How much does it cost to level a garden?

Levelling a sloping garden helps reduce soil erosion and flooding while creating a more usable space for the whole family. It also encourages better plant growth for your flowers, shrubs, and lawns through a more efficient drainage system and healthier topsoil.  

Garden levelling costs £100 to £200 on average, but this could go higher or lower. If you want to know more about how much it costs to level a garden in the UK, this guide will help you save time and make your ideal garden come to life.

How much does it cost to level a sloping garden? It depends on several factors, and it's best to understand them to avoid surprises when hiring a garden designer.

What factors affect garden levelling costs?

Garden size and accessibility

If you want to know the cost of levelling gardens, it depends on their size. Indeed, a bigger land area would take longer to clean and require more manpower. In some cases, it might also require bigger equipment, such as bulldozers and excavators, which will be an added cost.

If you're in the countryside, transporting big equipment could be tricky. Potential obstacles, such as gates and fences, that affect the location’s accessibility must be addressed before the site visit.

Slope, soil, and terrain

Each slope is unique, and some can be more complicated than others. Steep slopes will require more time and materials than shallow ones. If trees, shrubs, rocks, and fences need to be cleaned, removed, or rearranged, they add to the project’s complexity. Excavating and transporting big trees and rocks could take time. 

With that in mind, you might need services from an earthmoving contractor. Moving trees, shrubs, and other hefty things in your backyard can increase your expenses. Expect to pay a maximum of £1,500, including labour costs.

Materials and equipment

Materials to fill up the land, such as dirt and topsoil, can affect the average cost. Quality topsoil is essential since the goal is to create a productive and bountiful garden. Besides topsoil, fill dirt is another important material in levelling your sloping garden. Although fill dirt is often cheap, the cost of transporting, digging, or removing it is another matter. 

Aside from dirt and soil, a retaining wall affects garden levelling costs in the UK. Concrete blocks are often pricey but sturdier than other materials. Breeze blocks are a cheaper option; however, they are more difficult to disguise. If your goal is to have a finish that matches the build of your house, house bricks and natural stone are good options.

Remember that the structure must be sturdy enough to withstand heavy rainfall and future wear and tear. Having to replace a retaining wall is expensive and inconvenient. 

Your location

How much does it cost to level land in the UK? It also differs per location. London and Southeast England often have higher rates for most lawn care services. Of course, bigger garden servicing companies might add a premium to their services than local, self-employed gardeners. 

What are the benefits of levelling a garden?

Levelling a garden protects your home from flooding, soil erosion, and drainage problems. It also helps make your existing lawn more usable by having a delightful garden space with proper drainage and suitable topsoil. A properly executed garden levelling project makes your lawn easier to mow and encourages plant growth through better water absorption.

Professional garden levelling

While you might be tempted to DIY and reduce the cost of levelling a sloping garden, hiring a professional will pay off in the long run because:

1. A professional knows the exact measurements of the slope and the thickness and specifications of the retaining wall to withstand years of changing weather conditions.
2. A professional has access to equipment such as bulldozers, bobcat machines, and excavators.
3. A professional knows the areas to protect from soil erosion and quickly source dirt fill and topsoil.
4. A professional can quickly test the state of soil quality in your land and encourage plant growth.
5. A professional knows the necessary permits and permissions for the project and can help you acquire them.

Posting a task for garden levelling

If you're curious about the cost of levelling land in your area, post a task on our platform and get quotes from professionals ready to handle all your garden-related needs.

After levelling your garden, Taskers can beautify the space further. You can connect with landscape designers and hedging service providers near you. Skip the hassle of scrolling through endless websites. With just one post, you’ll be ready to start your garden makeover project.