Garden landscaping is designing and building an outdoor space as a whole, combining hard landscaping such as patios, paths, walls and steps with soft landscaping such as lawns, planting and beds, plus drainage and lighting, so the garden works for how you live.
If you live in Exeter and are weighing up garden landscaping, the starting point is a visit to measure up and talk through what you want, which costs nothing. We cover homes across EX1, EX2, EX3 and EX4, and a typical project of this kind in the South West lands somewhere in the £6,100–£15,500 bracket, including VAT. The exact figure depends on size, access and the finish you choose.
- Guide price
- £6,100–£15,500 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 1–4 weeks on site, depending on scope
- Postcodes
- EX1, EX2, EX3 and EX4
- Planning rules
- England
- Local area
- Devon
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
What should you budget for garden landscaping in Exeter?
In Exeter, guide figures for garden landscaping sit at £6,100–£15,500, VAT included. We set them using rates for the South West, currently about 2% above the national guide. The table shows what pushes a project towards either end of the range; your own price is set after a free survey.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Exeter |
|---|---|---|
| Garden refresh | Clearance, new turf, edging, bark or gravel and some planting. | £1,550–£5,100 |
| Typical garden makeover | A new patio, lawn, borders, paths and planting in a typical rear garden. | £6,100–£15,500 |
| Full redesign | Levels, retaining walls, large patios, lighting and drainage for larger or sloping gardens. | £15,500–£35,500 |
Your price depends mostly on:
- Garden size, access and the amount of clearance needed
- Ratio of hard landscaping to lawn and planting
- Drainage, soil quality and ground conditions
- Materials chosen for paving, walls and features
What’s included?
- Survey of size, levels, soil, drainage and access
- Layout plan agreed with you before work starts
- Groundworks, levelling and drainage
- Patios, paths, steps and edging laid on proper bases
- Raised beds, low walls or sleepers built to the agreed design
- Planting, bark or gravel finishing and outdoor lighting where included
Building in Exeter
Devon is known for cob and thatch cottages, especially in mid and east Devon, alongside granite on Dartmoor and red sandstone around Exeter. Exeter and Plymouth have Georgian and Victorian terraces, Plymouth's centre was largely rebuilt after the war, and seaside towns such as Torquay and Exmouth have rendered villas and newer estates.
Cob and stone homes need breathable lime plaster and render rather than cement. Victorian terraces suit loft rooms and window replacement, while post-war and newer homes often take extensions, rendering and roofline renewal.
If your house in Exeter fits one of these patterns, it helps us anticipate what garden landscaping will involve, though we always confirm the details on site.
Permissions for garden landscaping in Exeter
The notes below cover England, which is where Exeter sits. Rules change and every property is different, so we speak to the council before pricing your job.
Most garden landscaping in England needs no planning permission. Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order, or trees in a conservation area, need the council’s consent or notice before work; outbuildings and raised platforms have their own limits.
Building Regulations rarely apply to landscaping, though new drainage and garden electrics must comply.
Rules change and every property is different, so we check the planning history and constraints for your address before we quote.
How does the job run?
A visit to your home
We begin by looking at the job in person. During the free survey we discuss options, materials and budget for garden landscaping, and photograph or measure anything the quote needs to reflect.
Quote in writing
You get the price in writing, itemised so you can see where the money goes. As long as the specification stays the same, that is the price you pay for garden landscaping.
Booking the work
Next comes planning the work itself. We set a start date that suits you, line up the right trades, and make sure any approvals for garden landscaping are in place before the first day on site.
On site to finish
On site, the agreed plan is followed and any change is put in writing first. At completion we do a final clean, go through the snagging list with you and leave you with the relevant documents.
What you can expect from us
Common questions
What happens at the survey?
We visit your home at a time that suits you, look at the area involved, take measurements and check access, condition and any services that might be affected. We talk through what you want from garden landscaping, explain the options and answer questions. There is no charge and no obligation; afterwards we send a written quote.
How long does a garden makeover take?
A typical garden makeover takes around one to four weeks on site, depending on size and scope. Clearance and groundworks come first, then drainage, patios, paths and walls, followed by turf and planting. Larger or sloping gardens with retaining walls take longer. Weather can affect timings, especially for groundworks and laying turf. We give you a programme with your quote.
Can you work around existing trees and plants?
We can design around trees and plants you want to keep, protecting their roots from digging and machinery and keeping levels unchanged near trunks. Some trees are protected by tree preservation orders or conservation area rules, which require permission before cutting or significant root work. We note any trees and plants you want to keep at the survey.
Can I stay at home during the work?
In most cases, yes. Most people can live at home throughout, and we plan the work to keep disruption down by protecting floors, agreeing working hours and keeping access routes clear. Bigger jobs affecting kitchens, bathrooms or heating may mean a short spell with reduced facilities, and we talk this through with you at the survey.
How much does garden landscaping cost?
Landscaping a typical 50–60m² rear garden with a patio, lawn, borders and planting costs £6,100–£15,500. As a guide, allow roughly £90–£220 per square metre of garden plus fixed costs for clearance and set-up, with gardens that are mostly lawn and planting at the lower end and those with large patios, walls and lighting at the top. Slopes and poor access add cost. We confirm a fixed price after the survey.
Nearby towns
Live in Exeter? Our coverage takes in the EX1, EX2, EX3 and EX4 postcode areas and reaches out to Heavitree, Exmouth and Tiverton, so homes on the outskirts and in the next town along are included.