How Much Does Landscaping Cost in London? (August 2026 Update)

$65,000 CAD. That's what some London homeowners paid for landscaping this year. It sounds like a terrifying number if you're just looking to fix up a small backyard in Wortley Village, but it's the reality for high-end transformations in the Forest City right now. Most people aren't spending that much. The average cost for landscaping in London currently sits at $26,050 CAD, with projects typically falling in a wide range between $5,000 and $65,000 CAD. Costs have climbed by 6.5% since last year, so if you've been sitting on a quote from 2025, you can expect the price to have jumped significantly.

Figuring out why your neighbor paid half of what you were quoted can be stressful. In London, the market is tight. We have a specific mix of older properties with drainage issues and newer builds in areas like Fox Field that require total grading from scratch. Whether you are looking for a simple sod-and-seed refresh or a full outdoor kitchen with armor stone retaining walls, knowing the local numbers is the only way to avoid overpaying.

How Much Does Landscaping Cost in London?

When you look at that $26,050 CAD average, you have to break it down by what you're actually getting. A budget-friendly project, usually landing closer to the $5,000 CAD mark, typically covers "softscaping." This means things that grow or move easily. Think fresh mulch, a few new garden beds, some privacy cedars, and maybe a small gravel path. It's a facelift, not a reconstruction.

If you move into the mid-range, you start seeing "hardscaping." This is where the money really goes. A typical London backyard with a new paver patio, some basic LED lighting, and a few larger trees will quickly hit that $26,050 CAD average.

At the high end - the $65,000 CAD bracket - you are looking at structural changes. This includes things like multi-level natural stone terraces, outdoor fireplaces, and complex drainage systems. In neighborhoods like Byron, where the topography can be tricky, these structural elements aren't just for looks. They keep your yard from washing away during a heavy August thunderstorm.

What Affects the Cost?

The biggest factor in London right now is the soil and the slope. If you live in an area with heavy clay, like many parts of South London, your contractor has to spend more time on "base prep." If they don't dig deep enough and use the right amount of crushed stone, your expensive patio will heave and crack after its first winter. You pay for the labor of digging and the cost of hauling away all that heavy clay.

Material choices are the next big hitter. Choosing locally sourced limestone from suppliers like Fisher Landscape Depot can sometimes save on transport costs compared to specialty pavers shipped from out of province. However, global supply chains still dictate the price of things like composite decking and specialized lighting.

Labor in London is another piece of the puzzle. We are seeing a shortage of skilled stone masons. Because London is growing so fast, many of the best crews are tied up with large commercial projects or new subdivisions in the north end. This demand keeps labor rates high.

Permits also play a role. If you're building a deck over a certain height or putting in a pool as part of your landscaping, you'll be dealing with the City of London Building Division. Permit fees and the time it takes for inspections can add thousands to a project if you aren't careful.

Finally, timing matters. August is a "squeeze" month. Contractors are trying to finish summer projects before the fall rush. If you want a crew to start right now, you might pay a premium for a spot in their schedule.

How London Compares to Other Canadian Cities

London sits in a bit of a "high-middle" spot compared to other Canadian cities. Our average of $26,050 CAD is significantly higher than places like Regina, where the average is $12,712 CAD (though they saw a huge 10.8% jump this year). It's also pricier than our neighbors in Windsor, where landscaping averages $15,725 CAD.

Why the gap? London has a more aggressive real estate market and a higher cost of living for tradespeople than Windsor or Regina. However, we are still a bargain compared to Kelowna, where the average project hits $32,000 CAD.

In Oshawa, the average is $13,344 CAD, which is nearly half of London's. This often comes down to the scope of work. Londoners tend to invest more in permanent outdoor living spaces, whereas other markets might focus on simpler lawn replacements. Seeing London's 6.5% year-over-year increase shows that demand here isn't slowing down despite the higher price point.

How to Save Money on Landscaping

The best way to save money is to plan your project in phases. You don't have to do the patio, the outdoor kitchen, and the gardens all in one summer. Do the "dirty work" first. Get your grading, drainage, and hardscaping done this year, and wait until next spring to plant the perennials and shrubs.

Another tip is to buy your plants at the right time. Most London nurseries start clearing out their stock in late August and September. If you can wait a few weeks, you might find trees and shrubs at 30% to 50% off. Just make sure you get them in the ground early enough to establish roots before the first frost, which usually hits London in mid-October.

Be your own project manager for the small stuff. You don't need a professional crew to spread mulch or plant small flowers. Focus your budget on the things that require heavy machinery or specialized skills, like laying pavers or building retaining walls.

Finally, get at least three quotes. A red flag in contractor pricing is a quote that is significantly lower than the others. In London's current market, if a quote seems too good to be true, the contractor is likely skipping the base prep or doesn't have proper insurance. Check if they are members of Landscape Ontario; it's a good sign they follow industry standards.

Is 2026 a Good Time for Landscaping in London?

Honestly, it's a tough year for the budget-conscious. With a 6.5% increase in costs, your money doesn't go as far as it did two years ago. However, the market isn't showing signs of a massive "cool down." Waiting until 2027 might just mean paying another 5% to 10% more.

The London housing market remains stable, so landscaping is still one of the best ways to add value to your home. If you plan to stay in your house for more than five years, the investment makes sense. If you're looking for a quick flip, stick to the lower end of the range to avoid over-improving for your neighborhood. Get quotes now, but be prepared to be flexible with your start date to get the best crew.

FAQ

How long does landscaping take in London?

A standard backyard project in London usually takes 1 to 2 weeks of active work. However, rain delays are common in the early summer, and getting on a reputable contractor's schedule can take 2 to 4 months of lead time.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in London?

For simple gardens and patios, usually no. However, if you are changing the grade of your land, building a retaining wall over 1 meter, or adding a deck, you will likely need a permit from the City of London. Always check with the building department first.

What are the best plants for London's climate?

London is in Plant Hardiness Zone 6b. Native species like Sugar Maple, Serviceberry, and Purple Coneflower do very well here. They handle our humid summers and cold, snowy winters much better than exotic varieties, saving you money on replacements.

Check the latest landscaping costs for London and other cities on LookupCost.com.