A gardener trimming a hedge with hedge clippers.

Hedge trimming cost: Complete guide to garden budget planning

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Price guide

£100 - £250

low

£100

median

£150

high

£250

Low, median and high bar chart distribuiton

Last Updated on

Chin S.

Written by Chin S.

Staff Writer

Emil M.
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Reviewed by Emil M.

Gardening Expert

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Key Facts

  • Hedge trimming costs between £5 per metre for basic jobs or £90+ per hour for complex work. Most professionals quote either by the metre for straightforward trimming or hourly for jobs requiring specialist equipment or difficult access.
  • Aside from your location, the hedge size, condition, and accessibility also affect the final quote, especially if climbing equipment or special safety measures are needed.
  • Regular hedge trimming prevents expensive replacements and boosts property value. Well-maintained hedges also provide privacy, avoid disputes with neighbours, and create wildlife habitats while requiring less maintenance over time.


Whether you’re after privacy and protection or just want your garden to look the part, well-maintained hedges make all the difference. But the truth is that wrestling with hedge trimmers on a weekend isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, especially when you’re already juggling work, family, and that endless to-do list. So when your hedges start looking wild, it’s time to call in the pros.

In the UK, professional hedge trimming typically costs between £100 and £250 per job. The final price depends on several factors, but this guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay and what affects the cost.  

Average hedge trimming costs

Disclaimer: Airtasker’s cost estimates come from thorough research on industry and third-party rates. Please only use the listed prices as a benchmark when setting your budget.

Most hedge trimming professionals charge either by the hour (around £90+) or by the metre (from £5+), depending on the complexity. Garden maintenance cost varies significantly based on hedge type, height, access, and condition. For basic trimming, expect hourly rates, while larger jobs like hedge removal or specialist work (like conifers) typically get quoted as a complete package. 


The table below shows typical UK rates for different hedge trimming scenarios, so you can confidently budget and avoid any nasty surprises when the quote arrives.

Service Unit

Average cost

Hedge trimming

Per hour

£90+

Hedge trimming

Per metre

£5+

Removal of high hedges

Per hour

£120+

Removal of small hedges (2-4m)

Per job

£150+

Removal of medium to large hedges

Per job

£325+

Conifer hedge trimming

Per job

£300+

Hiring an excavator

Per day

£85+

The best part about hiring a hedge trimming specialist is that most offer additional garden services. Many professionals can handle garden cleaning, decking maintenance, or even fence repairs alongside your hedge work. This means you can often bundle services together, potentially saving money and sorting your outdoor space in one go.

a gardener trimming a hedgeA gardener carefully trimming a hedge (Source: Shutterstock)

Factors affecting hedge trimming costs

Several factors affect the average cost of trimming hedges:

Hedge size and condition

The bigger the size of the hedge, the longer it will take for tradespersons to finish the trimming. If the hedge has grown tall and out of control, your need ropes and climbing equipment to access it. This will increase hedge trimming costs per foot due to the added complexity.

Preparation and cleanup

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

Your location

If you live in bigger cities like London, you need a bigger budget because of the higher operating costs. On the other hand, costs tend to be lower in places such as Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Accessibility 

Costs might also increase if you live in harder-to-reach areas or your hedge obstructs powerlines. The added cost will cover additional safety procedures and time on the road.

Benefits of hedge trimming

Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, well-maintained hedges are one of the smartest investments you can make in your property. They work around the clock to provide privacy, define boundaries, and create a year-round professional look. Regular trimming also prevents costly hedge replacement and saves you hours of weekend wrestling with overgrown branches.

Trimming hedges also has many other benefits, including:

  • Privacy and protection for your family
  • Clear boundaries to prevent neighbour disputes
  • Wildlife haven for birds and beneficial insects
  • Healthier plant growth and disease prevention
  • Enhanced kerb appeal and property value
  • Design flexibility for formal or creative styles
  • Reduced long-term maintenance costs

See also: How much does hedge removal cost?

a gardener cutting a hedgeA gardener using topiary shears (Source: Shutterstock)

Save time with expert hedge care today

Now you know exactly what to expect regarding hedge trimming costs in the UK. From basic trimming at £5 per metre to complete hedge removal jobs, understanding these prices helps you avoid going over budget. 

Ready to get your garden looking magazine-worthy without breaking a sweat? Post your hedge trimming task on Airtasker today and connect with local gardeners who know exactly how to handle your specific hedge type. Your perfectly manicured garden is just one post away!

Learn more about our contributors

Chin S.

Written by Chin S.

Staff Writer

Chin is a passionate hobbyist writer with a love for gardening, home improvement and beauty. She enjoys nurturing her small indoor plant collection, redecorating her space and exploring all things beauty. Through her writing, she shares her journey and tips for fellow enthusiasts.

Emil M.
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Reviewed by Emil M.

Gardening Expert

Emil is a dedicated Garden Renovation Specialist and Landscape Maintenance professional, recognised as Australia’s Top Tasker for 2022. His specialties include lawn mowing, edging, hedge trimming, soft landscaping, turf preparation and laying. With over 16 years of professional experience in landscape and horticultural fields and a proud member of the Lawnmowing Contractors Association (LMCA), Emil's expertise has been featured on 7NEWS and Sunrise. He even redesigned the courtyard garden of Jasmine Yarbrough’s shoe shop, the wife of Karl Stefanovic. Emil joined Airtasker at the height of COVID-19, transitioning from a corporate career to pursue his passion for landscaping and gardening.

The Reviewer Badge is awarded to individuals who are experts in their respective fields and evaluate the content to ensure its accuracy and relevance to the task at hand.

FAQs

Different plant species need trimming at different times during the year. The rule of thumb is to do it during summer.

Trimming and pruning

are often interchangeable. While both processes refer to plant growth control, they have different methods and purposes. Trimming involves removing overgrown hedges to promote healthy growth. On the other hand, pruning involves removing branches, roots, and other plant parts that are either dead or growing in the wrong direction.

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