Pricing for Landscaping Gardens: Determining the Cost of Garden Landscaping

Are you longing for a sophisticated garden design for your personal backyard, like the impressive transformations you see on Alan Titchmarsh's makeover shows? Well, you don't need Alan's assistance to turn that dream into reality. Instead, you can enlist the help of a professional landscape gardener. But, how much does garden landscaping cost?

Don't worry! You don't need a Hollywood budget to achieve remarkable results. Garden design and landscaping can be accessible to everyone; you just need to know what you're aiming for.

Thoughtful garden ideas are a fantastic way to optimize your outdoor living space. They offer an expanded area for relaxation, dining, entertaining, playtime, and the cultivation of your gardening skills. So, regardless of the costs involved, consider it a worthwhile investment in your home. Gardens have never been more valuable.

What Exactly is Garden Landscaping?

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme – This garden was designed by TJG Gardens)

"In the US, many garden and landscape designers refer to themselves as 'Exterior Designers,' which I find much more helpful," explains expert Tabi Jackson Gee, the founder of TJG Gardens. "Landscape design is essentially the outdoor version of interior design, albeit with different materials and elements to consider."

"The actual landscaping aspect refers to the changes you make in your outdoor space, ranging from creating new flower beds to constructing walls or terraces. Most skilled designers can excel in both aspects. You need extensive knowledge not only about plants but also materials, construction techniques, costs, and supply chains. It is this expertise that enables a designer to help clients make the most of their gardens."

If you're seeking inspiration for planning your space, explore our Garden Landscaping Ideas – How to Strategize and Develop Your Perfect Garden

How Much Does Garden Landscaping Cost?

The cost of landscaping a garden varies depending on your desired outcome. According to experts at MyJobQuote, experienced landscapers typically charge around £150 to £200 per day. If you have a fixed budget and a clear vision, you can customize your garden to suit your financial constraints.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Annaick Guitteny)

Your budget will determine what you can accomplish in your garden. Here's an overview of what you can achieve with your available finances:

•  Low-Budget Options: Begin by thoroughly cleaning and tidying your garden. Prune overgrown shrubs and remove self-seeded trees. Define the edges of your lawn and eliminate weeds from beds and pathways. Consider exchanging plants with friends.
• Up to £100 Complete the tasks mentioned above and then brighten up your garden with new plants or accessories. Alternatively, you could re-gravel and mulch planting beds, using bark to control weed growth and retain the soil's moisture. Invest in appealing containers or visit a salvage yard to build a raised bed using reclaimed timber.
• Up to £500 This budget enables you to consider building materials in addition to plants. Include simple concrete slabs, potentially a new lapped panel fence, a lawn re-turf, or acquire new garden furniture.
• Up to £1000 You can begin to consider seeking outside assistance. This budget allows for two days of work by a skilled tradesperson, including materials, such as creating a new patio. Alternatively, if you choose to do the work yourself, you can invest in a digger driver to prepare the ground.
• £5000-£10,000 If you allocate this amount to your project, the lower sum could cover about a week's work by a skilled tradesperson or team, including materials. With the higher end of the budget, a professional designer can help you achieve maximum impact. Expect to pay the designer approximately 15% of your budget.
• £10,000 - £30,000 This budget allows you to hire a professional landscape designer and contractor, ensuring your project is executed to a specific standard. Creating a 10-square-meter garden with substantial hard-surfacing, high-quality planting, barriers, and special features would cost around £25,000. Including design fees, you can quickly reach the £30,000 mark.

How Can I Landscape My Garden by Hiring a Professional?

Deciding how much to allocate for building structures, hard landscaping, planting, and lighting can feel overwhelming. Therefore, it is highly recommended to enlist the services of a professional landscape designer and gardener. They will help ensure that you create the most beautiful garden your budget allows, especially if you have ambitious grassless garden ideas or complex hard landscaping plans in mind.

If the need arises to install or relocate major services like gas, electricity, or water pipes, it is advisable to engage the services of a qualified engineer who can survey the site and carry out the necessary tasks. These experts can identify obstacles or shortcuts that may have gone unnoticed and ensure that all work complies with the relevant regulations.

