How much does a gardener cost? [May 2025]

How much does a gardener cost?

A professional gardener will usual charge an hourly rate of between £30 - £50 (inc VAT). The total cost of booking a gardener will vary depending on the job, for example, weeding and puning will generally cost less than turfing and landscaping jobs such as levelling and patio installation. 

As gardeners typically charge an hourly rate, it's often cheaper to bundle garden maintenance tasks together, such as weeding, planting, pluning, and lawn care. 

Here's a breakdown of how much you'd expect to pay for the most popular gardening tasks, both inside and outside of London.

How do materials work?
 

Your gardener will be able to locally source any materials you need, such as turf, bulbs and seeds, and add it to your final bill. Bare in mind though, that you'll likely be charged an additional 20% to cover their time and travel costs. Of course, you can purchase these yourself if you prefer, but your gardener will be able to reccomend the best materials for the job at hand. 
 

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What other factors affect the cost of booking a gardener?
 

There are many other factors that can affect the total cost of booking a professional gardener, from who you book with to the condition of your garden. 

1. Who you book with
 

You’ll often find that independent gardeners charge a lower rate than well-established companies. You may even find that some independent gardeners operate below the VAT threshold, meaning you could save paying VAT on top of their services.

Of course, booking with a larger company has its perks. From excellent customer service and more flexible slots to instant online quotes, there are many reasons to choose a well-known tradesperson company, like Housekeep, over an independent gardener. 

2. When you book

If you book a weekend, bank holiday, or early morning slot, you’ll likely be charged a higher rate. The same usually applies to next-day or same-day gardening services too. So, it’s always best to book well in advance if you want the best rate.
 

Summer is usually peak season for gardeners, so you may find they charge higher rates when demand is high. Spring, autumn, and winter are typically less busy, making it easier to find a gardener during these times - and often at a lower cost. 

3. Condition of your garden 

Unsurprisingly, the condition of your garden can make a big difference in the cost of gardening services. If your garden is overgrown with dense weeds, you'll likely find that it takes longer for your gardener to complete the job at hand. .

To keep on top of your garden, it’s best to book a regular gardener. You’ll find that your garden is easier to manage if you have someone regularly maintain your lawn, flower beds, and bushes. Plus, your gardener won’t need to stay as long each time, so it may work as more cost effective in the long run. 

4. Types of plants in your garden

When booking garden maintenance services, such as weeding and general gardening, it’s important to consider the types of plants in your garden. Some plants, like Wisteria, have fast-growing, tangled vines that can be tricky to manage. If you have invasive weeds, such as bindweed, you’ll find these difficult to eradicate due to their deep rooting system.

Some weeds are so persistent that they require a specialist for removal. For example, Japanese Knotweed is notorious for its invasive nature and rapid spread. In fact, attempts to dig it up often contribute to its further spread. As such, you'll need to make sure that whoever you book is qualified to handle such weeds. These services often come at a premium, but are worth it as getting rid of invasive weeds makes a huge difference to the overall health of your garden. ^[1]

5. Frequency of gardening service

Many professional gardening companies offer lower rates the more frequently you book. So, if you plan on hiring a gardener for regular maintenance, it’s usually more cost-effective to book a fortnightly or monthly service rather than separate one-off visits.

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What time of year should you book a gardener?

 

Spring and summer are peak seasons for gardening, but if you want a well-maintained garden all year-round, you'll need to book a gardener throughout the year.

How does garden waste removal work?

 

Your gardener will be able responsbily dispose of any garden waste after the work is done, and add this to your final bill. With larger landscaping projects, such as levelling, patio or decking, you're gardener may need to hire a skip. Of course, this will hike up the price, with skip hire costing on average £150 - £300 per week. 

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What are the benefits of booking a professional gardener? 
 

Maintaining a healthy and tidy garden year-round can be challenging, especially when balancing work and other responsibilities. Keeping a garden in top condition can require significant time and dedication.

A professional gardener has the knowledge and hands-on experience to handle all of your gardening needs, from knowing when and how to prune plants to installing a synthetic lawn. They are experts in plant care and know how to keep them in top shape. 

When you book a gardener, they’ll bring all the necessary equipment to get the job done, including a lawn mower, pruners, rakes, hedge trimmers, and a leaf blower, as well as any fertilizers, seeds, and bulbs. If you don't already have these, buying them new can soon add up. 

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What's the difference between a gardener and a landscape gardener?

Landscaping is a type of gardening that focuses on creating more usuable outdoor space or matching a certain aethetic through thoughtful design. Gardening, on the other hand, is more geared towards actually growing and maintaining plants.

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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.