How much does a gardener cost?

Maintaining a beautiful garden can be rewarding but time-consuming, especially with Australia’s diverse climate and landscaping needs. Whether you’re sprucing up a small backyard or managing a sprawling outdoor space, hiring a professional gardener can make all the difference. 

However, figuring out how much to budget can be confusing, given the range of services and pricing structures. This guide breaks down the typical gardening costs across Australia, from basic maintenance to large-scale makeovers. 

How much are gardening services in Australia?

When calculating gardener costs, consider the individual services you need. Note that some professionals have a minimum call-out fee for two hours of work.

Potted plants and flower beds can increase overall gardening costs due to detailed care needs. (Source: iStock)

What factors affect gardening rates?

It’s sometimes tricky to determine exact gardener prices. Here’s what may impact how much gardening services cost:

Garden maintenance vs makeover

Average gardener costs depend on the type of work you need. For example, garden maintenance prices include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and keeping the space tidy and under control. But if you want more detailed work, like planting or looking after flower beds, you need a garden makeover.

Job complexity

Some gardens have simple lawns that need occasional mowing. Others have endless rows of flowers bursting and blooming year-round, water features, and even greenhouses. The costs of gardening increase when you want several tasks done, like trimming and turf laying. 

Garden size and style

The more extensive the garden, the higher your expenses. Larger gardens take more time, meaning higher labour costs. They also require more materials – like soil, mulch, and fertiliser – which add up. You must adjust your budget accordingly if you have many trees and delicate plants.

Your location

The cost of a gardener depends on where you live. In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, expect to pay between $50 to $300 per hour. You might have to spend $40 to $220 per hour in Perth. Access to the property can also impact costs, especially if it’s difficult to bring heavy equipment like lawnmowers to your place.

Additional costs

You might want to improve your outdoor experience by asking a professional to paint your fences and install a patio or deck in your garden. The best way to avoid hidden or unforeseen costs is to talk to your gardener. Let them know what you need in detail. If you’re unsure how much it costs to turf a garden or install a specific patio, it’s best to go straight to the source.

Do some gardeners charge fixed prices?

Complex tasks like weed removal and soil prep can raise hourly rates. (Source: iStock)

Gardeners may charge fixed prices depending on the details of the job, like how complicated it is and what equipment and skills are needed. Gardening tasks with fixed prices include:

• Lawn mowing

• Planting

• Applying pesticides

• Tidying up or end-of-lease clearance

Beautify your garden with Airtasker

Overall, it’s wise to book a gardener regularly, not just when things are out of control. On Airtasker, you can find nearby professionals for garden cleaning, planting, pruning, or weeding. Their services will make your garden more delightful and manageable in the long run.