Garden Landscaping Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Project Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden tidy and clearance | £200–£800 | Day rate job, waste removal extra |
| Lawn turfing (small garden) | £500–£1,200 | Ground prep + turf supply + laying |
| Lawn turfing (large garden) | £1,200–£3,000 | Per 50–100m² |
| Patio installation (standard) | £1,500–£4,500 | Concrete slabs, 20–30m² |
| Patio installation (porcelain) | £2,500–£7,000 | Premium material, precision laying |
| Decking (softwood) | £1,200–£2,500 | Standard 15–20m² deck |
| Decking (composite) | £2,500–£5,000 | Low maintenance, 15–20m² |
| Full garden redesign | £3,000–£15,000+ | Design, groundwork, hard and soft landscaping |
Landscaper Day Rates
Most landscapers work to a day rate:
- Solo landscaper: £180–£300/day
- Two-person team: £300–£500/day
- London: 25–35% above national rates
Plant, material, and waste disposal costs are usually charged on top at cost (sometimes plus a small margin). Always clarify: is the day rate labour-only, or does it include materials?
What Drives Garden Landscaping Costs Up?
- Soil condition — waterlogged, compacted, or heavily stony ground takes longer to prepare. Clay soils need more aggregate to create good drainage
- Waste removal — a full garden clearance generates significant green waste and hardcore. Skip hire (£250–£450) or grab lorry collections are extra
- Levels and retaining walls — if your garden is sloped and you want level terraces, retaining walls add significantly: expect £150–£300/m for a basic block retaining wall
- Drainage — poor drainage requires soakaway installation or French drains: £500–£2,000
- Mature plants — large specimen trees or shrubs cost significantly more than smaller stock
- Access — if there's no side access and all materials must be carried through the house, labour time increases
Do I Need Planning Permission for Garden Work?
Most garden landscaping is Permitted Development and doesn't need planning permission. Exceptions:
- Raised decking over 300mm above ground level may need permission, and any deck over 30m² does
- Front garden paving — impermeable surfacing over 5m² requires permission (see driveway guide)
- Outbuildings over 2.5m high within 2m of a boundary
- Conservation areas — removing trees with a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) without consent is an offence; check with your council before cutting any mature trees
Getting Value from a Landscaper
- Be specific about scope — an open-ended brief produces wildly different quotes. Say "I want a 25m² patio in 600x600 concrete slabs with a new lawn to the right, and removal of the existing decking" rather than "I want the garden done"
- Phase the work — if budget is limited, hardscaping (patio, paths) first is sensible as it's harder to add later. Planting and lawn can follow
- Buy plants yourself — landscapers mark up plants. If you can choose and order your own from a nursery or online, you can save 20–30% on plant costs
- Book for autumn or winter — landscapers have more availability from October to February; some will offer better prices in quieter months
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does garden landscaping cost in 2026?
A patio installation (standard concrete slabs, 20–30m²) costs £1,500–£4,500. Lawn turfing costs £500–£3,000 depending on size. A full garden redesign runs £3,000–£15,000+.
How much do landscapers charge per day?
A solo landscaper charges £180–£300/day. A two-person team costs £300–£500/day. London rates run 25–35% above these figures.
Do I need planning permission for a patio or decking?
No for most patios at ground level. Decking over 300mm high or covering more than 30m² may require permission. In conservation areas, check with your local council.
How long does garden landscaping take?
A patio installation takes 2–4 days. Lawn turfing takes 1–3 days. A full garden redesign takes 1–4 weeks depending on scope.
What's the best time of year for garden landscaping?
Spring and autumn are best for turfing and planting. Hard landscaping (paving, decking, walls) can be done year-round but winter bookings can be cheaper and get earlier slots.
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