What Services Do Most Landscaping Companies Offer? A Clear Breakdown

Landscaping Service Package Calculator

Find the right landscaping package for your needs. Select services you're interested in to see which packages include them and estimate potential costs.

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Package Comparison
Basic Package
Lawn Care Weekly mowing & edging
Garden Design No
Hardscaping No
Outdoor Lighting No
Irrigation Systems No
Standard Package
Lawn Care Weekly mowing & edging
Garden Design 1 bed
Hardscaping Small patio
Outdoor Lighting 10 fixtures
Irrigation Systems Basic lawn only
Premium Package
Lawn Care Weekly mowing + aeration
Garden Design Full yard
Hardscaping Full deck + retaining wall
Outdoor Lighting 20+ fixtures + smart controls
Irrigation Systems Full system with sensors
Estimated Cost Range

Based on your selected services, typical costs range between:

£500 - £5,000+

Costs vary based on property size, materials, and location.

Most people think landscaping is just about mowing the lawn and trimming hedges. But if you’ve ever hired a professional landscaping company, you know it’s way more than that. In 2026, the best landscaping firms in London and beyond offer a full range of services designed to turn dull outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful areas that add value to your home. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to refresh your yard, knowing what’s available helps you make smarter choices.

Lawn Care and Maintenance

This is the most common service you’ll find on any landscaping company’s menu. It includes regular mowing, edging, weed control, and fertilizing. But it’s not just about cutting grass. Good lawn care means understanding soil type, drainage, and grass species. In London’s wet climate, for example, many companies use a mix of fescue and ryegrass because they handle rain and shade better than traditional Kentucky bluegrass. They also schedule seasonal aeration and overseeding to keep lawns thick and green through winter.

Garden Design and Installation

Landscaping isn’t just about plants-it’s about layout. Professional designers plan flower beds, shrub borders, and mixed planting zones based on sunlight, soil pH, and how you plan to use the space. Want a low-maintenance garden? They’ll pick native plants like lavender, heuchera, and ornamental grasses that need little water. Want color all year? They’ll layer spring bulbs, summer perennials, and winter evergreens. Many companies even include hardscaping elements like stone pathways or raised beds as part of the design package.

Hardscaping: Patios, Walkways, and Retaining Walls

Hard surfaces make your outdoor space usable. That’s where hardscaping comes in. Most reputable landscaping firms install patios using natural stone, porcelain pavers, or stamped concrete. Walkways are built to connect key areas-front door to garage, back deck to garden shed-without stepping on grass. Retaining walls are another big one. In hilly areas like parts of South London, these walls prevent soil erosion and create level terraces for planting. Materials range from treated timber to dry-stack stone, each with different costs and lifespans.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark gardens are unsafe and unwelcoming. That’s why lighting is now standard in most full-service landscaping packages. Low-voltage LED systems are the norm-they’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and easy to install. Fixtures are placed to highlight trees, illuminate steps, or create ambient glow along pathways. Some companies even offer smart lighting you can control via phone app, adjusting brightness or turning lights on/off based on time of day or motion detection.

Irrigation Systems

Watering by hand is outdated. Most landscaping companies install automated irrigation systems with programmable timers and weather sensors. These systems use drip lines for flower beds and sprinklers for lawns, cutting water waste by up to 40% compared to manual watering. Modern systems can shut off during rain or adjust output based on soil moisture levels. In areas with water restrictions, like parts of southeast England, these systems aren’t just convenient-they’re essential.

Sustainable urban backyard with rain garden, vertical green wall, and stone pond under overcast sky.

Tree and Shrub Services

Planting trees is one thing. Keeping them healthy is another. Landscapers handle pruning, shaping, disease diagnosis, and removal. In urban settings, they’re trained to work around power lines and buildings safely. Many offer tree health assessments using root collar excavation to check for girdling roots or fungal infections. They also plant trees with long-term growth in mind-choosing species that won’t outgrow their space or damage foundations. In London, common choices include silver birch, crabapple, and hornbeam for their resilience and aesthetic appeal.

Seasonal Cleanups and Debris Removal

Autumn leaves, winter snow, spring debris-landscapers handle it all. Seasonal cleanups include raking, blowing, and hauling away leaves, branches, and dead plant material. In winter, some firms offer snow removal from driveways and walkways. Spring cleanups often involve mulching beds, cleaning gutters, and preparing soil for planting. These services are often sold as annual packages, saving homeowners time and ensuring their yard stays tidy year-round.

Water Features and Pond Installation

Adding a small pond, fountain, or stream can transform a backyard into a peaceful retreat. Landscaping companies install these with proper filtration, pumps, and liners to prevent leaks. They choose materials that blend naturally with the surroundings-stone-lined ponds, bamboo waterfalls, or ceramic fountains. Many also include aquatic plants and fish to create a balanced ecosystem. These features require regular maintenance, which many firms offer as part of a yearly service contract.

