Landscaper vs Gardener: Which Do You Need?

People often use the terms 'landscaper' and 'gardener' interchangeably, but they're actually quite different services. Hiring the wrong one can mean your project takes longer, costs more, or doesn't turn out as planned. Here's how to tell which you need.

What's the Difference?

Gardeners focus on maintaining existing gardens — mowing lawns, weeding borders, pruning plants, and general upkeep. Landscapers design and construct outdoor spaces from scratch or undertake major transformations. Think of it this way: gardeners maintain, landscapers create.

When to Hire a Gardener

You need a gardener if you want:

• Regular lawn mowing and maintenance
• Seasonal planting and bedding changes
• Hedge trimming and pruning
• Weeding and general tidying
• Advice on plant care and garden health
• Someone to look after your garden while you're away

Gardeners are perfect for ongoing care. Many homeowners hire them fortnightly or monthly to keep their garden looking good year-round. Prices in Birmingham typically range from £25-£40 per hour for a professional gardener.

When to Hire a Landscaper

You need a landscaper if you want:

• A complete garden redesign
• Patio, decking, or pathway installation
• Retaining walls or raised beds
• Drainage solutions or leveling
• Water features, ponds, or fountains
• Artificial grass installation
• Fencing, gates, or garden structures
• Major tree work (often working with tree surgeons)

Landscaping is project-based rather than ongoing. It's a larger upfront investment (£5,000-£30,000+ for full garden transformations) but creates lasting structural changes to your outdoor space.

The Skills Gap

Landscapers need construction skills — they work with stone, wood, concrete, and sometimes electrics for lighting. Many have qualifications in horticulture, design, and hard landscaping. Gardeners focus on plant knowledge, seasonal planting, and maintenance techniques.

Some landscapers offer ongoing maintenance packages after completing a project, blurring the lines. Similarly, experienced gardeners might take on small landscaping jobs like laying a simple path or building a raised bed.

Cost Comparison

Gardeners charge by the hour (£25-£40/hour in the West Midlands) or offer monthly packages. Landscapers quote per project based on materials, labor, and complexity. A small patio might cost £2,000-£5,000. A full garden redesign with multiple features could run £15,000-£50,000+.

What About Garden Designers?

There's also a third category: garden designers. They create plans and layouts but don't do the physical work. Some landscapers offer design services included in their quote. For complex projects, hiring a separate designer (£500-£3,000 for designs) then getting landscapers to quote on the work can be worthwhile.

Which Do You Need?

Ask yourself: 'Am I changing the structure of my outdoor space, or maintaining what's already there?' Structural changes = landscaper. Ongoing care = gardener. Major transformation then regular upkeep = start with a landscaper, then hire a gardener for maintenance.