21 Aug Online searches for accredited landscape gardeners on the increase.

Online searches by consumers for accredited landscape gardeners have shot up by 47 per cent compared to last year, according to TrustMark.

Homeowners looking for landscapers on the TrustMark website notched up 57,000 viewings of contractors’ details in the first seven months of this year.

People are looking at getting home improvements including the garden done rather than moving. Stay-cation or simply investing in their homes. This means that many still require a professional so TrustMark are advising consumers to be extra vigilant and check people out before making their decision.

TrustMark, the Government-endorsed quality scheme that signposts people to reputable local tradesmen, is a registered social enterprise operated under licence from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Two months ago it launched a smartphone “talk to your tradesman” free app to help homeowners ask the right questions and hone their conversation skills with trades people before accepting a quote for work.

They can choose from one of the largest databases of on-site inspected licensed trades people in the country, with details of more than 21,000 licensed trades across all sectors.

TrustMark accreditation is awarded, at no extra cost, to all APL members meeting the strict criteria. The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) is the only landscape organisation approved as a scheme operator for the TrustMark scheme.