Garden Tidy Service

As part of your Tenancy Agreement, you are responsible for keeping your garden tidy.

If you would like some extra help, we offer a Garden Tidy Service. This service is available to all Gateshead Council tenants who have a garden, regardless of age or disability.

Please note, this is not a full gardening service, but it helps keep gardens tidy, safe and manageable.

How much it costs

The service costs £9.78 per week, which is added to your rent account.

Generally, tenants will need to pay this charge themselves.

Help with costs

In some cases, Housing Benefit may cover some or all of the cost, but only if strict criteria are met:

• You must already be receiving Housing Benefit
• Everyone who lives in your home has a physical impairment or long-term health condition that means they are unable to maintain the garden
• You must provide supporting evidence, such as medical information or proof of relevant disability-related benefits, for all adults in the household

Universal Credit does not cover this service.

If you receive Universal Credit, you will need to pay the charge yourself (regardless of age or any disabilities) or choose not to use the service.

What the service includes

April to October

Visits take place approximately every 4 to 6 weeks (weather dependent) and include:

• grass cutting (a strimmer may be used in smaller or sloped gardens)
• removing large weeds from borders and paved areas
• hedge trimming (under 5ft, between December and mid-February, subject to nesting birds)
• cutting back small lower tree branches (from standing height)
• weed treatment on hard surfaces (once or twice a year)

November to March

Two visits are carried out, including:

• pruning shrubs and plants (where required)
• a general winter tidy-up:
  • edging lawns
  • removing leaves and debris
  • weeding and hoeing border

Important information

Potted plants are not included in the service.

Gardeners will not move items such as ornaments, furniture or solar lights. These are left in your garden at your own risk.

Garden waste will be put in your garden bin if you subscribe to the council's garden waste service. Otherwise, it will be left in your garden for you to dispose of. Grass cuttings will be left, but paths will be cleared.

Apply to join the Garden Tidy Service

Terms and conditions

The service is only available to Gateshead Council tenants with a garden.

New memberships normally start between April and October.

Applications received during winter will be held and processed from March.