Root & Yard exists to provide clear, practical and useful gardening and outdoor-living information for New Zealand readers. This Editorial Policy explains how we research, write, review and update our content.
Our editorial decisions are guided by usefulness, accuracy, transparency and relevance to the reader — not by whether a particular product, retailer or commercial partner benefits from the article.
Our editorial principles
Useful first
We aim to answer the real question behind a search and give readers enough context to make an informed decision.
New Zealand context
Where it matters, we prioritise New Zealand terminology, conditions, standards, products, pricing and authoritative local guidance.
Evidence over claims
Technical statements should be supported by appropriate sources rather than repeated simply because they are common online.
Clear trade-offs
Recommendations should explain disadvantages and limitations as well as benefits. There is rarely one perfect option for every garden.
How we research content
Research depends on the subject. For technical or safety-relevant details, we favour primary and authoritative sources wherever practical. These can include New Zealand government agencies, standards or industry bodies, manufacturers’ technical documentation, recognised horticultural organisations and specialist sources with direct expertise.
Retailer pages may be useful for current product availability, specifications and price examples. However, commercial product descriptions are not treated as independent proof that a product is the “best” choice.
- Important factual claims are checked against relevant sources.
- Local sources are preferred when New Zealand conditions materially affect the answer.
- Multiple sources may be compared when advice or specifications differ.
- Manufacturer instructions take priority over generic installation advice for a specific product.
- We distinguish general guidance from rules, standards and product-specific requirements.
How articles are created
Product recommendations and comparisons
When Root & Yard discusses a product or material, our goal is to explain who it is suitable for and where another option may make more sense. We do not consider a higher price, a famous brand or a retailer’s marketing language sufficient reason to recommend something.
Depending on the article, we may consider factors such as suitability for the intended use, specifications, durability, maintenance, installation requirements, value, local availability and relevant New Zealand conditions.
Prices change. Any price shown in an article should be treated as a snapshot from the date checked unless explicitly stated otherwise. Readers should confirm the current price, stock, delivery cost and product specifications before purchasing.
Affiliate links, advertising and sponsored content
Root & Yard may earn revenue through advertising, affiliate links or commercial partnerships. If affiliate links are used, we may receive a commission when a reader makes a qualifying purchase, without increasing the price paid by the reader.
Commercial relationships do not guarantee positive coverage, inclusion in a guide or a favourable recommendation. Sponsored content, if published, will be identified so readers can distinguish it from independent editorial content.
Editorial independence matters
Revenue helps support the publication, but it should not determine the conclusion of a guide. We aim to recommend, compare or criticise products and approaches according to their usefulness to the reader.
Use of AI and editorial tools
Root & Yard may use digital and AI-assisted tools during research, drafting, organisation, editing or image-production workflows. These tools are aids rather than sources of authority.
Material factual claims should be checked against appropriate sources, particularly where a topic involves technical specifications, safety, regulations, treatment standards, product instructions or information that can change over time. We do not intentionally publish unverified AI-generated claims as fact.
Images and visual content
Root & Yard may use original graphics, licensed material, manufacturer or retailer imagery where permitted, and AI-assisted illustrations or visualisations. Illustrative images are intended to help explain a concept or provide visual context and should not be assumed to represent the exact specifications of a commercial product unless clearly identified as such.
Corrections
Accuracy matters, but errors can occur. When we identify a material factual error, our aim is to correct it promptly rather than leave information online simply because it has already been published.
Minor edits such as spelling, grammar, formatting or clarity improvements may be made without a correction notice. Where a correction materially changes the meaning or conclusion of an article, we may add an update or correction note when useful to readers.
Updates and review dates
Not every article requires constant revision. Evergreen guides are reviewed when there is a reason to believe important information has changed. Content involving prices, product availability, regulations, standards or rapidly changing recommendations may require more frequent review.
A publication or update date does not mean every external source, product or price will remain unchanged after that date.
Reader feedback
If you believe an article contains an error, outdated information or a claim that needs clarification, please contact Root & Yard. Useful corrections and credible source material are welcome and will be reviewed.
Once our Contact page is published, it will provide the appropriate channel for editorial feedback and correction requests.
Editorial Policy last updated: 10 September 2026.