How Much Does Gardener Cost

How Much Does Gardener Cost

Average Gardener Cost: $40 to $100 per hour

Gardeners charge around $40 to $100 an hour. Some gardeners charge fixed rates for lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and garden makeovers ranging from $50 to $500.

How Much Does Gardener Cost
27 Mar, 2025 / Gardeners / Written by ServiceTasker Team / 22 Views / Last Updated 27 Mar, 2025




How Much Does Gardener Cost? Understanding Prices For Maintaining The Best Garden


If you want your yard to look green, healthy and maintained but do not want to do it on your own, hiring a gardener would be the first thought that comes to an individual's mind. Well, how much is hiring a gardener going to cost? In Australia, a quick run would have you estimate, depending on experience and the specific task, anywhere from about $40 to $100 per hour for most jobs a gardener would do.



Recent data indicates that certain trades, including gardening and landscaping, have experienced significant price increases. For instance, landscapers have raised their hourly rates by approximately 25.5% over the past year, reflecting a surge in demand and operational costs.


This cost guide will not only explain to you the average costs associated with hiring a gardener but also discuss points you need to understand before hiring a certified gardener to care for your sprawling lawn, vibrant flower beds, or intricate landscape. You probably won't regret hiring a gardener for a day or regularly but it's always a wise idea to do your research first!




What Services Does A Gardener Offer?


A gardener keeps up and improves gardens in public, residential, or commercial settings. Services offer general garden maintenance, landscaping, and specialized care.



1. General Garden Maintenance



  • Mowing, trimming, aerating, fertilizing, and weed control are all part of lawn care routines to keep that lawn nice and green.

  • Weeding and mulching go hand in hand since one consists of getting rid of any weeds while the other applies mulch to inhibit their growth further. The application of mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil.

  • Pruning and trimming include an element of thinning out shrubs, hedges, and trees, which is good not only for aesthetic reasons but also for promoting urban growth.

  • Leaves and debris-for aesthetics include fallen leaves, twigs, and garden waste.


2. Landscaping and Planting



  • Garden Design and Installation: It involves the planning and setting in place of flower beds, vegetable gardens, and ornamental plants.

  • Turfing: Laying down of new natural or synthetic grass for beautification of the lawns.

  • Hardscape: It consists of putting down walking paths, patios, retaining walls, garden border edges, etc.

  • Irrigation System: Sprinkler system/drip irrigation installation and maintenance ensure efficient watering cycles.


3. Plant and Soil Care



  • Fertilizing and soil conditioning- The application of organic/chemical fertiliser ensures that plants receive their nourishment.

  • Pest and disease control- Identifying and treating plant diseases and pest infestation.

  • Composting and organic gardening- Setting up compost bins and taking care of plants using biological measures.

  • Tree and stump removal- The felling of dead trees or the removal of stumps for safety and aesthetics.


Very few gardeners offer other seasonal work such as preparing gardens for winter, planting practices for spring, and putting up holiday decorations. All these jobs require skilled and professional gardeners to establish colourful and beautiful outdoor spaces, whether a maintenance program or a one-time project.




What Affects The Cost Of Gardening Services In Australia


Several factors affect the cost of gardening services in Australia:



  • Type of Service Required: General maintenance (e.g., weeding, pruning, and lawn mowing) is cheaper than complex services like tree removal or landscape design.

  • Size of the Garden: Larger gardens require more time and effort, increasing the total cost.

  • Labour and Experience Level: Professional, experienced gardeners charge higher rates compared to casual or beginner gardeners.

  • Location & State-Specific Pricing: Prices vary by state due to differences in demand, availability of gardeners, and living costs. For example, NSW and VIC typically have higher rates than WA or TAS.

  • Frequency of Service: Regular maintenance contracts are often more cost-effective than one-off services.

  • Seasonal Demand: Spring and summer have a higher demand for gardening services, leading to increased prices.

  • Equipment & Materials Used: Services requiring specialized equipment (e.g., stump grinders, irrigation systems) may cost more. Extra materials like mulch, fertilizers, or pesticides add to the expense.

  • Waste Removal Costs: Some gardeners include green waste disposal in their pricing, while others charge extra.

  • Travel & Call-Out Fees: Gardeners may charge higher rates if they need to travel long distances to your location.




Average Cost Of Common Gardening Services In Australia






























































Gardening Service Average Cost (AUD) Cost Range (AUD)
Lawn Mowing $50 – $80 $40 – $100
Hedge Trimming $80 – $150 $50 – $300
Weeding $50 – $120 $40 – $200
Pruning & Trimming $80 – $200 $60 – $400
Tree Removal $500 – $2,500 $300 – $5,000+
Garden Waste Removal $70 – $150 $50 – $300
Garden Design $800 – $5,000 $500 – $10,000+
Mulching $150 – $400 $100 – $800
Reticulation Repairs $100 – $250 $80 – $500
Turf Laying (Per m²) $30 – $100 $20 – $150



How Much Do Gardeners Cost Per Hour?


Gardeners, depending on the location and type of service provided, can charge a variable hourly rate. This generally ranges from $30-$80 on an hourly basis. For basic gardening tasks, such as lawn mowing, weeding, and hedge trimming, the charges are lower and vary between about $30-$50 per hour. Skilled services like landscaping, irrigation installation, or tree pruning might be charged between $50-$80 per hour.



