Initial Consultation
Most projects begin with a consultation. This initial visit provides a structured assessment of the orchard, fruit trees or kitchen garden, establishing a clear understanding of the current condition of the site and its potential for development.
Productive gardens function as living systems. Tree structure, soil condition, planting patterns and seasonal management all influence long-term performance. The consultation is designed to assess how these elements interact, allowing decisions to be made with a clear understanding of the garden as a whole.
The consultation is a professional service in its own right. It focuses on diagnosis, observation and practical guidance rather than providing a quick quotation, ensuring that any future work is based on a considered and well-defined approach.
Consultations are structured according to the type of work required. The list below sets out the consultation services available, each explained in detail so that the appropriate approach can be selected for your garden.
Select a consultation type:
• Fruit Tree Pruning Consultation
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• Pest and Disease Consultation
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• Orchard Establishment Consultation
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• Orchard Restoration Consultation
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• Kitchen Garden Design Consultation
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• Kitchen Garden Installation Consultation
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• Orchard & Kitchen Garden Stewardship Consultation
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Fruit Tree Pruning Consultation
This consultation is suited to fruit trees that require professional assessment before pruning work is undertaken.
It is particularly relevant where trees have become overgrown, unbalanced, or have not been managed for several years, as well as where ongoing productivity or structure is uncertain. The consultation establishes a clear understanding of the current condition of the trees and the appropriate approach to their management.
The visit takes place on site and involves a structured assessment of the fruit trees within the garden. This includes observation of tree form, branch structure, canopy balance and previous pruning history, along with consideration of fruiting behaviour and how the tree is currently producing.
Particular attention is given to the underlying structure of the tree, including the arrangement of primary branches, areas of congestion, and the presence of crossing or rubbing growth. The consultation also considers whether the tree is spur-bearing or tip-bearing, as this directly influences how pruning should be approached to avoid removing productive wood unnecessarily.
Where appropriate, discussion includes how cuts should be made to maintain tree health, including cutting back to suitable points of live wood to encourage proper healing, rather than leaving stubs or removing growth indiscriminately. Consideration is also given to timing, as pruning at the wrong point in the season can affect both growth response and fruiting.
Good practice around tool use and hygiene is also addressed, particularly where multiple trees are present, to reduce the risk of spreading disease between specimens.
Time is spent understanding the objectives for the garden, whether this involves restoring neglected trees, improving fruit production, or establishing a consistent long-term pruning approach.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of the condition and structure of the trees, along with practical guidance on pruning method, timing and overall management. Structural or productivity issues are identified, and clear next steps are outlined.
A written report can be provided where required to document the assessment and recommendations.
The consultation is priced at £350 for up to two hours on site. A written report is available for an additional £150. Where subsequent pruning work is scheduled, up to 50% of the consultation fee may be credited toward that work.
Following the consultation, pruning work can be arranged where appropriate. This may involve a one-off structural intervention or a phased programme depending on the condition of the trees. In gardens with multiple trees or ongoing requirements, the consultation may also lead to a longer-term maintenance or stewardship arrangement.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
Pest and Disease Consultation
This consultation is suited to situations where the health or productivity of fruit trees is in question and the underlying cause is not clearly understood.
It is particularly relevant where there are visible signs of pest activity or disease, such as leaf damage, discolouration, dieback, poor fruit development or repeated seasonal issues. It is also appropriate where trees appear generally unproductive or in decline without an obvious cause. The consultation provides a structured approach to identifying the factors affecting tree health and determining an appropriate course of action.
The visit takes place on site and involves detailed observation of the affected trees. This includes assessment of leaf condition, fruit development, bark and branch health, as well as identification of any visible pests or disease symptoms. Consideration is also given to wider contributing factors such as soil condition, drainage, airflow and tree spacing.
Where appropriate, the interaction between multiple factors is assessed, as issues affecting fruit trees are often the result of combined conditions rather than a single isolated cause. Time is also spent understanding any previous treatments or interventions that may have influenced the current condition.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of the likely causes affecting the trees, along with practical guidance on how these issues can be addressed. This may include recommendations for targeted treatment, changes to management approach, or adjustments to the growing environment.
A written report can be provided where required to document the findings and recommendations in a structured format.
The consultation is priced at £350 for up to two hours on site. A written report is available for an additional £150.
Where further work is appropriate, this may involve targeted pruning, specific interventions to address pest or disease pressure, or adjustments to the growing environment. In some cases, the consultation may also inform a longer-term approach to improving the overall resilience and productivity of the trees.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
Orchard Establishment Consultation
This consultation is suited to the planning and establishment of new orchards within private gardens, where a structured approach is required to ensure long-term health, balance and productivity.
