Understanding VAT in the Gardening Industry: What It Means for You

Navigating VAT for Gardening Services and Landscaping Businesses

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a crucial consideration for gardening and landscaping businesses, as well as their clients. Whether you’re a residential homeowner, property manager, or business owner, understanding how VAT applies to gardening services can help you budget effectively, ensure compliance, and even save money where possible.

In this post, we’ll break down VAT in the gardening industry and explain what it means for our clients and customers.

What Gardening Services Are Subject to VAT?

Most professional gardening businesses, including Hants and Dorset Gardening Services, charge VAT on their services if they are VAT-registered (i.e., annual turnover exceeds the threshold set by HMRC, currently £90,000 from April 2024).

If a gardening company is VAT-registered, they must charge 20% VAT on most services, such as:

✅ Garden Maintenance (mowing, weeding, hedge cutting, etc.)
✅ Tree Surgery & Pruning
✅ Landscaping & Design
✅ Lawn Treatments & Turfing
✅ Garden Waste Removal (unless covered by special waste exemptions)
✅ Fencing, Paving, and Decking Installation

If you are a VAT-registered business, you may be able to reclaim VAT on eligible gardening expenses, reducing your overall costs.

When Does VAT NOT Apply?

There are some situations where gardening services may be VAT-exempt or reduced.

✅ Zero-Rated & Reduced VAT in Gardening

Some supplies and services may qualify for reduced or zero-rated VAT:

• Plants & Seeds – If sold directly to a consumer, many plants, trees, and seeds are zero-rated for VAT.

• Food-Producing Plants – Fruit trees and edible plants may be VAT-free.

• Conservation & Forestry Work – Some land management activities could be exempt from VAT.

If you're unsure whether a service or product qualifies, speak to your accountant or VAT advisor.

Can Gardeners Charge 5% VAT Instead of 20%?

In some cases, certain energy-saving works related to land and property improvements may qualify for a reduced VAT rate of 5%. However, standard gardening services do not qualify for this rate.

When might 5% VAT apply?

• If part of a larger project where energy-efficient landscaping (e.g., solar-powered irrigation, green roofs) is being installed.

• If working on charitable buildings that are VAT-exempt for specific purposes.

Always consult with a tax professional to confirm eligibility.

How VAT Affects Commercial & Residential Clients

VAT can affect different customers in different ways:

🏡 For Homeowners & Residential Clients

• VAT is added to all gardening services.

• You cannot reclaim VAT, so prices may seem higher.

• Choose a VAT-registered company that operates efficiently to get the most for your money.

🏢 For Businesses & Property Managers

• VAT-registered companies can reclaim VAT on gardening services as a business expense.

• Maintenance of rental properties and commercial premises often qualifies for VAT recovery.

• Keeping gardens well-maintained improves property value and tenant satisfaction.

How We Help Clients with VAT

At Hants and Dorset Gardening Services, we ensure that all invoices are VAT-compliant, making it easy for businesses to reclaim VAT where eligible.

We also offer clear, upfront pricing so that our clients always know what to expect in terms of VAT.

If you have any questions about VAT on gardening services, or need an estimate for a project, get in touch with us today!

📩 Email: info@hdgs.co.uk
📞 Call: 01202256788

Commercial Grounds Maintenance: Enhancing Your Business Image

How can commercial grounds maintenance services benefit your business?

The exterior appearance of your commercial property influence clients' perceptions even before they step inside. This is where commercial grounds maintenance services play a crucial role in enhancing your business image, ensuring your property is not only safe but also visually appealing.

Enhancing Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is not just for residential properties. A well-maintained commercial landscape invites clients in and reflects positively on your business ethics and attention to detail.

Safety and Liability

Regular maintenance helps identify and mitigate potential hazards on your property, reducing the risk of accidents and the associated liability.

Environmental Benefits

Professional grounds maintenance contributes to sustainability through proper plant selection, water management, and eco-friendly practices.

Core Services of our Commercial Grounds Maintenance

Lawn Care and Maintenance

Professional lawn care ensures your grass is healthy, neatly trimmed, and free of pests and diseases, contributing to an overall tidy appearance.

Tree and Shrub Care

Regular pruning, trimming, and health assessments of trees and shrubs not only enhance beauty but also prevent property damage and safety hazards.

Weed Control and Plant Health

Effective weed control and plant health services protect your investment in landscaping by ensuring that undesirable plants do not overrun your property.

Seasonal Services

Seasonal services, including spring clean-up, fall leaf removal, gritting and snow management, keep your property accessible and attractive year-round.

Choosing the Right Grounds Maintenance Provider

Experience and Expertise

Look for a provider with a solid track record and expertise in commercial properties similar to yours.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Choose a provider that offers a full range of services to meet all your grounds maintenance needs throughout the year.

