North East regional pricing

How Much Does a Landscaper Cost in Sunderland?

Updated prices for . Sunderland prices are typically 13% below the national average.

14 services priced
North East region
Updated

Price summary

Sunderland Price Summary

Service Low Average High
New Lawn (Turf) £435 £655 £1,045
Artificial Grass Installation £1,310 £2,440 £4,360
Garden Paving / Patio £1,220 £2,180 £4,360

Prices include labour and materials. VAT may apply. Based on North East regional pricing.

Full pricing

All Landscaper Prices in Sunderland

With a population of 277,417, Sunderland is in Tyne and Wear and landscaper costs here are 13% below the national average. Prices are based on real regional wage data from the Office for National Statistics.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

New Lawn (Turf)

Low

£435

Average

£655

High

£1,045

1-2 days

More details

Removing the old lawn or preparing bare ground, digging it over, levelling, adding fresh topsoil, and laying new rolls of turf. Price based on a typical rear garden of around 50 square metres.

~57% labour, ~43% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the area to be turfed
  • Condition of existing ground (rubble, slopes, clay)
  • Quality of turf chosen (utility, hardwearing, premium)
  • Whether old lawn or debris needs removing first

Artificial Grass Installation

Low

£1,310

Average

£2,440

High

£4,360

2-3 days

More details

Full artificial grass installation. The existing ground is dug up, a compacted stone base is laid, then a weed barrier and cushioned pad go down before the artificial grass is fitted on top. Price based on 30 square metres.

~20% labour, ~80% materials

What affects the price

  • Area size and shape complexity
  • Quality and pile height of artificial grass chosen
  • Amount of excavation and groundwork needed
  • Whether edging, drainage or a shock pad is required

Garden Paving / Patio

Low

£1,220

Average

£2,180

High

£4,360

2-4 days

More details

Digging out the ground, laying a compacted stone base, and fitting patio slabs or porcelain paving tiles on a bed of cement with filled joints. Price based on a 20 square metre patio.

~28% labour, ~72% materials

What affects the price

  • Paving material (concrete slabs, natural stone, porcelain)
  • Size and layout of the patio area
  • Ground conditions and amount of excavation
  • Whether steps, edging or drainage are needed

Garden Fencing (Panel)

Low

£700

Average

£1,310

High

£2,180

1-2 days

More details

Removing old fencing and installing new fence panels with concrete or wooden posts and bottom boards to stop the panels rotting on the ground. Price based on 10 metres (approximately 6 panels) of standard 6ft fencing.

~47% labour, ~53% materials

What affects the price

  • Length of fencing run
  • Panel type (lap, closeboard, featheredge, decorative)
  • Post type (concrete vs timber) and fixing method
  • Whether old fencing and posts need removing

Hedge Trimming

Low

£70

Average

£140

High

£305

2-4 hours

More details

Professional cutting and shaping of a garden hedge using powered hedge trimmers, including clearing up and removing cuttings. Price based on a typical front and side hedge up to 15 metres.

~97% labour, ~3% materials

What affects the price

  • Length and height of the hedge
  • Hedge species (privet, leylandii, beech, laurel)
  • How overgrown or neglected the hedge is
  • Access and waste disposal requirements

Tree Removal (Medium)

Low

£260

Average

£480

High

£870

Half day to 1 day

More details

Cutting down a medium-sized tree (up to 15 metres tall), chopping it into sections, and taking all the waste away. If the tree is near buildings or power lines, it is taken down in sections from the top rather than felled whole. Stump removal is not included.

~95% labour, ~5% materials

What affects the price

  • Height and spread of the tree
  • Species and trunk diameter
  • Proximity to buildings, fences and power lines
  • Whether a tree preservation order (TPO) applies

Garden Clearance

Low

£175

Average

£350

High

£700

1-2 days

More details

Clearing an overgrown or neglected garden including cutting back vegetation, removing rubbish, strimming, and disposing of all green waste. Price based on a typical rear garden.

~94% labour, ~6% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the garden
  • How overgrown or neglected it is
  • Amount of waste and disposal method (skip vs van loads)
  • Whether hard landscaping debris needs removing

Raised Beds

Low

£130

Average

£260

High

£525

Half day to 1 day

More details

Building and installing a raised garden bed including timber sleepers or brick, weed membrane, and filling with topsoil and compost. Price per bed, based on a standard 2.4m x 1.2m bed.

~28% labour, ~72% materials

What affects the price

  • Material (timber sleepers, railway sleepers, brick, stone)
  • Size and height of the raised bed
  • Number of beds being built
  • Cost of topsoil and compost to fill

Driveway (Block Paving)

Low

£3,490

Average

£6,105

High

£10,465

3-5 days

More details

Digging up the old driveway, laying a compacted stone base, and fitting interlocking block paving with edge borders and sand brushed into the joints. Price based on a 50 square metre double driveway.

