How to Choose a Garden Service in Cape Town

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As locals with 25 years of gardening experience maintaining properties across the Southern Suburbs and City Bowl, we understand that entrusting your outdoor space to a service provider is a big decision. Your garden is an investment and an extension of your home.

This checklist is designed to help you cut through the clutter and find a professional, reliable, and knowledgeable garden maintenance team ready to thrive in the Cape Town environment.

1. Check for Deep, Local Experience

Cape Town is unique. A garden service that excels upcountry may struggle with our specific microclimates, from the wind-swept Atlantic Seaboard to the dry conditions of the Southern Suburbs.

  • The Question to Ask: “How long have you been operating specifically in the Cape Town area, and which suburbs do you primarily serve?”

  • Why it Matters: A company with a long history in areas like Camps Bay, Claremont, or Mowbray, Rondebosch and the Southern Suburbs has first-hand experience with:

    • The Seasonal Shift: Knowing the exact timing for pruning, mulching, and feeding to handle our dry summers and wet winters.

    • Local Plant Knowledge: Understanding which indigenous and water-wise plants thrive and which non-natives struggle.

    • Area-Specific Pests & Diseases: Identifying and treating problems common to your immediate neighbourhood before they become an expensive issue.

2. Demand Professionalism, Supervision, and Trust

A garden service team will be on your property regularly. The quality of the team and the management structure are perhaps the most critical factor for long-term peace of mind.

  • The Question to Ask: “Are your teams supervised, and what processes do you have in place for security and reliability?”

  • Why it Matters:

    • Trained & Supervised Teams: Look for companies that explicitly mention their staff are well-trained, honest, and trustworthy, and that a supervisor is on-site. This ensures consistency and quality control on every visit.

    • Insurance: A reputable company must have adequate Public Liability and Workmen’s Compensation insurance. This protects you financially if an accident or damage occurs on your property.

    • Uniforms & Branded Vehicles: Professional appearance is an excellent indicator of a well-run, organised business.

3. Review the Scope of Services (Beyond the Mow)

Basic lawn mowing and leaf-blowing is not enough for a healthy Cape Town garden. You need a full-service provider who understands horticulture.

  • The Question to Ask: “What exactly is included in your regular maintenance plan, and what are the ‘add-on’ services?”

  • Why it Matters: Ensure the service goes beyond the basics to include:

    • Expert Pruning & Trimming: Proper shaping of shrubs and trimming is essential for plant health and aesthetic appeal.

    • Weeding, Raking & Fertilisation: Regular maintenance of flowerbeds and ensuring balanced soil nutrients.

    • Garden Refuse Removal: Confirm that waste removal is included and legally disposed of.

    • Value Highlight: An excellent service should offer to assist in brightening your garden with seasonal plants and mulching as part of their comprehensive approach.

4. Check Their Reputation and Communication

Word-of-mouth and online reviews tell the true story of a company’s reliability and customer service.

  • The Question to Ask: “Can you provide references from clients in my area, and what is the best way to communicate with your management about a garden concern?”

  • Why it Matters:

    • References & Reviews: Look for consistently positive feedback regarding punctuality, cleanliness, and the quality of the work.

    • Responsive Management: You need a team that is easy to reach and responsive to your requests, whether it’s a quick phone call or email. A lack of communication from management suggests a disorganised service.

5. Get a Transparent and Detailed Quote

The cheapest service is almost always the most expensive in the long run (through missed tasks, lack of expertise, and poor equipment). Focus on value.

  • The Question to Ask: “Is your quote an all-inclusive monthly fee, and are there any hidden costs for things like refuse removal or specialised pruning?”

  • Why it Matters: A clear, detailed quote prevents surprise charges. Make sure the frequency of visits (weekly/fortnightly) is specified, and that you are paying a fair price for a professional, consistent, and fully-equipped service.

Ready to See the Difference?

Choosing the right partner is the key to a flourishing Cape Town garden. With 25 years of local expertise, supervised, reliable teams, and a focus on comprehensive maintenance, Garden Greening is ready to make your garden beautiful and keep it that way, all year round.