Landscape  a  Garden Guide

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01/10/25, 16:19

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Landscape  a  Garden Guide

Scope of Works

• Initial survey & concept set‑out – measure plot, mark access, confirm levels and utilities.

• Site clearance – remove existing turf, shrubs, rubble and unwanted hardscape; licensed waste disposal.

• Ground‑works & grading – excavate, import or redistribute soil to achieve new levels and drainage falls.• Hard‑landscape installation – lay patios, paths, retaining sleepers, edging and lawn sub‑base.

• Soil conditioning & planting – add compost/topsoil, install trees, shrubs, perennials and mulch beds.

• Turf or artificial lawn – prepare base, lay natural rolls or permeable synthetic grass.

• Finishing touches – fit lighting conduit, irrigation lines, decorative stone, furniture pads; final tidy.

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call‑out / minimum	80	150	Design consult or small‑works half day Checkatrade
Labour per hour	30	55	2025 landscape‑gardener rate band The Gardeners Guild Checkatrade
Materials	400	3 000	Plants, topsoil, aggregates, paving; £80–£100 / m² typical landscapingcost.co.uk
Disposal	50	200	Skip or muck‑away of soil & green waste Checkatrade
Extras (lighting, irrigation, complex levels)	0	800	Spec up‑grades or multi‑level terracing
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	£2 000	£10 000	Small 20 m² makeover → average 100 m² redesign; SGD suggests 9–20 % of build cost CJ Smiths Builders St Albans

Time on Site

3–5 days for a simple patio + lawn relaying in a small garden.
2–3 weeks for full re‑grade, multiple hardscape zones and mature planting.Delays stem from heavy clay excavation, wet weather halting ground‑works, or restricted side‑gate access requiring micro‑digger and barrow trains.

Questions to Ask Your Trade

Are you RHS‑qualified or SGD registered and insured for public liability?
Is the quote fixed and inclusive of plant supply, skips, aggregates and VAT?
Will you provide a phased schedule with payment milestones and daily start times?
How will drainage be managed—permeable bases, ACO channels, soak‑away?
Do you give a plant establishment guarantee and after‑care visit?
Can you supply before/after portfolios or client references for similar‑sized gardens?
What is your policy for weather delays and underground surprises (old footings, services)?

How to Avoid Surprises

Share clear photos & a basic wish‑list when requesting quotes to avoid scope creep.
Reserve parking & tip permits for skips and grab lorries near the plot.
Confirm access widths & height limits for mini‑digger or dumper delivery.
Mark boundaries & neighbour fences to prevent disputes; seek written consent for shared walls.
Agree on storage area for aggregates and plants to keep driveways clear of hazards.