Landscaping Services in London

Award-Winning Landscaping Services in London

Transform your outdoor space with Soil Sisters' professional landscaping services across London and the South East. From initial concept through to completion, we combine award-winning garden design with expert construction to create beautiful, functional landscapes that work for your property and lifestyle. Design from £1,500, full design and build from £12,000. Free consultation: 0203 834 9807.

What We Do: Design-Led Landscaping in London

Soil Sisters is not a build-only landscaping contractor. We're garden designers who deliver the full project. You work with qualified designers who create a bespoke scheme for your space, then manage the build through our trusted construction partners. The result: landscaping with thought behind it, not just materials laid down.

Our landscaping service includes:

• Hard landscaping – Patios, paving, driveways, paths, steps, retaining walls, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, garden rooms, decking
• Soft landscaping – Planting design and installation, turfing, hedging, borders, trees, shrubs, perennials
• Structural features – Fencing, screens, raised beds, water features, lighting systems, irrigation
• 3D visualisation – See your new landscape before we build it. All full design packages include 3D renders so you can walk through the scheme virtually
• Project management – We coordinate builders, planters, electricians, and tradespeople. One point of contact from start to finish

We handle projects from small courtyard transformations (£12,000-£25,000) through to large family garden builds (£40,000-£100,000+). Whether you need hard landscaping only, soft landscaping only, or the full design and build package, we tailor the service to your brief.

Landscaping Costs in London (2026 Guide)

Landscaping costs vary dramatically based on garden size, access, materials, and scope. Here are realistic brackets for London projects:

Hard Landscaping Costs

• Paving (natural stone or porcelain): £80 – £250/m² depending on material quality and site access
• Composite decking: £100 – £180/m² including subframe and anti-weed membrane
• Timber decking (hardwood): £80 – £140/m²
• Raised beds (brick or sleeper): £400 – £1,200 per bed depending on size
• Fencing (close board or slatted timber): £80 – £150 per linear metre
• Pergola or arbour: £1,500 – £5,000 depending on size and materials
• Outdoor kitchen: £5,000 – £15,000+ for built-in BBQ, worktops, storage

Soft Landscaping Costs

• Turfing: £15 – £25/m² for supply and installation
• Planting (shrubs, perennials): £3,000 – £8,000 for a medium garden including supply, soil prep, installation
• Specimen trees: £200 – £1,500 per tree depending on species and maturity
• Hedging (instant hedging): £50 – £120 per linear metre
• Topsoil and compost (per tonne): £50 – £80 delivered

Hidden Costs and Site Challenges

London landscaping projects often involve extra costs that aren't visible at first glance:

• Poor drainage or heavy clay: Add £1,500-£3,000 for French drains or soakaway systems. Most London gardens (especially North, East, and South London) sit on London Clay which holds water and causes waterlogging without proper drainage.
• No rear access: If materials have to go through the house or over walls, add 20-30% to labour costs. Very common in Victorian terraces across Islington, Clapham, Hackney, Camden.
• Waste removal: Clearing and disposing of an old patio, turf, or soil can add £800-£2,000 depending on volume.
• Tree surgery or removal: £400-£1,200 per tree, more if TPO (Tree Preservation Order) applies.
• Levelling or ground preparation: If the site is sloped, uneven, or heavily overgrown, add £1,000-£3,000 for earthworks.

For a detailed breakdown of landscaping costs specific to your area, see our guides: garden design cost London, garden design cost Kent, and how much does a garden designer cost UK.

Our Landscaping Process

1. Initial Consultation (Free)

We visit your property to see the site, discuss your vision, understand how you'll use the space, and explain what's possible within your budget. We'll talk about materials, styles, timescales, and any site-specific challenges (drainage, access, shade, planning permission). No obligation. Call 0203 834 9807 to book.

2. Design Proposal

We prepare a concept design with 2D plan, 3D visualisations, materials palette, and planting scheme. You see exactly what the finished landscape will look like before any work starts. Design fees from £1,500 depending on garden size and complexity.

3. Quote and Specification

Once you approve the design, we provide a detailed build quote breaking down hard landscaping, soft landscaping, drainage, lighting, and contingency. No hidden costs. You know exactly what you're paying for.

4. Construction and Planting

Our trusted build team (landscapers, groundworkers, electricians, planters) delivers the project on-site. We manage the schedule, quality control, and communication. Typical build timescales: small courtyards 2-3 weeks, medium gardens 4-6 weeks, large projects 8-12 weeks.

5. Handover and Aftercare

We walk you through the finished garden, explain maintenance requirements, and provide a plant care guide. All landscaping is guaranteed for 12 months, and we offer optional maintenance packages to keep your garden looking its best.

