What does weed removal cost
The removal of weeds costs on average between €40 and €60 per hour, depending on the surface area, the type of soil and the accessibility of your garden. Weed removal involves weeding unwanted plants between tiles, in borders and on bare ground, so that your garden looks well-maintained. In this price guide, you can read which factors influence the costs for removing weeds and what you should look out for when hiring a professional.
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What does weed removal cost?
Removing weeds costs on average between €40 and €60 per hour, depending on whether you hire a handyman or a professional gardener. For an average garden, you should count on 2 to 4 hours of work, bringing the total costs to between €100 and €250. These prices are including 21% VAT and labour.
Weed removal costs per type of professional
Type of gardener | Costs per hour |
|---|---|
Handyman | €40 per hour |
Professional gardener | €50-€60 per hour |
The choice between a handyman and a gardener depends on the complexity of your job. A handyman is suitable for simple weeding between tiles or in borders, while a professional gardener has more experience with stubborn weeds and larger gardens.
The final costs are determined by the number of hours the professional is at work. A small garden with light weed growth can be finished in 2 hours, but with a neglected garden with a lot of weeds, the work can run up to 4 hours or more. The affiliated professionals calculate their rate per hour, so what removing weeds costs for your specific situation depends directly on the time investment required.
Weed removal costs by type of professional
The costs for removing weeds mainly depend on the type of professional you hire. A handyman offers the most affordable option for regular weeding, while a professional gardener has more experience with stubborn root weeds and larger gardens. Below you can see what the different professionals charge.
Type of professional | Rate per hour |
|---|---|
Handyman | €40 per hour |
Professional gardener | €50-€60 per hour |
Price-determining factors for weed removal
The costs for removing weeds are determined by a number of practical factors that influence the required time and effort of the professional. Below you can read exactly what influences the price.
Size of the garden
A small garden requires less time than a large garden. A garden of 50 square metres can be weed-free in 2 hours, while a garden of 200 square metres quickly requires 4 to 5 hours. The more surface area that needs to be weeded, the higher the total costs will be.
Condition of the garden
A neglected garden with metre-high weeds costs significantly more time than a regularly maintained garden. If weeds have been able to proliferate for months, deep roots and seed setting develop, making removal labour-intensive. A well-maintained garden requires much less work.
Type of weed
Annual seed weeds such as chickweed and annual meadow grass are easy to weed because the roots are shallow. Perennial root weeds such as dandelion, nettle and couch grass, on the other hand, have roots that can go up to a metre deep. These species require more time because the roots must be completely removed to prevent regrowth.
Soil type
The type of soil determines how firmly weeds are anchored. In clay soil, plants develop deeper roots and sit more firmly than in sandy soil. With clay, the professional has to pull harder and dig more often, which costs more time. Sandy soil is looser, making weeds easier to release.
Location in the garden
Weeds between tiles require a different approach than weeds in borders or lawns. Tiles limit the work space and make manual weeding necessary. In borders, the professional can sometimes use tools, which speeds up the work. Each type of location influences the labour duration.
Stubborn weed species
Specialist species such as Japanese knotweed have roots up to three metres deep and require thorough knowledge of control techniques. This type of weed requires not only more time, but also expertise, which increases the costs.
Required materials
If you want to prevent the weeds from returning immediately after removal, the professional can apply mulch, wood chips or root cloth. These materials cost extra and increase the total price, but save you maintenance work in the long term.
Time of execution
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work because the professional must adjust their planning. Also, work on weekends costs more than during the week, as these fall outside regular working hours.
Region
In large cities, hourly rates are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher business costs and differences in local market rates. A professional in Amsterdam therefore usually charges more than a professional in a small town.
Preparation and accessibility
If the workplace is easily accessible and free of obstacles, the professional can start immediately. A garden full of garden furniture or difficult-to-access corners costs extra time, which drives up the costs. Good preparation therefore saves on labour duration.
Prevention after removal
Sometimes it is wise to take measures against regrowth immediately after removal. This can mean that the professional spends extra time applying a protective layer or advising on maintenance. This extra effort increases the total costs, but prevents you from having to have weeds removed again within a few weeks.
Extra costs and surcharges
Extra costs for removing weeds depend on your specific situation. At Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges.
Urgent jobs: A surcharge applies for urgent repairs because the professional must adjust their planning
Weekend work: Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week
Disposal of garden waste: Large amounts of garden waste can involve extra costs if disposal is not standard included
Additional materials: Root cloth or mulch to prevent regrowth are optional additions that increase the total costs
How does the professional work when removing weeds?
Removing weeds proceeds in a number of clear steps.
The professional examines which type of weed is present (annual seed weed or perennial root weed) and determines the best approach.
