Hiring a gardener was one of those things I thought I’d never need. I used to believe that a bit of weekend effort and some YouTube tutorials could handle anything my garden threw at me.

But after years of struggling with overgrown hedges, patchy lawns, and the never-ending weeding cycle, I realised it was time to call in some help.

But how much does it actually cost? And more importantly, how much is a gardener per hour in the UK?

I asked myself the same question before hiring someone — and now I want to share everything I’ve learned from that journey, backed by experience, research, and a few hard-earned lessons.

Why I Decided to Hire a Gardener in the UK?

Maintaining a garden sounds relaxing in theory. For me, it turned into a constant battle with brambles, ivy, and unpredictable weather.

At first, I thought I just needed a few extra tools and some free time. But between work, kids, and rainy weekends, I found myself dreading outdoor jobs.

My garden started looking like a wild patch of countryside rather than a tidy outdoor space. What pushed me over the edge was a family gathering I hosted last summer.

The lawn was patchy, the hedges were wild, and my flower beds looked like something from a Victorian horror novel. That’s when I started seriously looking into professional gardening services.

So, How Much Is a Gardener Per Hour in the UK?

After making dozens of enquiries across different regions, browsing gardening forums, and speaking with neighbours, I found that hourly rates vary quite a bit across the UK.

What is The Average Hourly Rate in 2025?

Generally speaking, a gardener in the UK will charge between £20 and £45 per hour depending on several factors. Here’s the breakdown I gathered:

Region	Average Hourly Rate (£)	Notes
London & South East	£35–£45	Higher due to cost of living and demand
Midlands	£25–£35	Moderate pricing, often negotiable
North of England	£20–£30	More affordable, lower labour costs
Wales & Scotland	£20–£30	Similar to northern regions
Rural Areas	£18–£25	Lower overheads, but limited availability

I personally live in the South East and ended up paying £38 per hour for a solo gardener with all his own tools.

What Influences the Hourly Price?

Several things affect what you’ll pay. From my own experience and research, here are the biggest pricing factors:

• Location: Gardeners in London and commuter towns tend to charge more
• Season: Spring and summer are peak months, so prices go up
• Experience: A highly qualified gardener or horticulturist will cost more
• Job Type: Complex tasks like landscaping or tree surgery push up the rate
• Tools & Transport: If your gardener provides heavy-duty tools and handles waste, expect to pay more

How much is One-Off Visit vs Ongoing Service?

One thing I didn’t realise at first was that many gardeners offer discounted rates for regular maintenance. I initially paid for a one-off tidy-up, but later negotiated a monthly maintenance package, which worked out much cheaper per visit.

What Services Are Included in the Hourly Rate?

Not every gardener offers the same services, so always ask what’s included. Here’s what I got in my package — and what most UK gardeners generally offer within their hourly rate.

What are the Basic Gardening Tasks You Can Expect?

• Lawn mowing and edging
• Hedge trimming
• Weeding and border tidying
• Pruning shrubs and small trees
• Seasonal planting
• General clean-up of debris

These are usually covered in a standard hourly charge.

Are Tools and Equipment Included?

Most professional gardeners bring their own tools, from lawnmowers to hedge trimmers. In my case, everything was included, which made things easy.

However, be aware — some may charge extra for fuel or wear and tear if heavy equipment is involved.

Is Waste Removal or Disposal Extra?

Yes, in most cases. If you don’t have a green bin or composting setup, your gardener might charge an additional £5–£15 per visit for waste removal.

Mine offered to bag everything and leave it for council collection — which I found more cost-effective.

When Should You Expect to Pay More?

Not all gardening jobs are equal. Some tasks require more skill, time, or equipment — and that’s where costs can increase quickly.

What are the Tasks That Typically Cost More Per Hour?

• Large hedge reductions or topiary
• Tree surgery (often requires licensing)
• Decking or patio cleaning
• Garden clearance of overgrown or neglected spaces
• Pest or disease treatment
• Installing irrigation systems
• Landscaping or turf laying

In these cases, I found hourly rates could go up to £50–£70, or even shift to fixed project pricing.

How Is My Personal Experience? – What I Paid and Why?

After contacting five different local gardeners, I ended up hiring someone I found through a community Facebook group. What stood out?

• He had solid reviews and photos of previous work
• He offered a free first visit and quote
• His pricing was transparent and fair

I paid £114 for a three-hour session, which included hedge trimming, lawn mowing, and a basic border tidy. I later moved to a £90 per month plan for ongoing maintenance, and honestly — it was worth every penny.

Is It Worth Hiring a Gardener or Doing It Yourself?

This is something I really debated with myself.

What I Considered Before Outsourcing?

• My lack of time during the workweek
• The cost of buying and maintaining tools
• The patchy results I was getting on my own

How Is My Breakdown On Time vs Money?

Here’s how it looked when I crunched the numbers:

Option	Monthly Time Spent	Cost	Result
DIY	6–8 hours	£0–£50 (tools/fuel)	Inconsistent, frustrating
Hiring a Gardener	2–3 hours (supervision)	£90/month	Professional, consistent

For me, the time saved and results delivered made the choice clear.

When DIY Works and When It Doesn’t?

If you enjoy gardening and have the time, DIY absolutely works for regular maintenance. But for larger projects, specialist pruning, or reclaiming a neglected space, I recommend bringing in a pro — even if just to get you started.

Conclusion: My Honest Advice If You’re Thinking of Hiring a Gardener

Hiring a gardener was one of the best decisions I made for my home. It saved me time, boosted my property’s appearance, and brought a level of polish I could never achieve alone.

What are My Checklist Before Hiring a Gardener?

• Get at least 3 local quotes
• Ask what’s included in the hourly rate
• Check for insurance and reviews
• Clarify waste disposal options
• Try a one-off visit before committing long-term

If you’re wondering how much is a gardener per hour in the UK, expect to pay between £20 and £45 per hour, with rates climbing based on location, complexity, and season.

But trust me — once you find the right person, it’s not just a cost. It’s a portion of investment in peace of mind & outdoor happiness as well.

What are the FAQ On How Much Is a Gardener Per Hour in the UK?

1. Do Gardeners Charge VAT?

Some do, some don’t. If you recruit a limited company or VAT-registered sole trader, VAT will be additionally included. Many local gardeners working independently are below the VAT threshold.

2. Is There a Minimum Number of Hours Required?

Usually, yes. Most gardeners ask for a minimum of 2 hours per visit, especially in urban areas. This covers travel and setup time.

3. Can I Negotiate a Better Rate for Regular Visits?

Absolutely. Most gardeners are happy to offer a discounted monthly rate if you commit to regular bookings — usually biweekly or monthly.

4. Are Gardeners Insured in the UK?

Reputable ones are. Public liability insurance protects you and them in case of accidents or property damage. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof — it’s completely normal.

5. How Do I Know If a Quote Is Fair?

Get at least three quotes, compare services, and check online reviews or community forums. Watch out for prices that seem too low — they may skip insurance, proper tools, or reliability.