When asking about garden work, include a photo showing how to reach the trees, as well as the trees themselves. A site assessment involves more than tree size. We also consider access, the tools and people needed, and how cut branches and other garden waste can be carried out.

At Daruma Ueki, a Tokyo-based gardening business, we care for garden trees and help with garden design and construction. Here are some ways to explain what you need before discussing the work.

In this article

1. Show the whole tree, then the part you want to discuss

Start with a photo that shows the tree or planted area as a whole. A separate photo of the part that concerns you can help explain your request.

You might write, “I’d like to discuss the branches extending over the path,” or “I’d like to keep some screening in front of this window.” These are examples of how to describe a preference. The work that is possible needs to be considered alongside the condition of the tree; the photos alone do not decide how much to cut.

If you do not know the tree’s name or height, say so. There is no need to climb a tree or ladder, or step into the road, to take a photo. Share what you can photograph from a safe position.

2. Show the entrance and the route out of the garden

The route between the trees and the street also helps us understand the site. If possible, include photos of the entrance, paths and any potential parking space. If permission to park there has not been confirmed, mention that too.

For example, collecting branches close to a vehicle involves different arrangements from carrying them along a narrow passage. This is an illustrative comparison, not a description of a particular job. It shows why two gardens with the same number of trees may still need different plans for removing the cut material.

If access involves a locked gate, you can simply tell us that unlocking it needs to be arranged. Do not include access codes or the location of stored keys in your photos. Try to leave out details that are not needed for the enquiry, such as nameplates, vehicle registration numbers and other people.

3. Add a short note

Share whatever you know about:

  • Location: your city or ward as an initial indication
  • The work: pruning, hedge trimming, weeding or garden improvements
  • Your preferences: what concerns you and what you want to keep
  • The area: roughly how many trees, or which part of the garden
  • Access: entrances, paths, parking and any arrangements needed to open a gate
  • Timing: your preferred period and any limits on when you can be present
  • Clearing up: whether you would like cut branches and other garden waste collected and removed

You do not need to have every answer before starting a conversation. Marking something as “not yet confirmed” helps identify what needs checking next.

What photos can explain, and what still needs checking

The tools, staffing and vehicles needed, the difficulty of the work and the volume of cut material are matters for the gardener to assess. You do not need to decide the working method yourself. Some conditions cannot be assessed fully from photographs, so we will discuss whether a site visit is needed.

Daruma Ueki welcomes enquiries in English by email and LINE. An additional fee may apply if English-speaking staff need to be arranged for an on-site visit. This does not mean that every English email or LINE enquiry carries an additional charge. Requests farther afield are considered individually, taking account of the location, work involved, travel and any travel charges.

Once you have your photos, add a sentence explaining what you would like to change. See Daruma Ueki’s service information for the scope of our work and ways to get in touch.