The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) represents a network of accredited landscaping companies specialising in the design, construction, and maintenance of gardens nationwide. Membership is earned through a rigorous inspection process, with annual inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, valid insurances, and the continued delivery of top-quality work.
Reflecting on this milestone, APL’s founder, Alan Sargent, says: “I founded the APL, 30 years ago as I knew a lot of landscape contractors in the domestic sector who really wanted to have a voice of their own. My vision for the APL when I originally started was to give them a voice and provide a column of mutual support to fellow landscape contractors. We work alone and very often get so insular and I felt there was a need for us to get together to support each other. We had our first meeting in Birmingham and over 40 companies turned up with more than 100 other companies expressing interest. Thirty years on, it’s inspiring to see how the APL has grown into a trusted authority in the industry, setting the highest standards for landscaping across the UK.”
Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the APL since 2016, adds: “It was a great honour to be asked to manage the APL. An organisation that is littered with innovation, quality, and professionalism. When I started, Mark Gregory was the chair and his vision alongside Alan’s was to create a community across all sectors of the industry. Our cluster meetings and Awards demonstrate that we are a long way down that path, with designers, landscapers, professional gardeners, and suppliers sharing experiences and techniques. I genuinely feel very proud to be here at this anniversary, which is a testament to the talent and dedication of our members, who bring outdoor spaces to life with their exceptional skills.”
In 2025, the APL will host the annual awards on Friday, the 14th of March, at the Brewery in London, celebrating outstanding achievements in landscape design and construction. The awards spotlight the creativity and craftsmanship of professionals who transform outdoor spaces into beautiful gardens and landscapes across the UK.