30 Years of Landscaping Excellence
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence
In 2025, the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) proudly marks its 30th anniversary. A huge milestone that highlights three decades of unwavering commitment to exceptional standards in landscaping. 30 Years of Landscaping Excellence will be a party not to miss
Founded in 1995 by industry visionary Alan Sargent, a proponent of the highest landscaping standards. The APL has grown into a beacon of quality and professionalism in the landscaping industry. Over the years, the association has set the benchmark for best practices. This benchmarking of standards ensures that members deliver top-tier services and contribute to the evolution of the landscaping profession.
As the APL looks ahead to the future, it continues to foster innovation, expertise, and a shared passion. Here’s to 30 years of excellence—and to many more to come! .
Reflecting on this milestone, Alan Sargent, founder of the APL, said
“I founded the APL, 30 years ago as I knew a lot of landscape contractors in the domestic sector. These are the people who really wanted to have a voice of their own. My vision for the APL when I originally started was to give them that voice. A vision tha would provide a column of mutual support to fellow landscape contractors. We work alone and very often get so insular and I felt there was a need for us to get together to support each other. We had our first meeting in Birmingham and over 40 companies turned up with over 100 other companies expressing interest. Thirty years on, it’s inspiring to see how the APL has grown into a trusted authority in the industry. This association sets the highest standards for landscaping across the UK.”
Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the APL since 2016, adds
“It was a great honour to be asked to manage the APL. An organisation that is littered with innovation, quality, and professionalism. When I started, Mark Gregory was the chair and his vision alongside Alan’s was to create a community across all sectors of the industry. Our cluster meetings and Awards demonstrate that we are a long way down that path, with designers, landscapers, professional gardeners, and suppliers sharing experiences and techniques. I genuinely feel very proud to be here at this anniversary, which is a testament to the talent and dedication of our members, who bring outdoor spaces to life with their exceptional skills.”
The APL awards 2025
In 2025, the APL will host its prestigious APL Awards on Friday, 14 March, at The Brewery in London. The event will celebrate outstanding achievements in landscape design and construction. Its awards will highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of professionals who transform outdoor spaces into stunning gardens and landscapes across the UK.
“These are the most coveted awards in the landscaping industry for professionals”
The APL represents a nationwide network of accredited landscaping companies specialising in garden design, construction, and maintenance. Membership is earned through a rigorous inspection process—one of the toughest in the industry. Members undergo an initial assessment and annual inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, valid insurance, and top-quality work. The prestigious awards for “Decking” are sponsored by the Decking Network.
Government backed accreditation scheme
As the only landscaping scheme accredited by TrustMark, a government-endorsed initiative, the APL is a trusted symbol of quality and excellence. Homeowners can rely on APL members for professional landscaping services.
The APL stands as a symbol of trust, quality, and excellence for homeowners seeking landscaping service
30 Years of Landscaping Excellence is the party of all parties for professional landscapers in the UK
