Gardens take a lot of work. Even the lowest-maintenance gardens can get overgrown if they’re never looked after, leaving you with a big job ahead of you. Luckily, there are gardeners out there who can help you with garden clearance if it gets on top of you.

Read our guide to find out how much garden clearance costs, what’s involved and factors you’ll need to consider.

How much does garden clearance cost?

Garden clearance costs in the UK can vary depending on various factors, such as the size and condition of the garden, the amount of garden waste to be removed and your location. On average, you can expect to pay between £200 to £600 for garden clearance services, with higher prices in London and the south east.

These costs are averages based on the whole of the UK. In northern parts of England, Scotland and Wales, you may pay less than these averages, while if you live in London or the south of England you could pay more.

Factors that affect the cost of garden clearance

Garden size: The size of your garden is a significant factor influencing the cost of clearance. Larger gardens will require more time, labour and possibly additional equipment, resulting in higher costs.

Extent of clearance: The level of clearance required also affects the cost. If your garden is heavily overgrown with dense weeds, trees, or large amounts of debris, it will require more effort to clear, therefore increasing the overall cost.

Accessibility: The accessibility of your garden plays a role in determining the cost. Gardens with limited access, such as those with narrow pathways or obstacles, may require more time and effort to clear.

Type of waste: The type and volume of waste to be removed can impact the cost of clearance. Green waste, such as branches, leaves, and grass clippings, may be cheaper to dispose of compared to bulky items like old furniture or rubble. To save money, consider removing bulky items yourself or arranging for collection via your local council.

Where you live: Where you live has one of the biggest impacts on the cost of garden clearance. It may cost as much as £600 per day to clear a garden in London, while garden clearances in Northumberland have been known to cost as little as £175.

Additional costs of garden clearance to consider:

Garden waste removal

Once the garden is cleared, you'll need to dispose of the waste responsibly. Some gardeners may include waste removal in their cost, while others may charge an additional fee for disposal. You can also hire a skip or arrange for a garden waste collection service via your council. Usually a council garden waste collection service is in the form of a wheely bin, so if you have a lot of garden waste this may not be the best option.

Regular garden maintenance

After clearing your garden, you may want to consider regular maintenance to keep it looking tidy. This can include tasks such as mowing the lawn, pruning hedges and weeding flower beds. While this is an ongoing cost, it's essential for preserving the appearance and health of your garden.

Gardeners charge an average of £28 per hour for garden maintenance services.

What does garden clearance typically include?

Garden clearance services typically include:

• Removing weeds, overgrown vegetation and dead plants

• Cutting back and trimming hedges, bushes and trees

• Clearing leaves, branches, and other debris

• Removing any unwanted garden structures or features

• Disposing of green waste responsibly

Your gardener should tell you what’s included in their garden clearance service. If they don’t, make sure you ask so you’re clear on what to expect your garden to look like when they’ve finished.

When should I start clearing my garden?

The best time to start clearing your garden depends on the specific requirements and condition of your garden. However, spring and autumn are generally good times to tackle garden clearance tasks.

In spring, you can prepare your garden for the growing season, while in autumn, you can tidy up before winter sets in. Starting early allows you to take advantage of favourable weather conditions and ensures your garden is ready for planting or enjoying during the warmer months.

Does a tidy garden add value to my property?

Yes, a tidy and well-maintained garden can significantly enhance the value of your property. A neat and attractive outdoor space not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your home but also creates a positive first impression on potential buyers.

A well-kept garden provides additional living space, increases curb appeal, and can even contribute to a sense of well-being for residents. Some sources say that a garden could add as much as 15% to the value of your property, particularly if you install a garden room or office to provide extra space.

However, we always think it’s best to consider the value a tidy garden will add to your quality of life as well as the value of your property. The housing market is volatile and buyer preferences change all the time, so think of your garden as an investment in you and your family.

Can I clear my garden myself?

While it's possible to clear your garden yourself, it can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task, especially if your garden is large or particularly overgrown.

Additionally, you may not have access to the necessary equipment or expertise required for efficient clearance. Hiring a professional gardener is always best to ensure the job is done properly and safely.

Can you complain about a neighbour's overgrown garden?

If your neighbour's overgrown garden is causing a nuisance or affecting your enjoyment of your property, you may have grounds to make a complaint. It’s unlikely that a slightly overgrown garden will be enough to allow you to take action against your neighbour.

However, it's usually best to approach your neighbour in a friendly and non-confrontational manner first to discuss the issue and reach a resolution amicably.

If this approach fails, you can contact your local council's environmental health department, who may be able to intervene and enforce action if necessary. Unless your neighbour’s garden contravenes the law, there won’t be much the council can do.

Ready to clear your garden? Post your job on HaMuch now to get quotes from reliable gardeners in your area.

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