Some areas have some gardening companies that charge on a schedule; independent gardeners may charge more arbitrarily. A few professionals charge by the job instead of by the hour on larger projects. Gardening companies may offer discounts on ongoing maintenance services done on a regular weekly or monthly basis. There are also minimum call-out fees, which means a short service or job will be charged according to the fixed price.



Comparing services and reading reviews will ensure you receive quality work while keeping your costs reasonable. A gardener might just be your pocket-friendly option to maintain a beautiful and well-kept garden without you breaking a sweat!




How Much Do Gardeners Cost Per Job?


Different gardening jobs have different charges depending on the kind of job, the size of the garden, and the overall complication of the task. Typical charges for a gardening job in Australia can range from $50 to $500 as per the case with the job requirement.



Garden Maintenance Jobs: $50 and $150

  • Mow the lawn (small yard)

  • Weed removal

  • Trim hedges(small hedges)


Moderate Gardening jobs: $150 to $300 per job

  • Full lawn maintenance (mowing, fertilizing, aeration)

  • Pruning of trees and shrubs

  • Garden bed maintenance

  • Mulching and soil preparation


Extensive gardening jobs: $300 to over $500 per job

  • Landscape design and planting

  • Tree removal or large-scale pruning

  • Lawn establishment or replacement

  • Retaining wall or garden edging works

Irrigation systems: $500– $2000

Larger or more specialized jobs, like the installation of an irrigation system or a complete garden makeover, would scale up the cost.


Some charge hourly ($40-$100/h), but most charge by job, especially when maintenance is ongoing. It is worth trying and looking for other quotes and including discussions about package costs if you need services for more than an event.




Statewide Average Cost For Gardening Services







































State/Territory Average Hourly Rate (AUD)
New South Wales (NSW) $55 – $85
Victoria (VIC) $40 – $75
Queensland (QLD) $50 – $70
Western Australia (WA) $40 – $65
South Australia (SA) $43 – $60
Tasmania $40 – $45
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) $49 – $55

These rates can fluctuate based on factors such as the complexity of the task, the gardener's experience, and regional demand.




Average Cost Of Extra Services For Your Garden





































Extra Garden Service Average Cost (AUD) Cost Range (AUD)
Patio Installation $3,000 – $10,000 $2,000 – $20,000+
Fencing (Per metre) $75 – $300 $50 – $800
Fence Painting $15 – $40 (per m²) $10 – $60 (per m²)
Decking Installation $200 – $500 (per m²) $150 – $1,000 (per m²)
Paving (Per m²) $40 – $150 $30 – $300



What To Look For When Hiring A Gardener?


Should you feel your yard or garden could use constant care and attention, hire a gardener. As for exceptional services, pay attention to the following factors:



  • Experience and Qualifications: Seek someone with a solid working background in mowing, tree and shrub trimming, weeding, and plant upkeep. Ask what formal horticultural credentials they may hold or what relevant training they may have pursued. Ask for references or pictures of their work done before.


  • Range of Services: Mowing, planting, hedge cutting, irrigation, pest management-determine the specific services that you require. Talk to them about whether they are competent enough to handle other more extensive work, such as landscaping and garden design.


  • Licensing and Insurance: A professional gardener should carry liability insurance to cover accidental damage. Inquire as to whether special licenses are required for pesticide/herbicide application or tree removal.


  • Tools and Equipment: Ask whether they will supply equipment, or if you will need to supply them. Be sure that they will work with suitable equipment, properly maintained, to carry out their work in an efficient manner.


  • Availability and Reliability: Ensure their availabilities match your schedule since maintenance is oftentimes continuous. Check customer reviews and testimonials to determine their reliability and punctuality.


  • Pricing and Payment Terms: Make sure to have a clear quotation; indicate hourly rates or a price for specifically defined jobs. Inquire about charging additionally for materials, travel, or disposing of waste.


  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Ask whether they use any organic gardening methods, composting, or water-wise landscaping if that matters to you. These factors allow for the careful assessment of a gardener matching the proficiency with your requirements, thereby enhancing your outdoor spaces.




How To Choose The Best Quote From A Gardener


Getting multiple quotes when hiring a gardener is helpful to get value for money. Clearly state your requirements for lawn care, landscaping, or garden maintenance so that the gardener can estimate correctly.



Procedures for getting quotations:



  • Define the Scope: State all jobs to be included, such as mowing, pruning, weeding, or design work.

  • Reach Multiple Gardeners: Contact at least three professionals online, local directory, or through referral. You can use a service marketplace to get multiple quotes from local gardeners.

  • Request itemized quotations: Breakdown of costs for labour, materials, and any other costs.

  • Check Experience & Reviews: Verify qualifications, previous work, and customer feedback.

  • Clarify Inclusions & Exclusions: Ensure that these quotes include all services you wish to have so that hidden costs are avoided.

  • Compare pricing and service: The cheapest quote isn't always the best, it's better to compare expertise and reliability.


Always get a written quote and confirm payment terms before proceeding. For ongoing service, discuss how often and price long before it is needed. Clear communication goes a long way in avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring quality service.





Conclusion


Employing a budget-friendly gardener can keep your garden looking lovely and healthy while keeping your pocket happy. The costs charged for various gardening jobs depend on the region, complexity of the job, frequency, and the gardener's skill. In Australia, gardeners charge from around $40 to $80 an hour, with some fixed rates for specific jobs such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and garden makeovers. Additional charges can be levied for green waste disposal, seasonal maintenance, or specialized landscaping. To save a couple of bucks, you should compare different quotes and reviews to ensure that the company you choose will cater to your gardening needs and budget.




Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.

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