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There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - it depends on your garden size, what you want doing, and how tidy you want things to look.

For the average garden, monthly visit from your gardener is generally enough to keep up with the general maintenance of your lawn and plants.

• Every month is ideal for general garden maintenance, especially through spring and summer.
• Every two weeks suits those who want a pristine lawn and neat borders.
• Every 3–6 months works if you just want help with tougher seasonal jobs like hedge cutting or weeding.

If your garden gets overrun quickly or includes high-maintenance plants, more frequent visits might make sense. On the other hand, if your main need is a garden tidy-up after the winter or before a special event, a one-off booking can be enough.

You might also consider scheduling different tasks seasonally. For example, lawn mowing in the warmer months, pruning in autumn, and garden clearance in early spring.

Speak to a few gardeners working in Ballater to get a feel for what they recommend for your space. Some offer flexible schedules or package deals for regular upkeep, which could save you money in the long run.

Many gardeners do offer waste removal as part of their service, but not all. It often depends on the size of the job and whether they have a waste carriers licence.

Some will include a degree of garden waste disposal as part of their quote; others charge extra to take the waste away; and others don’t offer it at all. If this is the case, you’ll need to dispose of it yourself or hire a garden waste clearance service.

Be sure to check whether your gardener provides waste removal before you book, especially if you’re planning a big garden tidy up.

Typical garden waste includes:

• Green waste – including loose branches, leaves, shrubs, twigs, soil, turf, compost, plants, and grass cuttings
• Garden structures – such as dismantled sheds, greenhouses, pergolas, or gazebos
• Wood – including plywood, gates, fencing, and unwanted firewood
• Garden furniture – tables, chairs, swings, and children’s play equipment, as well as old plant pots or broken tools and lawnmowers
• Builder’s waste – including plaster, drywall, bricks, pallets, crates, glass, concrete, tiles, asphalt, paving stones, and general rubbish

The average garden clearance cost is £210 per load. Gardeners charge an average of £52.50 per hour for this service. Read our garden clearance cost guide for a full breakdown of current prices.

A gardener’s job can be as simple as cutting the grass or as complex as transforming an overgrown jungle into a peaceful retreat. Most gardeners working in Ballater offer a wide range of garden services, which can include:

• Lawn care - mowing, edging, feeding, and treating lawns
• Planting and weeding, including seasonal plants, bulbs, beds, and borders
• Pruning and trimming hedges, shrubs, trees
• General garden maintenance and clean-up, such as leaf blowing, tidying, and removing dead plants
• Garden design and landscaping (e.g. reshaping beds, and adding paths, features, or furniture)
• Pruning
• Pressure washing your patio, decking, or driveway

Not every gardener will offer all these services, so it’s important to check in advance. Some gardeners specialise in maintenance, while others focus on landscaping or design. We recommend speaking to at least three gardeners working in your area, to make sure you're getting a service and price that you're happy with.

It's also worth asking if your gardener brings their own tools and whether they charge extra for materials or waste disposal.

Gardeners typically use their own tools and equipment. Most gardeners will not expect you to have tools available for them to use.

If a gardener does not have their own equipment, they will ask permission to use your tools to complete the job. Make sure to ask a gardener if they will be bringing their own tools and supplies before hiring them.

Hiring a reliable gardener in Ballater doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow our expert tips to find a gardener available near you whose services you're happy with:

• Ask friends and family for recommendations
• Read online customer reviews
• Request quotes from multiple gardeners
• Discuss your needs and project plans before committing to a gardener
• Ask questions about skills and experience

Useful questions to ask a gardener include:

• What gardening services do you offer?
• What gardening qualifications do you have?
• Do you have experience in sustainable gardening?
• Can I see examples of your previous gardening projects?
• What’s included in your standard gardening cost, and what’s charged extra? (Think tools, materials, and garden waste removal)
• How do you dispose of garden waste?
• How long do you estimate the job will take you?
• Do you offer a customer satisfaction guarantee?

Using Checkatrade makes finding reliable gardeners in Ballater easy. All of our members meet our high standards and have passed several quality checks. Only high-quality tradespeople get the Checkatrade stamp of approval.

If you’re short on time, tools, or know-how, hiring a gardener can save you stress, effort, and even money in the long run.

A good gardener will keep your outdoor space healthy and looking great - which could boost kerb appeal and prevent bigger problems down the line (like invasive weeds or overgrown trees).

If you have a tight budget and you’re looking for a cheap gardener, here are a few routes to explore:

• Council schemes: Some local councils provide help for pensioners, disabled people, or those on low incomes. It’s worth giving them a ring or checking their website.
• Charity support: Organisations like Age UK sometimes offer gardening help or connect people to volunteers.
• Odd job gardeners: A retired gardener near you might charge less than a landscaping company, and still do a great job.
• Seasonal tidy-ups: Booking a one-off service in spring or autumn might be more affordable than regular maintenance.
• Shared costs: If you live in flats or shared housing, see if neighbours want to split the cost of a gardener together.