![How much does it cost to install a lawn irrigation system? [March 2026]](https://d21dfqs8hl0txa.cloudfront.net/cost-guides/main/How-much-does-it-cost-install-a-lawn-irrigation-system.png)
The short answer
- The average cost to install a lawn irrigation system in the UK is £1,500 – £4,500 (inc VAT)
- Small garden irrigation systems cost £800 (inc VAT) on average
- Larger gardens or complex multi-zone sprinkler systems can cost £5,000+ (inc VAT)
- Read on to find out more about how pricing works for irrigation system installation, or click here to get a quote for your garden
Contents
- What is a lawn irrigation installation system?
- How much does lawn irrigation installation cost?
- What are the different types of lawn irrigation systems available?
- What other factors affect the cost of installing a lawn irrigation system?
- When is the best time of year to install a lawn irrigation system?
- Why should I install a lawn irrigation system?
- Can I install a lawn irrigation system myself?
- Where can I get a quote for lawn irrigation installation?
- Sources
What is a lawn irrigation system?
A lawn irrigation system is a setup of pipes, sprinklers and controllers that automatically waters your lawn and garden. Instead of watering plants manually with a hose or watering can, the system distributes water evenly across the lawn at scheduled times.
Most systems are installed underground, with pipes running beneath the lawn and sprinkler heads that pop up when watering begins. These sprinklers spray water across the grass and then retract back into the ground once the watering cycle is finished.
How much does it cost to install a lawn irrigation system?
The cost of installing a lawn irrigation system in the UK usually ranges from £1,500 to £4,500, depending on the size of your garden, the type of system installed and the number of watering zones required.
Smaller gardens may only require a simple drip irrigation system or a small sprinkler network, which can cost as little as £500. Larger gardens with multiple lawns, planting beds and zones can cost significantly more.
Irrigation zones are separate sections of your garden that are watered independently, allowing different areas (like lawns, flower beds or shrubs) to receive the right amount of water while maintaining good system pressure.
Landscapers or gardeners will usually charge by the hour, but some may charge a day rate for the job.
Here's a breakdown of how much lawn irrigation costs in London and outside London.
| Type of lawn irrigation system | Ideal garden size for system | Price range (outside London) | Price range (inside London) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soaker hose irrigation system | Small gardens or borders | £200 – £500 (inc VAT) | £250 – £625 (inc VAT) |
| Drip irrigation system | Small–medium gardens, planting beds | £500 – £1,500 (inc VAT) | £625 – £1,900 (inc VAT) |
| Basic sprinkler system (1–2 zones) | Small lawns | £1,500 – £2,500 (inc VAT) | £1,900 – £3,100 (inc VAT) |
| Multi-zone sprinkler system (3–4 zones) | Medium gardens | £2,500 – £3,800 (inc VAT) | £3,100 – £4,700 (inc VAT) |
| Smart irrigation system | Medium/large gardens | £3,000 – £4,500 (inc VAT) | £3,750 – £5,600 (inc VAT) |
| Large underground irrigation system (4+ zones) | Large landscaped gardens | £3,800 – £5,500+ (inc VAT) | £4,700 – £6,800+ (inc VAT) |
The cost of installing a lawn irrigation system usually tops out at around 20% higher in London and the South East, compared to elsewhere in the UK.
What are the different types of lawn irrigation systems?
There are several types of lawn irrigation systems used in UK gardens. The best option for your property will depend on the size of your garden, the type of plants you’re watering, and how automated you want the system to be. Your gardener or landscaper will be able to advise on which is best for your garden.
See the table below for a summary of the different lawn irrigation systems that are out there.
| Irrigation system type | How it works | Best for | Typical cost level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler irrigation systems | Uses sprinkler heads that spray water across the lawn, similar to rainfall. Many systems use pop-up sprinklers that sit underground and rise when watering begins. | Medium to large lawns where even coverage is needed. | Medium |
| Drip irrigation systems | Delivers water slowly through pipes and small emitters directly to the roots of plants, reducing evaporation and water waste. | Flower beds, borders, shrubs, vegetable gardens and hedges. | Medium |
| Soaker hose systems | Porous hoses release water gradually along their entire length and are laid along the soil or under mulch. | Small gardens and planting beds where a simple watering solution is needed. | Low |
| Smart irrigation systems | Uses digital controllers, timers and sometimes weather or soil sensors to automatically adjust watering schedules. Often controlled via a smartphone app. | Homeowners who want automated and water-efficient garden watering. | Medium–High |
| Underground automatic irrigation systems | A fully installed system with buried pipework, pop-up sprinklers and drip lines connected to a central controller, usually divided into watering zones. | Large gardens or landscaped gardens requiring consistent automated watering. | High |
What other factors affect the cost of installing a lawn irrigation system?
