APL celebrates 30 years of landscaping excellence in 2025
03 February 2025
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) proudly marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, celebrating three decades of commitment to exceptional standards in landscaping. Founded in 1995 by industry visionary Alan Sargent, the APL has become a benchmark of quality and professionalism in the landscaping industry.
Reflecting on this milestone, Alan Sargent, founder of the APL, 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 its prestigious APL Awards on Friday 14 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 breathtaking gardens and landscapes across the UK.
The 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—the toughest in the industry. Beyond an initial assessment, members undergo annual inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, valid insurances, and the continued delivery of top-quality work.
As the only landscaping scheme operator accredited by TrustMark—a government-endorsed initiative promoting professional trades to consumers—the APL stands as a symbol of trust, quality, and excellence for homeowners seeking landscaping services.
