✓ Verified Google reviews·✓ Reviewed regularly·✓ Updated 29 May 2026
Written by Mark Reid,
Trades Editor ·Verified 29 May 2026
Derby's housing stock throws up an interesting mix of challenges for landscapers. Victorian terraces in Normanton and Pear Tree tend to come with long, narrow back gardens and heavy clay soil that compacts badly and drains slowly. Detached properties out towards Mickleover, Littleover, and Mackworth often have more space to work with, but they can bring their own complications: sloping plots, mature trees with established root systems, and lawns that haven't seen a proper renovation in years. New builds on the edges of the city, around Chellaston and Sinfin, are frequently handed over with nothing but a few inches of topsoil over compacted subsoil and rubble, so the ground prep alone is a serious job before any planting or turfing begins. Most Derby landscapers will offer some combination of garden design, lawn laying, patio and decking installation, raised bed construction, fencing, and seasonal maintenance programmes. Prices vary considerably depending on the scope of work, but a mid-sized patio using Indian sandstone in a garden of around 30 to 50 square metres will typically cost somewhere in the region of £3,000 to £6,000 fully laid, while a full lawn strip-and-returf on a standard plot might run from £500 upwards.
The businesses listed on this page were drawn from third-party public business listings and ranked primarily by review rating and review count, with a small additional lift given to businesses that have a working website and a listed phone number. We read through each business's homepage to confirm that landscaping is what they genuinely and primarily offer, which is how unrelated trades get filtered out before you see the results. Any listings flagged as permanently closed are removed automatically. A handful of businesses on this page carry a Trust Verified badge. That badge means the business has gone through our full verification process, which covers trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. You can find the complete list of what that involves on our How We Verify page. For any business that doesn't carry that badge, those checks haven't been carried out by us, and it's worth doing them yourself before you commit to anything.
Before you get quotes in, it's worth being clear about what you actually want from the project and what your soil and drainage situation is like. Ask each landscaper to visit the site before pricing, not afterwards. Get at least three written quotes that itemise labour, materials, and any groundworks separately so you can compare them properly. Check that the business carries public liability insurance and ask to see the certificate rather than just taking their word for it. If you're having any work done near drains, boundaries, or tree root zones, ask whether planning or building regulations apply to your specific plot. And don't pay in full upfront. A reasonable deposit is normal, but a staged payment structure tied to completion milestones is standard practice for larger jobs and protects you if things don't go to plan.
How We Select & Rate The Best Landscapers in Derby
Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count, pulled from third-party business listings, with a small lift applied to businesses that show a working website and phone number. We check each business's homepage to confirm that landscaping is what they primarily offer, keeping unrelated trades off the page. Permanently-closed listings are removed automatically. Businesses marked Trust Verified have passed our full independent verification covering qualifications, insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. See our How We Verify page for the full list. All other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always do your own checks before hiring.
Positions 1–5 (Recommended and Featured) may be paid placements. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →
M&J Gardens provides professional landscaping services across Derby from their base in the DE1 area. With a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from 108 verified customer reviews, they offer garden design and landscaping solutions for residential and commercial properties. The company maintains a strong local reputation for quality workmanship and reliable service throughout the Derby region.
Allprop360 provides comprehensive landscaping services to Derby and surrounding areas from their Chaddesden base. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 50 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality garden design and maintenance work. They serve clients throughout the DE21 postcode area and beyond, offering professional landscape solutions for both residential and commercial properties.
Cornerstone Gardens provides professional landscaping services throughout Derby, transforming outdoor spaces with expert garden design and construction. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 35 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Their comprehensive approach covers all aspects of landscaping, from initial design concepts through to complete garden installation.
Midland Dynamic Property Services Ltd provides professional landscaping services to properties across Derby and surrounding areas. Based in Spondon, the company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 30 verified customer reviews on Google. Their team handles various landscaping projects for residential and commercial clients throughout the DE21 postcode area.
M.I.W Patios & Landscaping provides professional landscaping and patio installation services throughout Derby. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 11 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Their experienced team specialises in transforming outdoor spaces with expertly designed patios and comprehensive landscaping solutions for residential properties.
RBL Landscaping provides professional landscaping services throughout Derby, helping property owners transform their outdoor spaces with expert garden design and maintenance solutions. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 7 verified customer reviews on Google, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
De-Fence Experts provides landscaping services in Derby, specialising in fencing solutions and garden improvements. The company maintains a 5-star rating from 6 verified customer reviews on Google. Their expertise covers various aspects of garden design and maintenance, helping property owners enhance their outdoor spaces.
Extenscapes provides professional landscaping services from their base in Derby, serving the DE22 area and surrounding neighbourhoods. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 5 verified customer reviews on Google. Their team specialises in garden design, construction and maintenance projects for residential and commercial properties across Derby.
Patternstone Paving LTD provides professional landscaping services from their base on Normanton Road in Derby. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship. They serve the Derby area and surrounding neighbourhoods with comprehensive landscaping solutions.
Garden King provides landscaping services to Derby and surrounding areas from their Chaddesden base. The company holds a 4.3/5 star rating based on 7 verified customer reviews. They offer garden design and landscaping solutions for residential and commercial properties across the DE21 postcode area.
Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears in those positions. All other listings are ranked by a combined score drawn from ratings and review counts published on third-party business listings, plus basic completeness signals such as a working website and phone. A Trust Verified badge means we have independently checked that business's documents; businesses without it have not been independently verified by us. How we verify →
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Basic garden clearance and turfing typically costs £15-25 per square metre, while complete garden redesigns range from £80-150 per square metre depending on materials and complexity. Patio installation averages £40-80 per square metre for standard block paving, rising to £100+ for natural stone. Getting two or three detailed quotes is standard practice, as prices vary significantly based on site access, soil conditions, and material choices.
What should I know about Derby's soil before landscaping?
Much of Derby sits on heavy clay soil, particularly in areas like Littleover and Chaddesden, which requires proper drainage and soil improvement before planting. Many landscapers will recommend adding sand and organic matter to improve drainage. Properties near the Derwent may need specific flood-resistant plants. Always ask your landscaper to test soil conditions before starting major planting or lawn work.
Do I need planning permission for landscaping work in Derby?
Most garden landscaping doesn't require planning permission, but you'll need permission for structures over 2.5 metres high or anything affecting drainage to neighbouring properties. Derby City Council requires planning permission for significant changes to front gardens, particularly if you're removing established hedging or trees. Your landscaper should advise on requirements, but check with the council directly for complex projects.
What's the typical timeline for a garden makeover in Derby?
A complete garden redesign typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on size and complexity. Simple jobs like new turf or basic planting can be completed in 2-3 days. Weather significantly affects timelines, especially during Derby's wet winter months when clay soil becomes unworkable. Most landscapers schedule major earthworks for spring and summer when ground conditions are more favourable.
Should I hire a landscaper or garden designer in Derby?
For straightforward jobs like lawn laying, fence installation, or basic planting, a skilled landscaper is sufficient. Complex projects involving significant level changes, drainage issues, or architectural elements benefit from a garden designer's input. Many Derby landscapers work with designers, or you can hire design services separately. Consider your budget and project complexity when deciding.
How do I verify a landscaper's credentials and reliability?
Check they hold public liability insurance (ask to see the certificate), and verify membership of professional bodies like the Association of Professional Landscapers if claimed. Visit recent local projects if possible, and contact at least two previous customers directly. Check their business is properly registered and trading legally. Always get detailed written quotes and avoid paying more than 10% upfront for materials.
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