Gardeners vs. Landscaping Services: Which Do You Need in the Algarve? (Expat Guide)
If you own a home in Portugal—especially in the Algarve—you’ll quickly discover that maintaining a garden here requires special knowledge of climate, soil, irrigation, and seasonal care.
But many expats aren’t sure whether they need a gardener or a landscaping service. The two are different, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time and money.
This guide breaks down the differences so you can hire the right professional for your Algarve property.
Understanding the Algarve Climate (Why Gardening Is Tricky Here)
The Algarve has:
- Long, hot, dry summers
- High UV exposure
- Mild, humid winters
- Salty coastal air
- Dense red clay soil
- Water restrictions in some municipalities
This means your plants and outdoor areas require:
- Consistent watering
- Seasonal pruning
- Pest control
- Drought-resistant plant choices
A professional is essential for keeping your garden healthy.
What Does a Gardener Do?
Gardeners focus on maintenance, not design or construction.
Typical Gardener Tasks:
- Regular lawn mowing
- Hedge trimming
- Pruning trees & shrubs
- Weed control
- Watering & irrigation checks
- Fertilizing plants
- Basic pest control
- Seasonal garden care
A gardener is ideal if:
- Your garden is already established
- You only need upkeep
- You have a holiday home needing regular maintenance
- You want a cost-effective solution
Price Range: €15–€30/hour (Algarve, indicative only). XpatHaven will connect you with trusted providers for accurate quotes.
What Does a Landscaping Service Do?
Landscapers focus on design, construction, and major garden projects.
Landscaper Services Include:
- Designing a new garden
- Selecting plants suited to climate and soil
- Installing irrigation systems
- Laying turf or artificial grass
- Building pathways, patios, pergolas
- Creating outdoor living areas
- Large tree planting
- Retaining walls & drainage solutions
A landscaper is ideal if:
- You’re renovating a property
- You’re building a new home
- You want a completely new garden design
- You need irrigation installed
Price Range: €500–€10,000+, depending on project size.
Gardeners vs. Landscapers — Key Differences
| Task | Gardener | Landscaper |
|---|---|---|
| Regular maintenance | ✔ | ✘ |
| Plant care & pruning | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garden design | ✘ | ✔ |
| Construction work | ✘ | ✔ |
| Irrigation installation | ✘ | ✔ |
| Seasonal upkeep | ✔ | ✔ |
| Holiday home maintenance | ✔ | ✘ |
What Expats Should Consider Before Hiring
- Do you live full-time or part-time? Holiday home owners almost always need regular maintenance.
- How large is your outdoor space? Larger properties may require both gardener + landscaper.
- Is your garden new or established? New builds typically need landscaping first.
- Do you need Algarve-friendly plants? Landscapers know which species thrive in salty, sunny, dry conditions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right professional ensures your Algarve garden stays healthy, beautiful, and low-maintenance—even if you live abroad.
Need a gardener or landscaper in the Algarve?
Book a hand-picked English-speaking professional here.