn is in when we begin treating it. Some treatments will have an immediate result, but generally, you’ll see results within a week or two.
Is There an Ideal Time of Year to Carry Out Repairs to a Lawn?
This kind of work is best carried out between August and October, to give the grass time to settle and grow in damp and cool conditions.
Can You Mow My Lawn All Year Round?
We can, though, during the Winter the cut will be much lighter than it would be in the Summer.
Artificial Grass
What are the Benefits of Artificial Grass Over a Real Lawn?
There are a number of benefits to Artificial Grass, the biggest of which is how low-maintenance it is. You’ll never have to mow it or fertilise it, and even in the hottest weather, you’re guaranteed to have a thick, green and luscious lawn!
The Artificial Lawn can be easily washed – perfect if you’ve got kids or pets – and the water will simply drain through the holes in the turf backing. Plus, weed killer is recommended only once a year.
If you want to learn more, please feel free to read our blog on the Benefits & Considerations of Artificial Grass Installation.
How Long Will an Artificial Lawn Last?
Typically, Artificial Grass, also known as Astroturf or an Artificial Lawn, laid in the average residential garden, can last for around 20 years, depending on upkeep and the level of wear and tear.
Will My Artificial Grass Fade in the Sun?
No, we use UV-stable products to ensure the colour remains vibrant and bright. We have a number of samples for you to view, so that you can choose your preferred colour, length, and texture.
Is Artificial Grass Pet Friendly?
Yes, it is pet-friendly! If your pet goes to the toilet on artificial grass, then liquids will drain away, and the solids will remain on the top, ready to be scooped up; however, you will need to add pet chemicals to prevent lingering smells. You can rinse the area with a watering can or hose down once you’ve disposed of the waste.
Is Artificial Grass Environmentally Friendly?
As the lawn wouldn’t require watering, mowing or treating with any herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers, it can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to a ‘real lawn’.
However, as it is not a natural material, it cannot sustain wildlife. This does create a lack of biodiversity, though this can easily be addressed through planting a wide variety of shrubs, trees and plants elsewhere in your garden.
Can My Children Play on Artificial Grass?
Yes! Artificial Grass will not scratch or graze skin if you fall, roll or skid across it whilst playing, nor is it sharp underfoot. You can also put playhouses, sandboxes, playground equipment and trampolines on artificial grass!
Can I Use a BBQ on My Artificial Grass?
No, you should never expose Artificial Grass to fire, flame or extreme temperatures, as it may melt. This means that any BBQs, patio heaters, fire pits and chimineas you may have should be kept well away from your Artificial Lawn.
Can You Lay Artificial Turf on Any Surface?
No, you can’t lay artificial turf on all surfaces – the subbase must be permeable to allow liquids to pass through freely. At Jackson Landscaping Ltd, the only surfaces we install artificial grass on are pre-prepared sub-bases or existing tarmac.
Artificial Grass is not suitable for use on loose gravel or surfaces with poor drainage or constant flooding. We will only lay Artificial Turf on a surface that is suitable.
Do You Have Any Tips for Maintaining My Artificial Grass?
Whilst Artificial Grass will remain looking fresh, green and vibrant all year round, without the need for mowing, watering or re-seeding, it still needs a little love to keep it looking its best!
Here are our top tips for looking after your Astroturf:
Sweeping
Using a yard brush with medium-soft bristles, sweep your lawn once a week to remove any debris. Make sure to use light pressure (so you don’t damage the turf) and sweep in the opposite direction the Artificial Grass blades lie in.
Removing Leaves
Remove leaves using a plastic rake or a leaf blower and aim to do this whilst the leaves are dry, as they’re easier to remove!
Cleaning
Your lawn will typically self-clean when it rains, so you’ll rarely need to hose it down. If you need to clean your Artificial Grass after a spillage, then you should first soak up any liquids with paper towels or a dish towel, and for sticky spills, wash the area down with warm water. Washing-up liquid or grass cleaner can be used for food spillages and body fluids, and heavily diluted mineral spirits can be used on oil-based spillages.
Avoid the use of bleach, antibacterial solutions and harsh chemicals on your Artificial Lawn. If the spillage has dried or hardened, use a toothbrush or plastic scraper (like a dough cutter) to gently remove it.
