How much does garden landscaping cost?

Most garden landscaping projects cost between £3,000 and £30,000, depending on the size of the garden, chosen materials and complexity of the design.

Does landscaping add value?

An attractive, well-maintained garden can improve kerb appeal and make a property more desirable to buyers, particularly where it creates practical outdoor living space.

Do I need planning permission?

Most landscaping projects don't require planning permission. However, work involving significant changes to land levels, retaining walls or protected trees may require approval.

When is the best time to landscape a garden?

Spring and autumn are generally ideal because temperatures are milder and planting conditions are favourable. Hard landscaping can often be completed throughout the year, weather permitting.

Should I landscape before installing a patio?

Planning the entire garden before beginning any work helps ensure patios, planting, drainage and pathways work together as part of a cohesive design.

How long does landscaping take?

Small projects may take one to two weeks, while complete garden redesigns often take four to eight weeks depending on complexity and weather.

What's the difference between hard and soft landscaping?

Hard landscaping includes permanent structures such as patios, walls and paths, while soft landscaping refers to lawns, planting, trees and other living elements.

Is artificial grass a good option?

Artificial grass offers a low-maintenance alternative to natural lawns, particularly in high-use gardens. However, natural grass provides better biodiversity and a more natural appearance.

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Homeowner Hub › Garden Landscaping

Garden Landscaping

Transform your outdoor space into a garden you'll enjoy all year round. This guide covers landscaping costs, design ideas, project timelines and how to find trusted local landscapers and specialist trades.

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Reviewed by: The TopTenTrades Editorial Team

Planning a Garden Landscaping Project

A well-designed garden creates an attractive outdoor space that's practical, easy to maintain and adds value to your home. Whether you're redesigning a small courtyard, creating a family-friendly garden or building an outdoor entertaining area, careful planning helps you get the most from your investment. Before starting, think about how you'll use the garden throughout the year — seating areas, children's play space, planting, privacy, drainage, storage and maintenance requirements. The best landscaping schemes combine attractive planting with durable hard landscaping that suits your lifestyle.

Why This Project?

check_circleCreate outdoor entertaining spaces
check_circleImprove kerb appeal
check_circleIncrease property value
check_circleReduce maintenance
check_circleImprove drainage
check_circleAdd patios and seating areas
check_circleInstall new lawns
check_circleCreate wildlife-friendly gardens
check_circleImprove privacy
check_circleModernise an outdated garden

Costs

Type	Typical Cost (UK)	Typical Duration
Garden refresh	£3,000–£7,500	1–2 weeks
Medium garden redesign	£7,500–£20,000	2–5 weeks
Complete landscaping	£20,000–£40,000+	4–8 weeks
Luxury bespoke garden	£40,000+	6–12 weeks

Garden designGround preparationTurf or artificial grassPatiosPathsDeckingPlantingFencingLightingDrainageIrrigation systems

Natural stone, bespoke features and mature planting will increase the overall project budget. Planning permission may be required for significant changes to land levels, retaining walls or work affecting protected trees, though most landscaping projects don't need it.

Planning Your Project

Contemporary Gardens

Clean lines, porcelain paving, raised beds and architectural planting create a modern outdoor space.

Family Gardens

Combining lawns, patios and practical planting creates spaces suitable for children and entertaining.

Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

Native planting, ponds and pollinator-friendly flowers encourage biodiversity throughout the year.

Low-Maintenance Gardens

Artificial grass, gravel, evergreen planting and durable paving reduce ongoing maintenance.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Create outdoor kitchens, pergolas, fire pits and dining areas to extend your home's living space into the garden.

Choosing Hard Landscaping

Hard landscaping forms the structure of your garden. Selecting durable materials that complement your home helps create a cohesive and long-lasting design.

•Patios
•Garden paths
•Retaining walls
•Raised planters
•Decking
•Garden steps
•Pergolas
•Outdoor lighting

Soft Landscaping

Soft landscaping brings colour, texture and seasonal interest. Choosing plants suited to your soil type and sunlight levels helps reduce maintenance and improve long-term success.

•Trees
•Shrubs
•Perennials
•Lawns
•Wildflower areas
•Hedges
•Climbers
•Seasonal planting

Timeline

Stage	Typical Time
Design & planning	1–3 weeks
Material ordering	1–4 weeks
Site preparation	2–5 days
Hard landscaping	1–4 weeks
Planting & finishing	2–7 days

Which Tradespeople Will You Need?

Landscapers

Landscapers oversee the overall project, combining hard and soft landscaping into a cohesive design.

Find experienced Landscapers near you

Patio Installers

Patio installers lay paving, porcelain slabs, sandstone, natural stone and garden seating areas.

Find trusted Patio Installers near you

Fencing Contractors

Fencing contractors install new boundary fencing, privacy screens, gates and decorative fencing.

Find experienced Fencing Contractors near you

Driveway Installers

If your project includes front garden improvements or parking areas, driveway specialists can install block paving, resin or tarmac driveways.

Find trusted Driveway Installers near you

Tree Surgeons

Tree surgeons manage tree pruning, removal and maintenance where mature trees form part of the project.

Find qualified Tree Surgeons near you

Checklist

check_circleDecide how you'll use the garden
check_circleSet your budget
check_circleMeasure the space
check_circleCreate a planting plan
check_circleChoose paving materials
check_circlePlan drainage
check_circleConsider outdoor lighting
check_circleOrder materials
check_circleConfirm contractor availability
check_circleAllow a contingency budget

DIY or Hire a Professional?

Suitable DIY Jobs	Professional Recommended
Planting	Groundworks
Garden maintenance	Drainage installation
Painting fences	Retaining walls
Mulching	Large patios
Small raised beds	Major landscaping
Lawn care	Tree removal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

check_circlePoor drainage
check_circleChoosing unsuitable plants
check_circleIgnoring sunlight levels
check_circleInsufficient seating
check_circleOvercrowded planting
check_circleInadequate lighting
check_circlePoor-quality materials
check_circleForgetting future maintenance
check_circleNot planning irrigation
check_circleUnderestimating the budget — add a contingency of around 10–15% to cover unexpected ground conditions or material changes

Maintenance

Task	Frequency
Mow lawn	Weekly (growing season)
Weed borders	Monthly
Clean patios	Annually
Treat timber fencing	Every 2–3 years
Prune shrubs	Seasonally
Check drainage	Autumn

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Home Improvement Guides

Patio Installation Driveways Fencing Home Extensions Decorating Roofing

Back to the Homeowner Hub Find experienced Landscapers near you Find trusted Patio Installers near you Find experienced Fencing Contractors near you Find trusted Driveway Installers near you Find qualified Tree Surgeons near you

Our homeowner guides are written to provide practical, impartial advice for UK property owners. Content is reviewed regularly to reflect current building practices, regulations and homeowner priorities. Where specialist work is involved, we recommend using appropriately qualified and insured tradespeople.

Ready to Start Your Garden Landscaping Project?

Don't leave it to chance — use this guide to plan ahead, save important details to your projects, and connect with trusted local tradespeople when professional help is needed.

•Save this project to My Projects and track it over time.
•Request quotes from trusted local tradespeople.
•Compare professionals based on experience, reviews and completed projects.

Find a trusted local trade Back to the Homeowner Hub

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