How much does it cost to have garden maintenance carried out?
Garden maintenance costs on average between €25 for lawn mowing and €800 for cutting down a tree, depending on the work and the size of your garden. The costs for a gardener vary because garden maintenance includes various tasks: lawn mowing, pruning, removing weeds, and fertilising to keep your garden healthy and beautiful. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of garden maintenance and what to look out for.
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How much does garden maintenance cost?
Garden maintenance by a gardener costs on average €50 to €60 per hour. For garden landscaping, you pay between €50 and €100 per square metre, depending on the complexity of the project. The total costs for a gardener depend on the type of work and the size of your garden.
Hourly rate gardener
Description | Price |
|---|---|
Hourly rate gardener | €50 to €60 per hour |
Garden landscaping | €50 to €100 per m² |
The hourly rate applies to standard garden maintenance such as pruning, weeding, and fertilising. For larger projects such as garden landscaping, it is often charged per square metre, as this gives a more realistic picture of the total costs.
Costs per job
Job | Price |
|---|---|
Lawn mowing (100 m²) | €25 to €30 |
Lawn scarifying | €100 to €150 |
Cutting down a tree | €400 to €800 |
The price per hour is especially useful for smaller, short-term tasks. For specific tasks such as lawn mowing or cutting down a tree, a fixed price is usually agreed upon. Lawn mowing is the most affordable option, while cutting down a tree requires more specialised work and is therefore more expensive.
All prices mentioned for garden maintenance include 21% VAT and labour. Material costs such as potting soil, plants, or disposal of garden waste are added to this.
Garden maintenance costs by type of work
The costs for a gardener vary greatly per type of work. Simple lawn maintenance such as mowing is available from €25, while heavier tasks such as cutting down a tree can cost up to €800.
Work | Price |
|---|---|
Lawn mowing (100 m²) | €25 to €30 |
Lawn scarifying | €100 to €150 |
Cutting down a tree | €400 to €800 |
Factors determining the price of garden maintenance
The costs for a gardener vary per task, but the total price depends on several factors. Below you can read what influences the price and how you can potentially save costs.
Surface area of the garden
The larger your garden, the more time the gardener needs. Mowing a lawn of 100 m² costs €25 to €30, but a garden of 300 m² takes three times as long. Larger surfaces increase the labour duration and thus the total costs.
Ratio of garden elements
A garden with many hedges requires intensive pruning, while a garden with extensive borders requires more weeding and planting maintenance than a simple lawn. The more diverse the garden elements, the more different tasks are needed and the higher the price will be.
Complexity of the work
Complex tasks such as cutting down a tree or maintaining exotic plants require more expertise and time. This increases the hourly rate because the professional must use specialised knowledge and tools. Standard lawn mowing is therefore much cheaper than performing pruning work on large trees.
Required materials
The choice of materials directly influences the total price. High-quality fertilisers, new plants, or special potting soil cost more than standard products. The amount of material also plays a role: fertilising a large garden requires more raw material than a small patch.
Region
In large cities, the costs for a gardener are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher labour costs and travel time in urban environments. Local gardeners can be on-site faster, saving both time and costs.
Urgency versus planned work
Urgent jobs are more expensive because the gardener must adjust their planning to be available quickly. Planned work for which you make an appointment well in advance is almost always cheaper.
Weekend or weekdays
Work at the weekend costs more due to higher rates outside regular working days. If you are flexible with the planning, choose a weekday appointment to lower the hourly rate.
Accessibility and preparation
A well-accessible garden without obstacles ensures that the gardener can start immediately. This saves time and lowers the labour duration. Ensure that gates are open and remove personal belongings from the workspace.
Tackling tasks on time
Tackling small problems such as emerging weeds or light pruning on time prevents heavier work from being needed later. Postponed maintenance often leads to higher costs because it takes more time and resources to catch up on overdue work.
Transparent price agreements
At platforms like Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without surprises afterwards. This helps you compare realistic prices for a maintenance contract and make conscious choices for your garden maintenance.
Waste disposal
Disposing of garden waste such as pruned wood, leaves, or clippings takes extra time and can lead to additional costs. Some gardeners charge for this separately, especially with large amounts of waste.
Seasonal influences
In the spring and summer, the demand for garden maintenance is higher, which can limit the availability of gardeners. In quieter periods, rates are sometimes slightly lower and planning is more flexible.
Additional costs and surcharges for garden maintenance
Additional costs for garden maintenance depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges; your bill only starts when the gardener begins work.
For urgent tasks, a surcharge often applies because the professional must adjust their planning to come the same day
Work in the weekend is more expensive than during the week due to higher hourly rates
Disposing of garden waste such as grass clippings, pruning waste, and weeds can involve extra costs; ask in advance if this is included in the price or calculated separately
How does the gardener work during garden maintenance?
Garden maintenance follows a fixed procedure where the gardener assesses the garden and then carries out the necessary tasks.
