How Much Does a Gardener Cost in 2026?

Based on our survey of members during 2025, the average daily target of a qualified gardener with at least 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE, during the busy growing season, is estimated to be £343 per day during 2026 which includes 5% increase for inflation. Based on 7.5 chargeable hours per day, this gives an equivalent average hourly rate of £46.70 per hour.

Understanding Gardener Hourly Rates by Experience Level 

For qualified gardeners trading 4-10 years the average adjusts to £272 per day / £36 per hour and £210 per day / £28 per hour for gardeners with up to 4 years’ of trading experience.

However, these are just an average and every business is different. The amount they charge is not their wage but reflects the cost of running their business, qualifications, experience and demand.

Why Do Gardening Fees Vary? (More Than Just a Wage) 

A gardener may charge less if you secure their income by hiring them to maintain a large garden regularly and keep them busy outside of the growing season. 

Equally, a gardener may charge more if you hire them irregularly or for short tasks. These gardeners are in high demand during the growing season and their fees will reflect the extra travel time, intense tool use and unpredictability of work for a gardener servicing customers who mostly need help during the high demand growing season.  

RESEARCH:
- On average around 23% of a gardeners annual turnover is spent on business costs. This includes training, insurance, accounting, vehicle, tools and maintenance, protective clothing, oils, fuels, lubricants, replacement parts and sundries.
- What a gardener charges is not what a gardener earns.
- In addition, a gardeners income drops by 36% on average during the winter months due to shorter days and unsettled weather. During the growing season, gardeners are in high demand.

Find a qualified gardener near you

The Impact of Regional Living Costs and Specialisations

These average 2026 hourly rates will vary based on several factors:

- Specialist knowledge: Garden Consultants or those with additional qualifications or licenses command higher fees.
- Regional Variations: The cost of living in London or the South East will naturally drive prices higher than the national average.
- Risk and Equipment: Fees often increase with the level of danger (working at height) or the requirement for intensive use of powered machinery.
- Minimum Charge: Gardeners may have a minimum charge higher than their hourly rate to compensate for additional travel time to and from small jobs or they may quote a fixed price.
- Waste removal: Hourly rates generally exclude removal of cuttings, chemical treatments etc

Fixed Price Maintenance vs. Hourly ‘Manicured’ Gardening

A professional gardeners costs will vary depending on how often you need them.

Think about what you really need - maintenance or manicure? A 'manicured' garden will be time intensive and need regular visits so a gardener will likely charge by the hour. A gardeners’ lowest rate may be reserved for regular customers who give the gardener work 12 months a year.

Standard, garden ‘maintenance’ often applies to grounds with a simple planting scheme that requires timely upkeep such as lawn care, hedge maintenance, leaf clearance etc. This work often relies on powered tools and may be offered to you at a fixed price. A fixed price helps you budget and is an efficient way to keep your garden under control. A fixed price may be offered per job or, for commercial or communal grounds, at a fixed annual price.  

Qualified vs. Unqualified Gardeners: Avoiding False Economy

Non-qualified gardeners often charge the same as qualified professionals. Before hiring, always ask about insurance, professional tools, experience, and waste carrier licenses.

Having spent thousands of pounds on tools, insurance and training, a professional gardener will be proud to tell you why they are worth their fees, and you will benefit as they work efficiently and effectively.

Judge the quality of a gardeners work by asking them to do a small task and invite them back only if you are happy. Every gardener is different and will focus on certain types of work. Some gardeners specialise in border maintenance and pruning while others specialise in work that requires powered tools - so even a very good gardener may not be the best gardener for your garden.  

How to Save Money on Professional Garden Maintenance

Save money (and help your gardener) by doing the right job at the right time. Garden maintenance is required all year around. Spread the cost by doing the right job at the right time.

- Ask your gardener for help when work is really required at the right time of the year. A good gardener can tell you when each plant needs attention.
- Talk to your gardener about how to simplify your garden i.e. mulching borders so you don't have to weed so often.
- Stay in contact with your gardener by asking them to cut your lawn regularly (often a fixed price service). If you do this, they will likely give you priority over less regular customers.
- Plan-ahead and call your gardener before your garden becomes overgrown as they may be busy.

Please note: These suggestions are for maintenance gardening only and not landscaping or tree surgery as these are different disciplines with higher costs involved.

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