1. What groundwork needs doing
Installing an irrigation system usually requires trenches to be dug across the lawn so pipework can be laid underground. This work is typically done carefully to minimise damage to the lawn, but it still adds time and labour to the installation.
If your garden already has features such as paving, decking, raised beds, walls or garden paths, the installer may need to work around them or temporarily lift sections of paving to run pipework. This can make the job more complex and increase labour costs.
Ground conditions can also play a role. For example, hard or compacted soil takes longer to dig through. Sloped gardens may require additional planning for water pressure and drainage.
Because of this, some homeowners choose to combine irrigation installation with other landscaping improvements such as fence installation or repair, turfing, planting or patio installation. Doing multiple garden projects at once can sometimes reduce labour costs and avoid disturbing the garden more than once.
2. Your current water pressure
If your home's water pressure is low, you may need a booster pump or pressure regulator installed. This can add £150 - £500 to the total cost.
3. When you book
Gardeners are usually much busier during spring and summer, when homeowners are preparing their gardens and maintaining lawns. During these peak months, it may take longer to book a slot, and prices can sometimes be slightly higher due to demand.
Work scheduled outside normal daytime hours - think evenings, early mornings, bank holidays or weekends - may come with higher rates.
4. Who you book with
Independent gardeners will often charge a lower rate than gardeners who work as part of a larger, more established company. Large gardening or landscaping companies may charge higher prices, but they often provide a more comprehensive service. This can include irrigation system design, project management, and a team of tradespeople who can complete larger jobs more quickly. Plus, you'll usually have access to a dedicated customer support team who will be on hand in case anything goes wrong.
When is the best time of year to install a lawn irrigation system?
Autumn and early spring are often ideal for installing a lawn irrigation system. The ground is usually softer and easier to dig, which makes trenching for pipework simpler and quicker. Installing an irrigation system in early spring also means your garden will be ready for the warmer months when lawns and plants need the most watering!
Why should I install a lawn irrigation system?
A lawn irrigation system can make it much easier to keep your garden healthy and well maintained. Instead of spending time watering your lawn manually, an irrigation system automatically delivers the right amount of water exactly where it’s needed.
| Benefit | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Saves time and effort | An irrigation system waters your lawn automatically, so you don’t need to spend time using a hose or moving sprinklers around the garden. You can set watering schedules in advance, which is especially useful during the summer when lawns need frequent watering. |
| Keeps your lawn healthier | Irrigation systems distribute water evenly across the lawn, helping prevent dry patches and encouraging stronger root growth. Watering can also be scheduled for early morning or evening, reducing evaporation during the hottest part of the day. |
| Uses water more efficiently | Modern irrigation systems deliver water directly to the areas that need it, reducing waste compared with manual watering. Many systems can also include timers, rain sensors or smart controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions. |
| Can increase the value of your garden | A well-maintained lawn improves the overall appearance of your garden. For larger or landscaped gardens, an automatic irrigation system can make ongoing maintenance much easier and is often seen as a desirable feature for homeowners. |
Can I install a lawn irrigation system myself
Simple irrigation kits for small gardens are available from garden centres and DIY stores, often costing between £50 and £200. These kits usually include basic drip lines or hose connectors that attach to an outdoor tap.
While DIY systems can work well for small gardens, installing a full underground sprinkler system is much more complex. It requires careful planning, trenching, water pressure calculations and system zoning, which can only be carried out by a professional gardener or landscaper.
Where can I get a quote for lawn irrigation installation?
Most gardeners or landscapers will be able to install a lawn irrigation system. If your family and friends don't have a recommendation, many local garden centres will be able to point you in the right direction or may even have on-site gardeners who can help.
The easiest way to find a trusted gardener is to book through a professional gardening service, like Housekeep. Just tell us about your garden, and we'll be match you with an experienced gardener who can design and install a lawn irrigation system at a time that suits you. We have gardeners all over the country, including London, Manchester, Bristol and Brighton.
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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