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Thinking of landscaping your garden in 2024? Set your budget with our handy price guide.
A professional Garden Landscaper will be able to bring your dream garden to life. With their expertise and experience, they’ll be able to design and build a garden based on your budget and specific requirements. Not only will you want to show your garden off at every opportunity, but it will also add value to your property - what’s not to love?
But the burning question remains: what is the cost of garden landscaping in the UK? Garden landscaping is different to 'normal' gardening because it involves a large element of design and may require you to completely start your garden form scratch. For that reason, the cost of landscape gardening in the UK is usually higher than general gardening (which you can learn about right here). On the other hand, it's more than worth it if you're set on a long-lasting green space that sees you through the seasons. Let's get stuck into the details.
Gardening and landscaping both deal with making outdoor areas look nice, but they have some key differences. Gardening is mainly about growing plants like flowers, veggies, or small trees in spaces like your backyard or a community garden. It's all about taking care of living things, making sure the soil is healthy, and keeping plants happy. Gardeners might create different vibes, like a colorful flower garden or a peaceful Zen garden, to make their outdoor spaces look great. Most people can do some gardening themselves.
On the other hand, landscaping goes beyond just plants. It's about making outdoor areas not only look good but also work well. Landscapers use things like pathways, lighting, and even buildings to design beautiful and practical outdoor spaces. They think about things like the shape of the land, the weather, and what the people using the space want. Unlike gardening, landscaping often involves a lot of planning and building to make sure everything fits together nicely. This is why landscaping is best left to the professionals.
On average, homeowners in the UK can expect to pay between £1,000 and £3,000 overall to professionally landscape their gardens. This is a ballpark figure that can vary significantly based on the scope of work, materials required, and the part of the UK you reside in. Keep in mind that this is just the starting point for your budget analysis, with the potential for costs to scale up or down depending on various factors we’ll cover later.
The price might seem high, but remember, whether you're paying your landscaper hourly or daily (or even on a project basis) you're also paying for their expertise, their eye for design, and probably a lot of materials too (plants can be expensive!) Landscaping a garden takes more than a few ours or a day - you're paying for time, too.
If you're only looking at design, expect to pay £60 at the very budget-friendly end for a simple design, £300 in the mid range, or much more for larger or more complex landscaping designs.
Hourly rates in the UK tend to sit around the £20-£25 margin, but it's vital to underline the importance of these numbers as a point of departure. These rates usually include the time of the tradespeople or gardeners involved and might increase if specialized machinery and highly-skilled labor are part of the equation.
| Average cost (per hour) | £25-50 |
| Minimum cost (per hour) | £20 |
| Maximum cost (per hour) | £75 |
If your project is expected to stretch over several days, engaging with landscapers operating on day-rates might make more logistical and, potentially, economic sense. Daily rates can vary but often range between £200 to £250 per day, giving a slight cost reduction compared to hourly rates due to the guaranteed commitment of time.
| Lower end | £180 |
| Mid range | £220 |
| Higher end | £300 |
Understanding the variables that influence the final bill is crucial in garden landscaping. Here are some key determinants, along with average prices from different areas of the UK.
A sprawling garden will naturally demand more in resources—both time and materials—than smaller areas. Expect to pay between £1000 and £5000 for a standard-sized garden, while larger or more complex projects can quickly climb to £10,000 or more.
| Garden size (feet) | Average cost (in total) |
| 21 x 14 (smaller) | £1000-£3000 |
| 26 x 20 (medium) | £3000-£5000 |
| 41 x 25 (larger) | £5000-£10,000+ |
Simple services, like grass cutting and hedge trimming, can cost as little as £20 per hour. However, specialized services such as decking, pond installation, or design planning can soar into the thousands due to increased labor and material requirements.
The choice of materials, from paving options to plants and arbors, plays a significant role in cost. For instance, a new paved patio can cost between £900 and £1500, with natural stone commanding a higher price than concrete alternatives.
The cost of living and availability of services can differ region by region. In London and the South East, prices tend to be higher, with costs tapering off in more rural or northern areas. For example, for the same decking service, you might pay £1000 in the South, but £750 in the North.
Weather and seasonality can impact the availability of tradespeople and the installation of certain garden elements. Prices during the summer are usually higher due to heightened demand, while winter prices can be more competitive but may carry the risk of weather-related delays.
Unpicking specific landscaping categories can paint a clearer picture of cost expectations. Here are some common garden treatments and their average UK price points:
Expect to pay between £700 and £1000 for a 36-foot-long wooden fence, installed by professionals. The exact figure will depend on the wood grade and any decorative touches.
A standard 16ft x 16ft wooden deck installation costs approximately £3000. Like fencing, material and finish choices can skew this amount.
For a 12-square-meter patio using basic concrete slabs, the cost can range between £800 and £1000. Upgrading to natural stone will push it upwards to £2000 or more.
Turfing an average-sized garden will set you back between £400 and £700, with the variability accounting for factors such as soil preparation and turf quality.
A standard-sized pond, including excavation and lining, can cost anywhere from £800 to £1500, with smaller water features being less pricy options.
Garden lighting can add between £200 and £500, depending on the amount and type of fixtures. Solar-powered lights might provide a cheaper, albeit less customizable, alternative.
Planting costs predominantly involve the price of the plants. A typical garden redesign with new plants could range from £500 to £1500, with larger, more established plants wanting more considerable investment.
| Feature | Cost (materials and labour) |
| Pond installation | £450 - £850 |
| Decking installation | £850 - £1,050 |
| Artificial grass installation (10 m2) | £900 - £2,000 |
| Fencing (average 36ft) | £700 - £1000 |
| Basic patio (12m x 12m) | £800 - £1,000 |
| Turf (average garden size) | £400 - 700 |
| Pond installation | £800 - £1,500 |
| Lighting | £200 - £500 |
| Plants | £500 - £1,500 |
Garden landscaping doesn't always have to break the bank. Here are several strategies to pursue if you're looking to economize on your outdoor overhaul:
Simple tasks like laying gravel paths or planting flower beds are well within the capabilities of many homeowners, shaving off labor costs entirely.
Revitalize existing features. Old bricks can become a charming garden wall, and weathered wood might find new life as a pergola.
Don’t shy away from obtaining quotes from several landscapers. It will not only give you a better understanding of what’s fair but also highlight disparities you can query about.
While initial setup costs might be on par with traditional materials, choosing longer-lasting options can save on replacements and upkeep in the long run.
When it comes to selecting a landscaper, ensure their reputation and quality align with your budget. Don’t stretch your finances for a premium service if it's not essential, but don’t compromise on the standard of work for the sake of cutting costs.
These landscapers might not offer bespoke designs and high-end materials, but they can provide valuable and reliable work that sticks to a modest budget.
For a bit more financial flexibility, mid-range landscapers can inject more personality to your project, often offering a more extensive range of materials and design options.
At the top end, premium services boast custom designs and the highest quality materials. Expect to pay upwards of £10,000 for these "dream garden" projects.
Garden landscaping is not just about the upfront cost; it involves a long-term vision. Balancing your budget with your landscaping ambitions can create a harmonious outdoor space for all seasons. By understanding the cost landscape, planning meticulously, and making strategic decisions, your garden transformation can be an investment that blossoms over time.
Ready to create your green paradise? Give your garden a new lease of life with a Landscaping expert on Bark.
The average rating for Bark Landscapers is 4.75, based on 553,450 reviews
5/5
based on 553,450 reviews
