COST GUIDES
Garden maintenance: Cost breakdown 2026
Updated 04/26
Struggling to keep on top of your garden? Professional garden maintenance can save you time and get your outdoor space looking its best again.
Read on to find out how much garden maintenance costs in the UK – it might be less than you think.
Fast Facts
Regular garden maintenance services such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming and weeding are usually priced hourly
The hourly rate of a gardener is on average £30
A professional gardener can carry out general tidy sessions in around one to two hours
You might need to hire a gardener for a full day if your garden is very overgrown
How much does garden maintenance cost in the UK in 2026?
| Cost provided item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardener | Per hour | £15 | £40 | £30 |
| Gardener | Per day | £120 | £320 | £240 |
| Grass cutting | Per hour | £15 | £30 | £25 |
| Hedge cutting | Per hour | £15 | £35 | £25 |
| Pruning | Per hour | £15 | £35 | £25 |
| Weeding | Per hour | £15 | £30 | £25 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
What is the average gardener hourly rate?
You can expect to pay around £30 per hour for a gardener to come and complete general maintenance
The tasks generally include hedge trimming, weeding and lawn mowing
However, there are several factors that usually determine your final garden maintenance price. Let's break it down.
Gardening services prices
Tasks like hedge trimming and tree pruning are more complex, and therefore cost slightly more. Let's look at the differences in costs.
Hedge trimming:
| Type of hedge trimming service | Unit | Cost +VAT - Low Range | Cost +VAT - High Range | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hedge trimming | Per hour | £60 | £120 | £90 |
| Hedge trimming at height (climbing equipment required) | Per hour | £100 | £140 | £120 |
| Hedge removal (small hedge, 2-4m) | Job price | £100 | £250 | £175 |
| Hedge removal (large hedge) | Job price | £250 | £400 | £325 |
| Hiring an excavator | Per day | £50 | £120 | £85 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
Hedge trimming could cost on average between £15 - £35 an hour
Hedge trimming at height costs slightly more, at £120 per hour on average
Removing a small hedge starts at roughly £100
Pruning:
General pruning can cost between £15 - £35 per hour
Tree pruning is more complex work, especially if the tree expert needs to work at height. Expect to pay between £420–£600 for a tree surgeon to trim a medium-sized tree
Do you need to remove a diseased tree? This isn't regarded as general garden maintenance. Instead, you'll need a professional tree surgeon to take a look.
Grass cutting
| How much does grass cutting cost? | Unit | Cost +VAT (Range low-high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential lawn mowing | Per hour | - | £30 |
| Residential lawn mowing | Per 100 m2 | - | £30 |
| Commercial lawn mowing | Per hour | £30-50 | £40 |
| Commercial lawn mowing | Per 100 m2 | - | £35 |
| Strimming | Per job | £15-110 | £62.50 |
| Gas cutting - large areas by tractor | Per acre | £10 - £40 | £25 |
| Last updated: May 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The cost of grass cutting services usually ranges from £15 - £30 an hour
Meanwhile, strimming costs around £62.50 per job
After more specialist lawn care costs? Read our dedicated lawn treatment service cost guide
Would you prefer to find out what weekly, every two weeks or one-off grass-cutting rates are? You're best off contacting a checked local gardener directly. They'll be able to give you an idea of costs based on the size of your lawn.
Get an accurate quote for garden maintenance near you
See available local gardeners in your local area, read customer reviews, and get in touch directly for a quote using our free mobile app.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Garden maintenance cost calculator
Another way to get an estimate for your garden maintenance jobs based on your garden size is to give our interactive cost calculator below a try.
Job Estimate Calculator
What affects garden maintenance pricing?
Garden size & layout: Larger or complex gardens (e.g. slopes, trees, rocks) take longer to maintain
Condition: Overgrown gardens require more time and possibly multiple visits
Labour: Hiring a team of gardeners may raise the rate but reduce job time
Season: Prices can rise in spring/summer due to higher demand
Location: Costs are typically higher in London or remote areas due to travel and living expenses
Some local gardeners will wrap these costs into your final quote, but not always. That’s why it’s important to clarify exactly what’s included.
If your garden is neglected and overgrown, it could take several visits to bring it under control. Once back on track, the best value comes from regular maintenance with weekly or monthly hire.
Hidden garden maintenance costs to watch out for
Other cost factors that might crop up include:
Waste clearance: If you're tackling an overgrown garden with lots of green waste
Skip hire: May be needed for large clearances
Equipment hire: Special tools, like rotavators, can increase costs
Minimum call-out fees: Many gardeners charge a minimum fee for small jobs
What’s included in garden maintenance services?
Garden maintenance is all about keeping your garden healthy and presentable. Garden maintenance jobs include:
Lawn mowing
Hedge trimming
Pruning
Weeding
General tidying
What's not included?
Sourcing plants or turf
Tree removal
Lawn treatments (such as fertilisation and weed control)
Tackling prolific growing plants (like Japanese knotweed, which requires a more specialist treatment)
Pest or disease treatment
Is professional garden maintenance worth it?
For many homeowners, the cost of garden maintenance is worth every penny. Here's why:
Saves you time: Frees up your weekends and keeps your garden consistently tidy
Expert care: Skilled gardeners know how to maintain plants, lawns and soil properly
Better results: Professional tools and techniques deliver a higher-quality finish
Prevents costly issues: Regular upkeep helps avoid overgrowth and expensive one-off clearances
Seasonal know-how: Gardeners understand what jobs to do and when
Adds kerb appeal: A well-maintained garden can boost your home’s value and appearance
Why use Checkatrade to find garden maintenance services near you?
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Start browsing for local gardeners near you
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Garden maintenance cost checklist
FAQs about garden maintenance costs
A landscaper will construct an outdoor area, whereas a gardener will come and maintain it.
Speak to your professional gardener before you hire them to find out if they include waste removal in their package. For big projects, you could consider hiring a skip.
Most homeowners book a gardener weekly or fortnightly during spring and summer, and less frequently in winter when growth slows.
Yes, regular visits (e.g. fortnightly or monthly) are often more cost-effective than one-off jobs, as maintenance is quicker and prevents gardens becoming overgrown.
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