Landscaping in Belfast, Lisburn & Surrounding Areas

Landscaping is all about the shape and flow of your outdoor space.

This can mean many things, from planting to pergolas, boundary fences & hedges to the paths that get you around the garden or those special areas where you can relax and watch the world go by.

At SC Gardening we specialise in no-nonsense simple landscaping services for homes and businesses throughout Belfast, Lisburn and surrounding areas. We work with wood and natural gravels and barks to improve, repair or reimagine your garden.

Because we do not carry out cement-based work such as patios or stone edging, we are generally able to provide you with a quote and then carry out the work within 4-6 weeks.

The landscaping services we offer are: Low Maintenance Garden Beds; Fencing & Trellis Installation & Repair; Raised Beds & Sleeper Work; Decorative Gravel Paths & Driveways; Hedge Planting; Wildflower Meadows; Lawn Repair & Establishment.

For more information on our landscaping services, either to create something new in your garden or to repair or replace an existing feature, please get in touch.

Fencing & Trellis

We currently offer fence repair and replacement services as well as new fence installation. Treated timber is always used with a choice of 4 installation styles – Post & Rail, Vertical Boards, Horizontal boards and Fence Panels. We also install open square trellis. Gates can be added to any of these options as required.

Fences are a the go-to option when you are looking for a low maintenance boundary for privacy or protection. Fences are long-lasting, up to 20 years or more if maintained correctly. Fence repairs are often possible and a cheaper option.

Raised Beds & Sleepers

Sustainable new wood sleepers are a versatile product which look stunning and last well. Most commonly we use sleepers to construct raised beds, either for decorative planting or for the ever-popular vegetable beds. Sleepers can also be used for low retaining walls, steps and as boundary edging.

Decorative Gravel Paths & Driveways

If you have natural stone gravel paths and/or driveways then they often need topping up or refreshing with new stones. We can supply and spread out a variety of different decorative gravels. New paths can also be constructed. “Soft” paths of bark are also much more popular these days and work well in more informal gardens. We use 2” thick treated wood for edging, if required as it looks good and is long lasting.

Hedge Planting

Hedges are one of the best ways of providing a “soft” boundary to your garden. There are endless choices but Beech, Laurel, Hawthorn and Privet are always popular. Best planted over winter when they will establish well without the need for watering.

Wildflowers

Wildflower meadows are really something special. Great for a burst of colour and great also for wildlife they’re a win-win addition to your garden. We recommend annual sowings of wildflowers for ongoing summer colour. This means preparing the meadow over winter and then sowing out in spring of the year in which you want flowers. There are always a variety of flowers in meadow mixes – be prepared to be surprised.

Lawn Repairs

At SC Gardening we specialise in lawn repairs – either resowing small areas or topdressing, feeding and overseeding already established lawns. This approach is much cheaper than starting a new lawn from scratch, and the results are impressive and long-lasting.

Landscaping FAQ’s

How much will my landscaping project cost?

This will depend on what your landscaping requires, both in terms of size and materials. That said, due to the cost of materials, most landscaping projects will cost from £1000 upwards. Whatever the cost we will provide a fixed price quote for your job that will set out clearly how we will fulfil your requirements.

Do you provide a design service?

We specialise in smaller scale landscaping work that either changes an existing section of your garden, or adds something new, or repairs/refreshes what is already in your garden. For this reason, a design is not necessary. We will consult with you on what you want then provide a video quote describing the work to be carried out. Any materials (decorative stones / wood edging / plants) can be decided upon and confirmed with images and / or samples.

How long will it take to complete my landscaping work?

This will depend on the size of the job. Simple fixes like fence repairs and decorative gravel top ups can often be done in one day. Large jobs will take longer, but most work can be completed within a week to ten days.

What is the best kind of hedge to plant?

This depends on what you want it for, and your own style. For a fast growing hedge that will provide a good all year round screen then Cherry & Portuguese Laurel work very well. Beech is a wonderful hedge for year round interest and a more natural native look. Hawthorn is always a popular choice, especially in the country. Or you could go for something different like a Wild Rose hedge. Let us know what you want and we’ll help you decide.

Where is the best place in my garden to sow wildflowers?

Somewhere sunny! Though there are now seed mixes available for more shaded areas, we generally advise, for the best show of flowers, that you choose a sunny spot. Good drainage is also important. It is also a good idea to pick somewhere a little out of the way as the area can get quite wild and weedy once the main flowering is over.

Can you really get the work done within 4 – 6 weeks?

Yes. Because we concentrate a lot of our landscaping work over the winter months, when we aren’t so busy with regular garden maintenance, we can move quickly on your project. Also, we will only take on your work if we can complete it within the time you want it done.

When is the best time to carry out a lawn repair?

The two best times are in Spring and Autumn. These times have the best mix of heat and rainfall for germinating seed. That said, you can generally sow out grass in Northern Ireland at any time of year and it will grow, it just might need a little more aftercare.

How long does timber fencing last?

You should expect to get at least twenty years out of a timber fence. Though there may need to be minor repairs within that, all the wood we use is pressure treated with preservatives and will often last even longer.

Why do you only use new wood sleepers?

We use new wood sleepers as they look great and are sustainable – that is they are manufactured from trees that are being replaced as they are cut down. Also, though old railway sleepers have been popular in the past, they are often full of toxins that can leech out and so make them unsuitable for use in a home garden.

What is the best decorative gravel to use for my paths and driveway?

There are a variety of choices that work well. Golden flint is always popular. Pink Pebble works well and costs less. Donegal quartz is very hard wearing and brightens up any home. Then there are some very good natural stone budget options. All stone is sourced locally so there is no problem having a look at the choices available before deciding.