If you run a landscaping or gardening limited company, chances are you already have an accountant.
But here’s the real question:
👉 Are they actually helping your business — or just filing things after the fact?
We speak to many landscaping directors who are technically “looked after” but still:
- Feel unsure about their numbers
- Worry about tax bills
- Don’t know how much they can safely take out
- Only hear from their accountant once a year
A good accountant should be far more than a box-ticker.
This blog explains what a good accountant should be doing for landscaping and gardening limited companies — and the warning signs that you may not be getting the support you need.
The Reality for Many Landscaping Business Owners
Landscaping and gardening businesses are:
- Seasonal
- Physically demanding
- Cash-intensive
- Asset-heavy (vans, tools, plant, machinery)
Yet many accountants treat them like any other small company.
That’s a problem — because your business has specific challenges that need 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.”
That’s the baseline.
If your accountant:
- Produces year-end accounts
- Submits Corporation Tax
- Files Companies House documents
…but doesn’t actively help you make better decisions during the year — you’re missing out.
Compliance keeps you legal.
Good accounting helps you build a stronger business.
What a Good Accountant Should Be Doing
1. Explaining Your Numbers in Plain English
You should never feel embarrassed to ask:
“What does this actually mean?”
A good accountant should:
- Explain profit vs cash clearly
- Help you understand where money is going
- Break down tax figures without jargon
If you don’t understand your own accounts, they’re not doing their job properly.
2. Helping You Pay Yourself Properly
For limited company directors, pay strategy is critical.
A good accountant should:
- Recommend the right mix of salary and dividends
- 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, something is missing.
3. Proactively Planning for Tax (Not Reacting to It)
Tax planning should happen:
- Throughout the year
- Before the year end
- Before big decisions
Not:
- After the year has finished
- When it’s already too late
A good accountant should help you:
- Forecast Corporation Tax
- Set aside VAT properly
- Understand personal tax exposure
- Avoid January surprises
If every tax bill feels like a shock — planning isn’t happening.
4. Understanding Seasonality in Landscaping & Gardening
Your income is not flat — and your advice shouldn’t be either.
A good accountant should:
- Recognise peak and quiet seasons
- Help you smooth director pay
- Plan for winter cash flow
- Encourage reserves during busy months
Ignoring seasonality leads to:
- Cash stress
- Over-drawings
- Panic in quieter periods
5. Helping You Stay on Top of Cash Flow
Profit looks good on paper.
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 always short of cash, that’s a red flag.
6. Advising on Equipment, Vans & Big Purchases
Landscaping businesses regularly invest in:
- Vans
- 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 you avoid cash strain
If advice comes after the money’s been spent, it’s already too late.
7. Keeping You Compliant Without 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 (not panic about them)
- Reduce admin where possible
You should feel supported — not chased or confused.
8. Warning You Before Problems Become Expensive
A good accountant doesn’t just report problems — they prevent them.
They should:
- Flag overdrawn Director’s Loan Accounts early
- Warn about rising tax liabilities
- Spot cash flow pressure
- Raise concerns before HMRC does
Silence is not a good sign.
Warning Signs You’re Not Getting Good Support
You may want to take a closer look if:
- You only hear from your accountant once a year
- You don’t know how much tax you owe until the bill arrives
- You don’t understand your accounts
- You’re profitable but constantly short of cash
- You’ve had Director’s Loan Account issues
- You feel anxious every January
These are symptoms, not personal failures.
Landscaping Businesses Need Industry-Aware Advice
A good accountant for landscaping and gardening companies understands:
- Seasonal work patterns
- Labour-heavy cost structures
- Fuel and vehicle costs
- Subcontractors and staffing changes
- Weather-related disruption
Generic advice often misses these realities.
The Difference Between an Accountant and a Business Partner
The best accountants act more like:
- A sounding board
- An early-warning system
- A guide through decisions
Not just:
- A form-filler
- A tax calculator
- A year-end messenger
You should feel comfortable picking up the phone before making decisions — not after the damage is done.
Why Ongoing Support Makes a Huge 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 We Work with Landscaping & Gardening Limited Companies
At Accounting Matters, we work proactively 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 sleep better at night, not worry more.
Final Thoughts
A good accountant shouldn’t feel like a mystery figure who appears once a year.
They should:
- Be approachable
- Be proactive
- Understand your industry
- Help you plan — not just react
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 Know If You’re Getting the Right Support?
If you’d like a no-pressure chat about what good accounting support looks like for your landscaping or gardening limited company, we’re always happy to talk.
Accounting does MATTER 🌱