How much does it cost to hire a gardener? | 2024 cost guide

Believe it or not, professional gardeners don't charge a fortune for the services they offer and they can make your yard look fantastic. However, the final price you pay depends on the size of your garden and the kind of services you would like completed. If you’re looking to hire a professional gardener to help you with your gardening, we’ve provided a guide below to help determine the cost of your next project.

How much does it cost to hire a gardener?

Gardeners normally charge by the hour and can cost from $40 to $80 per hour. Expect any quote in the $40 range for basic jobs like weeding and pruning, while it may increase to $70+ with the complexity of the work. This depends on the type of task, their experience and skill set and also your location. Hiring the cheapest gardener is not always the greatest idea as it could cost you more in the long run. We recommend you get multiple quotes when hiring a gardener.

If you need some large gardening projects completed, like the removal of a large tree, an arborist would be a better option. Or if you need a retaining wall to be installed, you will need to hire a landscaper over a gardener as they won’t have the skillset or tools to complete the job. Gorgeous gardens undoubtedly increase their owners’ property value. Experts, real estate agents and garden owners agree that this is true and that gardening is a cost-effective way of increasing your home value.

Types of gardening services

• Garden edging

• Lawn mowing

• Weeding

• Garden lighting

• Removing rubbish and dead plants from your garden

• Planting of shrubs, plants or small trees

• Fertilising

• Garden shed building

• Trimming and pruning

• Garden consulting, advice and coaching

• Waste removal

How much do gardeners cost?

Your cost can be up to $60 per hour to have your lawn mowed once, but as little as $40 or $50 an hour if they do your mowing regularly, such as a fortnightly or monthly service. On the other hand, fertilising costs approximately around $80 for a standard-sized yard, while weeding and weed spraying can vary from $35 to $50 per hour. Tree pruning and hedging can cost around $60 and rubbish removal for a clutter-free space can be $55 per hour. You are more likely to be quoted a flat rate for your job after the gardener has visited your property and inspected the job required.

Keep in mind the above prices are just a guide and subject to the time the article was published — if you would like an accurate and up-to-date price, get 3 free quotes from local gardeners today.

Ask questions to the gardener

Before you hire a gardener, make a complete checklist of the tasks your gardener should perform. Also, make sure you ascertain if the gardener charges by the hour or charges for each task separately. When you are hiring a gardener or a garden maintenance service, make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• What range of services do you provide?

• Do you hold valid insurance?

• Can you provide a written quote?

• How long will my job take?

• Do you have references I can follow up?

Many gardeners work on an individual basis. Finding gardeners in your area by seeking referrals from friends, family and associates and calling each of them can be a tedious task. Get 3 free quotes from local gardeners today and be sure to interview potential candidates thoroughly, and view some of their work if possible. When hiring a gardener, it is important to ask about their experience and inquire as to their education.

Gardening FAQs

What factors determine the cost of gardening services?

You can hire gardeners to come on a regular basis or once-off, to tidy up your garden or take care of some jobs you can't do. Gardeners normally charge by the hour and the cost depends on: 

• The complexity of the work involved
• Your location
• The size of your garden
• The required material and equipment
• The gardener’s skill and experience
• Whether it's a one-off service or regular maintenance

Why should you hire a gardener?

Gardens can help increase the value of the property and can add value to the overall experience of a property. Many homeowners focus on making their front lawn visually appealing but allow their backyard garden to become overgrown. Some simple garden upgrades and landscaping will leave your garden looking neat and tidy. A wildly overgrown garden does not appeal to potential buyers. It looks like work! Trimming the hedges, painting your fence, cleaning the paving and adding some garden edging will drastically improve the overall look of your garden and give your property more perceived value. If you’re not up to the physical task, hire a professional gardener. Add a veggie garden and fruit tree to add even more value. There are many backyard trends happening right now that add value to a property.