DIY v expert

Your guide to which outdoor jobs require a professional, and which ones you can easily do yourself.

Leave it to the experts

Landscaping and grand design

Professional landscapers bring knowledge of soil, drainage, plant compatibility and design principles to the table, with specialist equipment for large-scale earthworks or structural changes, while also ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Pond creation

Installing a pond isn’t just about digging a hole and filling it with water (but feel free to test this hypothesis!). It requires careful planning for depth, lining, filtration and the like.

Tree work and stump removal

Potentially the most obvious ‘don’t try this at home’ – felling trees, removing large stumps or major pruning should always be handled by trained arborists (tree surgeons).

Electrical and plumbing installations

Jobs such as installing outdoor lighting, irrigation systems or water features with electrical pumps should be left to certified electricians or plumbers.

Do it yourself

General planting and maintenance

Planting flowers, shrubs and small trees, as well as regular tasks such as watering, weeding and deadheading are perfect for DIY gardeners. These jobs allow you to get hands-on with your garden, with very little to go wrong!

Lawn care

Mowing, edging, feeding and aerating your lawn are straightforward tasks that most people can manage. There’s also a certain satisfaction in keeping your own grass neat and healthy.

Composting and mulching

Setting up a compost bin and applying mulch are simple, sustainable ways to improve soil health and reduce waste, a task that is so simple, a child could do it (and would probably quite enjoy it).