Depending on the situation, manual weeding, a weed brush, boiling water or a weed burner is chosen. Chemical pesticides such as glyphosate and RoundUp have been banned since 2016, so only mechanical methods are applied.
The weed is removed including the roots, because remaining roots sprout again and increase costs in the long term.
The removed weeds are collected. Discuss in advance whether disposal via green waste is included or whether you arrange this yourself.
The professional can advise on mulching, root cloth or polymer joint sand to prevent future growth.
An average garden is weed-free in 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition. Ensure that paths are clear, that water is available if the professional uses boiling water, and remove loose items from the garden.
How can you save on weed removal?
There are smart ways to limit the costs for removing weeds.
Prevent large jobs: Tackle small weed patches early before they grow out. Regular small maintenance prevents you from paying for hours for a neglected garden.
Clear the workplace: Ensure that paths are accessible and remove garden furniture, so that the professional can start immediately without loss of time.
Choose the right time: Book during the week and not on the weekend. Plan the job in the spring or early summer, when weeds are young and easier to remove.
Prevent regrowth: Have a layer of cocoa shells, wood chips or root cloth applied to bare ground after removal. This prevents new growth and saves future costs.
Avoid harmful substances: Vinegar, salt and chlorine are banned, bad for the environment and often ineffective. They cause extra costs because the weeds come back anyway.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Common causes of weeds in the garden
Weeds can have various causes, each with its own impact on your garden.
Seed dispersal via wind and animals
Seeds blow into your garden from other gardens and germinate in joints between tiles and on bare spots. Once present, they quickly develop into new plants that themselves produce seeds again, causing weeds to spread exponentially.
Remaining roots sprout again
If roots are not fully removed, they grow again. Especially perennial root weeds such as dandelion develop deep roots that can let every remaining piece sprout into a new plant.
Bare ground without ground cover
Bare ground is ideal for weed growth because sunlight directly reaches the soil and germinating seeds have optimal conditions. A layer of mulch or ground covers prevents this.
Damage to tiles and paving
Weeds between tiles push against the subsurface with powerful roots, causing tiles to rise and cracks to appear. This leads to height differences and significantly increases the costs for repair.
Find the best professional for weed removal
A reliable professional saves you time, money and the frustration of recurring weeds.
Knowledge of weed species: An experienced professional recognises the difference between annual and perennial root weed and removes the roots completely, so you don't have to pay again for the same spot.
Professional techniques: Professionals use the right tools and methods, making the work faster and more thorough than when you do it yourself.
No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional to come, regardless of where you live.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before the job begins, without surprises afterwards.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Choose a time and reserve directly, without first requesting multiple quotes.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done and you are satisfied with the result.
Reliable, checked professionals: All affiliated professionals are screened, so you are assured of craftsmanship.
Frequently asked questions about weed removal
What does weed removal cost per square metre?
The costs for removing weeds are not calculated per square metre, but per hour. A handyman costs €40 per hour, a professional gardener €50 to €60 per hour. For an average garden of 50 to 100 square metres, you should count on 2 to 4 hours of work.
How much do you pay someone to weed in my area?
At Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges, regardless of where you live. The hourly rate is between €40 and €60, depending on whether you hire a handyman or gardener. You get a fixed price in advance, so you know exactly what removing weeds costs in your situation.
What does it cost to have weeds removed from my garden?
The price depends on the size and condition of your garden. For an average garden you pay between €100 and €250 for 2 to 4 hours of work. Neglected gardens with stubborn root weeds cost more time.
How much does a gardener cost for 1 day?
A full working day of 8 hours costs between €300 (handyman) and €500 (gardener). For removing weeds you rarely need an entire day, unless it concerns a very large or neglected garden.
How often should weeds be removed?
Ideally two to four times a year, especially in spring and summer when weeds are actively growing. Regular maintenance prevents you from having to pay high costs for large jobs.
What is the difference between annual and perennial weeds?
Annual weeds spread via seeds and can be removed superficially. Perennial root weeds such as couch grass and dandelion have roots up to a metre deep that continue to sprout if not fully removed.
Why can't I use RoundUp or vinegar?
Chemical substances such as glyphosate (RoundUp) have been banned since 2016. Home remedies such as vinegar and salt are harmful to groundwater and ineffective, causing the weeds to return.
How do I prevent weeds from coming back?
Apply mulch, wood chips or root cloth to bare ground. Use polymer joint sand between tiles and sweep regularly to remove seeds and breeding grounds.
Is the removed weed also disposed of?
This depends on the agreement with the professional. Discuss in advance whether disposal via green waste is included in the costs.
Do I pay call-out charges at Zoofy?
No, at Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges. You get a fixed price in advance and only pay after completion of the job via QR code.
Book a professional for weed removal
Ready to have weeds removed? At Zoofy you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable professional who has been checked. You only pay when the work is finished.