Clean away any pet urine using hot soapy water or a special Artificial Turf spray as often as you can.
Footwear
Avoid wearing footwear with sharp or pointed heels and soles on your lawn (e.g., football boots and stilettos), as they could cause damage to the lawn.
In the Event of Snow or Ice
Never scrape away snow or ice from your Artificial Grass, as this could cause thinning and damage to the lawn. Instead, allow it to melt naturally to preserve the plush and luxurious look.
Fencing
What Kind of Fencing Can You Install?
As a versatile fencing contractor, we can install all forms of garden fencing, including Picket Fences and Feather Edge Fencing.
We also offer a number of Commercial Fencing services to businesses, farms and the education sector. Whether you require a simple post-and-rail fence to mark a boundary path or to provide an enclosure for livestock or a palisade fence to create a secure perimeter around your business premises, we can help!
Is the Cost of Gates Included in the Meterage Quote?
No, Gates are not included in the meterage charge. If you would like us to provide you with a quote to construct a gate, please let us know.
Do You Remove & Dispose of Old Fencing?
Yes, we will take down and dispose of any old fencing you may have, offering a complete service from start to finish.
Sheds & Garden Buildings
What Kind of Sheds or Outbuildings Can You Build?
We can build a wide range of sheds and outbuildings to suit your needs, such as Garden Storage, Pet Houses, Log Stores, Catios, traditional Garden Sheds, Log Cabins, and Summer Houses.
Will My Shed or Outbuilding Be Treated?
The timber we use in construction is pre-treated. If the structure requires posts that go into the ground, any points of contact will be treated with bitumen for additional protection.
What Kind of Roof Can I Have?
We can supply and install most types of roof for your shed or garden building, such as felt, slate or corrugated metal.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Shed or Garden Building Built?
For our custom-made outbuildings and sheds, we don’t have set prices. Instead, we offer free, no-obligation quotes and a comprehensive consultation process where we can discuss your budget and design preferences. Then, we establish what materials, windows, doors and roofing options are possible within your budget and give you a fixed price quote.
However, if you would like an instant price for our standard-designed Sheds or Garden Buildings and Installations, head over to our Online Shop at our sister company’s website, Plymouth Sheds. There, you can pay for your Garden Building online, as well as the installation process, if required.
General FAQs
Do You Offer Free Site Surveys & Quotes?
Yes, we do! We’ll visit your home to find out more about your garden, your requirements, your preferred design and materials, and how you plan to use your garden. This will allow us to recommend the best Turf, Fencing, Gardening and/or Landscaping options for your outdoor space. Then, we’ll survey the site together, talk through your different options and prices, and take some measurements.
Once we’ve done this, we’ll then head back to our office, prepare your quote and speak to our suppliers. Once finalised, we will send you your no-obligation quote for our Gardening & Landscaping services.
If you’d like to speak with us about our Gardening, Landscaping, Fencing, or Turf Services, give us a call on 07399 092364 or send us a message via our contact form.
What Areas Do You Cover?
As Landscape Gardeners, we cover the whole of Plymouth and anywhere within an hour of the city (Typically as far north as Tavistock, as far east as Salcombe and as far west as Saltash) for both regular Garden Maintenance work and one-off Gardening or Landscaping jobs. Take a look at our areas we serve page to find out more about the locations we work in.
Are You Reliable?
Absolutely, we pride ourselves on our reliability and punctuality. We always turn up when we say we will and endeavour to keep in touch with you every step of the way.
But don’t just take our word for it – take a look at our Reviews to see feedback from our clients and check out our Gallery and Projects to see examples of our work.
Can I Book a One-Off Visit?
Yes, you can! If you’ve just moved into a property and want the garden stripped back to basics, or you need an unruly garden brought back under control, we can arrange a stand-alone visit to restore order and get your space looking beautiful again.
What Accreditations Do You Have?
For your peace of mind, we are a member of the Association of Professional Landscapers and the Horticultural Trades Association, Trustmark Government-Endorsed, and a Postsaver Approved Installer. What’s more, we are proud to have been recognised as one of the Three Best Rated Landscape Gardeners in Plymouth since 2019.
This assures that we can complete your Gardening or Landscaping project to the highest standards of workmanship.
Have More Questions?
Fill in the form to send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Monday – Saturday: 8am-6pm


