Weekend garden tidy-ups and clear-outs

Homeowners who have let the garden get away from them, people preparing a house for sale or rent, and neighbours who want occasional help.

Fixed price per job or a day rate after seeing the garden. Some one-off customers become regular clients you can fit in over time.

• Pruning and general garden know-how
• Estimating how long a job will take
• Hard physical work
• Clear communication when quoting

• Public liability insurance before you start working on other people's property
• Check whether you need to register as a waste carrier if you take green waste away
• Check for nesting birds before cutting hedges in spring and summer
• Underquoting big clear-ups, so always view the garden first
• Working at height or with powered tools needs care and suitable protective kit

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the tools and protective kit you buy and whether you already have a suitable car. It is a low-cost way to start using basic equipment.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on how many jobs you take on and their size. You could start from around 6 hours a week, fitting work around a day job at weekends or evenings.

Check you have public liability insurance before working on other people's property, and whether you need to register as a waste carrier if you take green waste away. Check for nesting birds before cutting hedges in spring and summer, and view each garden before quoting.