To find skilled contractors in your area, reputable websites such as Checkatrade.com or RatedPeople can be of assistance. Alternatively, you can seek out an accredited Garden Landscaper through the Association of Professional Landscapers.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Annaick Guitteny)

When it comes to the cost of professional garden decking installation, there is a range of prices to suit different budgets. The final cost depends on the size of your garden and the type of decking material you choose. According to the MyJobQuote team, there are various decking materials available, including inexpensive options like softwood, which can start from £3 per meter. On the other hand, hardwood options can cost up to £10 per meter. Additionally, composite materials usually fall within the price range of £12 per meter, while IPE and Trex decking can be as high as £15 per meter.

What are some affordable ways to landscape a garden?

If you are looking to landscape your garden on a budget, you can opt for the do-it-yourself route instead of hiring a professional. However, be prepared to put in the physical effort. Nowadays, there is a wealth of resources available, such as books, online tutorials, and even short construction courses, to guide you through your garden project. Most building materials can be easily obtained from garden centers and builders' merchants.

(Image credit: Ti-Media)

According to an expert from MyJobQuote, you can save money by purchasing and installing turf yourself. General-purpose turf typically costs around £2 per piece, while ornamental grass can go up to £7 per piece. However, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure the correct installation of the turf, as their expertise will result in a long-lasting lawn.

If you lack the necessary skills, it is advisable not to attempt DIY projects since they may end up being more costly in the long run. However, some garden shade ideas, such as the draped sail mentioned above, are relatively easy to install on your own.

When choosing decking materials, opting for the more affordable options can lead to substantial savings. For instance, a professional installation of 15 square meters of softwood decking may cost around £1,000, while the same area covered with IPE decking could amount to approximately £9,000.

To cut costs, consider how much you are willing to compromise. Garden designer Jack Wallington advises questioning the necessity for extensive hard landscaping, as it is often the most expensive aspect of a garden project.

What is the cost of hiring a garden designer?

Engaging the services of a garden designer may not be a budget-friendly option, but it is an investment that allows you to maximize your resources and create a timeless garden, according to Tabi. Most designers offer a complimentary consultation, either over the phone or in person, to discuss the process in detail with clients who may not be familiar with it.

The entire process can be divided into several stages. First, there is the outline plan, which establishes the design direction and desired layouts. Following that, we have the master planning and detailing phase, where all the specifics are fleshed out into working drawings that can be used by contractors to build and install gardens. Finally, you have the option of either choosing a recommended contractor or putting the work out to tender.

According to Tabi, a garden designer, the fees charged by designers typically range from 8 to 20 percent of the total project cost, depending on factors such as the scale of the project, duration, and level of technical expertise required. However, these percentages may vary depending on the size of the project. Most designers prefer to charge in phases to ensure both the client and designer have control over the process.

It is important for designers to be transparent about their process and fees right from the start. This helps establish clear expectations for everyone involved. While changes may occur as the project progresses, having this initial agreement can serve as a reference point.

Tabi suggests that for a garden design project to be worthwhile, you should be prepared to spend upwards of £10k. However, if you are only interested in planting design, it can be much more cost-effective as plants are often the most affordable aspect of a garden. The cost is usually driven up by labor and materials for any built elements, such as a terrace.

Is investing in garden landscaping worth the money? Like any investment, it ultimately depends on what you are looking for. According to Tabi, many designers offer follow-up consultation services to ensure the survival of the plants and provide advice on areas that may need improvement.

"Gardens are never truly complete, and that's what makes them so beautiful. When a designer and client have a good relationship, they are likely to stay in touch and continue caring for the garden together as it grows."

(Image credit: Lizzie Orme / Future PLC – Garden designed by TJG Gardens)

After spending a year confined to the boundaries of our homes, gardens have become invaluable in expanding our living spaces. Unfortunately, gardens are often overlooked when it comes to allocating finances for improvement projects. But why should this be the case? Especially now, when investing in the garden of your dreams seems like a logical decision.