![How much does it cost to level a garden? [November 2024]](https://d21dfqs8hl0txa.cloudfront.net/cost-guides/main/how-much-does-it-cost-to-level-a-garden.png)
The short answer
- In London, the cost of levelling a garden can cost anywhere from £1,000 - £6,500+ (inc VAT)
- The average cost of levelling a garden outside of London can cost between £700 - £5,000+ (inc VAT)
- Many factors can affect the total cost of levelling a garden, but the largest factor will likely be your garden size
- You can technically level your own garden, but it's better to use a professional gardening service
Contents
- How much does it cost to level a garden?
- What other factors affect the cost of levelling a garden?
- When is the best time to level a garden?
- Do you need planning permission to level a garden?
- What are the benefits of hiring a gardener to level a garden?
- Where can I find a gardener to level my garden?
- Sources
How much does it cost to level a garden?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to determining the cost of levelling a garden, as many factors can influence the total price. However, your garden size is likely to be the most significant cost factor.
Gardeners typically charge an hourly rate, plus any additional charges for materials and the hiring of machinery, such as excavators. In London, you can expect to pay a premium, with costs generally being at least 20% higher compared to other regions of the UK.
Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll expect to pay for garden levelling in London and outside of London.
| Garden size | Price range (outside London) | Price range (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (25 m²) | £700 - £1,500 (inc VAT) | £1,000 - £1,800 (inc VAT) |
| Medium (50 m²) | £1,900 - £2,600 (inc VAT) | £2,400 - £3,200 (inc VAT) |
| Large (100 m²) | £3,000 - £3,800 (inc VAT) | £3,500 - £4,500 (inc VAT) |
| Very Large (200 m²+) | £4,200 - £5,000+ (inc VAT) | £5,000 - £6,500+ (inc VAT) |
What other factors affect the cost of levelling a garden?
Several factors can impact the total cost of levelling your garden, including the size and steepness of the slope, the materials required, and whether waste removal services are needed.
1. Slope severity
Levelling a steeper slope can be significantly more expensive compared to a gentler incline or a garden with minor bumps For a very steep slope, you might even require heavy machinery like an excavator, which can range from £150 - £300 per day for your gardener to hire.
By contrast, uneven ground with bumps is usually cheaper to level. This process typically involves removing higher areas and filling in lower spots, which requires less labour, materials and equipment.
2. Materials needed
A variety of materials are required to level a garden properly, which will vary in cost depending on your garden size and the scope of the project.
Filler dirt is usually used as a base layer to level out the ground and fill in any low or uneven spots. Once the filler dirt is in place, topsoil is typically added to smooth the surface. Topsoil is also ideal for enriching the soil with essential nutrients, preparing it for replanting or turfing once the levelling process is complete. You may also need retaining structures, such as sleepers or breeze blocks, to prevent the soil from shifting.
The cost of these materials will vary based on the size of your garden, but typically range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds. You can either supply these materials yourself or ask your gardener to supply them locally. Keep in mind your gardener will typically add a 20 - 25% surcharge to cover the cost of sourcing the materials.
3. Waste removal
Levelling a garden often produces a large amount of waste, such as soil, rubble, and plant material. Most professional gardening services will include waste removal as part of the service, adding this cost to your total bill.
You can choose the deal with disposing of the garden waste yourself or hire a skip. However, it’s usually more convenient to simply add this to your professional gardening service.
4. Additional landscaping work
If you're levelling your garden as part of a larger landscaping project, it's important to consider the additional work that will follow. For instance, you might plan to have your garden replanted, turfed, or a patio installed. These extra tasks can a few hundred to several thousand pounds to your total cost, depending on the scope of your project and materials used for the work.
When is the best time to level a garden?
The ideal time to level a garden is in the spring. After moderate rainfall, the soil is moist, making it easier to work with. As the ground begins to warm up, it also promotes the regrowth of grass and healthy plant life for when the levelling is finished.
It’s best to avoid levelling a garden during the winter months. The cold weather can cause the soil to become compacted, making it harder to move and shape with tools. Additionally, freezing temperatures can cause the soil to contract, and when the weather warms up and the soil thaws, it may lead to an uneven garden surface.
Do you need planning permission to level a garden?
Depending on the scale of work, you may need planning permission to level your garden. Typically, permission is only required if you intend to raise the level of your garden by more than 30cm, as significant level changes can disrupt water drainage, potentially affecting neighbouring gardens. [1] Always check with your local council to confirm if permission is necessary. If you’re renting, it’s important to discuss with your landlord before making any alterations to the garden.
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What are the benefits of hiring a gardener to level a garden?
While you can technically level a garden yourself, it's often a challenging task, requiring careful planning and groundwork. A professional gardener has the knowledge and hands-on experience to level slopes and gardens of all sizes.
Equipped with specialised tools, materials and machinery, they can ensure the job is done accurately and with minimal disruption. Additionally, many professional gardeners include waste removal as part of their services, so you can rest easy knowing that any garden waste will be disposed of responsibly and quickly.
Planning to level your garden as part of a larger landscaping project? Professional gardening services often provide a wide range of additional services, including turfing, planting, and even the installation of decking and patios, taking away the hassle of coordinating with multiple contractors.
For added peace of mind, many professional gardening services also provide a 72-hour guarantee, offering to fix any issues with their work free of charge.
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Where can I find a gardener to level my garden?
There are plenty of ways to find a gardener to level your garden. Local social media groups and community boards are great places to start, as they often feature recommendations from neighbours. Many garden centres can provide referrals or even offer garden levelling services directly.
For a more seamless experience, you can book through a professional tradesperson service like Housekeep. We'll instantly connect you with a local, vetted gardener at a time and date that works for you. Just let us know what needs doing and we'll give you a quote.
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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson
Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.
With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.
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