Landscaping and Finding a Landscaper
Planning a new patio, replacing a fence or making your garden easier to manage? This page explains common landscaping work, what to ask before hiring someone and where to find professional directories across the UK. Sixpence Support UK’s information is free to use, with no hidden costs. Independent landscapers charge for their work; agree their fees directly.
What can a landscaper help with?
Landscaping changes the layout, surfaces and planting in an outdoor space. Services may include garden design, patios and paving, paths, decking, fences and gates, lawns and turfing, raised beds, planting, drainage and ongoing maintenance. Not every contractor offers every service. Describe the work you need before requesting a visit.
Plan around your needs and budget
Think about how you will use the garden: somewhere to sit, space for children or pets, growing plants or easier access. List what matters most and what can wait. Ask about upkeep as well as installation. Natural grass, paving, decking and gravel have different maintenance needs. Discuss drainage and where rainwater will go.
Accessible and easier-to-manage gardens
Ask about step-free routes, suitable path widths and turning space, firm slip-resistant surfaces, manageable gradients, raised planting beds and comfortable seating. Design around the person using the garden and their mobility equipment. Loose gravel or uneven surfaces may make access harder. An occupational therapist may help identify practical access needs; specialist assessment may be needed for ramps or major changes.
Finding a landscaper
The British Association of Landscape Industries and Association of Professional Landscapers offer searchable directories. Use them as starting points, then check that the business has experience with your particular job. Ask for recent examples, references and relevant insurance. Verify any claimed membership with the organisation. Directory inclusion is not an endorsement by Sixpence Support UK or a guarantee of the outcome.
Compare written quotes
Try to obtain several written quotes for the same scope of work. Ask each contractor to include materials, preparation, labour, removal of old materials and waste, VAT where applicable, start and finish expectations, payment stages and how extra work will be agreed. Ask whether the price is fixed or an estimate. Keep a copy of the agreed design and specification. Avoid paying the full price before work starts.
Before work starts
Agree access arrangements, who is doing the work, how neighbouring property will be protected and how any problems will be reported. Ask the contractor to identify services such as cables, pipes and drains before excavation. Check with your council about permissions, tree protection or restrictions relevant to your project; rules differ across the UK. If you rent or have a leasehold property, check consent requirements with your landlord or managing agent. Confirm how waste will be removed lawfully. Do not assume every fence, deck or garden structure can be installed without checks.
If something goes wrong
Take dated photos, keep quotes, messages and receipts, and explain your concern to the contractor in writing. Set out what was agreed and what you want them to put right. Citizens Advice provides guidance on home improvement problems; use the advice for your UK nation. Sixpence Support UK can help put a letter or complaint into clear words through our free letter support service.
For England and Wales, use the Citizens Advice home improvements guidance below. In Scotland, use the Scotland-specific advice. In Northern Ireland, Citizens Advice signposts to local advice services and Consumerline for consumer problems.
Checked sources
Links and scope checked 3 October 2026. External services can change.
- BALI — Find a landscape professionalBritish Association of Landscape Industries member directory, with UK regional searches. Check the business’s services and claimed membership directly.
- Association of Professional Landscapers — Landscaper directoryProfessional association directory for finding landscaping businesses. Listings do not guarantee suitability for your project.
- Citizens Advice — Home improvementsConsumer guidance for England and Wales; use the appropriate nation’s advice.
- Citizens Advice Scotland — Before you get work done on your homePlanning home improvement work in Scotland.
- Citizens Advice — Advice in Northern IrelandSignposting to Northern Ireland advice services, including Consumerline for consumer problems.