Garden levelling cost: Average prices & factors to plan your budget

Did you know that 78% of British adults have access to a private garden? With outdoor space being such a precious commodity, it makes sense to ensure every square metre works properly for your lifestyle. Unfortunately, many gardens waste valuable potential due to slopes, bumps, and drainage issues that make them difficult to use or maintain effectively.

Whether you're dealing with minor undulations or significant slopes, garden levelling costs between £100 and £ 6,000, depending on complexity. 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 garden levelling cost?

Here's what you can expect to invest in your garden transformation. Keep in mind that every garden is unique, so these ranges give you a solid starting point for budgeting conversations with potential Taskers.

Just note that the costs vary based on location, soil conditions, and project complexity. Want to save more? Since you've already got the machinery on-site and your landscaper's workflow sorted, adding related projects like lawn repair, garden decking, or even tree pruning can save you 15-30% compared to separate projects.

Factors affecting garden levelling costs

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

Person using a lawn roller to level soil in a backyard (Source: iStock)

Garden size and accessibility

Garden size and accessibility are your biggest cost factors. Larger spaces need more soil, longer work hours, and potentially heavy machinery like bobcats or excavators that can add $300-600 per day to your project. If you’re out in the sticks, factor in extra time and cost for transporting big gear, too.

Got narrow gates, steep driveways, or tight corners? Poor access can slow everything down. Your landscaper might have to hand-carry soil, use wheelbarrows instead of diggers, or hire compact machinery.

Slope, soil, and terrain

If your garden's on a slight slope (under 15 degrees), you’ll probably just need some grading and fill dirt. However, steeper slopes often mean major excavation, more soil to move, and retaining walls costing $30-300 per linear metre, depending on materials.

More importantly, the soil type in your area can affect your final bill. For instance, sandy soil shifts easily, but it does need proper stabilisation to prevent erosion. Got clay or rocky ground? That’s another serious work requiring specialised equipment and potentially double the labour hours. 

If there are trees, shrubs, rocks, and fences that need to be cleaned, removed, or rearranged, they add to the project’s complexity. Excavating and transporting big trees and rocks could take time. You might need services from an earthmoving contractor. 

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 Australia. 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

Where you live can make a big difference to how much you spend on garden levelling, so it is worth thinking about early. If you are in a regional or rural area, getting the right equipment on site might cost more, especially if big machines like excavators need to travel a long way.

Living in a busy city can mean higher labour rates too. For instance, landscapers in big metro areas often charge more because of demand and extra business costs. Even your local weather and soil conditions can play a part. For example, if your area gets lots of rain or floods easily, you may need extra drainage work to keep your new level yard in good shape.

Before you start, consider what makes your location unique. Getting a few local quotes will help you see what you are really up for and avoid any last-minute surprises.

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.

Smooth, freshly levelled lawn at sunset (Source: iStock)

Posting a task for garden levelling

Smart homeowners know that garden levelling is one of the best bang-for-buck improvements you can make. Not only does it solve practical problems like drainage and usability, but it can add serious value to your property. A well-executed levelling project often pays for itself through increased land value and reduced maintenance headaches.

Don't let a sloped garden hold back your property's potential! Post a task on Airtasker and discover how affordable professional garden levelling can be when local landscapers compete for your project with transparent pricing and proven results.