How Much Does a Gardener Cost in the UK?

Relaxing in one’s garden can bring calm after a busy week. But you’ll likely feel more stressed than rested if the area is starting to get neglected and your plants are wilting. Fortunately, you can easily hire an expert who can help bring life back to your outdoor space.

But how much does a gardener cost? In this guide, we’ll discuss the average price of a gardener in the UK, the factors that influence pricing, and ways you can keep costs at a minimum.

What are the average gardener rates in the UK?

The gardening price list below shows the average cost of the service in various parts of the country, from the South West to Scotland.

*Prices shown are typical total costs per job based on recent Airtasker data. Actual costs may vary.

What factors affect gardener fees?

Discover several factors, from job scope and complexity to access and timing, that make gardener prices vary.

Job scope and complexity

Fresh garden bed with planting holes, seedlings, and a wheelbarrow in a backyard (Source: iStock)

Simple gardening tasks, such as mowing lawns and trimming shrubs, are priced relatively low since they require basic tools, less effort, and a shorter completion time. Meanwhile, preparing garden beds and repairing turf can be physically demanding and take longer to finish, making these gardening services cost higher than average.

Garden size and condition

How much do gardeners cost based on garden size? Dealing with a small beginner garden is typically cheaper than working on a large outdoor space. However, the area’s condition should also be taken into account when determining potential fees; performing basic garden maintenance services on a big yet well-kept garden is likely to be more affordable than clearing out months of overgrowth and sowing hardy plants on an untended medium-sized plot.

Gardener experience

Gardener pruning shrubs along a paved garden path (Source: iStock)

Compared to novice gardeners, experienced professionals generally charge more due to the breadth of their expertise and knowledge. Therefore, if you only need basic services (e.g., mowing, weeding) instead of more specialised ones (e.g., installing a drainage system, controlling termites), hiring a rookie gardener will probably suffice and cost less.

Tools and materials

Expenses can rise if the service you’re requesting involves purchasing additional materials, such as bark mulch or organic fertilisers. Similarly, gardening rates can go above average if a job requires advanced machinery instead of basic tools. This is because sophisticated equipment is typically pricier and may involve more setup time and labour.

Green waste removal

Garden waste bin filled with pulled weeds and grass clippings (Source: iStock)

Green waste disposal is another factor that affects gardening costs. This is because a gardener may charge additional fees if there’s a significant amount of waste to dispose of, especially if it requires greater effort, more time, transport, or special handling of hazardous waste.

Access and timing

Prices for gardeners can increase depending on timing and access. For instance, rates are usually higher during spring and summer due to high demand and the growth rate of grass. Moreover, urgent, same-day, after-hours, and weekend bookings may require a gardener to complete their work promptly, even beyond normal working hours.

Similarly, a garden design or layout involving several stairs, steep slopes, and narrow paths can slow down various tasks, such as transporting plants and equipment, leading to higher fees.

What are some ways to save on gardener charges?

Garden budgeting with plants and a calculator outdoors (Source: iStock)

If you have a tight budget for gardening, here are some ways you can keep costs manageable:

• Compare prices from different gardeners to determine the typical fees in your area and weed out service providers with high per-hour rates.

• Schedule a visit during off-peak periods, if possible.

• Book a gardener regularly to prevent major problems that will require pricey solutions.

• Make your own mulches instead of purchasing them.

What should you look for in a professional gardener?

Take note of the following considerations if you are looking for a gardener who can work on your outdoor space:

• Do they have the right experience, skills, and tools for your needs, whether it’s general garden maintenance or more complex tasks?

• Do they offer fair and transparent pricing?

• Does their portfolio of previous projects showcase high-quality work and expertise?

• What do their past clients have to say about their services?

• Can they perform gardening services in line with your schedule?

Too lazy for gardening? Find reliable gardeners on Airtasker

Red flowers planted by hand in a garden bed (Source: iStock)

If you’re finding it difficult to find a professional gardener whenever you need one, why not sign up on Airtasker, where you can easily reach experts in your area?

Just post a task specifying the service you want, your budget, and your location. After Taskers start responding to your post, begin negotiating rates and reviewing their former clients’ feedback to pick the right gardener or team.