How much does hedge trimming cost in Australia?

Hedge trimming services can make all the difference when you want tall hedges to add some privacy, protection, or appeal to your garden. However, keeping your hedges at bay can be labour-intensive, especially if you’re short of time. Hiring a gardening specialist can help save your day.

Hedge cutting prices start from $50 for a 1-metre by 2-metre hedge, and can rise to $1,055 for bigger hedge trimming jobs. This can get tricky, especially if it’s your first time booking a service.

Skip complicated hedge trimming cost calculators, whether you are preparing your space for the summer or just want to fix an overly grown hedge. Read on to learn more about how much it costs to have hedges trimmed:

What are the average hedge trimming costs in Australia?

If you live in larger cities, you need a larger budget due to higher operating costs. Here’s a list of hedge trimming prices per area based on Tasker listings:

What factors affect hedge trimming costs?

Several factors affect the on-site average cost of professional hedge trimming and gardening services:

Hedge size

The bigger the hedge, the longer it will take for tradespersons to finish the trimming. If the hedge has grown tall and out of control, you need ropes and climbing equipment to access it. Due to the added complexity, trimming large hedges per foot will increase in cost.

Here is the average cost of hedge trimming, which depends on the area size. Consult a hedge trimming professional for their actual rates. 

Basic hedge trimming to keep hedges at a good height can cost between $50 and $700 or more for 1- to 10-metre-high hedges or small shrubs, 30 metres long. The cost could go well over $1,000 and up to $2,000, or as much as $5,000. Tall hedges will take longer to trim or prune because the trimmer will need to work around potential obstructions.

Hedge trimming and pruning may seem similar, but there’s a distinct difference. Trimming is done to keep the shrub neat and cut away wild branches, ensuring the hedge looks tidy whilst encouraging healthy growth. 

Meanwhile, pruning refers to removing unnecessary growth, especially that which is already damaged. Prices for trimming and pruning can range from $90 to $800 or more. 

Shaping and maintaining a neatly trimmed garden hedge with manual pruning tools (Source: iStock)

On the one hand, some hedges may require more than trimming. If your hedge looks rather unhealthy with brown leaves or is dying, chances are there’s a pest infestation or disease. In this case, you’ll likely need hedge removal to dig up the roots of the affected hedges. 

Hedge removal costs can vary, but on average, they range from $220 to $1,550 or more; you must consider factors like the size, time required, ground conditions, and the hedge’s type and condition to determine the total expenses.

Type and variety of hedges

Buxus, also known as boxwood, Photinia, Murrayas, Lily Pillaries, and Viburnums are common hedge plants that require specific trimming methods and needs. Some hedges, like Buxus, can be trimmed into formal hedges (pruned into geometric shapes like rectangles) or topiaries (cut into ornamental shapes like spirals and spheres). 

An average hedger may not be experienced enough or fitted to clip topiary hedges or high formal privacy fences. It’s recommended to book only an experienced professional if the trimming requires specialist topiary (shaping of hedges), as the job calls for specialised equipment and a specific skill set. 

You’ll need to consult a professional hedge trimmer or topiary specialist to tidy up your specific hedge type and variety. 

Preparation and cleanup

Different services might be necessary before or after trimming hedges. Before undertaking the task, the area should be safe and accessible to tradespersons. Hence, a pre-garden cleanup is needed. After that, dispose of waste to keep the hedging area tidy and clean. You can do this on your own to save up on costs.

Hedge height and accessibility

Garden hedge maintenance with an extended-reach trimmer for cutting high branches (Source: iStock)

Costs might increase if you live in a harder-to-reach area or if your hedge obstructs power lines. Moreover, consider whether the task will require a ladder and whether it can be positioned safely for a trimmer to cut the hedges. 

An example is hedging around pool areas. It takes a lot of work and energy to trim hedges around pools, especially when a professional must place planks over the pool and climb a ladder on top of it to reach the tall hedges. Add to that the extra time needed to clean the pool from the clippings. 

Difficulty accessing the area affects the service price, since not everyone can cut hedges at significant heights and quickly clear obstructions. These aspects would require proper tools and equipment, including extension pole hedges, platform ladders, extending and adjusting ladders, and more. The added cost will cover additional safety procedures, tools and time on the road. 

What are the benefits of hedge trimming?

Gardener using hand-operated hedge shears to maintain dense green foliage (Source: iStock)

Trimming your shrubs and hedges has many benefits:

• Trimmed hedges can give much-needed privacy.

• Trimmed hedges provide an excellent border for neighbours and can help prevent space-related disputes.

• Trimmed hedges are a home for birds and wildlife.

• Trimmed hedges foster healthy plant growth.

• Trimmed hedges provide a beautiful view of your home, especially during summer.

• Trimmed hedges are a flexible statement piece that can add character to your home.

Keep your garden hedges pretty with Airtasker

Are you ready to trim your trees or prune your hedges? Here are some tips to help you book a professional gardener:

• Write what you need, and put as many details as possible – pre, during, and post-task. If you need help cleaning up and disposing of waste, include them.

• Suggest a budget for all the materials, labour, and time.

• Afterwards, post the task and shortly connect with different professionals.

• Browse profiles, read past reviews, and take your time in deciding whom to pick. It helps to ask for references, licenses, and certifications.

Once you’ve selected the right hedge trimmers, they’ll start keeping your front hedges trimmed and the rest of your garden plants safe, beautiful, and summer-ready!