JM Gardening – Bad Weather Policy

Effective date: 18 May 2026

This policy sets out how JM Gardening operates, reschedules, or cancels services during bad weather or adverse conditions, to protect the safety of our team, clients, and property, and maintain high service standards.

Core Principle

The safety of our staff, clients, and members of the public is our top priority. Work will only proceed when it is safe, practical, and does not risk damage to gardens, plants, surfaces, or equipment.
When We Will Not Work

We will cancel or pause scheduled services if any of the following conditions apply, as they create safety risks or could cause harm to your garden or property:

• Heavy rain, flooding, or waterlogged ground: Working on wet or saturated soil causes compaction, mud damage, ruts, or lawn scarring. We will not mow, dig, or carry out groundwork when surfaces are wet or flooded.

• Strong winds (gusts over 30mph / 48km/h): High winds make working at height, using ladders, operating machinery, or cutting trees/bushes dangerous. Flying debris also poses a risk to people and property.

• Snow, ice, or frost: Frozen ground, ice, or snow makes surfaces slippery and unsafe. Working on frozen plants or soil causes permanent damage, and machinery cannot be used safely or effectively.

• Extreme cold or heat: Temperatures below 0°C or above 32°C may stop work, to protect our team’s health and prevent damage to plants and materials.

• Storms, thunderstorms, or poor visibility: We stop work immediately if there is lightning, heavy fog, or reduced visibility, due to risks of electrocution, injury, or accidents.

• Official warnings: We follow Met Office weather warnings; work will be cancelled or rescheduled during amber or red warnings.
How We Handle Changes to Your Service

1. Notification: If bad weather is forecast or occurs, we will contact you as early as possible – usually by text, email, or phone – before your scheduled visit. We will explain if work is cancelled, delayed, or modified.

2. Rescheduling:

◦ We will automatically rebook your service for the next available working day, or agree a date that suits you. We do not charge extra for rescheduled visits.

◦ For regular maintenance clients, we will adjust your schedule to ensure you receive the full number of services you have paid for over the year.

3. Modified work: In milder bad weather (e.g. light rain or cool temperatures), we may carry out sheltered work such as clearing leaves, pruning hardy plants, cleaning patios, or tidying sheds/plant beds, if safe and appropriate. We will confirm this with you first.

4. Cancellations by you: If you decide you do not want work carried out due to weather, please let us know at least 2 hours before your appointment; there will be no charge.
Payments and Charges

• No fees are charged for cancelled or rescheduled visits caused by bad weather.

• Payments are only taken for work that is completed and agreed.

• For fixed-price contracts, your total annual cost remains the same; we adjust the timing of visits to make up for any missed days.
Plant and Garden Protection

Even when we cannot work, we can offer advice over the phone or email on how to protect your plants, lawn, or garden structures during bad weather – just ask.
Contact

If you have questions or concerns about weather and your upcoming service, please get in touch:

• Phone: 07706 629689

• Email: jmgardening272@gmail.com

JM Gardening reserves the right to update this policy as needed; the latest version will always be available on request.