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How much does landscape gardening cost?

Landscape gardening costs can vary widely based on the scope and scale of the project:

• Complete Garden Remodelling: For large-scale transformations, costs typically range from £5,000 to £10,000.
• Smaller Projects: Tasks like installing raised flower beds, patios, water features, or decking are less expensive but can add up if included in a larger remodel.
• Hourly and Daily Rates: Landscapers may charge £25-£50 per hour per person, with daily rates averaging £200-£400, though most will prefer to quote on a per-project basis after an initial site evaluation.

What does a landscape gardener do?

A landscape gardener is a specialist who combines elements of art, design, horticulture, and construction to transform outdoor spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional environments. Their work goes beyond traditional gardening, encompassing a broad range of tasks and skills to enhance the overall layout, usability, and beauty of gardens and outdoor areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Site Assessment and Preparation: Before any actual landscaping begins, a landscape gardener evaluates the site to understand the soil type, existing vegetation, topography, and overall climate of the area. This assessment helps in planning and ensuring that the chosen plants and materials will thrive in the conditions provided.
• Design and Planning: Working either from their own designs or following plans laid out by landscape architects or garden designers, landscape gardeners develop detailed blueprints that include the placement of plants, paths, water features, and other structural elements. They need to consider aesthetic appeal, functionality, and the growth habits of various plants.
• Planting and Horticulture: Central to their role, landscape gardeners expertly choose, position, and plant a variety of flora, from grass and ground covers to shrubs, trees, and ornamental plants. They understand the horticultural needs of each species, ensuring that the plants not only grow but also thrive and contribute to the garden’s overall health and appearance.
• Construction and Installation: Beyond plants, landscape gardeners build and install key garden features like paths, patios, walls, astroturf and decks. They may also install irrigation systems to ensure efficient watering of the garden, drainage systems to prevent water accumulation, and even lighting to enhance the garden’s nighttime appeal.
• Maintenance and Upkeep: After the initial installation, some landscape gardeners provide ongoing maintenance services. These can include pruning, weeding, fertilising, and other activities necessary to keep the garden looking its best.
• Special Features Construction: Many landscape gardeners are skilled in creating specialised features that require technical expertise, such as ponds, waterfalls, rockeries, and complex hard landscaping elements. They may also offer advice on and install sustainable landscape solutions like rain gardens or xeriscaping to conserve water.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Landscape gardeners use a variety of tools and equipment, ranging from simple hand tools like trowels and pruners to heavy machinery such as backhoes and tillers. The choice of tools depends on the project’s scale and complexity.

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How do I know the job has been done well?

Evaluating the quality of a landscape gardening project involves several key indicators that reflect attention to detail, adherence to design specifications, and the overall health of the garden:

• Adherence to Design Plans: The finished garden should closely resemble the plans laid out by the landscape architect or garden designer. This includes correct placement of features such as pathways, water elements, and planting areas according to the design blueprints.
• Quality of Workmanship: Check for the quality of construction in hardscaping elements like pathways, walls, and patios. Proper installation should be stable, secure, and aesthetically pleasing without any uneven surfaces or loose components.
• Plant Health and Placement: Newly planted areas should feature healthy plants that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions. Plants should be properly spaced to allow for growth and not overcrowded, which can lead to future health issues.
• Clean and Tidy Finish: There should be no leftover materials, debris, or tools. All areas should be clean, with mulch neatly applied to beds and no visible stakes or supports that detract from the garden’s appearance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The garden should look balanced and harmonious, with colours, textures, and forms that complement each other. Good landscape gardening should enhance the overall beauty of the property.
• Functional Layout: Beyond aesthetics, the garden should function as intended. Drainage should be effective, with no areas of water pooling or erosion. Walkways and seating areas should be positioned for practical use and comfort.
• Future Growth Plan: A well-done job includes providing the homeowner with guidance or a maintenance plan for future care of the plants and garden features. This ensures the garden continues to grow and mature as designed.

At Rated People, you can check and see if the landscape gardeners of your choice have done a good job before by reading through their reviews and looking at pictures of previously finished work. If you’re still worried about how to pick the right company for you, take a look through our gardeners page to find out what kinds of questions you should ask beforehand.

Other garden landscaping FAQs

Why is garden landscaping so expensive?

The cost reflects the extensive labour, specialised skills, and materials required to transform outdoor spaces effectively.

How much does a landscaped garden add to house value?

A well-landscaped garden can increase a property’s value by up to 20%, enhancing curb appeal and usability.

What is the difference between a gardener and a landscape gardener?

While a gardener focuses on maintenance, a landscape gardener designs and alters the physical layout and features of outdoor spaces.

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