Resolving Poor Landscaping Projects

How to resolve poor landscaping work: a guide with insights from RICS expert witnesses

Resolving poor landscaping projects after you’ve invested in your garden, you expected high standards and didn’t get them. Patios, decking, irrigation, and planting schemes should be built to British Standards and built to last. But what happens when the finish is poor, the build substandard, or worse, unsafe? Many homeowners face this situation, unsure how to recover costs or hold someone accountable. This blog will guide you through your options, when to get help, and how an expert witness can be essential.

Step One: assess the damage

Start by documenting everything. Take detailed photographs of the poor workmanship. Keep invoices, contracts, and communication records. These will be crucial if you need to make a claim. Make a written list of defects. For example, sunken paving, rotting decking, or dead plants.

Most importantly, don’t alter or fix anything before getting professional advice. You could unintentionally remove evidence.

Step Two: speak to the contractor

Contact the original contractor and explain the issues. Be clear, polite, and specific. Ask for a written response or resolution. Some tradespeople will correct their mistakes. If they refuse or ignore you, it’s time to move forward.

Step Three: do you need legal advice?

Yes. If the contractor refuses to fix the work or compensate you, legal advice is the next step. A solicitor can explain your rights, especially under the Consumer Rights Act. They’ll help determine if your claim fits the Small Claims Court(claims under £10,000 in England and Wales). If your claim exceeds that, your case will move to the County Court.

Legal advice isn’t free, but many firms offer fixed-fee consultations. Be upfront and ask about their fees.

Step Four: get an independent expert witness

If you are acting for yourself then employ the services of an Independent Expert Witness . If you are using a solicitor then they will advise when to use the services of an IEW and how to instructed them correctly. This is often essential. An independent expert witness assesses the landscaping and writes a formal report. They inspect everything landscaping such as decking, patios, walling, lawns, irrigation, and planting. They identify what’s wrong, why it happened, and how to put it right.

Their report follows CPR Part 35 guidelines (used in court) and must be independent, even if you pay for it. This makes it very different from just asking another landscaper for a quote.

If the case goes to court, the expert witness may be asked to attend and explain their report.

Why an RICS expert witness is important

Not all landscapers can act as expert witnesses. You need someone who understands landscape construction, horticulture, and legal process. Look for those qualified under the RICS Expert Witness Registration Scheme. They are trained, experienced, and follow strict professional standards.

A proper report gives your solicitor and the court the evidence they need. Without it, you may struggle to prove your case.

What can you claim for?

Your claim might include:

• The cost to repair or replace the faulty work
• Costs of removing unsafe structures (e.g. collapsing decking)
• Damage to property or plants
• Expert fees
• Legal fees

Keep receipts and track all related costs.

How to choose the right expert

Use a consultant with proven landscaping knowledge and courtroom experience. Search for experts with insurance, and testimonials. Sites like UK Register of Expert Witnesses offer connections to qualified professionals who specialise in decking, planting, and full garden builds.

Check they understand composite materials, real wood, paving systems, irrigation, and horticulture. An RICS-accredited expert will also know how to structure a compliant CPR35 report which is vital to the success of your claim.

Final thoughts: get the right support early

If your garden project has gone wrong, don’t panic. Gather your evidence. Get legal advice. And engage a qualified expert witness. This structured approach gives you the best chance of recovering your money. Resolving poor landscaping projects by home owners is becoming more and more common in the UK.

We support homeowners across the UK, offering decking assessments, planting reviews, and full landscaping investigations. For guidance from seasoned professionals, visit landscapingexpert.co.uk.

Please note: this blog offers guidance, not legal advice. Always consult a solicitor for legal matters.