HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LANDSCAPE A GARDEN?

A well-landscaped garden can transform your outdoor space, making it more beautiful, functional, and valuable.

How much does it cost to landscape a garden?

The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your garden, the materials used, and the complexity of the design.

Knowing the usual costs of landscaping is important when changing your garden. This will help you plan your budget and ensure you get good value for your money.

1. Factors Influencing the Cost of Landscaping a Garden in the UK

Several elements affect the total cost of landscaping a garden in the UK. Considering these factors is essential when planning your landscaping project to avoid unexpected expenses.

Garden Size

The size of your garden plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. A larger garden means more materials, more labour, and more time.

For example, a small garden makeover could cost at least £1,500. In contrast, a large, professionally designed and landscaped garden might cost over £50,000.

Type of Landscaping Work: Hardscaping vs. Soft Landscaping

Materials and Design Choices

The materials you choose for your landscaping project will significantly impact the cost. For example:

 

Hiring a Professional Landscape Gardener

Hiring a professional landscape gardener can enhance your garden design and landscaping. However, it will also raise the total cost of the project.

In the UK, the daily rate for a professional landscape gardener typically ranges from £100 to £200 per day.

For bigger or more complicated projects, you might need a landscape architect or designer. Their fees can range from £300 to £5,000 for a full garden design plan.

A man with short, dark hair and a beard, wearing a black shirt and cargo pants, kneels to tend to plants in a lush, green garden. As he works surrounded by various plants and bushes with trees visible in the background on a bright day, one might wonder: how much does it cost to landscape a garden?

2. How Much Does It Cost to Landscape a Garden by Size?

To give you a better idea of the average costs of garden landscaping, let’s break it down by garden size:

Small Gardens (Less than 500 sq ft)

For a small garden, you can expect to pay between £1,500 and £5,000. This cost typically includes basic landscaping, like laying grass, planting flowers, and creating a small patio or walkway.

A garden makeover at this scale typically includes simple designs with minimal hardscaping.

Medium Gardens (500 to 2,000 sq ft)

Landscaping a medium-sized garden in the UK can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £15,000.
With this budget, you can have both hardscaping and soft landscaping.

Hardscaping includes things like a stone patio or walkway. Soft landscaping involves planting shrubs, flowers, and a small tree or two.

The design complexity increases, and you might also consider adding features like a water feature or garden lighting.

Large Gardens (Over 2,000 sq ft)

For larger gardens, the cost of landscaping work can range from £15,000 to £50,000 or more. These gardens often feature detailed design plans, multiple zones (e.g., seating areas, garden beds, lawns), and more expensive materials.

Hardscaping features, such as retaining walls, pergolas, and bespoke water features, contribute to the higher costs. Professionals usually design and landscape these spaces to create cohesive, high-end outdoor environments.

3. Cost Breakdown for Common Garden Landscaping Elements

Here is a list of common costs for landscaping a garden. This will help you understand the expenses for different garden elements.

Turf and Lawns

Natural Turf: Installing turf can cost between £5 and £10 per square metre. This includes soil preparation and turf laying.

Artificial grass costs £50 to £100 per square metre. More expensive at first, but saves money over time because of low maintenance.

Patios and Paving

Patios and paved areas are essential for creating functional outdoor spaces. Prices vary depending on the material:

Concrete Pavers: Around £30 per square metre.

Natural Stone: Higher-end materials like limestone or sandstone cost £80 to £100 per square metre.

Retaining Walls

If your garden is on a slope, you may need retaining walls. These walls help create flat areas for planting or seating.

A good retaining wall costs between £200 and £400 per metre. The price depends on the material used, like timber, stone, or brick.

Water Features

A water feature can add a sense of calm and beauty to your outdoor space. A simple pond costs about £1,000 to £3,000, while more complex designs with pumps and waterfalls can cost up to £10,000.

A cosy, sunlit patio garden with a round, ornate table. A pot of purple flowers is on the table. Surrounding the area are lush green plants and colorful flowers. Two black wrought iron chairs are placed near the table, creating an inviting, peaceful atmosphere.

4. Additional Costs to Consider in Your Landscaping Project

Beyond the core elements, several hidden costs may arise during your landscaping project.
Accounting for these is essential when planning your budget:

Site Preparation and Clearance

Preparing the garden for landscaping can be expensive. This includes removing old plants, levelling the ground, and clearing debris.

The cost can range from £500 to £2,000. The final price depends on the size and condition of the area.

Garden Design Fees

If you’re hiring a landscape designer or architect to create a custom plan for your garden, you should factor in their fees.

A basic garden design might cost around £300, while a comprehensive design for a large garden can run up to £5,000.

Maintenance Costs

Once your garden is landscaped, it will need ongoing maintenance. In the UK, garden maintenance usually costs between £50 and £150 each month.

The price depends on your garden’s size and the plants you have. Regular maintenance ensures your garden stays looking its best and protects your investment.

A tranquil garden scene at sunset with a circular stone fire pit in the center, surrounded by wooden benches. Sunlight filters through trees, casting a warm glow on the stone patio and lush greenery.

5. Cost-Effective Tips for Landscaping in the UK

Landscaping a garden doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some strategies to help you save money without sacrificing quality:

Opt for Native Plants

Native plants are better adapted to the UK climate, requiring less water, fertiliser, and care. This can save you money in both the short and long term, as native species are generally cheaper to maintain.

DIY Landscaping Work

Doing simple tasks like laying grass, planting, or building a patio can save much money on labour.

Hiring a professional landscape gardener for complicated projects, such as adding water features or building retaining walls, is a good idea.

Phased Landscaping Projects

If you can’t afford a full garden makeover, consider completing your landscaping project in phases.

For example, you can begin with soft landscaping by planting trees, shrubs, and grass. Later, you can add hardscaping elements like patios and paths when your budget allows.

Reuse and Recycle Materials

Using reclaimed or recycled materials, like old bricks or wood, can help you create a unique garden and keep costs low.

These materials often add character and charm to a garden and are typically more affordable than new products.

6. Is Landscaping Worth the Investment?

Landscaping can significantly add value to your property. Well-designed gardens in the UK can raise a home’s value by up to 15%.

This is especially true in competitive real estate markets. Features like patios, retaining walls, and nice plants improve your quality of life. They also make your property more attractive to buyers.

Even small changes, like new grass or a garden makeover, can give you a great return on investment. Often, these improvements pay back more than 100% of what you spend.






How Much Does it Cost To Landscape A Garden – Quiz


Garden Landscaping Cost Quiz


7. Conclusion

Understanding how much it costs to landscape a garden is essential for homeowners planning a garden makeover.

The cost can vary widely depending on your garden’s size, design complexity, and the materials you choose.

Whether you are doing a small DIY project or hiring a professional gardener, there are options for every budget.

Planning your garden design and landscaping project can create a beautiful outdoor space. Consider factors like site preparation, plant choices, and features such as water elements or patios.

This will help you build a space that adds enjoyment and value to your property.

You are now armed with an understanding of how much it costs to landscape a garden.