Gardener costs: How much you might pay for outdoor upkeep

Whether you're planning a one-time garden cleanup or ongoing maintenance, knowing how much a gardener charges can help you plan your budget more effectively.

Prices can vary depending on the job complexity, your location, and the size of your outdoor space. Even the type of materials used, like mulch or fertiliser, can affect overall costs. 

This guide will walk you through the typical gardening costs, from hourly rates to fixed-price services, so you can confidently budget for your garden care.

How much are gardening services in the US?

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 the average gardener costs?

It’s sometimes tricky to determine exact gardener prices. Here are the four key variables that impact the cost of hiring a gardener.

Garden maintenance or makeover

Average gardening 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 labor costs. They also require more materials – like soil, mulch, and fertilizer – 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 California, expect to pay between $50 to $100 per hour. 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)

They might offer a fixed price if you only need a gardener for a small job. This will depend on the circumstances and details of the job. Set prices reflect how complicated the job is and what equipment and skills are needed. You have to consult a gardener to get a quote. 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.