Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about a new driveway, a tidier lawn or some tree work, but not sure where to start? Here are straight answers to the questions we’re asked most often by customers across York and the surrounding villages.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, call us on 01904 862013 and we’ll be happy to help.
About Us
York Gardens Ltd is a York-based garden care business owned and run by Mark Beresford. We offer landscaping, garden design, garden maintenance and tree surgery for homes and businesses. Mark has over 10 years’ experience in the industry and has built up more than 200 regular customers.
We’re based in Earswick, York, and cover York and the surrounding towns and villages. That includes Haxby, Strensall, Wheldrake, Elvington, Murton, Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe, Shipton, Dunnington and Stamford Bridge. If you’re nearby but not listed, just ask.
Yes. We’re accredited by BALI, the UK’s leading professional body for landscapers, and approved by Marshalls as an installer. We believe we’re the only company in the greater York area to hold both. Our work has been vetted to their standards.
Yes. We look after gardens and grounds for homes, commercial premises, schools and sporting facilities. For businesses we can offer contracts tailored to the site and an annual budget. Just get in touch to discuss yours.
Quotes and Costs
Call us on 01904 862013, email info@yorkgardens.co.uk or use the contact form. We’ll arrange a free, no-obligation site visit and send a quote, which usually reaches you within 48 business hours (Monday to Friday).
It depends on the size of the space, the materials you choose and the condition of the ground, so we don’t give a price before seeing it. After a free site visit you’ll get a clear quote. We’ll also suggest options to suit your budget, such as a cheaper gravel finish instead of paving for a large area.
Yes. Many customers book a single tidy-up, a hedge trim or a lawn treatment. We also offer regular services if you’d like ongoing help.
Landscaping
We install driveways (including resin), block paving, patios and paths, artificial lawns, decking, fencing and gravel areas, and we also fit land drains and soakaways. We can do small jobs, such as building raised beds, or create a fully landscaped garden from scratch.
Often not, but it depends. For a front garden, you generally don’t need planning permission if the new driveway uses permeable (porous) surfacing, such as gravel or permeable block paving, or if rainwater drains onto a lawn or border. A traditional impermeable surface over five square metres usually does need permission. These rules apply to houses rather than flats, and a dropped kerb is a separate matter. Check with City of York Council, and we’re happy to talk it through at the site visit.
Yes. We’ve built step-free gardens and driveways with ramps and gentle slopes in place of steps, so they work for walking aids or a wheelchair. You can see examples in our case studies.
Yes. We supply and install artificial grass for gardens, school playgrounds and sports areas. Once it’s laid, it needs no regular maintenance and stays weed-free and the same colour all year round.
Decking is often cheaper and quicker to install than block paving or a patio, and gives a warm, timber finish. Paving is generally harder-wearing and suits driveways and heavily used areas. We can help you choose the right one for your space and budget.
Garden Design
Yes. We start with a free site visit, where we talk through your ideas, give practical advice and photograph your garden. We can then create two realistic AI-generated concept images, for £50 (credited back if you go ahead with the work). You also get a detailed quote.
No. Our quote-and-visual package gives you ideas and a clear specification without the cost of traditional design plans. It includes a site visit, a discussion of your ideas, two concept images and minor amendments.
Garden Maintenance
During the summer months, weekly or fortnightly is usual, and we offer both. A regular visit keeps the grass at the right height and stops it getting out of hand.
Treatments such as scarifying, and weed and feed. As no two lawns are the same, we’ll put together a bespoke programme to fix any problems and keep the lawn healthy. We also supply and lay turf and topsoil, including full ground preparation and levelling.
Often outside the main bird nesting season, which is roughly March to August, because wild birds’ nests are protected by law. We can trim hedges for homes, businesses and schools, and give advice on timing for your hedge.
General gardening and tidies, scarifying, pressure washing and waste removal. A couple of hours every two weeks can make a big difference to a garden.
Tree Surgery
Yes. Our tree surgeons are fully qualified and insured, and all work follows BS3998:2010 recommendations for tree work. You’re welcome to ask to see our Public Liability or Public Indemnity insurance at any time.
We offer tree felling, shaping and pruning, crown lifting, crown and foliage reduction, chipping, hedge shaping and removal, and stump grinding. Jobs range from lopping a couple of branches to taking a whole tree down.
Sometimes. If a tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you need the council’s consent first. If it’s in a conservation area, you normally have to give the council six weeks’ written notice, unless the tree is dead, dangerous or very small. Working on a protected tree without permission can be a criminal offence, so check with City of York Council before work starts. We can talk you through it when you call.