Sustainability Practices

Consider providers who utilise environmentally friendly practices and materials, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

For professional commercial grounds maintenance services tailored to your specific needs, contact Hants & Dorset Gardening Services Ltd. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to transforming and maintaining your commercial landscapes, ensuring they always make the right first impression.

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Stay Safe this Winter with HDGS's Expert Gritting and Snow Removal Services

As the winter season approaches, ensuring the safety of your clients, employees, and residents becomes a top priority. Don't leave anything to chance – rely on Hants and Dorset Gardening Services (HDGS) to provide comprehensive winter services that keep your properties accessible and safe, all while complying with Health & Safety regulations. 

HDGS Winter Services: Your Safety Partner

Our winter services encompass a range of solutions designed to maintain access and safety on your commercial and residential properties, regardless of their size:

Gritting: Ensuring Safe Surfaces

HDGS employs professional equipment to efficiently spread salt and ensure even coverage. We use white salt, that minimises residue on internal surfaces, such as carpets. By distributing salt effectively, we prevent the buildup of ice and snow, maintaining clear and safe pathways.

Snow Removal: Swift and Effective Clearing

We offer both mechanical and manual snow removal services. Our team clears pedestrian access points, walkways, car parks, and fire exits. Whether it's for commercial or residential properties, our snow removal ensures that access routes are safe and functional.

Salt Supply and Storage: Preparedness Matters

To enhance our services, we offer the supply of salt and storage options. Preparedness is crucial, and with our expertise, you'll always be ready to face winter's challenges head-on.

Intelligent Forecasting for Gritting Decisions

Our Met Office OpenSite Premium Data forecast provides crucial insights for effective gritting decisions. By focusing on Road Surface Temperatures (RSTs), road state, rain, and snow, we pinpoint potential hazards and implement pre-agreed risk thresholds.

Detailed Gritting Reports: Transparency and Accountability

With HDGS, you're in the know. Our GPS trackers and mapping system generate detailed reports of our gritting and winter service visits, providing transparency and accountability throughout the season.

Seamless Gritting Execution: Our Process

Every morning, we receive tailored weather reports for each postcode we cover, accounting for factors like site exposure, altitude, and proximity to the sea. When RST falls below 0°C and frost, ice, or snow is forecasted, you receive an email notification confirming gritting activation.

Advanced Gritting Techniques:

HDGS uses state-of-the-art GPS tracking to optimize routes, ensuring every property is visited within 24 hours prior to icy conditions. Our teams spread white grit salt, a cleaner alternative to brown rock salt, preventing damage to flooring and stains on carpets.

Efficient Snow Removal: Petrol-Powered Equipment

For effective gritting, HDGS employs powerful petrol-powered snow plows and blowers. We guarantee all access routes to and from your property are safe and ice-free.

Partner with HDGS for Winter Safety

HDGS operates 24/7, performing over 5,000 gritting visits per season. With our expert winter services, you can rest assured that your properties remain accessible and safe throughout the challenging winter months. To learn more about our comprehensive winter services, including gritting, snow removal, and more, visit our dedicated Winter Services page on our website. Contact us today to ensure the safety and well-being of your residents, visitors, and staff this winter.

Learn More:

Navigating the Chill: Confronting Ice and Frost Hazards in the UK

HDGS: Your Partner in Preparing for a Spectacular Sports Day at Your School

Sports days are a time-honored tradition that brings students, staff, and parents together for a day of excitement and friendly competition. As schools gear up for these energetic events, the importance of having well-maintained sports facilities cannot be overstated. Hants and Dorset Gardening Services (HDGS) is here to ensure that your school's sports day is a resounding success, with perfectly manicured pitches, precise line markings, and hassle-free maintenance.

Elevate Your Sports Day with HDGS's Tailored Services

HDGS understands that sports day is more than just an event – it's an opportunity to create lasting memories and foster a sense of community. To help your school make the most of this special day, we offer a range of services designed to elevate your sports facilities:

One-Off Services for Sports Day Preparation:

1. Initial Pitch Marking: Our experts meticulously mark out sports pitches, so your staff can easily apply the finishing touches. This efficient process ensures that your fields are ready for the big day without the hassle.

2. Precision Line Marking: HDGS's LANTRA-trained professionals utilize cutting-edge GPS robots to create precise and visually appealing line markings on sports pitches. This precision guarantees an optimal playing experience for all participants.

3. Tractor Cutting for Impeccable Fields: For schools with expansive grounds, our tractor cutting service ensures that sports fields are impeccably maintained. With our advanced equipment, we save you time and resources, resulting in fields that are a joy to play on.

4. Field Improvement Plans: HDGS offers tailored improvement plans to enhance the quality of your playing surfaces. Our experts analyze your needs and implement strategies to create sports facilities that reflect your commitment to excellence.

