June 3, 2025

What’s the Average Cost of Garden Landscaping in the UK?

Dreaming of a garden glow-up? The average cost of garden landscaping in the UK ranges from £1,000 to over £50,000—depending on size, style, and features. Curious what’s driving the price? We break it all down! If you have any questions about Garden Landscaping click here.

Factors Influencing Garden Landscaping Costs in the UK

Garden Size and Current Condition

Small vs. Medium vs. Large Gardens

Size is one of the biggest price drivers. A small garden (under 100m²) might set you back around £1,000–£5,000, depending on your plans. A medium-sized plot (100–500m²) usually lands in the £5,000–£15,000 range. Got a large garden (500m²+)? Expect £15,000 or more, especially with all the bells and whistles.

Existing Landscape Demolition/Clearance

Tearing out old paving, fences, or shrubs can cost a fair chunk. Skip hire, manual labour, and waste removal fees add up fast—anywhere from £200 to £1,000 depending on how overgrown or built-up your garden is.

Scope of Work and Design Complexity

Simple Makeover vs. Full Redesign

A quick spruce-up with some turf and a few new plants is miles cheaper than a complete overhaul. Think of it like giving your garden a fresh haircut versus building it a whole new wardrobe.

Amount of Hardscaping vs. Softscaping

Hardscaping (like patios and walls) tends to eat more of the budget than softscaping (plants, grass, borders). A garden that’s 80% paving will cost more than one with flower beds and a lawn.

Custom Features vs. Standard Installations

Water features, outdoor kitchens, or bespoke pergolas look fantastic—but they’ll nudge the price tag up. Going with standard kits or simple structures can be much more budget-friendly.

Material Choices

Paving Materials (Natural Stone vs. Concrete Slabs vs. Gravel)

Natural stone is premium and can cost over £100/m². Concrete slabs offer a solid mid-range option at £40–£80/m². For a more casual, rustic vibe, gravel comes in under £30/m².

Decking Materials (Timber vs. Composite)

Softwood decking is the budget pick at £20–£40/m², while hardwood pushes up to £150/m². Composite boards, loved for their low maintenance, sit somewhere in the middle: £80–£120/m².

Fencing Options

Standard timber panels cost £20–£50 per metre. Fancy decorative panels or rendered garden walls? You're looking at £100+ per metre.

Plant Quality and Quantity

Want instant impact with mature trees or lush borders? That’ll cost. While a simple planting scheme can be done for a few hundred quid, adding statement trees or rare species can send prices soaring into the thousands.

Labour Costs

Landscaper Day Rates (Team vs. Individual)

A solo landscaper might charge £200–£300 a day, while a team can set you back £600–£800 daily. More hands = faster work, but also more to budget for.

Regional Variations (London & South East vs. Other UK Regions)

Down South, especially in and around London, labour costs are steeper. If you’re up North or in Wales, you might shave 20–30% off those rates.

Specialist Skills Required

Lighting, irrigation systems, or intricate brickwork may need specialist trades—and their day rates reflect that extra know-how.

Average Cost Breakdown by Landscaping Element (Per Unit/Project)

Paving and Patios

Per Square Metre Costs

Basic concrete paving: £40–£70/m²
High-end natural stone: £90–£150/m²

Decking Installation

Per Square Metre Costs

Softwood: £20–£40/m²
Hardwood: £60–£150/m²
Composite: £80–£120/m²

Fencing and Walls

Per Linear Metre Costs

Standard panel fencing: £30–£50/m
Custom fencing or decorative walls: £90–£120/m

Lawns and Artificial Grass

Per Square Metre Costs

Turf: £8–£12/m²
Grass seed: £3–£5/m²
Artificial turf: £20–£40/m²

Planting and Borders

Plant Costs

Basic plants: £10–£50 each
Mature trees: From £80+

Soil Preparation and Topsoil

Topsoil: £50–£80 per tonne
Soil prep: £100–£300 total

Earthworks and Drainage

Levelling, Excavation, French Drains

Levelling/excavation: £600–£1,500
Drainage: £30–£60 per metre

Water Features and Lighting

Water feature (small): From £500
Large/custom: £2,000+
Lighting (general): £50–£500+

Sheds, Outbuildings, and Garden Rooms (Shell Only)

Basic shed: £500–£1,500
Garden room shell: £2,000–£5,000 (not including interior)

Overall Project Cost Estimates by Garden Size/Type

Small Garden Makeover (£2,000–£5,000)

Tidy up the lawn, add a few plants, maybe a new fence panel and a gravel path—perfect for quick refreshes.

Medium Garden Redesign (£5,000–£15,000)

Think bigger patio, feature lighting, structured planting beds, and perhaps a focal point like a pergola or deck.

Large or Complex Garden Transformation (£15,000+)

Multiple zones, elegant materials, mood lighting, outdoor buildings—it’s the full outdoor lifestyle upgrade.

Hidden Costs and Budgeting Tips

Waste Removal (Skip Hire)

Skips cost £200–£600 depending on size. Don’t forget permit fees if it’s going on the street.

Access Issues

Tight alleyways or terraced houses with no rear access? Expect higher labour costs if everything has to be hauled through the front door.

Design Fees (if applicable)

Garden Designer Costs

Some designers charge 10–20% of your overall budget. Others bill by the hour—typically £50–£100.

Contingency Fund (10–15%)

Always leave wiggle room. Weather delays, hidden drainage issues, or last-minute material swaps can creep up on you.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Don't settle on the first landscaper you find. Three quotes is the magic number to compare skills, vision, and cost.

Ways to Reduce Landscaping Costs

DIY Contributions

Even small jobs like digging, painting fences, or planting borders can shave hundreds off your final bill.

Phased Projects

Split the work into stages—perhaps hard landscaping one season and planting the next.

Choosing Cost-Effective Materials

Gravel over paving, softwood over composite, reclaimed bricks—these swaps can keep your budget intact.

Simplifying the Design

A clean, uncluttered garden not only saves money—it often looks better. Less really can be more.

Planning your dream garden? With careful budgeting, savvy choices, and maybe a little DIY, you can create an outdoor space you’ll love—without it costing the earth. Still got questions? If you have any questions about Garden Landscaping click here.

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