Gardener & Landscaper Cost UK 2026: Hourly, Per-Job Pricing
Gardener costs in the UK, 2026
UK gardener pricing depends on whether you need maintenance (regular cuts and tidy-ups), landscaping (hard structures, planting design, larger projects), or specialist work (tree surgery, pond installation, drainage).
Most homeowner needs are for maintenance — mow, edge, prune, weed — on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Landscaping projects sit at a different price point and require a different type of trade.
Typical UK gardener costs (2026)
| Job | Typical UK 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance gardener (per hour) | £25–£45 | Hourly rate for routine work. Most charge minimum 2 hours. |
| Maintenance gardener (per day) | £180–£280 | Includes 2-3 staff for larger gardens. |
| Fortnightly garden visit (small garden) | £45–£75 | 1.5-2 hours per visit, mow + edge + tidy. |
| One-off garden tidy (overgrown small garden) | £220–£480 | Full clear-down, 4-8 hours. |
| Hedge cutting (single hedge, up to 4 m) | £65–£120 | Per visit. Long runs £180–£380. |
| Lawn turfing (per sqm, supply + lay) | £10–£15 | Excludes ground prep. |
| Lawn seeding (per sqm) | £5–£8 | Cheaper but slower establishment. |
| Patio (15 sqm, sandstone) | £2,200–£3,800 | Includes sub-base, supply and lay. |
| Driveway (45 sqm, block paving) | £4,500–£8,500 | Includes excavation, sub-base, edging. |
| 6 ft fence (per linear metre, supply + fit) | £65–£110 | Concrete posts and gravel boards extra. |
| Tree felling (small, < 6 m) | £180–£380 | NPTC-qualified tree surgeon required. |
| Tree felling (large, > 12 m) | £800–£2,500 | Crane access adds £500–£1,200. |
| Decking (15 sqm, composite) | £2,800–£4,800 | Pressure-treated softwood half the cost. |
What changes the cost
- Garden size and access: a 5-by-8 metre garden vs a 20-by-30 metre garden is roughly 6× the work. Side-passage-only access (no rear vehicle access) adds 30–50% to landscaping projects because everything is wheelbarrowed.
- Material choice: sandstone vs porcelain paving doubles the patio cost. Composite decking vs softwood doubles the decking cost. Often worth it for the longer working life (composite decking lasts 25 years; softwood 8–12).
- Sub-base preparation: the difference between a patio that lasts 20 years and one that sinks in 18 months. Always include 100–150 mm of MOT Type 1 hardcore in the quote.
- Waste disposal: green-waste removal adds £60–£180 per skip-load. Driveway excavation can produce 5–10 tonnes of spoil.
- Tree work licensing: NPTC chainsaw qualification is a legal requirement for commercial tree work. Anyone offering tree felling without it is uninsured and unsafe.
How to get accurate quotes
For maintenance work, ask for a fixed monthly retainer rather than per-visit billing — predictable for both sides. For landscaping projects over £3,000, get 3 quotes and a signed contract specifying materials, sub-base depth, drainage, and waste disposal.
For finding a gardener or landscaper in Kent, see our how to choose a gardener guide. For tools, see our best pressure washer guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much per hour is a gardener in 2026?
£25-£45 per hour for maintenance work, with most gardeners charging a 2-hour minimum. London rates run £35-£55. Trade-grade landscapers (full landscaping projects) run £180-£280 per day per person.
How much does a fortnightly gardener cost?
For a small-to-medium garden, expect £45-£75 per visit (1.5-2 hours of mow, edge, tidy, light pruning). Larger gardens or weekly visits run higher. Many gardeners offer monthly retainers at a slight discount.
How much does a typical patio cost?
A 15 sqm sandstone patio with proper sub-base typically runs £2,200-£3,800 in 2026. Porcelain costs 30-50% more. Avoid quotes that don't specify sub-base depth (should be 100-150 mm of MOT Type 1).
Do I need an NPTC-qualified tree surgeon?
For any commercial tree felling, branch removal or chainsaw work, yes. NPTC certification (now City & Guilds NPTC) is a legal requirement. Anyone offering chainsaw work without it is unqualified, uninsured, and dangerous.