Deck and Fence Installation

While not every landscaping company builds decks, most that specialize in outdoor living do. Composite decking is now the most popular choice-it lasts longer than wood, doesn’t rot, and needs no staining. Fences are often installed alongside decks for privacy or to define property lines. Materials include pressure-treated pine, cedar, vinyl, or aluminum. Companies handle permits, footings, and alignment to meet local building codes, especially important in London where zoning rules can be strict.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Landscaping

More clients now want to reduce environmental impact. Leading landscaping firms offer sustainable options: rain gardens to capture runoff, permeable paving to reduce flooding, native plantings that support pollinators, and composting systems for yard waste. Some even install green roofs or vertical gardens on walls. These aren’t just trends-they’re practical solutions for urban areas with limited space and high rainfall. In 2026, sustainable landscaping isn’t a luxury; it’s becoming the standard.

Four-season landscaping cycle showing autumn leaves, winter snow, spring mulching, and summer lighting.

What’s Not Usually Included

Not every outdoor project falls under landscaping. Most companies don’t do major earthmoving, like excavating for pools or building large decks with structural supports-that’s for contractors. They also typically don’t handle electrical rewiring for outdoor kitchens or install complex outdoor kitchens themselves. These require licensed electricians or builders. But many landscaping firms will coordinate with those professionals to make sure everything works together.

How to Choose the Right Service Package

Start by listing your goals. Do you want to reduce maintenance? Go for a full maintenance plan with irrigation and seasonal cleanups. Want curb appeal? Focus on garden design and lighting. Planning to sell your home? A clean, well-lit lawn with trimmed hedges can boost value by up to 15%, according to a 2025 survey by the UK Property Association. Always ask for a written estimate that breaks down each service. Avoid companies that give vague quotes like “full service” without details. Look for ones that show photos of past work and offer a one-year guarantee on plant installations.

Typical Landscaping Service Packages in 2026
Service Basic Package Standard Package Premium Package
Lawn Mowing & Edging Weekly Weekly Weekly + Aeration
Garden Design No Yes (1 bed) Yes (Full Yard)
Hardscaping (Pathway/Patio) No Small Patio Full Deck + Retaining Wall
Outdoor Lighting No 10 Fixtures 20+ Fixtures + Smart Controls
Irrigation System No Basic Lawn Only Full System with Sensors
Seasonal Cleanup Spring Only Spring & Fall All Four Seasons
Tree & Shrub Care Pruning Only Pruning + Fertilizing Health Assessments + Removal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One big mistake is choosing the cheapest bid. Landscaping is an investment. Cheap labor often means poor plant selection, sloppy installation, or no follow-up. Another is skipping the design phase. Jumping straight into planting without a plan leads to overcrowded beds, wasted space, and plants that die from wrong sun exposure. Don’t assume all companies do the same thing-ask what’s included in each package. And never pay 100% upfront. Reputable firms ask for 30% to start, 40% mid-project, and the rest after inspection.

What to Expect During Your First Consultation

A good landscaper will visit your property, take notes, and ask questions: How do you use the yard? Do you have kids or pets? What’s your budget? Do you want low maintenance or a showpiece garden? They’ll check soil, drainage, and sunlight patterns. Within a week, you should get a written proposal with photos of similar projects, a timeline, and itemized costs. If they don’t, walk away. The best firms treat your yard like a home extension-not just a patch of grass.

Do landscaping companies offer free estimates?

Yes, most reputable landscaping companies in the UK offer free, no-obligation estimates. This usually includes a site visit, discussion of your goals, and a written quote. Be cautious of companies that only give quotes over the phone without seeing your property-they may underestimate the work needed.

How often should I schedule lawn care services?

During the growing season (April to September), weekly mowing is standard in the UK. In spring and fall, you may need extra services like aeration or leaf removal. In winter, most companies reduce visits to biweekly or monthly unless snow removal is needed.

Can landscaping increase my home’s value?

Yes. According to a 2025 survey by the UK Property Association, well-maintained landscaping can boost home value by up to 15%. Features like patios, outdoor lighting, and mature trees have the biggest impact. The key is quality and consistency-not just planting a few flowers.

What’s the difference between a landscaper and a gardener?

A gardener focuses on plant care-watering, pruning, weeding. A landscaper handles the full outdoor environment: hardscaping, drainage, lighting, irrigation, and design. Think of a gardener as a plant nurse and a landscaper as an architect of your outdoor space.

Are there any permits needed for landscaping projects?

In most cases, no. Simple planting, patios, and fences under 2 meters tall don’t require permits in England. But if you’re building a deck over 30cm high, installing a retaining wall over 1 meter, or altering drainage significantly, you may need planning permission. Reputable landscaping companies will know local rules and guide you.

Next Steps for Homeowners

Start by taking photos of your yard and writing down what you dislike and what you’d like to change. Then, get at least three quotes from different companies. Look for ones that specialize in your style-modern, cottage, naturalistic. Ask to see their portfolio and check reviews on Trustpilot or Checkatrade. Don’t rush. A good landscaping project takes time to plan and execute. But when done right, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your home.