A new patio, lawn or full garden makeover is a big investment, so it makes sense to understand where the money goes before you ask for quotes. Landscaping prices in Guildford vary widely, and that's not because some companies are expensive and others cheap. It's because the work beneath the surface, the materials you choose and the site itself make a big difference to the cost.
This guide explains the main factors that affect landscaping costs in Guildford and the surrounding area, so you can plan a realistic budget and compare quotes properly.
1. The size of the area
Size is the obvious starting point. More square metres means more excavation, more sub-base, more paving or turf and more labour. But cost doesn't scale perfectly with area. Small jobs still carry fixed costs such as delivery, machinery hire and setting out, so the price per square metre is often higher on small projects than on larger ones.
2. Materials
Material choice is usually the biggest variable you control. Paving ranges from concrete slabs through Indian sandstone and granite to porcelain, and prices vary a lot within each type. Porcelain is hard-wearing and easy to clean but needs careful cutting and a suitable bedding method. Natural stone varies in thickness and calibration, which affects how long it takes to lay.
The same applies to walling (brick, block and render, natural stone, sleepers), edging, fencing and decking. Ask your landscaper to show you options at different price points, and remember that cheaper materials can cost more in labour if they're harder to lay neatly.
3. Ground preparation and groundwork
This is the part of a landscaping project you never see, and it's where cheap jobs cut corners. A patio or path needs the ground dug out to the right depth, a compacted sub-base such as MOT Type 1, and a proper bed for the paving. Soft ground, old foundations, tree roots or buried rubble all add time.
Guildford's mix of soils matters here. Chalk is usually firm but full of flints. Sandy greensand can be loose. Clay moves as it wets and dries and often needs a deeper base. A landscaper should look at your ground before pricing, not just measure the area. Our groundworks and levelling services cover this preparation.
4. Levels and slopes
Many gardens around Guildford and Godalming slope, sometimes steeply. Creating level areas means building steps, retaining walls or terraces, and moving soil. Retaining walls in particular need proper foundations and drainage behind them, so they're a significant part of the budget on sloping sites. A flat garden is almost always simpler and cheaper to landscape.
5. Drainage
Water has to go somewhere. New hard surfaces need falls so rain runs away from the house, and that water must drain into a suitable point such as a channel drain, a planted area or a soakaway. Clay gardens often need extra drainage work before a lawn or patio will perform well. Leaving drainage out might make a quote look cheaper, but it's expensive to fix later.
6. Access
Access affects how quickly materials and waste can move in and out. Wide side access means a mini digger and dumper can do the heavy work. Narrow access, steps or terraced houses with no rear entry mean more work by hand, which takes longer. Restricted parking and the need for skip permits on the road also add cost.
7. Waste removal
Most projects produce soil, old paving, rubble and green waste. Removing it by skip, grab lorry or muck-away has a cost that depends on volume and type. Soil and rubble are heavy, and mixed waste generally costs more to dispose of than clean, separated loads. A clear quote should state how waste is handled.
8. Design and features
Curves, patterns, steps, built-in seating, lighting, water features and raised beds all add design and build time. Planting schemes vary in cost depending on plant sizes. Larger, established plants give an instant effect, while smaller ones are cheaper and soon catch up. If you'd like help balancing ideas against budget, our garden design service can plan the space before any work starts.
How to plan your landscaping budget
- Decide on priorities. Which parts matter most: a big patio, a usable lawn, privacy, planting?
- Be open about your budget. A good landscaper can suggest materials and layouts that fit it, rather than pricing something you can't afford.
- Consider phasing. Groundwork, drainage and hard landscaping can be done first, with planting or features added later.
- Allow a contingency. Hidden problems such as old foundations or buried drains can turn up once digging starts.
Comparing landscaping quotes
When you collect quotes, check each one covers the same things: excavation depth, type and depth of sub-base, paving bedding method, drainage, edging, waste removal and making good. A detailed written quote is a good sign. A single figure with no breakdown makes it hard to know what you're getting. Ask about insurance and how variations will be priced if something unexpected comes up.
Evergreen Gardeners work across Guildford, Godalming, Woking and Cranleigh, plus the villages in between.
Frequently asked questions
Why do landscaping quotes vary so much?
Quotes vary because of differences in materials, sub-base depth, drainage, waste handling and how thoroughly the ground is prepared. Comparing detailed breakdowns rather than totals shows where the differences are.
What is usually the most expensive part of landscaping?
On most projects, hard landscaping such as patios, walls and steps costs more than lawns and planting, because of the materials, groundwork and skilled labour involved.
Can I save money by doing some of the work myself?
Sometimes. Planting, painting fences or spreading bark are good jobs to do yourself. Groundwork, drainage and laying paving are best left to professionals, as mistakes are costly to put right.
Do you charge for a landscaping quote in Guildford?
No. We visit, look at the site and give a free written quote with no obligation.
For a free, no-obligation quote, call Evergreen Gardeners on 07383 778366 or send us a message. We'll visit, talk through what you need and give you a clear written price.
