Experts needed in the gardener’s world

THE horticultural industry is very diverse in that it includes the commercial production of fruit and vegetables crops, cut flowers and ornamental plants such as bedding and house plants. It embraces all aspects of landscaping for private gardens, public parks and commercial developments such as industrial estates. It offers careers in many disciplines, from garden centre retailing to greenkeeping on golf courses.

It has developed into a very important industry as it has captured the imagination of some 20 million gardeners in the UK. Garden centres often provide a ‘day out’ for a wide audience and there are many gardens to visit courtesy of the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society.

 

There can be many areas that may require the services of an expert witness, from independently assessing crop damage to disputes over the ownership of a hedge. Hedges can also lead to other disputes regarding maintenance and inadvertent damage by root systems to property.

Trees are often an emotive issue and require a clear thinking approach in order to get a satisfactory solution. Another interesting topic is the poisoning of plants by herbicides (weedkillers) and being able to prove that was the cause.

In recent years there have been a number of cases where poor landscaping practices have led to complaints.

They have often ended up in court in order to settle the issues that caused customer dissatisfaction with the work produced in the first instance. Those issues are often difficult to resolve satisfactorily, as the problem can occur weeks after the completion of the project. Collecting evidence can be difficult in order to provide a sound argument in pursuing the case.

Dealing with that sort of problem requires experience and diplomacy in dealing with the parties involved.

Each case will have differing issues and it is important to remain objective and totally unbiased. Treat the problem as you find it and never assume or jump to conclusions without first of all assessing all the information available at the time.

Taking notes and photographs is an essential part of the expert witness’s brief in putting together a case. Horticulture is very visual and first impressions are important. Is the job fit for purpose, and is there a case to answer on behalf of the parties involved?

Horticulture does require experienced individuals to provide objective reports and recommendations to help solicitors and courts alike.