Alastair Grant
Alastair writes for Top Rated Landscapers, with a focus on helping homeowners compare quotes and ask the right questions. Away from the desk, he follows county cricket through thick and thin.
Articles by Alastair Grant
Rotten Decking and Whether to Repair or Replace It
Rotten decking: how to tell if the boards or the frame have failed, when a repair makes sense, when to replace, and typical 2026 costs for both.
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How to Landscape a New Build Garden With Poor Soil
New build gardens often hide compacted subsoil, buried rubble and thin topsoil. How to assess the plot, what to fix first and what a landscaper should price.
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Landscaper or Gardener and Which One Do You Need?
Landscaper, gardener or designer: who builds, who maintains, typical 2026 rates, what training and insurance to ask about, and which to hire for your job.
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Patio or Decking and Which Is Better for Your Garden?
Patio or decking for your garden: typical UK costs, lifespan, upkeep, slipperiness in wet weather, sloping ground and which suits your plot.
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How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost and Is It Worth It?
Typical UK gravel driveway costs per square metre and by size, what a proper base needs, upkeep, and the pros and cons so you can decide if it is worth it.
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How Much Does a New Patio Cost in the UK?
Typical UK patio prices per square metre for concrete, sandstone, porcelain and block paving, what groundwork adds, and what a patio quote should list.
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How Much Does a Gardener Cost for Regular Garden Maintenance?
Typical UK gardener rates per hour, per visit and per year, what regular garden maintenance covers, what costs extra and how to check a gardener first.
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When to Scarify and Aerate a Lawn and What It Costs
When to scarify, aerate and top dress a UK lawn, how to deal with moss, what professional lawn renovation costs and when new turf makes more sense.
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Which Garden Fence Is Best and What Does It Cost?
Compare panel, closeboard, picket, composite and metal fencing on price and lifespan, plus the height rules and what a fencing quote should cover.
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garden Pond?
What a garden pond costs to build in the UK, liner or preformed, wildlife or fish, plus safety with young children and the electrics a pump needs.
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How to Plan a Garden Design Before You Hire a Landscaper
A clear plan saves money on landscaping. Work out what you need, when to use a garden designer, what it costs and which rules affect your design.
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