If you run a landscaping or gardening limited company, chances are you already have an accountant.
But here’s the real question most directors quietly ask themselves:
👉 Are they actually helping the business — or just filing things after the fact?
At Hammond & Co, we regularly speak with landscaping and gardening directors who are technically “looked after” — yet still:
- Feel unsure about what their numbers are really telling them
- Worry about unexpected tax bills
- Don’t know how much they can safely take out of the business
- Only hear from their accountant once a year
A good accountant should be far more than a box-ticking exercise.
This blog explains what a good accountant should be doing for landscaping and gardening limited companies — and the warning signs that suggest you may not be getting the support you actually need.
The Reality for Landscaping & Gardening Business Owners
Landscaping and gardening businesses are not like most other limited companies.
They are often:
- Highly seasonal
- Physically demanding and time-intensive
- Cash-driven, especially during peak months
- Asset-heavy (vans, tools, plant, machinery)
Yet many accountants treat them exactly the same as any other small business.
That’s a problem — because these businesses face specific risks and pressures that require proactive advice, not generic compliance.
The Bare Minimum (And Why It’s Not Enough)
Let’s be clear.
Filing accounts and tax returns is not “good accounting”.
It’s the baseline.
If your accountant:
- Produces year-end accounts
- Submits Corporation Tax
- Files Companies House documents
…but doesn’t help you make better decisions during the year, then you’re missing out.
Compliance keeps you legal.
Good accounting helps you build a stronger, more stable business.
What a Good Accountant Should Be Doing
1. Explaining Your Numbers in Plain English
You should never feel embarrassed asking:
“What does this actually mean?”
A good accountant should:
- Explain the difference between profit and cash clearly
- Help you understand where money is going
- Break down tax figures without jargon
If you don’t understand your own accounts, the job isn’t being done properly.
2. Helping You Pay Yourself Properly
For limited company directors, how you pay yourself matters.
A good accountant should:
- Recommend the right salary vs dividend balance
- Review this as profits change
- Help you avoid overdrawn Director’s Loan Accounts
- Warn you before tax problems arise
If you’re guessing how much to take out — or hoping it’ll be fine — something is missing.
3. Planning for Tax Proactively (Not Reacting to It)
Tax planning should happen:
- Throughout the year
- Before the year end
- Before big decisions are made
Not:
- After the year has finished
- When it’s already too late to change anything
A good accountant should help you:
- Forecast Corporation Tax
- Set aside VAT properly
- Understand personal tax exposure
- Avoid January shocks
If every tax bill feels like a surprise, planning isn’t happening.
4. Understanding Seasonality in Landscaping & Gardening
Your income isn’t flat — and your advice shouldn’t be either.
A good accountant should:
- Recognise busy and quiet seasons
- Help smooth director pay
- Plan for winter cash flow
- Encourage reserves during peak months
Ignoring seasonality often leads to:
- Cash pressure
- Over-drawings
- Stress during quieter periods
5. Keeping You on Top of Cash Flow
Profit may look good on paper — but cash keeps the business alive.
A good accountant should:
- Help you separate VAT and tax money
- Encourage regular cash reviews
- Flag potential shortfalls early
- Support better invoicing and payment terms
If you’re profitable but constantly short of cash, that’s a warning sign.
6. Advising on Vans, Equipment & Big Purchases
Landscaping businesses regularly invest in:
- Vans and trailers
- Plant and machinery
- Specialist tools
A good accountant should:
- Explain the tax impact before you buy
- Advise on timing purchases
- Clarify capital allowances
- Help avoid unnecessary cash strain
Advice that comes after the money’s been spent is already too late.
7. Keeping You Compliant — Without the Stress
Compliance still matters — but it shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
A good accountant should:
- Keep you informed of deadlines
- Explain new rules clearly
- Help you prepare for changes
- Reduce admin wherever possible
You should feel supported — not chased, confused, or anxious.
8. Warning You Before Problems Become Expensive
A good accountant doesn’t just report problems — they prevent them.
They should:
- Flag Director’s Loan Account issues early
- Warn about rising tax liabilities
- Spot cash flow pressure
- Raise concerns before HMRC does
Silence is not reassurance.
Warning Signs You’re Not Getting the Support You Need
You may want to take a closer look if:
- You only hear from your accountant once a year
- You don’t know your tax position until the bill arrives
- You don’t understand your accounts
- You’re profitable but always short of cash
- You’ve had Director’s Loan Account issues
- January causes genuine anxiety
These aren’t personal failures — they’re symptoms of missing support.
Landscaping Businesses Need Industry-Aware Advice
A good accountant for landscaping and gardening companies understands:
- Seasonal working patterns
- Labour-heavy cost structures
- Fuel and vehicle costs
- Staffing and subcontractor changes
- Weather-related disruption
Generic advice often misses what really matters on the ground.
The Difference Between an Accountant and a Business Partner
The best accountants act like:
- A sounding board
- An early-warning system
- A guide through decisions
Not just:
- A form-filler
- A tax calculator
- A once-a-year messenger
You should feel comfortable picking up the phone before decisions are made — not after the damage is done.
Why Ongoing Support Makes Such a Difference
Most financial problems don’t happen overnight.
They build slowly through:
- Busy periods
- Small withdrawals
- Missed planning opportunities
Ongoing support allows:
- Regular reviews
- Adjustments in real time
- Less stress and more confidence
Especially in seasonal industries like landscaping and gardening.
How Hammond & Co Support Landscaping & Gardening Limited Companies
At Hammond & Co, we work closely with landscaping and gardening directors to:
- Explain the numbers clearly
- Plan tax in advance
- Structure director pay properly
- Improve cash flow visibility
- Reduce stress and uncertainty
We believe a good accountant should help you feel in control, not constantly worried.
Final Thoughts
A good accountant shouldn’t feel like a mystery figure who appears once a year.
They should be:
- Approachable
- Proactive
- Industry-aware
- Focused on planning — not just reacting
If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t actually know if my accountant is doing a good job…”
That question alone is worth exploring.
Want to Check You’re Getting the Right Support?
If you’d like a no-pressure conversation about what good accounting support looks like for your landscaping or gardening limited company, Hammond & Co are always happy to talk.