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