Hard Landscaping London

Hard landscaping defines the structure and usability of your garden. We design and install:

• Patios and terraces – Natural stone (sandstone, limestone, granite), porcelain paving, brick, setts. We lay all patios on a properly drained sub-base with 20mm joints and flexible pointing to prevent cracking.
• Driveways – Resin-bound, block paving, gravel, permeable paving. All driveways meet SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) requirements.
• Decking – Composite (Millboard, Trex) or hardwood timber (Ipe, oak). We build decking on adjustable pedestals or timber subframes with proper ventilation to prevent rot.
• Steps and retaining walls – Brick, stone, sleepers. Essential for sloping gardens. We design steps to building regs standards (150mm riser, 300mm tread minimum for comfort and safety).
• Garden rooms and outdoor kitchens – We integrate these structures into the overall landscape design so they feel part of the garden, not an add-on. See our outdoor kitchen design service and garden room design guide.

For clients focused specifically on structural elements, see our dedicated hard landscaping London page with detailed material specifications and pricing.

Soft Landscaping London

Soft landscaping brings life, colour, and seasonal interest to your garden. Our planting design service covers:

• Planting plans – Bespoke schemes designed for your soil type, aspect (sun/shade), and maintenance preference. We design for year-round interest with layered planting (trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, bulbs).
• London-specific plant selection – We choose species that thrive in London conditions: pollution-tolerant, clay-tolerant, drought-resistant where needed. Examples: Geranium, Nepeta, Salvia, Miscanthus, Verbena bonariensis, Pittosporum, photinia.
• Turfing and lawns – We lay high-quality turf (not budget rolls) on properly prepared topsoil. Lawn size permitting, we recommend hardwearing ryegrass blends for family gardens or fine fescue for ornamental lawns.
• Hedging and screening – Laurel, photinia, hornbeam, yew for privacy and boundary definition. Instant hedging (1.5m+ height) available for immediate screening.
• Mature trees – We source and plant specimen trees from trusted nurseries. Popular choices for London: Betula (birch), Amelanchier, Acer (Japanese maple), fruit trees (apple, pear, cherry).

For planting-focused projects, see our soft landscaping London service and planting design London page.

Landscaping Across London: Where We Work

Soil Sisters delivers landscaping projects across London and the South East, including:

• North London – Islington, Camden, Highgate, Muswell Hill, Haringey, Barnet. See our landscaping North London page for borough-specific challenges (Victorian terraces, conservation areas, no rear access).
• South West London – Clapham, Battersea, Wimbledon, Richmond, Putney, Wandsworth. See landscaping South West London for SW postcode coverage and clay drainage solutions.
• South London – Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley, Croydon. See landscaping South London for borough-by-borough pricing.
• South East London – Peckham, Brockley, Dulwich, Beckenham, Bexleyheath, Sidcup. See landscaping South East London for SE postcode zone.
• East London – Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Newham, Stratford, Walthamstow. See landscaping East London for East London pricing and local contractor knowledge.
• West London – Chiswick, Ealing, Acton, Notting Hill, Hammersmith, Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham. See landscaping West London for conservation area expertise and no-access challenges.

We also cover surrounding counties: Kent (Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Westerham, Maidstone), Surrey (Guildford, Reigate, Farnham, Esher), Essex (Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester), and Buckinghamshire (Amersham, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, Marlow).

Garden Design Services in London

Looking for design services without the build? We offer standalone garden design for clients working with their own contractors or implementing the design themselves. Our design-only service includes:

• Concept plan and layout
• 3D visualisations (multiple views)
• Planting plan with full species list and quantities
• Materials specification (paving, timber, aggregates)
• Lighting and irrigation recommendations
• Contractor notes for accurate quoting

Design fees: £1,500 for small courtyards, £2,500-£3,500 for medium family gardens, £4,000+ for large or complex schemes. See our garden design London page for full details, or read our city garden design ideas for London-specific inspiration.

Landscaping for Specific Garden Types

We specialise in landscaping for challenging or niche garden types common in London:

• Courtyard and small gardens – Space-efficient layouts, vertical planting, clever storage, mirrors and lighting for depth. See courtyard garden design and small London garden design.
• Balcony and roof gardens – Weight loading calculations, drainage, wind-tolerant planting, irrigation. See balcony garden design and roof garden design UK.
• Sloping gardens – Terracing, retaining walls, stepped planting, drainage solutions. See our sloping garden design guide.
• Contemporary landscaping – Clean lines, minimal planting, architectural materials (porcelain, Cor-Ten steel, composite decking). See contemporary garden design.
• Traditional landscaping – Brick paths, York stone, mixed borders, clipped hedging. See traditional garden design.
• Low-maintenance landscaping – Gravel gardens, drought-tolerant planting, artificial grass, automated irrigation. See low-maintenance garden design UK.

