How much does a landscape gardener cost? [December 2024]

How much does a landscape gardener cost?

The total cost of hiring a landscape gardener depends on many things, but the biggest cost factor will be the scope of your project.  

The type of work you’re planning will heavily influence the overall cost. For instance, a complete garden transformation involving levelling, turfing, and patio installation will be considerably more expensive than a simpler project like planting. It's also important to factor in the time needed for designing and planning. 

Landscape gardeners typically charge per hour (£30-£60 inc VAT), on top of the cost of materials. You can purchase these yourself, or get your gardener to locally source them for you. However, note that this will usually include a 20 - 25% markup to cover your gardener's time sourcing. 

Rates tend to be higher in the south of England, especially in London where you can expect costs to be at least 20% higher. 

Here’s a breakdown of the average project cost in London and outside of London. 

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What other factors affect the cost of landscaping a garden?

The total cost of hiring a landscape gardener will also depend on other factors, such as the size and condition of your garden, materials, and the project's complexity.

1. Size of your garden 
 

The size of your garden is likely to be a major factor in determining the total project cost. Larger gardens require more time, labor, and materials to landscape, resulting in higher costs compared to smaller gardens.

2. Complexity of garden design 

The overall scope and complexity of your project will have a major impact on the total cost of landscaping your garden. Complicated and challenging designs will take significantly more planning, labour and materials than simple projects, hiking up the total cost. 
 

3.  Materials & equipment 

Landscape gardeners will typically charge an hourly rate for their services, but this typically excludes any materials needed for your project. The cost of materials varies widely on what you're getting done, from a few hundred to thousands of pounds. While opting for lower-quality materials can help reduce costs, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run to choose durable, high-quality materials that will last.

You can choose to buy these materials yourself or ask your gardener to source them for you instead. Bare in mind, they will most likely add a surcharge at around 20 - 25% to cover their time and effort sourcing. 

It's also worth noting that for some projects, machinery like an excavator will be need. The cost of an excavator can range from £150 - £300 per day just to hire. 

4. Condition of your garden 
 

You’re unlikely to start with a blank slate when beginning your landscaping project, and the current condition of your garden can significantly impact the overall cost. For instance, an overgrown and unmaintained garden will take more time and effort for a gardener to clear compared to a well-maintained space. Similarly, if there are old patios, stonework, decking, or fences that need to be removed, the additional labour involved can increase both time and costs. 

5. Waste removal 

Landscaping a garden can produce heaps of garden waste, which can be expensive to dispose of. Most professional landscape gardeners will include waste removal as part of their service, adding it to your total bill. 

On the other hand, you can handle disposing of any waste yourself, by hiring a skip or paying a waste disposal company to take care of it. However, this is usually more time-consuming and less convenient than having your gardener handle it for you. 

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What are the differences between gardening and landscaping?

Garden landscaping differs significantly from general gardening. Gardening focuses on growing and maintaining plants through activities like weeding, lawn mowing, planting, and pruning. By contrast landscaping, is widely regarded as an art form, involving thoughtful design and blending of both natural and man-made elements to transform garden spaces. 

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When is the best time of year to landscape a garden?
 

While you can technically start a garden landscaping project at any point of the year, autumn and spring are typically the ideal times for most landscaping work. [1] The weather during these months is usually mild, making the perfect conditions for planting. The mild weather also makes it ideal for adding hardscaping elements, such as a patio or decking. Starting garden projects during the autumn and summer months will also mean your garden should be finished by summer.

Winter is usually not the best time for landscaping. The bitter weather can freeze the ground, making excavation and soil preparation challenging. Plants are also usually dormant during this time of year, making it difficult to plant and grow roots. 
 

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Do I need planning permission to landscape my garden?

For most garden landscaping projects, you won’t need planning permission as these are usually considered permitted development (PD). Under UK law, permitted development is a set of rules that allow homeowners to modify their homes without the need for planning permission. [2] Under these rights, you can usually carry out most landscaping activities without asking for planning permission. However, there are limitations such as the size and height of features, and how much you can adjust ground level. Always check with your local council for more guidance on whether you will require planning permission for your specific project. 

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Can I landscape my own garden?
 

While it’s absolutely possible to landscape your own garden, the process can often be more complex and challenging than it initially seems.

A professional landscape gardener has the hands-on experience and creativity to bring your vision to life. They’ll carefully develop a plan for your new garden, using their expert knowledge of horticulture and design to create your ideal garden space. Depending on the scope of your project, on average 1-3 gardeners will come equipped with professional tools and equipment to get the job done efficiently and safely. 

Most professional gardeners will also offer waste removal services, so you’ll have peace of mind that any garden waste will be quickly and responsibly disposed of.  

So while you can landscape your own garden to cut down on costs, it can be time-consuming and a lot of hard work. Hiring a professional landscape gardener will ensure your new garden turns out just how you envisioned, so you can enjoy your garden for many years to come.  

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Can landscaping my garden add to my property value?
 

Landscaping your garden can be a surefire way of increasing your property value. Having a well-maintained, visually appealing garden can increase property value by as much as 20% [3]. In fact, recent research shows that 92% of homebuyers and homeowers consider a garden to be the most important factor when buying a home, ranking higher than even square footage. [4] So whilst hiring a landscape gardener can have an expensive upfront cost, adding curb appeal is often a worthwhile investment.  

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Where can I find a landscape gardener?
 

If you’re looking for a landscape gardener, a great place to start is by browsing online tradesperson directories. These sites often feature local professionals along with their ratings and reviews. You can also check social media and neighbourhood boards for personal recommendations. Local garden centres might offer useful suggestions or even provide landscaping services themselves.

If you want to take the hassle out of finding a tried and trusted landscape gardener, you can check out a professional tradesperson service, like Housekeep. Just tell us what you need doing, and we’ll give you a quote. We’ll instantly match you with a local, professional landscape gardener, who can come at a date and time that suits you. 

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Sources

1. A-E Landscaping: When is the Best Time of Year for Landscaping? A Comprehensive Guide
2. Gov: Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance
3. Sold: How much value does a garden add to your house?
4. MFS: The home buyer wishlist 2021