It is particularly relevant where fruit trees are being introduced into a space for the first time, or where an existing layout requires redesign. The consultation focuses on establishing a clear framework for tree placement, spacing and long-term management so that the orchard develops as a coherent and productive system rather than a collection of individual trees.
The visit takes place on site and involves assessment of the proposed planting area, including available space, orientation, soil condition and surrounding environment. Consideration is given to how the orchard will function over time as the trees mature, ensuring that the layout supports both productivity and ease of management.
An important part of the process is selecting appropriate fruit varieties and rootstocks for the specific conditions of the site. Factors such as soil type, exposure, available space and desired tree size all influence these decisions. Rootstock selection determines the eventual scale, vigour and spacing of the trees, and plays a key role in how the orchard develops over time.
Equally important is the relationship between varieties within the orchard. Many fruit trees require compatible pollination partners, and successful fruiting depends on selecting varieties that flower at the same time and are capable of pollinating one another. Without this coordination, trees may grow well but produce little or inconsistent fruit.
By considering these factors together, the orchard is planned as a functioning system, rather than simply planting individual trees without regard for how they will grow, interact and produce over time.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of how the orchard should be structured, along with a defined layout that reflects the scale and conditions of the site.
For smaller orchards, this includes a written report and layout drawing setting out tree positions, spacing and recommended varieties.
Orchard establishment design for up to 10 trees is priced at £500, including site consultation, layout plan and written report.
Larger orchards are assessed individually. Consultation pricing is confirmed in advance based on the size and complexity of the project.
Following the consultation, the orchard can be established in line with the agreed design. This may involve staged planting, soil preparation or coordination of installation depending on the condition of the site. In some cases, the consultation may also lead to ongoing stewardship to support the development of the orchard over time.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
Orchard Restoration Consultation
This consultation is suited to established orchards where the trees have become overgrown, unbalanced or unproductive due to a prolonged absence of structured management.
It is particularly relevant where trees have been left unmanaged for several years, resulting in excessive height, dense canopy growth, reduced light penetration and declining fruit quality. In these situations, effective restoration requires more than routine pruning and must be approached as a phased structural process.
The visit takes place on site and involves a detailed assessment of the orchard as a whole, as well as the condition of individual trees. This includes evaluation of tree structure, canopy density, branch distribution and the presence of crossing, congested or competing growth.
Attention is given to how the trees have responded to previous pruning, if any, and how the current structure is affecting both growth and fruiting. Consideration is also given to fruiting behaviour, including the condition and distribution of fruiting spurs, and whether productive wood has been lost or suppressed over time.
Where appropriate, the consultation addresses how restoration cuts should be made to re-establish a stable framework without overstressing the tree. This includes identifying which sections of the canopy can be reduced safely, where to cut back to suitable points of live wood, and how to avoid large, poorly placed cuts that can lead to weak regrowth or increased disease risk.
Because restoration often involves working across multiple trees, consistency of approach is also considered, along with good practice around tool use and hygiene to minimise the spread of disease within the orchard.
Time is spent understanding the objectives for the orchard, whether this involves recovering productivity, reducing tree size, improving access, or establishing a manageable long-term structure.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of the current condition of the orchard and the work required to restore it. This typically includes a phased plan of intervention, as attempting to restore neglected trees in a single season can place excessive stress on the trees and reduce long-term viability.
A written report can be provided where required to document the assessment and recommended restoration approach.
The consultation is priced at £350 for up to two hours on site. A written report is available for an additional £150.
Following the consultation, restoration work can be scheduled in phases, allowing the trees to respond gradually while structure and productivity are re-established. In many cases, this process leads into a longer-term maintenance or stewardship arrangement to prevent the orchard returning to a state of decline.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
Kitchen Garden Design Consultation
This consultation is suited to the planning and design of kitchen gardens where a structured approach is required to ensure consistent, manageable food production throughout the growing season.
It is particularly relevant where a new kitchen garden is being introduced, or where an existing growing space lacks organisation, consistency or long-term planning. In many cases, kitchen gardens underperform not because of lack of effort, but because there is no coordinated system governing what is planted, when it is planted, and how the space is used over time.
The visit takes place on site and involves assessment of the proposed or existing growing area, including available space, sunlight, soil condition, access and relationship to the house. Consideration is given to how the garden will function in practice, not just how it will appear on paper.
A key part of the process is developing a structured planting framework. Without this, crops often mature all at once, leading to short periods of excess followed by gaps in production. The consultation addresses how planting can be staggered and sequenced so that the garden produces a steady, manageable supply rather than unpredictable surges.
