Access the latest grounds maintenance service status by clicking here
At Thrive, we want your estates, gardens and communal outdoor spaces to feel safe, tidy and welcoming. That’s why we work in partnership with Groundscapes, who carry out all grounds maintenance across our neighbourhoods. Their job is to keep shared outdoor areas attractive, well‑cared for and safe for everyone
Our offer to you: Grounds maintenance will be carried out regularly by a professional team. We will undertake regular inspections, carry out works as needed, and record any tree maintenance work required in communal gardens.
What we ask of you: Keep the area clear of obstructions and free of litter. Report any grounds maintenance problems to us as soon as possible.
This page explains what’s included, how often tasks happen, the quality standards we expect, and how to report an issue.
Groundscapes visit most sites fortnightly between March and December to maintain lawns using the cut‑and‑fly method.
Grass cuttings are finely mulched and naturally feed the lawn, helping retain moisture during dry periods.
- 19 longer summer visits (more work during peak growth)
- 7 shorter winter visits when growth slows
- Edging and trimming around paths, fences, trees and obstacles
- Removing loose grass from paths and hard surfaces
- Seasonal lawn treatments such as weed‑and‑feed (1–2 times a year)
- Scarification (removing dead thatch) where needed
- Aeration to improve soil drainage and lawn health
- Top dressing and reseeding worn patches
If bad weather stops mowing, the contractor will return as soon as it’s safe and deploy extra staff to catch up.
Shrubs and hedges are maintained using recognised horticultural practices to keep them healthy, tidy and safe. This includes seasonal pruning at the correct time for each plant species:
- Spring shrubs (e.g., Forsythia, Ribes) – pruned in June
- Summer shrubs (e.g., Prunus Laurocerasus) – pruned in July
- Summer flowering shrubs (e.g., Deutzia) – pruned in September
- Preventing hedges from blocking paths, lighting or signage
- Removing dead heads and suckers from roses during summer
- Weeding beds and maintaining a tidy, presentable shape
- Mulching beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Hedges will not be cut during the bird nesting season (1 March–31 August) where there is a risk of disturbing active nests - this is a legal requirement under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
All communal trees are surveyed at the start of the contract in line with British Standards, and placed into priority categories for maintenance. Annual inspections then ensure any issues are caught early.
Routine tree care includes:
- Removing low growth or suckers up to 2.5m
- Keeping tree bases clear and tidy
- Reporting signs of disease or damage
- Removing small self‑set saplings during visits
- Managing weeds and growth around tree bases (using herbicide where appropriate)
Larger tree works requiring ladders or specialist equipment are carried out separately with approval.
Between September and December, leaf fall can build up quickly. Groundscapes will:
- Clear leaves regularly during these heavy fall months
- Keep paths, car parks and grass areas safe and free from slip hazards
- Maintain HouseMark A–B standards for leaf clearance (A = no leaf build‑up, B = light seasonal leaf cover acceptable)
Animal fouling, sharps and unsafe waste are collected and disposed of safely on every visit.
We maintain the following areas to keep the environment safe and pleasant:
- Pathways, garage areas, car parks and drying areas
- Sweeping and clearing hard surfaces of leaves, moss and debris
- Removing graffiti, dirt and litter from communal play areas
- Fly‑tipping removed promptly (where items can be lifted by one person
Tasks outside the grounds maintenance contract include:
- Maintenance of private gardens
- Removing large or heavy fly‑tipped items (requires a separate bulk waste booking)
- Landscaping redesigns or new planting schemes
- Tree removal not related to safety or maintenance
- Repairs to walls, fences or hard surfaces
Groundscapes work to a structured schedule, including:
- Fortnightly visits (March–December) for grass and routine tasks
- Seasonal cycles for wildflower meadows
- Spring and autumn gully clearance
- Scheduled pruning periods for shrubs and hedges
- Regular sweeping of hard surfaces
- Annual tree inspections
If a visit is missed, we will ask the contractor to return as soon as possible.
We use the HouseMark Photo Book to assess standards across all estates.
Grade A – Very Good
- Grass, shrubs and beds neatly maintained
- No litter, weeds or debris visible
- Hard surfaces clear and hazard free
- Wildflower areas tidy and attractive
Grade B – Satisfactory
- Grounds generally tidy
- Minor litter, weeds or leaf build‑up acceptable
- Minimum standard between visits
Grade C – Poor
- Noticeable litter, weeds or overgrowth
- Hard surfaces dirty or obstructed
- Requires improvement
Grade D – Unacceptable / Service Failure
- Grounds neglected or unsafe
- Significant litter, hazardous waste or overgrowth
- Must be rectified urgently
If we inspect a site and find a Grade C or D, Groundscapes must take action to restore the area to the correct standard.
Our Estates Services team conducts quarterly inspections and works closely with Groundscapes to maintain standards. This includes:
- Reviewing post visit reports
- Tracking any missed visits and corrective actions
- Identifying recurring issues
- Monitoring fly‑tipping, safety hazards and reactive works
Please contact us if you notice:
- Overgrown grass, hedges or shrubs
- Missed visits
- Fly‑tipping or dumped items
- Damaged trees or unsafe branches
- Excessive leaf build‑up or slippery surfaces
- Issues in communal play areas
You can report issues in any of the following ways:
- Email: enquiries@thrivehomes.org.uk
- Online: via the myThrive hub
- Phone: 0800 917 6077
You can also rate any of our services here:
Your Grounds Maintenance team will not:
- start before 8am or work after dusk or 5pm, whichever is the earlier, on Monday to Friday
- start before 8am or work after 12 noon on a Saturday
- undertake any other work without obtaining permission from Thrive Homes.
Where possible, our grounds maintenance contractor will always try to attend on the same day for each visit. If not, they will always attend within the next two working days. You can find out more about your scheduled visits here.
Ground maintenance is seasonal and subject to weather conditions.
For customers who live in a flat with a private garden, refer to the Home Standard by clicking here.
By reporting issues and giving feedback, you help us keep your estate clean, attractive and safe. Working together, we can maintain high standards for everyone in our communities.