How much does hiring a gardener cost?
Starting at £31 per hour on average
Updated on 19 August 2026
Table of contents
- Get the cost for gardening services near you
- Garden maintenance cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
- What impacts how much hiring a gardener costs?
- How often should you hire a gardener?
- Common gardening and garden maintenance jobs and their typical costs
- Frequently asked questions about garden services
Get the cost for gardening services near you
Browse different gardener rates in your area and select the one that fits your budget and needs.
Book a gardenerGarden maintenance cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
Whether you have a large back garden or a small courtyard, keeping it looking its best takes time, effort, and regular upkeep. If you'd rather spend your weekends enjoying your outdoor space than tackling lawn care and overgrown hedges, hiring a gardener can be a worthwhile investment.
This guide explains the average cost of gardening and garden maintenance services in the UK, the factors that influence pricing, and practical ways to keep costs under control.
Based on market research and Taskrabbit platform insights, you can generally expect to pay £31 per hour for gardening services.
Average cost for gardener services in major UK cities
Gardening costs vary across the UK, with labour rates generally reflecting local demand and the cost of living. The table below provides a general guide to typical hourly rates and total costs in different regions.
| City | Avg hourly rate | Avg invoice total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £45 | £154 |
| Manchester | £36 | £84 |
| Birmingham | £41 | £116 |
| Bristol | £30 | £80 |
| Reading | £36 | £125 |
| Liverpool | £35 | £117 |
| Milton Keynes | £50 | £138 |
| Edinburgh | £27 | £93 |
| Glasgow | £34 | £87 |
What impacts how much hiring a gardener costs?
If you've been collecting quotes and noticed a wide range of prices, you're not imagining things. Gardening costs can vary significantly, and there are several legitimate reasons for this.
The size and condition of your garden
The larger your garden, the longer most jobs will take. Gardeners will also consider the overall condition of the space when preparing a quote.
A regularly maintained garden is usually quicker and cheaper to work on than one that has become overgrown. Gardens that require extensive weeding, pruning, or clearing will naturally cost more because they take longer to restore.
The type of work involved
The type of gardening work has a significant impact on the overall cost.
Routine maintenance generally costs less, including;
weeding
hedge trimming
pruning shrubs
planting seasonal flowers
More specialised work usually costs more because it requires additional skills, equipment, or time, including;
large hedge reductions
garden levelling
irrigation system installation
patio or decking installation
The time of year
Spring and summer are typically the busiest times of year for gardeners. As demand increases, availability can become more limited and some professionals may charge higher rates.
If your project is flexible, booking larger jobs during autumn or winter may help you secure better availability and, in some cases, lower prices.
Individual gardener or gardening company
Hiring an individual gardener is often less expensive than using a gardening company because sole traders generally have lower overheads.
However, a gardening company may offer additional reassurance through larger teams, more comprehensive insurance, and the ability to complete larger projects more quickly.
Experience and qualifications
A gardener with professional qualifications, such as an RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) certificate, or specialist expertise in areas like horticulture or tree care, will typically charge more than someone offering general garden maintenance.
For routine jobs, a general gardener may be all you need. However, if your project involves specialist planting, tree care, or garden design, paying for additional expertise can be worthwhile.
How often should you hire a gardener?
For many gardens, a fortnightly visit during spring and summer is enough to keep lawns, hedges, and flower beds under control. As growth slows during autumn and winter, monthly visits or occasional seasonal tidy-ups may be all that's needed.
Larger gardens or those with extensive planting often benefit from more frequent maintenance, while smaller or lower-maintenance gardens may only require occasional visits throughout the year.
If you're unsure how often your garden needs attention, a gardener can recommend a maintenance schedule based on your outdoor space and the level of upkeep you're looking for.
Common gardening and garden maintenance jobs and their typical costs
The table below shows typical UK prices for common gardening and garden maintenance services.
| Task | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Grass cutting | £40–£70 |
| Fence staining | £150–£400 |
| Garden clearance | £100–£300 |
| Garden levelling | £1,000–£5,000 |
| General garden maintenance (large garden) | £150–£450 |
| General garden maintenance (small garden) | £60–£180 |
DIY vs. hiring a gardener
Depending on the type of work, hiring a gardener isn't always necessary. Routine maintenance is often manageable yourself, while larger or more specialised projects are usually worth leaving to an experienced pro.
When to DIY
DIY gardening may be a good option if the work is straightforward and you have the time, tools, and confidence to complete it safely. You may be comfortable tackling the work yourself if you're;
mowing the lawn and edging borders
carrying out light weeding and keeping flower beds tidy
planting flowers, shrubs, or seasonal bedding plants
completing basic seasonal tidy-ups
carrying out low-risk work using the tools you already have
When to hire a gardener
Some jobs require specialist equipment, experience, or extra manpower. It's usually worth hiring a gardener if you're;
clearing a heavily overgrown garden
pruning large trees or trimming tall hedges
installing patios, decking, or other hard landscaping features
levelling uneven ground or improving drainage
arranging regular maintenance to keep your garden in good condition
unable to carry out the work safely because of time, physical demands, or limited equipment
How to save on gardening services
Hiring a gardener doesn't have to be expensive. A few simple steps can help you reduce costs while still getting the work you need.
Book regular maintenance rather than one-off visits: A well-maintained garden takes less time to look after than one that has become overgrown. Regular visits can help keep both the workload and costs manageable.
Be upfront about your budget: Let your gardener know how much you're hoping to spend before they prepare a quote. They may be able to prioritise the most important work or suggest a maintenance schedule that fits your budget.
Compare quotes: Obtain at least two or three written quotes before making a decision. When comparing prices, check that each quote covers the same work and confirms whether materials and green waste removal are included.
Take on simple jobs yourself: If you're happy to mow the lawn, pull weeds, or carry out other routine tasks between visits, your gardener can focus on the more time-consuming work, helping to reduce labour costs.
Schedule larger projects during quieter months: If the work isn't urgent, booking larger jobs during autumn or winter may provide better availability and, in some cases, more competitive pricing.
Frequently asked questions about garden services
A gardener focuses on maintaining and improving existing outdoor spaces through tasks such as mowing lawns, weeding, pruning, hedge trimming, and seasonal planting.
A landscaper is more likely to carry out larger projects that change the layout or structure of a garden, including installing patios, decking, retaining walls, or drainage systems.
Many professionals offer both gardening and light landscaping services, so it's always worth checking exactly what's included before requesting a quote.
Yes, although it's worth checking your tenancy agreement first. Some landlords arrange and pay for routine garden maintenance, while others expect tenants to keep the garden in a reasonable condition.
If you're planning larger changes, such as removing trees, installing new features, or significantly altering the garden, you should obtain your landlord's permission before work begins.
Choosing a gardener isn't just about finding the lowest quote. It's also important to compare experience, reviews, and exactly what's included in the price.
When comparing gardeners, look for someone who;
has positive reviews or recommendations from previous customers
provides a clear written quote explaining what's included
carries appropriate public liability insurance
has experience with the type of work you need completed
communicates clearly about the scope of the work and any potential additional costs
Before accepting a quote, it's also worth asking whether green waste removal is included, who will supply any materials or plants, and whether additional charges could arise if the scope of the work changes.
