Flooded garden

Immediate steps

Check for electrical hazards. Wear gloves — floodwater may be contaminated. Photograph damage for insurance.

Recovery

Wash silt from plants, aerate lawns after drying, remove dead plants, improve drainage long term with landscaping if flooding repeats.

Professional cleanup

Heavy debris, fallen trees, and large silt deposits suit garden cleanup crews with equipment.

What to look for in a gardener

A reliable gardener asks about access, slope, pets, and your priorities before quoting. They explain what is included in each visit and flag extra work (heavy pruning, green waste removal) before starting.

• Do they carry public liability insurance?
• Will the same person or crew attend each visit?
• How do they handle wet weather or missed visits?
• What equipment do they use for your lawn size?
• Can they provide a written quote and invoice with ABN?