~46% labour, ~54% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the driveway area
  • Block type and pattern (standard, tumbled, premium)
  • Amount of excavation and skip hire needed
  • Whether drainage or a soakaway is required

Garden Drainage

Low

£700

Average

£1,310

High

£2,615

1-3 days

More details

Installing underground drainage to fix a waterlogged garden. A trench is dug and filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that collects water and channels it away to a drainage pit or existing drain.

~50% labour, ~50% materials

What affects the price

  • Length of drainage run needed
  • Type of system (French drain, land drain, soakaway)
  • Soil type and water table level
  • Whether a new soakaway needs to be installed

Decking Installation

Low

£1,310

Average

£2,440

High

£4,360

2-4 days

More details

Building a wooden or composite deck including a strong timber frame, deck boards, and neat edge trim. Price based on a 15 square metre deck area.

~32% labour, ~68% materials

What affects the price

  • Decking material (softwood, hardwood, composite)
  • Size and shape of the deck area
  • Height off the ground and need for steps or balustrade
  • Ground preparation and sub-frame complexity

Garden Wall / Retaining Wall

Low

£1,310

Average

£3,050

High

£5,230

3-5 days

More details

Building a new garden wall or a retaining wall that holds back earth on a slope. Built from brick, block, or stone on proper concrete foundations with a waterproof layer and capping stones on top. Price based on a 5 metre long, 1 metre high wall.

~46% labour, ~54% materials

What affects the price

  • Wall length, height and thickness
  • Material (brick, block, natural stone, rendered)
  • Whether it is retaining earth (needs reinforcement and drainage)
  • Foundation depth and ground conditions

Planting Scheme

Low

£435

Average

£1,045

High

£2,615

1-2 days

More details

Supplying and planting a designed planting scheme for borders, beds or a whole garden including soil preparation, plants, shrubs and mulching. Price depends heavily on plant choices and area covered.

~4% labour, ~96% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the planting area
  • Plant species, sizes and quantities
  • Soil preparation and amendment needed
  • Whether a professional planting plan is included

Garden Design Consultation

Low

£260

Average

£525

High

£1,310

Half day (site visit + concept)

More details

An initial site visit and consultation with a professional garden designer, including a concept sketch or outline plan with planting and material suggestions. Full detailed designs cost more.

What affects the price

  • Designer's experience and reputation
  • Size and complexity of the garden
  • Level of detail required (concept sketch vs full drawings)
  • Whether a planting plan and specifications are included

Step by step

What's Involved in Hiring a Landscaping

Whether you want a complete garden redesign or just a new patio, hiring a landscaper follows a straightforward process from initial ideas through to finished outdoor space.

1

Think about what you want

Consider how you use your garden — entertaining, children playing, growing vegetables, or simply low maintenance. Take photos of gardens you like from Pinterest, Instagram, or neighbours' houses. Having a clear brief makes it much easier for a landscaper to quote accurately.

2

Get quotes from landscapers

Invite two or three landscapers to visit your garden. They will assess the site, discuss your ideas, and provide a detailed quote. Ask to see examples of their previous work, particularly projects similar to yours. Check reviews and whether they are a member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).

3

Agree on a design and specification

For larger projects, a professional garden design drawn to scale is worth the investment. It specifies exact materials, planting plans, and levels. For simpler jobs like a patio or fence, a written specification with agreed materials and measurements is sufficient.

4

Site preparation and groundwork

The existing garden is cleared, old structures are removed, and the ground is dug out and levelled. This is the messiest stage and often involves skips, diggers, and a lot of spoil being removed. Access for machinery and waste removal is planned in advance.

5

Hard landscaping is installed

Patios, paths, walls, fencing, and decking go in first. These structural elements need proper foundations and drainage before any planting happens. This stage takes the longest and is weather-dependent — frost and heavy rain can cause delays.

6

Soft landscaping and finishing

Topsoil is spread, borders are prepared, plants and shrubs go in, and turf is laid. Final touches like lighting, bark mulch, and edging complete the project. Your landscaper should provide aftercare advice, especially for new lawns and plants that need regular watering to establish.

Regional comparison

How Sunderland Compares

Average cost of new lawn (turf) across regions.

Sunderland
-13% £655
National Average
baseline £750
London
+24% £930

Local insights

What Affects Landscaper Costs in Sunderland?

The North East has a housing stock shaped by its industrial heritage, including Tyneside flats, pit village terraces, stone-built rows and post-war council estates alongside more modern developments. Sunderland has a broad range of housing from Victorian and Edwardian semis to modern estates and apartment developments, with many properties around Gateshead and Sunderland reflecting the region's mining and shipbuilding past. With a population of 277,417, it is a large town where landscaper costs are one of the most affordable areas. Older stone and brick properties with solid walls often need more involved work — artificial grass installation here averages around £2,440.

