A well-maintained landscaped garden can give your property a real lift, and may even increase the value of your home. Get the design right and you can create your own little piece of heaven to enjoy whenever the sun’s out. But how much will it cost?

It’s hard to put a figure on how much a landscaped garden costs because projects vary hugely, but we’ll lay out all the factors you need to consider in this guide so you’re ready to start getting quotes from landscapers for your project.

How much does garden landscaping cost?

Garden landscaping is a versatile way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Landscaping costs can start at £1,000 and increase up to as much as £50,000 or more, depending on factors such as the size of the garden, the scope of work and the materials used.

It’s difficult to give an exact cost as the final price will depend on the features you’d like, how big your garden is and whether you want any extra hard landscaping features like retaining walls or patios. Here’s a look at some of the typical jobs a landscaper will do for you and how much they cost:

Garden landscaping cost per m²

Again, it’s different to give a cost per square metre for garden landscaping as a whole as it depends on your garden’s size, the design, the materials you choose and your location, but expect to spend an average of £200 per m² for full garden landscaping:

Factors affecting the cost of garden landscaping

Garden landscaping is a hugely general term and could refer to a job as small as laying some turf and creating new flower beds to a full design with hard landscaping features such as patios, ponds and terraces. Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of garden landscaping:

Size of the garden: Larger gardens will naturally require more materials and labour, resulting in higher costs.

Scope and design: The extent of landscaping work, such as adding features like patios, decking, pathways or garden ponds, will influence the overall cost. Generally, the hard landscaping features cost more per m² than soft landscaping like laying turf or artificial grass.

Materials: The choice of materials, such as paving stones, decking, plants, and decorative elements, will impact the cost. While high-quality materials may cost more initially, they may be more durable, making them cost-effective in the long term.

Your location: Where you live is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of landscaping, and unfortunately there’s not much you can do about this one! Areas like Surrey, London and other south eastern areas of the UK tend to have the highest prices – sometimes reaching £400 per m² – while northern England, Scotland and Wales often see lower costs.

What is garden landscaping?

Garden landscaping involves transforming outdoor spaces through design and construction to create functional, visually appealing and sustainable environments. It usually involves changing the terrain, perhaps levelling a garden or creating a tiered space, and adding structures like garden rooms or pergolas and hard landscaping features.

Of course, planting is a huge part of garden landscaping too. Landscapers will work with you to recommend plants, trees and shrubs based on how much sun your garden gets, the soil type and your preferences.

Overall, landscaping your garden should leave you with a space that’s a pleasure to sit out in, whether you’re dining alfresco on the patio or lounging on a blanket on your freshly-laid lawn.

Does a landscaped garden add value to your home?

Yes, a well-designed and maintained landscaped garden can significantly increase the value of your home. While some sources say a landscaped garden could add up to 20% to your property value, the truth is it will vary across the country and during different times, depending on when the market is more buoyant.

We always think it’s best to think about adding value to your quality of life when it comes to big home improvement projects like garden landscaping. If you plan to stay at your property for years to come and you know you’ll get lots of enjoyment out of a beautiful garden, this is worth more than any value it might add in the future.

Do I need planning permission to landscape my garden?

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to landscape your garden. However, if you plan to change fences or add a shed, summer house or garden office, there are some planning rules to be aware of, such as:

• The height of a wall or fence mustn’t exceed 1 metre if it’s adjacent to a road

• Any other wall or fence mustn’t exceed 2 metres

• The total area of outbuildings mustn’t exceed 50% of your total area of curtilage (including extensions)

• You can’t make any changes under permitted development if you live in a listed building (and possibly a conservation area)

If your project doesn’t operate within these regulations, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

How to design a garden cheaply

As we’ve explained, garden landscaping doesn’t come cheap. But there are some things you can do when you’re working with your landscaper on the design of your new garden to keep the costs down:

Plan ahead: Create a budget and stick to it. Prioritise essential features and opt for cost-effective materials and plants.

DIY: Consider doing some of the work yourself, such as planting, mulching or building simple structures like raised beds or trellises.

Shop smart: Look for discounts, sales, or clearance deals on materials such as paving stones, plants and landscaping supplies. Websites like Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace are great for picking up free or low-cost second hand items.

Keep it simple: It can be easy to get carried away and want an array of water features, structures and hard landscaping features. Choose straightforward designs and layouts that require minimal excavation and construction, as this is the part that costs the most.

Can you pay someone to design your garden?

Yes, most landscapers will be happy to help you design your garden as part of the project costs, but you can also hire a separate garden designer. A garden designer will assess your needs, preferences and budget and develop a plan that maximises the beauty, functionality and sustainability of your outdoor space.

Consider whether you really need a separate garden designer. This will incur additional costs, and most landscapers will have the knowledge and experience to put a stunning garden design together for you.

Is it worth spending money on my garden?

Yes, we think it’s worth spending money on your garden! A well-designed and maintained garden enhances the beauty and value of your home, creates additional living space for outdoor enjoyment and improves your quality of life by providing a tranquil and relaxing retreat.

Additionally, spending time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical wellbeing, making it a worthwhile investment in your overall happiness and health.

But only you can decide whether it’s worth spending money on your garden. If you are planning to move in a couple of years’ time, you may decide that it’s better to simply hire a gardener to offer regular maintenance rather than re-landscaping it as you’re unlikely to see a return on your investment. However, if you know you will get huge enjoyment from a well-landscaped garden, you may decide it’s worth it.

Get in touch with landscapers now by posting your job on HaMuch and see who’s available in your area.

Estimates for common landscaper jobs;

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