Landscaping & Gardening

What Does a Landscaper Do?

Landscapers design and transform outdoor spaces, from modest garden makeovers to large-scale grounds works. Typical services include laying patios and decking, installing fencing and garden walls, turfing or seeding new lawns, creating planting schemes and borders, building raised beds and kitchen gardens, installing water features and garden lighting, and constructing driveways. Some landscapers also carry out drainage work, terracing on sloped gardens, and hard landscaping such as steps and retaining walls.

You may need planning permission for certain changes to your outdoor space, particularly if you are replacing a front garden with hard standing or building walls above a certain height. A reputable landscaper will advise you on any permissions required before work begins.

Typical Costs in the UK

Landscapers generally charge between £150 and £300 per day for labour. A basic patio installation (natural stone or porcelain) typically costs £1,500–£4,000 for an average-sized garden. Turfing a new lawn runs to around £8–£15 per square metre including preparation. A new timber deck installation might cost £1,500–£5,000 depending on size and materials. Full garden design and landscaping projects on larger plots can range from £10,000 upwards. Driveway installation varies widely by material — gravel is among the cheapest at £1,000–£3,000, while block paving or resin bond can cost £3,000–£8,000 or more.

How to Choose the Right Landscaper

Ask to visit previous projects if possible — photographs don't always convey the quality of groundwork, drainage, and materials. Look for membership of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) or the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), whose members follow a code of conduct and quality standards. Get a detailed written quote specifying materials, depths of sub-base, drainage provision, and any aftercare. For design-led projects, ask whether the landscaper works with a garden designer and check that the proposed planting scheme suits your soil type and local conditions.