The North East is one of the most affordable regions in England for trade work, sitting well below the national average. Labour rates in Sunderland are around 13% below the UK average. As a large town with a population of 277,417, there is steady demand for landscaper work. The colder climate and exposed coastal conditions in parts of Durham and Middlesbrough can affect scheduling for external work. The larger population means more tradespeople operate in the area, which generally keeps pricing competitive. Prices still vary by 30-50% between different tradespeople, so getting multiple quotes remains essential.

What you pay for landscaper work in Sunderland depends on the property type, job complexity and materials. Tyneside flats with shared access and older stone terraces common in former pit villages around Hartlepool and South Shields can present specific challenges that push costs up. A typical new lawn (turf) in Sunderland costs around £655, while driveway (block paving) ranges from £3,490 to £10,465. As a large town that is one of the most affordable areas, Sunderland offers strong value for landscaper work compared to southern England. Material choices still make a significant difference to the total.

When getting quotes in Sunderland, aim for at least three from different qualified professionals. Ask each one to visit and assess the work rather than quoting over the phone. A good landscaper will check existing conditions, identify potential complications from older property layouts, and provide a clear cost breakdown. The larger population means more tradespeople operate in the area, which generally keeps pricing competitive. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly cheaper — they may be cutting corners on materials or quality. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.

Depending on the work involved, you may also need fencing (£85–£190), tree surgery (£130–£480), or paving & driveways (£3,050–£7,410) in Sunderland.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about landscaper costs in Sunderland.

Do I need planning permission for landscaping work?
Most garden landscaping does not need planning permission. However, you may need it for structures over 2.5 metres near a boundary, front garden paving that is not permeable (to comply with drainage rules), or outbuildings larger than 15 square metres. Listed buildings and conservation areas have stricter rules.
When is the best time of year to landscape a garden?
Spring and autumn are ideal for most landscaping work. Turf is best laid in spring or early autumn when the ground is moist and warm. Hard landscaping like patios and paths can be done year-round but is easier in dry weather. Planting is best in autumn when the soil is still warm and winter rain helps roots establish.
What is the difference between hard landscaping and soft landscaping?
Hard landscaping covers permanent structural elements like patios, paths, walls, fencing, decking and driveways. Soft landscaping covers living elements like lawns, planting, hedges, borders and trees. Most garden projects involve a combination of both.
How much garden maintenance will I need after landscaping?
A well-designed garden should match your desired maintenance level. Lawns need mowing every 1-2 weeks in the growing season. Planted borders need weeding and pruning a few times a year. Low-maintenance options include artificial grass, gravel, paving and evergreen shrubs that need minimal attention.
How much does a landscaper charge per day?
Most landscapers charge between £200 and £350 per day depending on location and experience. A labourer to help with heavy work adds £100-£150 per day. For larger projects, landscapers usually quote a fixed price for the whole job rather than a daily rate, which gives you more cost certainty.
Can landscaping add value to my home?
Yes. A well-landscaped garden can add 5-15% to a property's value according to estate agents. Front garden kerb appeal is particularly important for first impressions. Even simple improvements like a tidy lawn, clean patio, and new fencing make a noticeable difference when selling.
Do I need to be home while landscaping work is being done?
Not usually, as long as the landscaper has access to the garden, water, and somewhere to dispose of waste. Most landscaping work happens outside, so there is no disruption inside your home. Just make sure you agree in advance where materials will be stored and how skips will be positioned.
What is the difference between a landscaper and a garden designer?
A garden designer creates the plan — layout, planting scheme, materials, and style. A landscaper builds it. Some landscapers offer design services, and some designers project-manage the build. For a simple patio or fence, you just need a landscaper. For a full garden transformation, a designer's input is usually worth the extra cost.
How long does a full garden landscaping project take?
A simple patio or fence takes 2-5 days. A full garden transformation including paving, fencing, planting, and turf typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on size and complexity. Weather can extend timelines, particularly in winter. Ask your landscaper for a realistic schedule before committing.
How much does a landscaper cost in Sunderland in 2026?
New Lawn (Turf) in Sunderland typically costs between £435 and £1,045, with the average being around £655. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and the specific requirements of your property.
Are landscaper prices cheaper in Sunderland than London?
Yes. Sunderland landscaper costs are typically 13% below the national average, while London prices run around 24% above it. For new lawn (turf), you could save over £275 compared to the same job in London.
How do I find a good landscaper in Sunderland?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews, and ask whether the quote includes VAT and everything you need. A detailed written quote that breaks down all costs is a good sign. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.
What affects landscaper prices in Sunderland?
The main factors are the scope and complexity of what you need, the options and products chosen, and local market rates. Sunderland rates are 13% below the national average. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
Do landscaper prices include materials in Sunderland?
The prices shown on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.