From a new estate block in Wollert that’s still bare dirt to an established garden in Eltham, a good landscaper can turn your outdoor space into somewhere you want to spend time. Here’s how to choose a landscaper or gardener in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, and what to check before work starts.
Landscaper, gardener or both?
It helps to know what you’re after. A landscaper designs and builds outdoor spaces, including paving, retaining walls, garden beds, turf, irrigation, lighting and sometimes decks and pergolas. A gardener looks after an existing garden with mowing, pruning, weeding and seasonal tidy-ups. Some businesses do both. For a bigger project, a landscape designer can draw up a plan first, which makes quotes easier to compare.
Check registration for structural work
Planting, turf and garden beds don’t need a registered builder. But if the job includes structures such as decks, pergolas, retaining walls or carports, and the building work is worth more than $10,000, it generally has to be done by a builder registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). You can check registration with the BPC’s Find a Practitioner search. Irrigation connected to your water supply and stormwater drainage is plumbing work for a licensed plumber, and garden lighting wired into your home needs a licensed electrician.
Permits, pipes and trees
- Retaining walls. Walls over 1 metre high, or walls near a boundary, building or driveway, may need a building permit and engineering. Check with your council’s building team before you start.
- Before You Dig. Before any digging, lodge a free enquiry with Before You Dig Australia to find out where underground gas, water, power and telecommunications services run.
- Trees. Many councils across the north, including Banyule, Nillumbik and Darebin, protect significant trees or vegetation through local laws or planning overlays. Check with your council before removing or heavily pruning a large tree, and use a qualified arborist for tree work.
- Pools and spas. If your project includes a pool or spa, it must be registered with your council and have a compliant safety barrier.
Think about soil, water and plants
Much of Melbourne’s north sits on heavy clay soils that crack in summer and stay wet in winter, which affects drainage, paving and what will grow well. A local landscaper should know how to prepare the soil and manage drainage. Ask about drought-tolerant and native plants, which cope better with hot northern summers, and whether drip irrigation on a timer would suit your garden.
Compare quotes properly
Ask for a written quote that lists materials, plant sizes, quantities and labour, and check whether removing old plants, rubbish and excess soil is included. Ask how long the job will take, how weather delays are handled and what the payment schedule is. Be wary of anyone who wants most of the money up front.
Questions worth asking
- Can I see photos of similar jobs you’ve done nearby?
- Are you registered with the BPC for any structural work in the job?
- Who looks after permits and the Before You Dig enquiry?
- What plants do you recommend for our soil and conditions?
- What warranty do you give on plants and workmanship?
- Do you offer ongoing maintenance once the job is done?
Find landscapers and gardeners near you
Local Business Near Me lists landscapers and gardeners across Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Pick your suburb, compare local businesses and call them directly. It’s free to use and there’s no middleman taking a cut.
Planning more outdoor work? You can also browse concreting and paving, fencing and gates and tree services and arborists.
