Before each garden visit, a little preparation can make the session smoother, quieter, and more effective. These simple notes from Fernstead Grounds Care show how to ready your garden for maintenance without turning it into a chore. They’re meant for ordinary homes, not estates or large parks — just real spaces that deserve calm and consistent care.
Clear access first. If your garden gate sticks or a path is cluttered, a few minutes spent clearing the way saves much more time later. Move bicycles, bins, and outdoor furniture if possible. Our equipment is compact, but narrow turns or blocked corners can slow trimming or mowing. A clear route lets us work efficiently and keeps surfaces from accidental scuffs.
Mark what matters. Many gardens hold a mix of new and mature plants. You might want to protect a particular border or keep a few seedlings untouched. Placing small markers — even a stick or label — helps us know where to pause. A few visible notes prevent any misunderstanding and allow us to focus where it counts. We follow those cues carefully.
Handle pets with care. We enjoy meeting friendly dogs and cats, but moving machinery can unsettle them. Please make sure gates latch properly and pets stay indoors or in a secure area while we work. It keeps everyone calm and prevents open gates from being left unattended.
Mind cables and hoses. Check that outdoor lights, charging leads, or hoses are lifted from paths or beds. Small items often hide under leaves, and mower blades or trimmers can snag them. A quick look before we arrive prevents damage to your belongings and avoids delays.
Weather and moisture checks. On wet days, lawns can compact easily. If you notice standing water, let us know in advance so we can adjust timing. Likewise, if a dry spell has hardened soil, a light watering the evening before may help certain trimming and edging jobs. The aim is not perfection, only better working conditions for both plants and tools.
Compost or removal? If you compost at home, decide whether you want to keep clippings or branches. Otherwise, we collect and remove green waste responsibly according to York’s local recycling guidelines. You can also mix approaches — compost soft clippings, and let us remove woody trimmings. A short note in advance avoids confusion and ensures clean finishes.
Keep communication open. We often send brief confirmation messages before arriving. Replying with small details — like “leave back gate open” or “watch soft soil near corner bed” — is always welcome. It keeps everything straightforward and personal. These notes are deleted once visits are complete; we hold no long-term record beyond what’s required for scheduling.
After the visit. Once work is complete, we sweep paths and leave lawns or beds tidy. You might wish to check how clippings settle after a day or two. If something feels uneven or missed, let us know; feedback helps fine-tune the next visit. Small observations lead to better consistency over time.
These prep notes are about keeping things calm and respectful. They’re not rules, just shared habits that make gardening easier for everyone. By following a few of them, you help us focus more on the work itself and less on interruptions. Every clear step means fewer surprises, less noise, and a neater result when we finish.
Fernstead Grounds Care
6 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ, England
Phone: 441 904 685 742
Email: [email protected]