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

$65,000. That is what some London homeowners paid for high-end landscaping projects this year. If that number makes your stomach drop, don't panic. While a full backyard transformation can certainly hit those heights, the average landscaping cost in London right now is $26,050 CAD. Most local homeowners find themselves spending somewhere between $5,000 and $65,000 CAD. We have seen prices climb by about 6.5% since last year, so if you have been sitting on the fence about fixing up your yard, the math is not getting any friendlier. Whether you are looking to refresh a tired lawn in Old North or install a massive stone patio in Byron, figuring out where your money goes is the first step to not getting ripped off.

How Much Does Landscaping Cost in London?

When you look at that $26,050 CAD average, it helps to know what that actually buys you in the Forest City. A budget of $5,000 to $10,000 is generally what we call "curb appeal" money. This covers basic softscaping like fresh sod, garden bed edging, and planting some native Ontario perennials. It might even cover a very small gravel path or a basic pressure-treated wood garden gate.

The middle ground, where that $26,050 average sits, is usually a mix of "hard" and "soft" elements. You are looking at a decent-sized interlocking brick patio, a new fence, and professional planting. If you are aiming for the $65,000 CAD ceiling, you are talking about "resort-style" living. This includes outdoor kitchens, extensive retaining walls to deal with the slopes common in neighborhoods like Westmount, high-end lighting systems, and perhaps a water feature. In London, the biggest chunk of your bill is almost always the labor, followed closely by the cost of stone and wood.

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors will swing your quote one way or the other. First, the size and slope of your lot matter immensely. London has many older neighborhoods with significant grading issues. If a crew has to spend three days just leveling the ground or building a retaining wall before they even lay a single stone, your bill will skyrocket.

Material choices are the second big driver. Natural flagstone looks beautiful, but it is much harder to install and more expensive to buy than pre-cast concrete pavers from a local supplier like Fisher Landscapes. Labor is another major factor. The London labor market is tight right now, and skilled stone masons or horticulturists are in high demand.

Permits and inspections also play a role. While you don't need a permit for simple planting, the City of London is strict about fences and "accessory structures" like pergolas or large decks. If your landscaping involves changing the grade of your land, you might need a grading permit to ensure you aren't accidentally flooding your neighbor’s basement. Lastly, timing is everything. If you try to book a crew for a June start, you are paying peak-season premiums.

How London Compares to Other Canadian Cities

London sits in a bit of a "goldilocks" zone for pricing - it is not as cheap as the prairies, but it is more affordable than the high-growth areas of BC. For example, the average cost in London is $26,050 CAD, which is significantly higher than the $12,712 CAD average in Regina. This is largely due to the higher cost of living and labor in Southwestern Ontario compared to Saskatchewan.

Looking closer to home, London is actually pricier than Oshawa, where the average sits at $13,344 CAD. However, we are still a bargain compared to Kelowna, where homeowners are shellng out an average of $32,000 CAD for their outdoor spaces. Even Windsor, just down the 401, has seen a massive 10.2% price jump this year, bringing their average to $15,725 CAD. London's 6.5% increase is steady, reflecting a city that is growing but not quite hitting the hyper-inflation levels seen in some border towns or mountain retreats.

How to Save Money on Landscaping

If you are worried about the budget, there are ways to trim the fat without ruining the look. First, think about "softscaping" over "hardscaping." Plants, mulch, and sod are much cheaper than stone and wood. You can create a beautiful, lush environment for a fraction of the cost of a sprawling patio.

Second, buy your materials locally. Using a London-based supplier like Heeman’s for your trees and shrubs can save on delivery fees and ensures the plants are actually hardy enough for our Zone 6b climate. Third, do the "grunt work" yourself. If you tell a contractor you will handle the demolition of an old deck or the removal of old sod yourself, you can save thousands in labor hours.

The best season to start your project is actually late fall or very early spring. Most people start calling contractors when the first tulip pops up in April, which is when prices are highest. If you can book a crew for a late October start, you might find more flexibility in their pricing. Also, be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true. If a contractor doesn't ask about the "Call Before You Dig" (Ontario One Call) service to locate gas lines, that is a massive red flag.

Is 2026 a Good Time for Landscaping in London?

Right now, the market is stabilizing after a few years of wild swings. The 6.5% year-over-year increase shows that demand is still high, but we aren't seeing the supply chain total collapses we saw a few years ago. However, labor isn't getting any cheaper. If you wait until 2027, you are likely looking at another 5% to 8% increase in costs.

The best advice right now is to get your quotes early. Contractors in London are booking up fast for the summer season. If you have a clear plan and a realistic budget, 2026 is a perfectly fine year to move forward. Just make sure you are checking references and ensuring your contractor is familiar with London’s specific bylaws regarding drainage and property lines.

FAQ

How long does landscaping take in London?

A standard project, like a new patio and some garden beds, usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. However, weather in London can be unpredictable. A rainy week in June can easily push a 10-day project into a 20-day project because crews cannot lay base material in the mud.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in London?

You generally don't need a permit for gardens, paths, or small patios. However, you do need a permit for fences over 7 feet, any deck over 2 feet off the ground, or if you are significantly changing the "grade" (slope) of your yard. Always check with the City of London building department first.

What are the best plants for a London backyard?

Stick with native species that can handle our humid summers and cold winters. Serviceberry trees, Purple Coneflowers, and various ornamental grasses do very well here. They require less water once established, which saves you money on your London Hydro bill in the long run.

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