Commercial Landscaping London

Soil Sisters also delivers commercial landscaping for offices, hotels, residential developments, and public spaces. Our B2B service includes:

• Specification drawings for tender
• Maintenance schedules and lifecycle costings
• Project management and contractor coordination
• Sustainable planting for low water use and minimal maintenance

For commercial clients, see our dedicated commercial landscaping London page, or explore our commercial garden design services for office courtyards and hotel grounds.

Why Choose Soil Sisters for Landscaping in London?

• Design-led approach: Every landscape starts with a design. We don't just lay materials, we create a scheme that works for your property, lifestyle, and budget.
• Award-winning designers: Our team has won multiple industry awards and regularly features in garden design press.
• Transparent pricing: We provide detailed quotes with line-by-line breakdowns. No hidden extras, no surprise costs.
• 3D visualisation: See your new garden before we build it. All full design packages include 3D renders.
• Local expertise: We understand London conditions – clay soils, poor drainage, no rear access, conservation areas, planning restrictions. We've solved these challenges hundreds of times.
• Project management: One point of contact from start to finish. We coordinate all trades, manage timelines, and communicate progress weekly.
• 12-month guarantee: All landscaping work is guaranteed for one year. If anything fails due to poor workmanship or materials, we'll fix it at no cost.

Landscaping Ideas and Inspiration

Not sure what style of landscaping would suit your garden? Browse our content library for ideas:

• Mediterranean garden design – Gravel, drought-tolerant planting, terracotta, olive trees
• Japanese garden design – Zen aesthetics, water features, acers, stepping stones
• Wildlife garden design – Ponds, native planting, log piles, hedgehog highways
• Family garden design – Lawns, play areas, robust planting, zoned layouts
• Sustainable garden design – Rainwater harvesting, composting, peat-free soil, native plants
• Front garden design – Driveways, paths, privacy planting, bin storage
• Gravel garden design – Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, climate-resilient landscaping

Landscaping FAQs

How much does landscaping cost in London?

Landscaping costs in London range from £12,000 for a small courtyard to £100,000+ for a large family garden with full hard and soft landscaping. Typical projects fall between £30,000-£60,000 for a medium garden (60-100m²). Design-only services start at £1,500. See our garden design cost London guide for detailed breakdowns.

Do I need planning permission for landscaping in London?

Most landscaping projects (patios, planting, fencing under 2m, decking under 30cm high) do not require planning permission. You may need permission for: raised decking over 30cm, garden rooms over 2.5m high, significant changes to a listed building, work in a conservation area, or removal of protected trees. We advise on planning requirements during the initial consultation.

How long does a landscaping project take?

Small courtyards: 2-3 weeks. Medium gardens: 4-6 weeks. Large gardens or complex builds: 8-12 weeks. Timescales depend on weather, site access, and material availability. We provide a project schedule before work starts.

Can you landscape a garden with no rear access?

Yes. We've completed hundreds of projects where materials had to go through the house or over walls. It adds time and cost (typically 20-30% to labour) but it's very common in London terraced properties. We use wheelbarrows, mini-dumpers, and protective floor coverings to minimise disruption.

What's the difference between hard landscaping and soft landscaping?

Hard landscaping covers structural elements: patios, paving, decking, walls, fences, pergolas, outdoor kitchens. Soft landscaping covers living elements: plants, trees, lawns, hedges, borders. Most projects involve both. See our dedicated pages: hard landscaping and soft landscaping.

Do you offer landscaping maintenance after the build?

Yes. We offer optional maintenance packages covering lawn care, seasonal pruning, border weeding, hedge trimming, and replanting. Maintenance visits from £180 per visit depending on garden size and tasks required.

What materials do you use for London landscaping?

We source high-quality materials from trusted suppliers: natural stone (sandstone, limestone, granite), porcelain paving, composite decking (Millboard, Trex), hardwood timber (Ipe, oak), bricks (reclaimed London stock, engineering bricks), aggregates (gravel, slate chippings), and plants from specialist nurseries. We recommend materials suited to London's climate and your maintenance preference.

Can you work around existing trees or features?

Yes. We design around existing mature trees, water features, sheds, or outbuildings you want to keep. If a tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), we liaise with the council to ensure compliance. Our designs often incorporate existing features as focal points rather than removing them.

Get Started: Free Landscaping Consultation

Ready to transform your London garden? Book a free consultation with our design team. We'll visit your property, discuss your vision and budget, and explain what's possible. No obligation, no pressure. Call 0203 834 9807 or contact us online to arrange your visit.

Already have a design brief or inspiration images? Send them over. The more we understand about your taste and requirements, the better we can tailor the initial consultation.

For related services across the South East, see our garden design and build London page, or browse our garden renovation services for complete garden transformations.