How Much Does It Cost to Landscape a Garden in the UK?
Find Out How Much Garden Landscaping Costs In 2025
Posted by Craig | Updated June, 2025 | 10 Min Read Time
At a glance
Garden landscaping in the UK typically costs between £11,500 and £18,500 for an average sized garden, with costs ranging from £200 to £400 per square metre for more detailed projects.
Before you start sketching ideas or browsing Pinterest boards for your dream garden makeover, you’ll want to know how much your garden dreams might cost.
The price of landscaping can vary wildly depending on what you’re after. A simple refresh might set you back a few hundred pounds, while a complete transformation could cost tens of thousands.
Learn about the real costs of landscaping a garden in the UK in the article below, so you can plan your outdoor project with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Budget 10-15% of your property value for landscaping, with costs ranging from £100-£400 per m², depending on project scope (basic to premium)
- Garden size, material selection, and site conditions are the biggest cost drivers; sloped gardens cost 15-25% more, while premium materials like natural stone significantly increase budgets
- Professional landscaping can increase property value by up to 20%, making it one of the most financially rewarding home improvements you can make
Detailed Breakdown of UK Landscaping Costs
The cost of landscaping depends on various elements you choose to include in your garden. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for different landscaping features:
| Landscaping Element | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Real Grass Installation | £12–£30 per m² |
| Artificial Grass Installation | £25–£60 per m² |
| Garden Levelling | £20–£120 per m² |
| Terracing (10m x 1m) | £1,200–£2,400 |
| Flagstone Paving | £65–£80 per m² |
| Decking (Excluding Handrails) | £50–£120 per m² |
| Brickwork | £45–£65 per m² |
| Patio Installation | £1,500–£4,000 |
| Turfing/Lawn Installation | £400–£1,200 |
Most homeowners typically allocate between 10% and 15% of their property’s value towards garden landscaping. This investment reflects the potential of a well-designed garden to boost both property appeal and value.
For larger projects or full garden makeovers, you might consider budgeting on a per square metre basis:
| Project Scope | Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Basic landscaping | £100–£150 |
| Mid-range landscaping | £150–£250 |
| Premium landscaping | £250–£400 |
Note that these figures are averages. Your actual costs might vary based on your location, garden accessibility, and specific requirements.
What Affects Landscaping Costs?
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for your garden transformation. Understanding these can help you budget more accurately.
Garden Size and Complexity
The size of your garden is the most obvious factor affecting cost. Larger spaces require more materials and labour time.
But size isn’t everything. A small garden with complex features might cost more than a larger, simpler space.
Sloped gardens typically cost 15-25% more to landscape than level plots due to the additional work required for terracing or retaining walls.
Material Selection
The materials you choose can dramatically impact your budget:
| Material Type | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Budget materials (concrete pavers, softwood) | Lower cost |
| Mid-range materials (porcelain paving, cedar) | Moderate cost |
| Premium materials (natural stone, hardwood) | Higher cost |
Natural stone paving can be significantly more expensive than concrete alternatives. But, premium materials often last longer and can increase your property’s value.
Labour and Expertise
Professional landscaping isn’t just about materials. You’re also paying for expertise.
The value a professional brings extends beyond physical work. They offer problem-solving abilities, local knowledge about soil conditions and plant suitability, and creative solutions to challenging spaces.
Most garden landscaping projects take between 1-3 weeks to complete, depending on complexity. Small patio installations might take just a few days, while complete garden transformations could require several weeks of work.
Site Conditions
Your garden’s current state plays a significant role in determining costs:
- Gardens requiring extensive clearing or demolition work will incur additional costs
- Poor soil quality might necessitate additional topsoil or amendments
- Limited access can increase labour costs as materials may need to be transported manually
- Drainage issues might require additional groundwork
Design and Planning Considerations
The complexity of your design affects both material and labour costs. Features like curved edges, multiple levels, or bespoke elements require more skilled labour and often generate more material waste.
A professional garden design typically costs between 8% and 15% of your total landscaping budget. While this might seem substantial, a good design can actually save money by optimising material usage and preventing costly mistakes.
Maximising Your Landscaping Budget: Tips from Craig Smith
With over 14 years of experience transforming St Albans gardens, CJ Smiths owner Craig Smith shares his top tips for getting the most value:
Phased Implementation
“Breaking your project into phases allows you to spread costs while still achieving your dream garden. Start with the structural elements that require professional installation, then add planting and decorative features over time.”
This approach lets you enjoy improvements gradually while managing your budget effectively.
Strategic Material Selection
“Often, mixing premium and standard materials gives the best value. Invest in high-quality materials for focal points and high-traffic areas, while using more economical options elsewhere.”
For example, use natural stone for your main patio area, and opt for matching concrete pavers for less visible pathways.
Seasonal Timing
“Book your landscaping project during off-peak seasons like late autumn or winter when many landscapers offer more competitive rates and have better availability.”
Planning ahead can save you money and ensure you get your preferred landscaper’s full attention.
Maintenance Planning
“Factor in long-term maintenance when designing your garden. Low-maintenance options might cost more initially but save significantly over time in upkeep costs.”
Consider how much time and money you’re willing to invest in ongoing garden maintenance. This foresight can prevent costly redesigns later.
The Value of Professional Landscaping
Professional landscaping is an investment that pays dividends in multiple ways.
Property Value Impact
A well-designed garden can increase your property value by up to 20%. This makes landscaping one of the most financially rewarding home improvements you can make.
For a £400,000 property, this could mean an increase of up to £80,000 in value. Not too shabby for something that also improves your quality of life!
However, not all landscaping adds value. Some features, like swimming pools or large ponds, may actually deter some buyers and potentially reduce property value by up to £60,000.
Long-Term Cost Considerations
When budgeting for landscaping, don’t forget the ongoing costs:
| Maintenance Type | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic lawn and garden care | £500–£1,000 |
| Mid-level maintenance | £1,000–£2,500 |
| High-maintenance gardens | £2,500+ |
Most homeowners should budget around 10-20% of the initial landscaping cost annually for maintenance.
Investing in quality materials and proper installation can significantly reduce these ongoing costs. Poor quality paving might need replacing after 5 years, while properly installed natural stone can last 25+ years with minimal maintenance.
Why Choose CJ Smiths for Your Garden Transformation
When you’re ready to transform your garden, choosing the right landscaper makes all the difference. At CJ Smiths, we’ve been St Albans’ trusted landscaping specialists for over 14 years.
Our approach begins with understanding your vision. We then create a plan that balances your aesthetic preferences with practical considerations and budget.
And the best thing: our founder, Craig, personally oversees every garden transformation from start to finish. We’re proud of our 5-star rating across Google and Trustpilot, earned through our commitment to:
- Clear communication throughout your project
- Reliable timelines you can count on
- Exceptional attention to detail
- High-standard workmanship
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Our landscaping work comes with a guarantee, so you can enjoy peace of mind and long-lasting results.
Get Your Free Landscaping Quote Today
Ready to transform your outdoor space? We’d love to help bring your garden dreams to life.
The first step is a no-obligation consultation where we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas, and provide expert advice on what’s possible within your budget.
Request your free quote today and take the first step towards creating a garden you’ll love for years to come.
Don’t just imagine your perfect garden. Let’s make it happen.
Craig Smith
The founder of CJ Smiths Construction Company for over 14+ years and a proud citizen of St Albans City.
