Hedges are great for our gardens. They can help mark a boundary, give us privacy and provide food and shelter for wildlife. But sometimes we need them removed.

Whether your hedge has got too big for the space, it’s become diseased or you simply want to change your garden’s look, a gardener can help you remove your hedge. But how much will it cost?

Read on to find out how much hedge removal costs and what’s involved in the process.

How much does it cost to remove a hedge?

Hedge removal costs can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the size of the hedge, its type, accessibility and your location in the UK. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between £150 to £500 for hedge removal. This cost typically includes labour, equipment hire and disposal fees.

These costs are based on averages from across the UK. At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily rates for tradespeople to give you estimates based on your local area. For a more accurate price for hedge removal in your nearest town or city, take a look at our table further down the page.

Factors that affect the cost of hedge removal

Hedge size and type: Larger hedges or those with denser growth will require more time and effort to remove, therefore increasing the cost. Additionally, certain types of hedges, such as mature or thorny varieties, may require specialised equipment or techniques, which can also impact the price.

Accessibility: The accessibility of the hedge plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Hedges located in hard-to-reach areas, such as narrow alleyways or gardens with limited access, may require more time and effort to remove.

Root System: Hedges with extensive root systems can be more challenging and time-consuming to remove. If the roots have spread extensively or are intertwined with other plants or structures, it may require additional labour and equipment, such as an excavator. Excavator hire can cost between £50-£120 per day.

Location: Labour and material costs can vary depending on your location within the UK. Gardeners in the south east and London often command higher prices for hedge removal services compared to rural areas.

Other things to consider alongside your hedge removal

Garden waste removal

Once the hedge is removed, you'll need to dispose of the green waste responsibly. Some gardeners may include waste removal as part of their package, while others may charge an additional fee. Alternatively, you can hire a skip or arrange for a garden waste collection service, which will incur extra costs.

Landscaping

After removing the hedge, you may need to consider hiring a landscaper to help you with tasks such as levelling the ground or installing new landscaping features such as a pond or BBQ area. These additional tasks will add to the overall cost of hedge removal, so it's essential to factor them into your budget.

Garden maintenance

Once your hedge has been removed, you may decide that you want to continue keeping your garden looking neat and tidy. Hiring a gardener to carry out regular garden maintenance, such as planting shrubs, mowing the lawn or weeding, will ensure your garden always looks its best whenever you want to sit out and enjoy it.

Can I remove a hedge myself?

Of course you can remove a hedge yourself, but it's an extremely labour-intensive and potentially hazardous task, especially for larger hedges or those with extensive root systems. Additionally, you may not have access to the necessary equipment or expertise required for safe and efficient removal. It’s always best to hire a professional gardener to ensure the job is done properly and safely.

How long does it take to remove a hedge?

The time taken to remove a hedge depends on various factors such as its size, type, and complexity of the root system. A small hedge may be removed in a few hours, while larger or more challenging hedges may take a day or more to complete.

Make sure you get a range of quotes from gardeners and ask for their opinion on how long it will take to remove to get an accurate estimate of the time required for your specific hedge.

What time of year is best to remove a hedge?

The best time of year to remove a hedge is autumn and very early spring, as most plants are dormant during this period. Removing the hedge during these seasons minimises the risk of disturbing nesting birds and reduces the likelihood of regrowth. However, hedge removal can be carried out at any time of year, depending on your specific requirements and the type of hedge.

What to replace a hedge with

If you're removing a hedge and looking for alternatives, there are several options to consider:

Fencing: Installing a fence provides privacy and security and requires less maintenance compared to hedges. Wooden fencing is one of the most popular options, but composite fencing is becoming more widespread and needs even less maintenance. Fencers charge £28 per hour on average to install a fence, though this varies by location.

Trees: Planting trees along the boundary can create a natural barrier and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. However, it’s important to choose the right size tree to plant along your boundary, as they take a long time to grow. If you’re looking for immediate privacy, shrubs may be more suitable.

Shrubs: Opting for low-growing shrubs or ornamental plants can still provide privacy while adding colour and texture to your garden. Choose an evergreen variety if you want privacy all year round.

Living walls: Living walls, sometimes called green walls, can be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hedges, especially in urban areas with limited garden space. They can be constructed up a brick wall or fence using wall shrubs and climbers to create a fantastic-looking green screen.

Alternatives to hedge removal

If you're not ready to part with your hedge entirely, there are alternatives to consider:

Hedge trimming: Regular trimming can help manage the size and shape of your hedge, keeping it neat and tidy without the need for complete removal. Hiring a gardener to help with pruning will keep your hedge under control so you can still reap the privacy and wildlife benefits without the hassle of it getting too big.

Hedge renovation: If your hedge is overgrown or in poor condition, professional renovation techniques such as rejuvenation pruning can revitalise its health and appearance. A gardener may be able to help with this, but you may need to research specialist hedge rejuvenators to find someone with the right experience.

Hedge relocation: If you're redesigning your garden, you may be able to relocate the hedge to a different area rather than removing it entirely. If you want to relocate your hedge, it’s best to do this in late autumn to early spring when the hedge is completely dormant.

If you’re looking to have your hedge removed, post your job on HaMuch. We’ll send it to gardeners in your local area who will be happy to give you a quote.

Estimates for common gardener jobs;

Rates for other trades