A soft landscaper specialises in the horticultural elements of landscape projects - implementing planting schemes, laying turf, planting trees and shrubs and establishing wildflower meadows. Where a hard landscaper builds the physical structures of a garden (paving, walls, water features), a soft landscaper brings it to life with plants. Many soft landscapers work from plans produced by a landscape architect or garden designer, while others develop planting schemes themselves. The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is the main trade body.
What they do
- Interpret and implement planting schemes from landscape architect or designer plans
- Prepare planting areas - soil improvement, mulching and weed control
- Plant trees including staking, guarding and aftercare
- Plant shrubs, perennials, bulbs and hedging
- Lay cultivated turf to prepared seedbed
- Seed lawns and wildflower meadows
- Install irrigation systems for establishment watering
- Carry out establishment maintenance - watering, weeding and replacing failures
- Provide ongoing maintenance programmes for established gardens
- Advise on plant selection for soil type, aspect and design intent
When you need one
A soft landscaper is the final phase of any garden project - transforming constructed spaces into planted, living landscapes.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Day rate | £250 - £380 / day |
| Turf laying (supply+lay, per sq m) | £15 - £30 |
| Tree planting (per tree, supply+plant) | £100 - £500 |
| Shrub planting (per sq m, supply+plant) | £20 - £50 |
| Wildflower meadow seeding (per sq m) | £5 - £15 |
| Annual maintenance contract | £800 - £3,000 / year |
Plant costs vary enormously with species and size - a semi-mature tree can cost hundreds of pounds before labour. Always ask for a bill of quantities that separates plant supply from labour so you can compare quotes fairly.
Qualifications to look for
The RHS Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Horticulture are the most widely recognised horticultural credentials in the UK. Level 3 is the professional standard.
Membership indicates compliance with industry standards and a commitment to quality. BALI members are regularly audited. Find members at bali.org.uk.
Vocational qualification covering plant knowledge, soil science and horticultural maintenance techniques.
How to find a reputable soft landscaper
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a soft landscaper and a gardener?
A soft landscaper implements planting schemes on new or redesigned gardens - working from a designer's plan to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and lay turf or seed. A gardener maintains established gardens with ongoing tasks such as pruning, weeding and mowing. Some professionals do both, but specialist planters and specialist maintenance gardeners develop different skills.
When should planting be carried out?
Most planting is best done between October and April when plants are dormant and establishment is easier - roots can grow without the stress of summer heat. Container-grown plants can in principle be planted year-round with adequate irrigation, but spring and autumn establishment is consistently more reliable. Bare-root trees and hedging are only available October to March.
Do I need a soft landscaper and a hard landscaper?
For a full garden redesign involving new structures, paving or levels, yes - the hard landscaper builds the structures and surfaces first, then the soft landscaper implements the planting scheme once building work is complete. Some landscape contractors offer both services; for complex projects separate specialists often deliver better results.