Top 10 Best Landscaping Companies in Folkestone and Hythe

Landscaping in a Unique Coastal Setting

Folkestone and Hythe enjoy some of the most attractive natural surroundings in Kent. The Leas clifftop promenade, the Lower Leas Coastal Park, the Royal Military Canal and the rolling Kent Downs all showcase the region's landscape. For homeowners and businesses, however, coastal conditions bring challenges. Strong winds, salt spray, free-draining chalk soils in some areas and heavier clays in others influence which plants will thrive and how hard landscaping should be built.

The landscaping companies and networks below were selected for design quality, horticultural expertise, construction standards and experience with residential, commercial and public spaces.

Hard Landscaping and Soft Landscaping

Hard landscaping includes patios, paths, driveways, walls, decking, pergolas and water features. Soft landscaping covers lawns, planting schemes, hedges and trees. The best landscapers balance both, creating spaces that are practical, attractive and suited to local conditions.

The Top 10 Landscaping Companies and Networks

1. idverde

idverde is one of the UK's largest landscaping and grounds maintenance companies, working with local authorities, housing providers and commercial clients. Its expertise covers parks, open spaces and landscape construction.

2. Glendale

Glendale provides grounds maintenance, arboriculture and landscape services for public and private clients. It is known for managing parks, cemeteries and green spaces with a focus on biodiversity.

3. Tivoli

Tivoli delivers grounds maintenance and landscaping for councils, housing associations and commercial estates, offering services from grass cutting to tree care and sports turf management.

4. Nurture Landscapes

Nurture Landscapes specialises in commercial grounds maintenance and landscape improvements for business parks, retail sites and residential estates across the south east.

5. Ground Control

Ground Control provides landscaping, grounds maintenance and environmental services for commercial and public clients, including winter gritting and biodiversity enhancement.

6. Frosts Landscape Construction

Frosts is known for landscape construction and maintenance, delivering high-quality hard and soft landscaping for commercial, residential and public projects.

7. Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscapers

Marshalls maintains a register of landscapers who are vetted and inspected for quality. Homeowners seeking patios, driveways and garden transformations can use the register to find trusted local installers.

8. BALI Members

The British Association of Landscape Industries represents professional landscapers who meet strict standards. BALI members in the district cover everything from garden design to large-scale landscape construction.

9. Greensleeves Lawn Care

Greensleeves offers professional lawn treatment programmes including feeding, weed control, scarification and aeration through local franchise operators, helping lawns cope with dry chalky soils and coastal winds.

10. Complete Weed Control

Complete Weed Control provides specialist weed and invasive species management, including Japanese knotweed treatment, for residential, commercial and public land.

Landscaping Trends

Sustainable landscaping is a major trend. Drought-tolerant planting, wildflower meadows, rain gardens and permeable paving help manage water and support wildlife. Biodiversity net gain requirements mean new developments must enhance habitats, creating demand for ecological landscape design. Outdoor living spaces with kitchens, fire pits and garden rooms remain popular, reflecting how homeowners use gardens as extensions of the home. Low-maintenance designs appeal to busy families and retirees alike.

Choosing Plants for Coastal Gardens

Successful coastal gardens use windbreaks and salt-tolerant plants. Hedging such as escallonia, griselinia and elaeagnus provides shelter, while grasses, lavender, rosemary, sea holly and hebes thrive in exposed positions. Improving soil with organic matter helps retain moisture in free-draining areas. An experienced landscaper will assess exposure, soil and aspect before recommending a planting scheme.

Commercial and Public Landscaping

Businesses, hotels and public bodies in Folkestone and Hythe rely on well-maintained landscapes to create positive first impressions. Grounds maintenance contracts cover lawn care, planting, hedge cutting, litter picking and seasonal displays. Attractive landscaping also supports tourism, making the district's seafront and town centres more welcoming.

How to Choose a Landscaper

Review portfolios, ask for references and visit completed projects where possible. Check trade memberships such as BALI or the Marshalls register, confirm insurance and request detailed quotations covering materials, drainage and groundwork. Discuss ongoing maintenance needs so your garden continues to look its best after completion.

Driveways, Patios and Drainage

Hard landscaping in coastal areas must be built to last. Patios and driveways need well-compacted sub-bases, correct falls to shed water and materials that resist frost and salt. Natural stone, porcelain and quality concrete block paving are popular choices, each with different maintenance requirements. Front gardens converted to driveways may need permeable surfaces or planning permission to comply with drainage rules, which aim to reduce surface water flooding.

Good drainage is especially important on heavier clay soils found in parts of the district, where waterlogged lawns and flooded patios are common after heavy rain. Soakaways, French drains and rain gardens can manage water effectively while adding visual interest and supporting wildlife.

Garden Maintenance Throughout the Year

Even the best-designed garden needs regular care. Seasonal tasks include spring feeding and weed control, summer watering and mowing, autumn leaf clearance and hedge trimming, and winter pruning and planning. Many landscapers offer maintenance packages that keep gardens healthy and presentable year-round, which is especially valuable for holiday let owners and busy households.

Conclusion

A thoughtfully designed landscape adds beauty, value and enjoyment to any property. Folkestone and Hythe homeowners and businesses have access to national leaders and accredited local specialists who understand the challenges of coastal gardening. With the right partner, you can create an outdoor space that thrives for years.