Advice for landscape gardeners
One of the best parts of being a landscape gardener is working with clients on their dream project. They can create functional, beautiful and relaxing gardens for all kinds of clients, from local councils and universities to private companies and residential gardens. Using their talent for design, landscape gardeners are responsible for designing the outdoor space, as well as executing the project on time and on budget.
So, what happens if things go wrong?
If there is an error in a landscaping plan or incorrect advice is given, it could result in an unhappy client and be detrimental to the reputation of the landscaper’s business. They may be held accountable for any financial losses, with legal action that could also drag on for years.
Take for example, the case of an architect who thought that she was doing her close friends a favour, by kindly offering to landscape the garden of their £5 million home free of charge. Instead, she found herself blamed for a litany of alleged defects and costs, and a legal damages claim for £265,000. Five years on and three expensive court hearings later, she was finally vindicated, with a ruling by a judge that she was “blameless”. Read a summary of the case here.
In a hypothetical case, a landscape gardener could agree to landscape the garden of a hotel by a specific date, in order to host a summer garden wedding. Included in the quote would be to level the ground for the seating area; install a new lawn; and plant new flowers and foliage in the environs. If the landscape gardener’s timeline was incorrect and the garden wasn’t completed in time for the wedding, this could result in the hotel losing business… the wedding could be cancelled and moved to a competitor’s venue. Understandably, the client would be extremely angry under these circumstances and seek to recuperate loss of earnings (and possibly reputational damage) through a lawsuit, leaving the landscape gardener facing huge legal costs.
Professional Indemnity cover for landscape gardeners
Professional Indemnity insurance for landscape gardeners provides peace of mind for landscapers and their clients. CNA Hardy’s Professional Indemnity cover is tailored to meet the needs of the individual client. With our experience and knowledge we offer a bespoke service and package that best suits the landscape gardener.
At CNA Hardy, we have a specialist team of underwriters across the UK and Continental Europe; over 20 industry specific wordings solutions; and Lloyd’s capability to write broker wordings.
Find out more about our specialist PI Capabilities, core appetite and covers here.
Amy Gostling
Underwriter, Professional Indemnity