Before the first cut
Photograph the whole property, mark plants to keep and decide which areas are out of scope. Confirm access, pets, fragile items and whether the green-waste bin has capacity.
- List front lawn, back lawn, borders and hard surfaces separately.
- Identify obstacles or hazards before using tools.
- Decide whether weeds will be hand-pulled or treated.
Prioritise the jobs
Clear paths first, then address visible overgrowth, weeds, edging and mowing. Keep a separate disposal task so piles of cuttings are not left behind.
Confirm the result
Take final photos, check gates and paths, and arrange follow-up maintenance if regrowth is likely. A good brief sets expectations about what one visit can realistically achieve.
Need to put the plan into action?
Review the gardening service guides or the local Christchurch pages before writing a clear job brief.