How much does a gardener cost in the US?

Gardening can be a healthy and productive way to spend your time. However, if your outdoor space is starting to get neglected amid your busy schedule, you can always hire a professional with the right expertise and tools.

But how much does a gardener cost? In this guide, we’ll tackle the average cost for a gardener in the US, what causes the differences in pricing, and how you can keep expenses within your budget.

What are the average prices for gardeners in the US?

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

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

What factors affect the average price for a gardener?

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 is a gardener 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 specialized 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 fertilizers. 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 labor.

Green waste disposal

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

Gardener fees 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)

Need to hire a gardener for a day? Just sign up on Airtasker to make the search for a gardening expert convenient.

When you’re ready to employ someone’s services, post a task that indicates the kind of job to be done, your budget, and your location. Wait for Taskers to respond, then pick the most suitable one after negotiating prices and reviewing their customer reviews.