Association of Professional Landscapers
Gardens and trees · Landscape contractor association and assessment scheme
The Association of Professional Landscapers comprises assessed businesses designing, building and maintaining gardens. It checks member businesses rather than licensing every individual gardener.
Checked Official sources below.
What it covers and whether it is required
APL membership is voluntary. The project must still meet any planning, building, drainage and tree protection requirements. Specialist electrical or gas work needs the appropriate separate competence and registration.
Joining requirements and costs
APL describes an initial inspection and annual inspections checking work, insurance, health and safety and business practice. Members must satisfy its terms and meet the standards for the services they advertise, including appropriate use of subcontractors.
Check the current fees with Association of Professional Landscapers before applying. Ask whether the quotation includes application, assessment, renewal and any per-job charges. Use published fees or ask for a written quotation.
What it means for homeowners
Use the official member search and check the business undertaking the contract. Discuss access, drainage, levels, waste and aftercare before work starts. If another registration or protection is offered, verify that status and the actual cover separately.
How to check a claim
Official member, card or certificate check: Association of Professional Landscapers.
Match the record to the named person or contracting business. Check the current scope, not just a logo on a van or an old certificate. If the public record does not show the detail you need, ask the body to confirm it before appointing the business.
Where the scheme applies
APL’s assessed landscape businesses work throughout the UK. Confirm the individual member’s coverage and the legal requirements in the relevant nation.
Common questions
Does APL membership remove the need for separate electrical checks in a garden?
No. Garden lighting, power and other specialist work still need the right competent people, certificates and compliance route.
How do I check Association of Professional Landscapers status?
Use the official verification service linked in this guide. Match the person or legal business name, current status and relevant work category. For a guarantee, check the document issued for your contract as well.
Official sources
- Association of Professional Landscapers: www.landscaper.org.uk
- Association of Professional Landscapers: why choose an apl member
Sources checked November 2026. Scheme rules can change; confirm current requirements before applying or signing a contract.