How to post a garden clearance job
Garden clearance can mean anything from bagging leaves to removing dense overgrowth from an entire site. The phrase alone is not enough for a professional to judge labour, machinery, transport or disposal. Photos, dimensions and access information make the difference between a useful response and a long chain of questions.
Be equally clear about what must remain. Mature plants, boundary hedges, wildlife areas and items hidden by vegetation can be damaged when the brief only says 'clear everything'.
Define the areas and the result
- Give approximate garden length and width and identify front, rear or side areas.
- List grass, brambles, shrubs, hedges, small trees, fallen branches and dumped items separately.
- Say whether roots, stumps and soil should be removed or only growth above ground.
- Mark plants, structures and boundary features that must stay.
- Describe the finish: rough clearance, tidy and mow, or preparation for landscaping.
Photograph scale and access
Take wide photos from several angles and include a familiar object, fence panel or doorway to show scale. Photograph the route from the garden to the road, including gates, steps, narrow passages and indoor access. State the narrowest gate width and whether a vehicle or trailer can stop nearby.
Separate green waste from other rubbish
List green waste, soil, timber, metal, furniture, paint containers and construction rubble separately. Different materials may need different handling. Ask the professional to state what removal is included, what will remain on site and whether skip or disposal charges are part of the quote.
Flag specialist work
Large trees, work near overhead lines, unstable walls, suspected asbestos, invasive plants, steep ground or contaminated waste may fall outside a normal garden-clearance visit. Identify concerns in the post so respondents can explain whether specialist assessment is needed.
Copyable garden clearance description
Example: 'Clear an overgrown rear garden approximately 12 m by 8 m in Limerick. Cut back brambles and shrubs, mow long grass, remove two small self-seeded saplings and take away green waste. Keep the apple tree, boundary hedge and raised beds. Access is through a 78 cm side gate with three steps; on-street parking is beside the house. Photos show each area and the access route. Please quote removal separately from labour.'
Frequently asked questions
How do I show the size of an overgrown garden?+
Give approximate dimensions and upload wide photos from several angles. Include the gate and access route so equipment and removal can be planned.
Should I ask for waste removal?+
Yes, if needed. List each waste type and ask the quote to separate labour, transport, skip and disposal costs where applicable.
Can garden clearance include tree removal?+
Small growth may be included, but larger trees and difficult locations can require specialist skills and equipment. Show the tree and its surroundings clearly.
What should I mark before work begins?+
Mark plants, utilities, ornaments, boundaries and materials that must remain, especially when they are hidden by vegetation.
What access measurement matters most?+
Measure the narrowest gate or passage and mention steps, slopes, indoor routes and the distance to vehicle parking.
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