Gardeners urged to ‘never’ do these six jobs yourself

With the UK currently basking in warm weather, it’s an ideal time to spruce up your garden for the summer. However, while DIY gardening may seem appealing, it comes with its own set of risks.

Seemingly harmless gardening tasks result in nearly 100,000 injuries each year. Moreover, certain jobs can be illegal depending on the season and could lead to fines or prosecution if not adhered to.

From tree surgery to patio laying, an expert from MyBuilder.com warns against undertaking certain garden tasks without professional assistance, despite them appearing simple.

James Lewis, a seasoned gardener with over two decades of experience at MyBuilder.com, advises that while some gardening tasks are suitable for DIY, others should always be left to professionals.

“Most of us are capable of mowing a lawn or pruning plants, but certain garden jobs require a knowledgeable and experienced pair of hands to get it right,” he says.

“Cutting corners and DIY-ing garden tasks can often be a false economy at best, with jobs needing correcting or redoing when it’s not good enough. But at its worst, badly done garden DIY can result in you injuring yourself, or those who use your garden.

“For any jobs that require specialist work, always call a professional in for advice at the very least. It will probably save you time and money in the long run, as well as giving you a beautiful – and safe – garden.”

The garden tasks you should never DIY include:

Laying patio slabs

You might think laying patio slabs is straightforward, but a single misplaced slab can cause a raft of issues, Manchester Evening News reports.

Minor annoyances like weeds or more serious risks such as tripping hazards for you and your guests mean this job is best reserved for the professionals.

Improperly laid slabs will lead to a shifting patio that will eventually require costly repairs, posing not only safety concerns but also turning into a wasteful expense over time.

Pruning trees

With winter behind us, it’s time to look after our trees by removing dead branches and leaves to promote healthy growth come summer.

Though it may appear simple, pruning requires expertise and precision.

Incorrect pruning can leave trees stressed and vulnerable to pests and diseases; moreover, making cuts too close to the trunk or major limbs can lead to decay.

Additionally, if a misjudged branch damages another person’s property, the financial repercussions could fall on you – often not covered by home insurance policies.

Removing a tree stump

Uprooting a tree stump can be an arduous and lengthy process, especially without the right specialist gear, potentially eating up days of your time. The strenuous nature of stump removal could also pose a risk of injury, so it’s wise to consider enlisting professional help.

When it comes to felling a tree, you must first ascertain if local council permission is required. Overlooking this step could land you with a hefty fine.

Moreover, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to deliberately harm protected wildlife, destroy their habitats, or damage protected plants.

Tree cutting is inherently risky, and improper execution can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.

If your garden has been a victim of flooding during the prolonged wet winter, or you’re contemplating installing a patio, you might need to undertake drainage work. This task is best left to experts, as botched drainage can not only affect your property but also your neighbour’s, in breach of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which obliges homeowners to manage their drainage responsibly.

For waterlogged gardens, “French drains” are a favoured solution, involving the installation of an underground pipe to channel excess water away from your property. However, this requires considerable skill to implement correctly.

Fencing

Spring is the perfect season to mend and maintain your fence after winter’s wear and tear. However, while DIY fencing might seem appealing, there are several reasons why it might not be the best idea.

Firstly, certain heights of fencing may necessitate planning permission, and failure to comply could result in you having to dismantle it.

Secondly, if the posts are spaced too widely or aren’t sufficiently secure, the fence may not be robust enough to endure harsh weather conditions. This could lead to frequent replacements and repairs, costing more time and money, and posing a risk should it collapse on guests or pets.

Creating a pond

Digging a pond might appear straightforward – albeit strenuous – but there’s much to contemplate. Your pond should have some degree of shade to minimise algae levels and be situated on flat, level ground.

You might also require an electrician’s assistance if your pond needs a pump or filter, given the hazardous combination of water and electricity!

Moreover, ponds can pose significant risks to visitors, so professional advice on prudent positioning and safety precautions can be invaluable.

Trimming a hedge

Did you know that it’s actually illegal to trim certain hedges between April and September?

In addition to this issue, the tools needed for hedge trimming can easily cause injuries if mishandled. Hedge trimmers and secateurs are among the most common culprits of garden-related injuries.

Moreover, tackling large hedges necessitates the use of ladders for a comprehensive job, and combining ladders with power tools can be perilous without professional assistance.