If your garden is uneven, it can make it difficult to enjoy. It makes sitting on the lawn uncomfortable, and garden furniture is always wobbly. Plus, it can make flowerbeds look untidy and ruin the aesthetic of your garden.

Luckily, landscapers can easily level your garden. Sometimes called grading or just landscaping, they can reshape the terrain to create a flat, even surface. Let’s dive into how much garden levelling costs and what you can do with your newly levelled garden.

How much does garden levelling cost?

The cost of levelling a garden in the UK varies depending on factors such as the size of the garden, the extent of the work required and the chosen method of levelling. On average, you can expect to pay between £1,000 to as much as £10,000 for garden levelling services.

Factors that affect the cost of levelling a garden

The table above offers estimates, but there are many factors that affect the final cost of levelling your garden:

Garden size: The size of your garden is a primary factor influencing the cost of levelling. Larger gardens will require more time, labour and materials, resulting in higher costs. Bigger gardens will also create more waste, meaning you may need to hire a skip too.

Current state: If your garden needs clearing first, this will of course cost more. However, having your garden cleared and levelled at the same time will be more cost-efficient than having the jobs done at different times.

Terrain: The existing terrain and condition of the ground also affect the cost. Gardens with significant slopes, uneven surfaces or obstructions may require more extensive levelling work, increasing the overall cost.

Method of levelling: There are various methods of garden levelling, including manual levelling with shovels and rakes, machine levelling with compactors or graders, or adding topsoil to fill in low spots. The chosen method will impact the cost of labour and equipment hire.

Additional features: If you want to level your garden then add features like drainage, retaining walls or a patio, this will add to the overall cost. However, you may find that adding features at the same time as levelling your garden is more cost-effective than doing them separately, as a lot of materials and equipment will already be on site.

How to level your garden

If you want to try levelling your garden yourself, or you just want to understand what the process will be when your landscaper starts work, these are the general steps to take if you’re levelling a garden by hand and you already have a lawn that you want to keep:

1. Assessment: Begin by assessing the current state of your garden to identify areas that need levelling and any potential obstacles or drainage issues.

2. Clearance and mowing: Remove any existing vegetation, debris or obstacles from the area to be levelled. Mow your lawn so you can see where the spots are that need levelling. Make sure you mow it as short as possible and remove all the clippings.

3. Dethatch your lawn: Using a rake, remove all the excess thatch and clear any weeds.

4. Mix your materials: To get the best results, use a ratio of 2 parts topsoil, 2 parts sand and 1 part compost (2:2:1) to create a levelling mixture.

5. Levelling: Apply the mixture to the dips in your lawn then smooth it out using your rake. Compact it with your feet, then repeat until the dip is gone. Leave to settle for a few days, and water if it’s dry. If it sinks, repeat the levelling process.

6. Seeding: Once level, sprinkle an even layer of grass seed over the dip and add some more levelling mixture. Pat it down, and water 4 times a day until the shoots have sprouted. After that, water once per day.

What is the cheapest way to level ground?

The cheapest way to level ground is usually by using tools like shovels and rakes, as there is no hire cost, unlike diggers and compactors. While levelling your garden this way takes more time so you’ll pay more in labour, it’s normally the most cost-effective option for smaller gardens.

Do I need planning permission to level my garden?

In most cases, garden levelling projects do not require planning permission, especially if the changes are minor and don’t significantly alter the appearance of your property.

However, if your garden levelling involves significant changes to drainage or you want to build retaining walls, you may need planning permission. It’s always best to check with your local building control before you start work to prevent any nasty surprises further down the line.

What to do with your garden once it's levelled

Once your garden is levelled, you have various options for enhancing its appearance and functionality:

Landscaping

Transform your garden with landscaping features such as flower beds, lawn areas, pathways and patio or decking areas. The best thing about having a levelled garden is that so many options are available to you – you can choose to have your garden exactly as you’d like it.

Build a garden office

Create a dedicated workspace in your garden by building a garden office or studio, providing a quiet and inspiring environment away from the distractions of the house. At the end of the day, you can shut the door to your office, giving you a separation of work and home even if you work remotely.

Build a garden shed

To keep your garden looking great, you’ll need tools and equipment and somewhere to store them. Add a garden shed onto a newly laid concrete base to keep all your gardening supplies organised and easily accessible.

Add new fencing

If your garden looks good now, you want to make sure your fencing does too. Install new fencing or boundary walls to enhance privacy and security, defining the boundaries of your property and complementing its design.

Regular garden maintenance

Once your garden is levelled and landscaped, regular maintenance is essential to keep it looking its best. This includes tasks such as mowing the lawn, weeding flower beds, pruning shrubs and maintaining pathways and outdoor features.

Regular maintenance helps preserve the investment you've made in levelling and landscaping your garden, ensuring it remains a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor space for years to come. Consider hiring a gardener to help you with regular garden maintenance to keep your garden in check.

If you’re ready to get quotes to level your garden, post your job on HaMuch. We’ll put you in touch with local landscapers who will be happy to help.

Estimates for common landscaper jobs;

Rates for other trades