Gardener rates vary based on where you live and the gardening task you’d like them to do. For most small or recurring gardening jobs, they will charge an hourly rate. However, if it’s a larger job like a garden clearance, they are more likely to charge a day rate.

Our database of hourly and daily rates of gardeners across the UK gives you an idea of how much you’ll pay for gardening near you. Read on to find out the average rates for gardeners across the country.

Gardener hourly rate

Gardeners will usually charge you an hourly rate for jobs like mowing the lawn or pruning trees. The average hourly rate for a gardener in the UK is £27, but prices vary depending on the location.

You could pay anywhere between £17 and £47 depending on where you live, with the south of the UK usually having higher rates. 

Gardener day rate

Larger jobs, like garden clearance or hedge removal, may be charged at a day rate. The average day rate for a gardener is £199. You could pay as little as £122 or as much as £288, depending on where you live.

Take a look at our UK gardener rates table and find your nearest town or city to get a more accurate idea of how much you’ll pay a gardener. HaMuch has members across the country who display their rates so you can see how much they charge before you make contact with them.

Rates for common gardening jobs

Weeding

Average rate: £27 per hour

Average time: 2 hours

Average material cost: £0

If you want a gardener to weed your garden for you regularly, they will usually charge their usual hourly rate. You may find that it’s cheaper to ask them to prune your trees and shrubs or mow the lawn at the same time, as they may have a minimum charge. As long as your gardener arrives with their own tools, there should be no material costs. However, you may need to pay to dispose of your garden waste.

Garden clearance

Average rate: £330 per day

Average time: 1-3 days

Average material cost: £250 for soil removal/skip hire

Garden clearance is a big job, so gardeners often charge a higher day rate. Expect to pay at least £330 per day for up to 3 days depending on how big and how overgrown your garden is. If you need lots of soil removed, you may need to hire a skip, which can cost up to £250. Overall, a large garden clearance with skip hire could cost £1,240.

Plant shrubs

Average rate: £25 per hour

Average time: 2.5 hours

Average material cost: £60-100

If you want a gardener to prepare a bed and plant shrubs for you, this costs an average of £25 per hour. It could take them up to 2.5 hours, making the total labour cost £62.50. The choice is yours around which shrubs you would like to buy - small hebes or lavenders can cost as little as £5 each, while large hibiscus could cost £200. Speak with your gardener to see what they recommend for your soil type and how much sunlight the bed gets.

Your checklist for finding and comparing gardener rates

1. Identify your gardening needs

Before you start searching for a gardener, it’s important to understand exactly what you need help with. Are you looking for regular maintenance, such as mowing, weeding and pruning? Or are you looking for a one-off garden clearance to help you get back on top of things?

Having a clear idea of the tasks you need completed will help you find a gardener with the right skill set. Some gardeners specialise in specific areas, such as horticulture, tree surgery, or garden design, while others offer general services. Define your project before you start comparing rates to ensure you get accurate quotes.

2. Consider independent gardeners

Independent gardeners can often provide a more personal and cost-effective service compared to larger companies. With lower overhead costs, independent gardeners are often able to offer competitive rates, while still delivering high-quality work. They may also be more flexible with their time and scheduling, especially for smaller or one-off jobs.

It’s a good idea to ask about their experience and qualifications. Many independent gardeners have years of experience, even if they don’t work for a large gardening firm, and their knowledge of plants, garden maintenance and design can be invaluable.

3. Get multiple quotes and check reviews

As with any tradesperson, it’s important to get multiple quotes to compare prices and services. Aim to get at least three quotes from different gardeners to see what’s on offer. When comparing quotes, make sure to ask whether the price includes all materials, labour and any other potential costs, such as waste removal or bringing in extra equipment.

While price is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. Check online reviews or gardening forums to see what previous customers have said about their experience. Look for gardeners with consistently positive feedback and examples of completed projects that match the type of work you’re looking for. If possible, ask to see photos of their past work or request references.

4. Verify experience, insurance and qualifications

It’s important to ensure your gardener has the necessary skills and experience for the job, particularly for specialised tasks like tree surgery, planting exotic species or garden design. Ask about any formal horticultural qualifications they may hold, such as certificates or diplomas.

Insurance is also a key consideration. Make sure the gardener has public liability insurance, which protects you in case of any accidents or damage to your property. This is particularly important if they’ll be using power tools, working with chemicals or performing high-risk tasks like tree pruning.

5. Discuss payment terms

Always clarify the payment terms before work begins. Some gardeners will charge an hourly rate, while others may provide a fixed price for the entire job. For ongoing garden maintenance, you might agree on a regular monthly payment, which includes a set number of hours of work each visit.

Be sure to ask if VAT is included in the quote, especially if you’re dealing with a larger gardening firm. A written quote or contract is essential to avoid misunderstandings later. This should outline the agreed-upon tasks, frequency of visits (if it’s a recurring service), payment terms, and any other details relevant to the job.

6. Understand what’s included in the quote

A clear, itemised quote will help you understand exactly what’s included in the gardener’s fee. Some gardeners provide all tools and equipment, while others might expect you to have certain items on hand, such as a lawnmower or compost bins. Additionally, some gardeners may charge extra for services like waste removal, applying fertilisers or purchasing plants and materials.

Make sure you know who is responsible for supplying materials, whether that’s compost, mulch, new plants or other garden essentials. If you prefer to source your own materials, discuss this with your gardener beforehand, as they may have preferred suppliers or recommendations for where to get the best deals on high-quality products.

How to prepare for your gardener’s visit

• Make a plan for the garden: Before your gardener arrives, make sure you have a clear plan of what you want to achieve. Whether you need general maintenance or have a specific project in mind, it’s helpful to write down the tasks you want the gardener to help you with. 
• Organise access and parking: If your gardener will be bringing tools and equipment, it’s essential to provide them with easy access to your garden. Make sure there’s a clear path from where they park to the garden itself, and let them know about any access restrictions, such as narrow gates or stairs.
• Clear the work area: Before your gardener arrives, make sure the area they will be working in is tidy and accessible. Remove any garden furniture, ornaments or children’s toys that might be in the way. Clearing clutter allows the gardener to start work quickly and reduces the risk of damage to your belongings.
• Provide access to water and power: If your gardener needs to use power tools like hedge trimmers, lawnmowers or chainsaws, make sure they have access to a power supply. If they’re planting or watering, they’ll also need access to your garden hose or an outdoor tap. 
• Plan for waste removal: Discuss waste disposal with your gardener ahead of time. Some gardeners will take away green waste as part of their service, while others may charge extra. If the project is larger and involves landscaping or removing soil, you might need to hire a skip or arrange for extra waste collection services. Plan this ahead of time so there’s no disruption once the work begins.

By preparing for your gardener’s visit and following these steps, you’ll ensure that your gardening project goes smoothly and that both you and your gardener are clear on expectations. 

Ready to find a gardener for your project? Post your job on HaMuch now and connect with skilled local gardeners who can help bring your vision to life.

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