Choose Convenience with HDGS's Ongoing Maintenance Packages:

While our one-off services are perfect for sports day preparation, HDGS also provides the option of ongoing maintenance packages, designed to take the hassle out of maintaining your sports facilities year-round. These packages include:

1. Regular Grounds Maintenance: Our team ensures that your school's outdoor areas, including sports fields, remain in top condition throughout the year. From mowing and edging to weed control, we've got you covered.

2. Sports Field Maintenance: HDGS's LANTRA-trained experts are dedicated to keeping your sports pitches in pristine condition. From routine cuts to precise line markings, we guarantee a safe and professional playing experience.

3. Tailored Packages for Your School: HDGS understands that each school's needs are unique. We work closely with you to create a bespoke maintenance package that aligns with your budget and requirements.

4. Stress-Free Sports Day Planning: With our ongoing maintenance packages, you can focus on organizing a memorable sports day without worrying about the state of your sports facilities. Our team ensures that everything is in order for a seamless event.

Choose HDGS for a Winning Sports Day Experience

Hants and Dorset Gardening Services is your dedicated partner in making your school's sports day a roaring success. Our expertise, precision, and commitment to excellence shine through in every service we offer. Whether you opt for our one-off services to prepare for the big day or our ongoing maintenance packages for year-round convenience, HDGS is here to support your school in creating a sports day that students, parents, and staff will cherish.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can tailor a package to suit your school's specific needs. With HDGS by your side, your sports day will be an event to remember – full of energy, enthusiasm, and perfectly maintained sports facilities.

Get Your School Grounds Ready for the New Term with HDGS: Premier Gardening Services for Schools

As the summer draws to a close and the new school term approaches, administrators and educators are gearing up to welcome students back. Part of this preparation involves ensuring that school grounds are in top-notch condition for a seamless return. That's where Hants and Dorset Gardening Services (HDGS) comes in – your trusted partner in creating safe, vibrant, and well-maintained outdoor spaces for schools. With a wide range of tailored services, HDGS is your one-stop solution for all your school's landscaping needs.

Back to School – HDGS to the Rescue!

A well-maintained school environment sets the stage for a successful academic year. HDGS understands the importance of creating a positive first impression for students, parents, and staff. Our team is dedicated to transforming your school's outdoor spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional areas that foster learning, play, and recreation.

Comprehensive Services for Schools

HDGS proudly offers a comprehensive suite of services designed specifically to cater to the unique requirements of educational institutions. Our commitment to excellence is evident in the range of services we provide:

1. Ongoing Grounds Maintenance: From meticulously manicured lawns to beautifully arranged flowerbeds, our team specializes in maintaining the overall appearance of your school's outdoor areas. We understand that schools are bustling with activity, which is why our ongoing maintenance services ensure that your grounds stay picture-perfect all year round.

2. Ongoing Sports Field Maintenance: HDGS is well-versed in the intricacies of sports field upkeep. Our team excels in everything from regular field cuts to precise line marking for various sports pitches. With extensive experience and training, our professionals guarantee playing surfaces that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

3. Bespoke Packages for Unique Needs: Every school is different, and we recognize that. HDGS offers bespoke packages that are tailored to match the individual needs and preferences of each educational institution. Our experts collaborate closely with you to ensure that your outdoor spaces reflect the identity and values of your school.

Prepare for a Flawless Start with HDGS's One-Off Visits

In addition to our ongoing services, HDGS also provides specialized one-off visits to prepare your school for the upcoming term. These visits include:

- Initial Pitch Marking: Our team accurately marks out pitches using advanced techniques, allowing your staff to easily paint over the lines. This saves time and effort, ensuring that your sports facilities are ready for action.

- Precision Line Marking: HDGS professionals, trained to LANTRA and FA standards, use state-of-the-art GPS robots to create precise and visually appealing line markings on sports pitches. Your students will experience a heightened level of engagement and performance on these fields.

- Tractor Cutting for Efficiency: For larger sports pitches and fields, our use of tractors for cutting ensures efficient and cost-effective maintenance. This approach eliminates the need for traditional mowers, saving both time and resources.

- Field Improvement Plans: Our team can design and implement tailored improvement plans to enhance your playing surfaces. With HDGS's expertise, your school can boast outstanding sports facilities that promote student well-being and achievement.

- Weed Killer Application: HDGS goes the extra mile to maintain the tidiness of your school grounds. We apply weed killer on all hard surfaces, ensuring a clean and inviting environment for everyone.

Choose HDGS for Excellence in School Grounds Maintenance

Hants and Dorset Gardening Services is dedicated to partnering with schools to create exceptional outdoor spaces that inspire, educate, and engage. Our commitment to quality, precision, and safety sets us apart in the industry. As the new term approaches, entrust your school's landscaping needs to HDGS, and witness the transformation of your outdoor spaces into thriving hubs of learning and recreation.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation. Together, we'll create a school environment that stands out and supports the success of your students and staff.