Updated October 21, 2026
Where people look first
Most people start locally. Ask neighbours, building managers or a local florist for a recommendation. Online searches or local Facebook groups are common next steps - they let you see photos and short descriptions quickly. Smaller towns and rural areas still rely heavily on word of mouth, while in tourist regions you may find more providers advertising online.
Directory sites and marketplace listings let you filter by service and area. When you search, focus on recent photos and schedules that match the kind of work you need - regular lawn care, pruning, planting or larger landscaping projects.
- Ask neighbours or caretakers for recent contacts
- Check local online groups for photos and short reviews
- Search directories by service and location
How to check a gardener's background
Before you agree, try to establish whether the person works as a private individual, a sole trader or a company. Ask for a business identifier or an invoice for previous work. In Croatia, invoices and any formal receipts normally show the provider's tax or business identifier, such as the OIB.
Look for recent, clear photos of completed jobs and ask for references for similar work. If a gardener says they completed work for neighbours, ask if you can visit or speak with those neighbours. For larger jobs, consider asking for a written contract that lists scope, materials and timing.
- Request an invoice or business identifier - OIB is commonly used
- Ask to see recent photos and contactable references
- Get a written scope for medium and large jobs
Questions to ask before you agree
Use a short checklist when you talk or meet: what exactly is included, who supplies materials and plants, time estimate, disposal of green waste and whether they will work alone or bring help. Ask how often they will visit if you want ongoing maintenance, and whether they guarantee their work for a short period.
Clarify who is responsible for unexpected issues - damaged irrigation, roots found during digging or discovery of pests. For any job that includes chemical treatment, check what products they use and whether they are certified to handle them.
- What is included and who supplies materials
- Start and finish dates or number of visits
- Green waste removal and handling of unexpected issues
- Products used and any required certifications
What is specific to Croatia
Expect the local language to be Croatian in most conversations and documents. In coastal and tourist areas, some providers may speak English, German or Italian, but do not assume this outside those areas. For invoicing and formal matters, ask for an invoice showing the provider's name and OIB.
Many gardeners operate as sole traders or small firms rather than large landscape companies. For some kinds of work - tree felling, large earthworks or pesticide application - local rules and permits can apply. If a job looks like it will need a permit or involves protected trees, check with your local municipality before work begins.
- Expect Croatian language for contracts and communication
- Ask for an invoice with the provider's name and OIB
- Check local permits for tree felling or protected areas
Seasonality and scheduling
Gardening demand is seasonal - spring and autumn are busiest for planting, pruning and major tidy-ups, while summer is focused on watering and mowing. If you need work at a busy time, contact providers early and expect that regular maintenance clients may have priority.
Winter is typically quieter for planting and pruning in many areas; this can be a good time to schedule larger landscaping projects that aren't weather-sensitive. Always agree a start window and a clear cancellation policy in writing for seasonal scheduling changes.
- Book spring and autumn jobs early
- Summer often focuses on mowing and watering
- Use quieter months for major non-urgent projects
How quotes and payments are usually handled
Quotes commonly start with a site visit or detailed photos you send by message. For small jobs, a phone estimate may be used but always prefer a written quote for anything beyond a short visit. Check what the quote includes - labour, materials, plants and waste removal.
Payment methods vary. Cash and bank transfer remain common. Online card payments and marketplace payments are increasingly available. If you want an invoice for tax or documentation, ask for it before work starts and confirm what details will appear on the invoice.
- Ask for a written quote for medium or larger jobs
- Confirm which materials are included in the price
- Decide payment method and request an invoice if needed
How a Websta profile helps compare providers
A Websta profile gives a compact place to compare what providers list - services, photos and contact options. Profiles can show available booking or a contact form so you can ask the same questions of several providers and compare answers and quotes more easily.
Use the profile to check recent photos, service descriptions and any notes about scheduling. If a profile includes a business identifier or notice that the person can claim the page, treat that as a prompt to ask for official documentation when you contact them.
- Compare services and photos side by side
- Use contact forms to request the same quote from multiple providers
- Treat profile notices as a starting point - verify details before hiring
Frequently asked questions
- Do gardeners in Croatia usually provide invoices?
- Many gardeners can provide an invoice, and you should ask for one if you need documentation. An invoice typically shows the provider's name and identifier such as the OIB. Ask for an invoice before work begins if it is important to you.
- Should I get multiple quotes for a garden job?
- Yes. For medium and larger jobs, getting at least two or three written quotes helps you compare scope, materials and timing. Make sure each quote lists what is included so you compare like with like.
- How do I check if a gardener is permitted to remove a tree?
- Ask the gardener if the work needs a municipal permit. For protected or large trees, local rules often require a permit. If in doubt, contact your local municipality to confirm requirements before work starts.
- Can I pay by card when hiring a gardener through a marketplace profile?
- Card payments are increasingly offered by marketplaces and providers. Confirm the available payment methods on the provider's profile or ask them directly before agreeing the job.
- What should I do if work is not completed as agreed?
- First, raise the issue with the gardener and try to agree a remedy or additional visit. For larger disputes, use any written agreement or invoice as a record and consider mediation or advice from local consumer organisations.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.