Inventory: The gardener looks at your garden and assesses which tasks are necessary, such as lawn mowing, pruning, weeding, or fertilising. This gives a clear picture of the expected costs and the required time.
Execution of the work: Depending on the need, the professional mows the lawn, prunes shrubs and hedges, removes weeds, and fertilises if necessary. Seasonal tasks such as scarifying in the spring or leaf clearing in the autumn are carried out where necessary.
Cleanup and finishing: After maintenance, the gardener tidies up the garden waste. You discuss in advance whether this will be disposed of or if you will compost it yourself to avoid surprises in costs.
A standard maintenance session for an average garden usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the garden size and the complexity of the work. With a maintenance contract, fixed agreements are often made for regular maintenance throughout the season.
How can you save on garden maintenance?
There are several ways to lower the costs for a gardener without compromising on quality.
Tackle small problems on time: Removing emerging weeds or light damage to plants immediately prevents small jobs from growing into large, expensive tasks that require more time and thus higher costs.
Make the garden well-accessible: Tidy up toys, furniture, or other obstacles in advance so the gardener can start immediately; this saves labour time and lowers the hourly rate.
Choose the right moment: Book your garden maintenance during the week and not as an urgent task; weekend work and urgent jobs are always more expensive due to surcharges on the regular rate.
Maintain the garden yourself: Weed regularly, remove dead flowers, and clear leaf waste between professional maintenance sessions; this way, the costs remain limited because the gardener has to do less intensive work.
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.
Why is regular garden maintenance important?
Without regular maintenance, your garden can quickly fall into disrepair, leading to higher costs later.
Overgrowth by weeds
Weeds spread very quickly if you do not tackle them in time. They extract moisture and nutrients from your plants and lawn, causing them to weaken. A neglected garden requires more intensive work to get back into good condition.
Moss layer on the lawn
Without scarifying, a moss layer slowly smothers your grass. The grass gets less light and air, causing bare patches. Regular maintenance prevents this decline and keeps your lawn healthy.
Weakened trees
Trees that are not pruned develop weak branches that can break off during a storm. This causes damage to your garden or home. Timely pruning work strengthens the tree structure and prevents dangerous situations.
Find the best gardener for your garden maintenance
A reliable gardener ensures professional work and saves you overdue costs.
No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional to come; your bill only starts when the gardener begins work.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before the job begins, without surprises afterwards thanks to fixed hourly rates.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Via Zoofy, you book a gardener directly without having to request multiple quotes first.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done, easily via a QR code.
Reliable, verified gardeners: All affiliated professionals are checked for experience and professional knowledge, so you are assured of quality and realistic prices.
Expert advice: An experienced gardener gives advice on the best maintenance for your specific garden, tailored to the hourly rate and the desired result.
Frequently asked questions about garden maintenance
What can a gardener charge per hour?
A gardener charges between €50 and €60 per hour, including VAT. This rate applies to standard garden maintenance such as lawn mowing, pruning, and weeding. The hourly rate may be higher for more complex work or urgent jobs.
What is the average cost of garden maintenance?
On average, the costs are between €25 for lawn mowing and €800 for cutting down a tree. Regular maintenance such as pruning and weeding costs about €50 to €60 per hour. The total price depends on the size of your garden and the type of work.
What are the rates for garden maintenance?
The rates vary per job. Lawn mowing starts at €25, scarifying costs €100 to €150, and cutting down a tree is between €400 and €800. For periodic maintenance, you can agree on a maintenance contract for regular visits during the season.
What does it cost to landscape a 100 m² garden?
Garden landscaping costs on average €50 to €100 per m², which amounts to €5,000 to €10,000 for a 100 m² garden. The costs for garden landscaping per square metre depend on the complexity, chosen materials, and the desired garden layout.
How often should I have my garden maintained?
For a well-kept garden, weekly to monthly maintenance is ideal. At least twice a year, in spring and autumn, it is necessary for scarifying and making the garden seasonal-ready to prevent decline.
When should I have my lawn scarified?
Ideally, you should scarify your lawn twice a year: at the end of winter and in the middle of summer. This removes moss and dead grass remains so that your lawn gets better air and light.
How do I know if my plants need pruning?
Signs include dead branches, plants losing their shape, or shrubs growing too close together. Timely pruning work prevents weak branches and keeps plants healthy.
Is garden waste disposed of by the gardener?
This differs per situation. Discuss in advance whether the disposal of pruning waste, grass clippings, and weeds is included in the price to avoid surprises in costs.
Can I book a gardener for urgent jobs?
Yes, at Zoofy you can book an urgent job where the gardener comes the same day. A surcharge applies for this because the professional must adjust their planning.
Do I pay call-out charges at Zoofy?
No, at Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges. You only pay for the actual work, and the bill only starts when the gardener begins work.
Book a gardener for your garden maintenance
Ready to have your garden maintenance carried out? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you to a reliable gardener who has been verified. You only pay once the work is finished. Book a gardener directly.