Finding the Right Landscaper & Avoiding Rogue Traders

“Good evening, Scotland! Welcome to Garden Grooves, the show that keeps your green spaces looking gorgeous and your outdoor projects running smoothly. Thanks for the shout out Stewart Not For Daytime and everything you need to know in and around Stirling. I’m Mario, and tonight, we’re getting stuck into a really important topic—how to find the right landscaper or garden designer and, just as crucially, how to spot rogue traders before they rip you off!

I know plenty of you out there have had both good and bad experiences when it comes to hiring landscapers, so I want to hear from you. Ever had a dodgy deal go wrong? Maybe you found an absolute gem of a garden designer who transformed your space? Text in and let’s hear your stories.

Before we dive back into tonight’s music, I just want to take a moment to let you all know about something new and exciting—we now have a donate button on our website!

As you know, this station is run entirely by volunteers, and our involvement with the wider community is absolutely massive. We love bringing you great content, but we still have bills to pay and improvements to make.

So, if you enjoy tuning in, if Garden Grooves or any of our other shows bring value to your day, please consider donating—any amount, big or small, makes a huge difference. Head over to our website, hit that donate button, and help keep your local radio station alive and thriving!

Music

“So, let’s start with the basics—why hire a landscaper at all? Some people think, ‘Ah, I’ll just do it myself, how hard can it be?’ But trust me, I’ve seen some DIY disasters that would make you weep.

A professional landscaper doesn’t just make things look nice; they understand things like drainage, soil health, and Scottish weather conditions. They know which plants thrive in our unpredictable climate, how to build patios that won’t sink after a year, and how to make your garden work with your lifestyle.

For example, if you’ve got kids, a landscaper can create safe, durable play areas. If you want a low-maintenance garden, they can design it so you’re not out there battling weeds every weekend. And let’s be honest, getting a professional job done means you’re adding value to your home.

I want to hear from you—have you ever regretted not hiring a pro? Or maybe you’ve tried a DIY garden project that didn’t quite go to plan? Text me in and let me know!”

MUSIC

“Right, you’ve decided to hire a landscaper—but how do you find a good one? You don’t want to just pick the first name that pops up online and hope for the best.

Here are my top five tips for choosing the right professional:

      1.   Check Their Credentials – Are they a member of the Scottish Association of Land-based Industries (SALI) or the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)? Proper accreditation means they’re serious about their work.

      2.   Ask for a Portfolio – A good landscaper will have before-and-after pictures of past jobs. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.

      3.   Get References & Reviews – Word of mouth is gold! Ask to speak to previous clients, check online reviews, and see if their past work holds up.

      4.   Detailed Quotes – Beware of vague pricing! A proper landscaper should give you a clear, itemized quote—not just a random number.

      5.   Contracts & Payment Plans – Never, and I mean never, pay for the whole job upfront. Agree on a payment schedule and make sure everything is written down.

If you’ve got any tips of your own, or if you’ve ever been stung by a bad landscaper, I want to hear from you! Send me a message and let’s share the wisdom.”

MUSIC

“Now, this is where things get serious. We all know that there are some brilliant landscapers out there, but unfortunately, there are also plenty of cowboys looking to take your money and leave you with a mess.

Here are some classic signs that you’re dealing with a rogue trader:

      1.   They Knock on Your Door Offering a ‘Special Deal’ – A proper landscaper doesn’t need to go door-to-door looking for work.

      2.   They Pressure You to Pay Cash Upfront – If someone’s pushing for full payment before they even start, alarm bells should be ringing.

      3.   They Have No Online Presence or Reviews – These days, every reputable tradesperson has at least a website or social media page with reviews. If they don’t, be wary.

      4.   They Won’t Give You a Proper Quote or Contract – If they say, ‘Ah, we’ll sort it as we go along,’ run a mile.

      5.   They Start but Never Finish – One of the biggest complaints I hear is landscapers who disappear halfway through a job, leaving you with an unfinished garden.

Music

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, what can you do?

   •       Report them to Trading Standards – This helps stop them from ripping off other people.

   •       Leave honest reviews online – Warn others so they don’t fall into the same trap.

   •       Seek legal advice – If you’ve lost a lot of money, it might be worth speaking to a solicitor.

Have any of you been caught out by a rogue landscaper? Or have you seen any dodgy deals in your area? Let me know!”

MUSIC

“Right, before we wrap up, let’s go over some final takeaways. If you’re looking for a landscaper:

   •       Do your research—check credentials and reviews.

   •       Get a detailed contract and payment plan.

   •       Never pay upfront in full.

   •       Trust your gut—if something feels off, walk away!

And if you do get caught out, report it! Let’s keep Scotland’s gardens in the hands of good, honest professionals.

Music

“Brilliant stuff tonight—thank you to everyone for listening in! If you missed anything or need more info, you can message me directly on what’s up, find my contacts on our Stirling community radio app. I will back next week with more gardening tips, expert advice, and, of course, great music.

Up next, is Jubilant Jazz with Lolie followed by Folkal Point with Colin.

Until then, take care, and happy gardening!”