I have been holding back in writing this article for a long time, not out of fear of upsetting any product or tool suppliers, but to gather more information and control my frustration from boiling over. However, after seeing a recent social media post, I couldn’t wait any longer.
A young lad with a big social media following posted a reel of himself on a Facebook forum I moderate, in which he was relaying a paving slab that was so utterly wrong in every way, I had to message him to ask why.
The reason I decided to message him is that this wasn’t his first rodeo in posting a poor-quality installation and, as he had asked for help in the past, I thought I’d check in. I note he also got some online backlash the last time he did it. I felt I had to hop in and save him by turning off all comments on the post and eventually delete it from the forum.
The reply came back that he did it for views, likes and comments – ultimately to keep his sponsors happy with his social media analytics. Now, this caused me to mutter expletives to myself on a par with Dick Dastardly’s Muttley, if any of you are old enough to remember Wacky Races.
“My advice to all landscapers out there is not rise to clickbait, or comment, share, or like these reels; in fact, block them from your feed.”
Surely tool and product manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure the people they employ are working to standards and not associating products with incapable and incompetent landscapers, who lower standards and client expectations, and undercut real professionals.
Upholding the good reputation of the industry is on all of us – and to the benefit of us all and our clients – with responsible suppliers, contractors and organisations pulling together.
My advice to all landscapers out there is not rise to clickbait, or comment, share, or like these reels; in fact, block them from your feed.
My advice to all suppliers is not to be surprised in the future if you’re sponsoring these cowboys and you get called out; you also have a responsibility to uphold industry standards and professionalism, not dimmish it for cheap clickbait.
Now, as I like to end on a positive note, my top tip for a young man to watch in the future is young Jacob Brockhurst at Brockstone: he’s absolutely flying and definitely worth a follow!
Gareth Wilson
Gareth Wilson is a leading paving installation expert in the UK. He has won 14 RHS Gold medals and five Best in Show & six Best Construction Awards, and he is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical advice to large companies, and he mentors and trains contractors and garden designers in landscape construction and on show garden logistics. He also provides on-site training, expert witness reports and mediation services. He is a B/507 modular paving committee member, BS7533:102 panellist, and an industry awards judge.
gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk | paving.site
This was a strong and timely perspective. Upholding the reputation of the landscaping industry really does require collective responsibility, and I appreciate the emphasis on professionalism, standards, and long term thinking. Conversations like this help reinforce the importance of quality work and ethical practices across the board. A thoughtful reminder that every project reflects on the wider industry.