Consideration is given to bed configuration, spacing, access routes, crop grouping, rotation and seasonal timing, and how different crops interact within the system across the year.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of how the kitchen garden should be structured and how the space can be used effectively.
For kitchen gardens up to 20 square metres, this forms part of a complete design service, including a layout plan, written report and installation quotation based on the proposed design. Kitchen garden design for areas up to 20 square metres is priced at £500.
For larger kitchen gardens, the process begins with an initial consultation (£350), which focuses on site assessment and system direction. No layout plans or detailed design work are produced at this stage. Where appropriate, a full design is then prepared and priced according to size and complexity, with a portion of the consultation fee credited toward the design.
Once a design has been agreed, the kitchen garden can be installed in line with the proposed layout and planting system. This may involve construction of beds, soil preparation and implementation of the planting framework. In many cases, this leads into ongoing stewardship to support the garden through each growing season.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
Kitchen Garden Installation Consultation
This consultation supports the installation of kitchen gardens. A clear design framework is required before any construction or planting work is undertaken.
It is particularly relevant where a new kitchen garden is being created, or where an existing space is being restructured to improve productivity and ease of use. Installation is approached as the implementation of a defined system rather than a standalone activity, ensuring that the finished garden functions effectively over time.
For most kitchen garden projects, the design consultation forms the basis for installation. This establishes the layout, bed configuration and planting structure so that construction can proceed with clarity and without the need for on-site decision-making during the build.
Where a design has already been prepared, the consultation allows the proposed layout to be reviewed in relation to the site conditions, including ground levels, soil condition, access and practical considerations affecting construction.
The visit takes place on site and involves confirming layout dimensions, positioning of beds and pathways, and how the garden will be constructed in practice. Consideration is given to materials, soil preparation and how the installation will support the intended planting system.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of how the kitchen garden will be built and how the installation relates to the overall design.
Kitchen garden installation is priced following completion of the design, as the layout and specification determine the scope of work. For kitchen gardens up to 20 square metres, an installation quotation is typically provided as part of the design consultation. Larger projects are priced individually based on the agreed design and site conditions.
Once agreed, installation can be scheduled and carried out in accordance with the design. This may include construction of raised beds, soil preparation and implementation of the planting layout. In many cases, installation leads directly into ongoing stewardship to support the garden through its first growing seasons and beyond.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
Orchard and Kitchen Garden Stewardship Consultation
This consultation is suited to gardens where fruit trees, orchards or kitchen growing areas are already established and require ongoing, structured management to maintain productivity and balance over time.
It is particularly relevant where productive elements of the garden are in place but lack consistent oversight, resulting in fluctuating yields, declining structure or increasing maintenance demands. The consultation establishes a clear framework for how the garden should be managed as a system rather than as a series of isolated tasks.
The visit takes place on site and involves a detailed assessment of both tree structure and productive growing areas, considering how the different elements of the garden interact across the seasons. This includes evaluation of canopy balance, light penetration and airflow within fruit trees, as well as the organisation and performance of kitchen garden beds.
Consideration is given to seasonal timing and how interventions should be phased throughout the year, including winter and summer pruning, planting sequences and ongoing crop management. The relationship between soil condition, plant health and productivity is also assessed, along with the role of pollination, pest and disease pressure, and how these factors influence the long-term performance of the garden.
Rather than addressing individual issues in isolation, the consultation focuses on how these elements can be managed together to maintain stability and consistent output. This may involve adjusting pruning approach, improving soil structure, refining planting sequences or introducing a more coordinated system of seasonal care.
Following the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of how the garden should be managed throughout the year, along with a structured approach to maintaining productivity, balance and long-term health.
The consultation is priced at £350 for up to two hours on site.
Where appropriate, the consultation may lead to an ongoing stewardship arrangement, providing regular, structured visits to manage the garden in line with seasonal requirements and long-term objectives.
Request an Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are offered to establish alignment with our structured approach. Most projects begin with a consultation to assess existing conditions and explore potential long-term development within the garden.
We undertake a limited number of structured projects each year. Initial consultations establish alignment with our phased working model. We are not a general maintenance service.
When a Consultation Is Recommended
A consultation is particularly useful where productive elements of the garden require professional assessment or planning.
Examples include:
fruit trees that have not been managed for several years
suspected pest or disease problems
planning a new kitchen garden
restoring a neglected orchard
developing a long-term management strategy for a productive garden
In many cases a short period of structured observation can prevent larger problems developing later.