How much does a gardener charge per hour in the UK?

A gardener in the UK typically charges £15–£45 per hour, with the national average around £18–£30 per hour for standard garden maintenance. Specialized services such as tree surgery, landscape design, or horticultural consultations can cost £40–£120 per hour depending on qualifications and expertise.

How much does lawn mowing cost in the UK?

Lawn mowing in the UK typically costs £18–£30 per hour, with most gardeners charging £20–£40 for a standard residential lawn. A small front garden may cost £15–£25, while a medium to large rear garden typically costs £30–£60. Regular maintenance contracts often offer discounted rates.

How much does tree surgery cost in the UK?

Tree surgery in the UK costs £60–£120 per hour for a qualified arborist. Simple tasks such as crown reduction or branch removal may cost £150–£400, while larger trees requiring complex removal can cost £400–£1,500 or more. Stump grinding typically costs an additional £50–£150 per stump. Costs depend on tree size, location, and access difficulty.

How Much Does a Gardener & Landscaper Cost UK 2026?

Average gardener and landscaper costs, hourly rates, and typical prices for garden work across the UK.

Note: Prices are estimates only. Always get a written quote before work begins. Rates vary by location, experience, and job complexity.

Average Hourly Rates

Type of Gardener	Hourly Rate
General Garden Maintenance	£15-£30
Experienced Gardener	£25-£40
Specialist Landscaper	£30-£50
Arborist/Tree Surgeon	£40-£80
Horticultural Consultant	£40-£75

Garden Maintenance Costs

Task	Average Cost	Typical Time
Lawn Mowing (small)	£15-£25	30-45 mins
Lawn Mowing (medium)	£25-£40	1-1.5 hours
Lawn Mowing (large)	£40-£70	1.5-3 hours
Lawn Edging	£10-£20	15-30 mins
Hedge Trimming (per metre)	£5-£15	Varies
Small Hedge	£30-£60	1-2 hours
Medium Hedge	£60-£120	2-4 hours
Large Hedge	£100-£250	4-8 hours
Weeding (per hour)	£15-£30	Varies
Leaf Clearance	£30-£80	1-3 hours
Garden Clearance	£150-£400	4-12 hours
Regular Maintenance (per visit)	£30-£80	1-3 hours

Tree Surgery Costs

Task	Average Cost	Notes
Small Tree Pruning	£75-£150	Up to 20ft
Medium Tree Pruning	£150-£300	20-40ft
Large Tree Pruning	£300-£600	Over 40ft
Tree Removal	£200-£1,500	By size and complexity
Stump Grinding	£50-£150	Per stump
Crown Reduction	£150-£400	Reduce size by up to 25%
Crown Thinning	£100-£300	Improve light and airflow

Landscaping Costs

Task	Average Cost	Notes
Patio Laying (per m²)	£25-£45	Including labour
Patio (typical 20m²)	£500-£900	Standard paving
Decking (per m²)	£50-£100	Timber or composite
Decking (typical 20m²)	£1,000-£2,000	Including frame
Fencing (per panel)	£80-£200	Including posts and fitting
Closeboard Fence (per metre)	£50-£90	Traditional
Panel Fence (per metre)	£35-£60	Standard
Turfing (per m²)	£8-£15	Including turf
Lawn (typical 50m²)	£400-£750	Full turf and preparation
Garden Wall (per m²)	£80-£150	Brick or stone
Retaining Wall (per m²)	£100-£200	Structural
Garden Design	£200-£800	Professional design
Water Feature	£500-£3,000+	Ponds, fountains
Shed Installation	£200-£500	Base and fitting

Regional Variations

Region	Average Hourly Rate
London & South East	£25-£45
South West	£20-£35
West Midlands	£18-£32
East Midlands	£17-£30
East Anglia	£18-£32
North West	£17-£30
Yorkshire	£16-£28
Scotland	£16-£28

Tips for Hiring a Gardener or Landscaper

Whether you need regular garden maintenance or a complete landscape transformation, finding the right professional ensures quality results:

Clarify your requirements — Determine whether you need ongoing maintenance or a one-off project. Regular visits suit those who want consistent upkeep, while landscaping projects require detailed quotes and project management.
Check qualifications and experience — Look for gardeners with relevant qualifications such as RHS certificates or NVQs in horticulture. For tree work, ensure they employ qualified arborists (check for NPTC qualifications).
Get multiple quotes — For larger landscaping projects, obtain at least three written quotes that detail materials, labour, and timeline. Be cautious of quotes that seem unusually low.
Ask for references — Request examples of previous work or references from past clients, especially for landscaping projects. A professional gardener should be happy to provide these.
Discuss ongoing maintenance — If you're hiring for a one-off project, discuss future maintenance requirements to keep your garden looking its best. Many gardeners offer discounted regular maintenance contracts.
Verify insurance — Ensure your gardener has public liability insurance, particularly for tree surgery or landscaping work which carries higher risks. Request proof of insurance before work begins.
Consider the season — Spring and summer are peak times for gardeners, so book well in advance. Winter can offer better availability and sometimes lower rates for non-planting work.

Find a Gardener Near You

Browse verified gardeners and landscapers in your area.

Search Gardeners

Related Guides

Disclaimer: These are average figures based on typical UK rates. Always get a written quote specific to your job. NearbyTraders provides directory information only — always verify qualifications and insurance directly.