Gardener costs: What you might pay for a greener space

Hiring a gardener can make a huge difference, whether you're revamping a wild garden or just trying to stay on top of overgrown hedges.

However, it is vital to know how much a gardener costs first to plan and budget your expenses properly. Several factors affect pricing, including your location, the job’s complexity, and whether you need routine maintenance or a complete garden makeover.

This guide provides a breakdown of gardening and fixed-price services, which help make your outdoor space beautiful without overspending.

How much are gardening services in the UK?

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 are the factors that affect gardening prices?

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 in the UK depends on where you live. In London, expect to pay £3 - £10 more per hour than in the north. Access to the property can also impact costs, especially if bringing heavy equipment like lawnmowers to your place is difficult.

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.

Are UK gardener prices fixed?

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

Gardeners may charge fixed prices depending on the job details, 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.