How Much Does a Gardener Cost in Australia 2025

A well maintained garden can transform the value, beauty and liveability of a property. But for most homeowners, keeping on top of gardening tasks like lawn mowing, hedge trimming, weed removal and general tidying up can be time consuming.

Busy lifestyles, a lack of equipment, and an absent green thumb makes hiring a gardener the most practical and cost effective option for most people.

So, how much does a gardener cost in Australia? The average gardener rate is around $45 to $120 per hour, depending on the service, the complexity of the work and your location. A gardener cost for a single service like an initial lawn cut or hedge trimming is more expensive than regular maintenance. Specialised tasks like tree removal, garden design, landscaping or irrigation installation are more complex, require a professional gardener with greater experience and specialist equipment. Many gardeners charge a 2-hour minimum call out fee even for basic maintenance services.

In this guide you can learn about the typical gardening services provided, average prices, what factors affect cost, and what to consider when hiring a gardener.

Average Gardener Costs in 2025

The average gardener hourly rate in Australia ranges from $45 to $120 per hour. Most local gardeners offering standard services such as lawn mowing and weeding charge between $60 and $80 per hour.

• Basic lawn mowing: $45 – $85 per hour
• Hedging and pruning: $50 – $90 per hour
• Weed spraying and weed removal: $40 – $100 per hour
• Ride-on mowing for large properties: Up to $120 per hour
• General garden maintenance packages: $60 – $75 per hour

Lawn mowing services typically cost between $45 and $85 per hour for a one off service, with an average rate around $65.

The cheapest gardener in your local area may charge at the lower end of this range, but their service may not include extras such as green waste removal or edging. A more skilled and insured professional may charge more, but are often of better value in the long run.

Gardening Services Offered

Gardening services vary from basic maintenance to specialised projects. A professional gardener can help with:

Regular Garden Maintenance

• Lawn mowing and edging
• Trimming hedges and pruning shrubs
• Weeding and weed removal
• Fertilising lawns and plants
• Collecting and disposing of green waste

Costs for fertilising typically hover around $40 to $80 for standard services.

Seasonal and One Off Services

• Mulching and soil preparation
• Installing turf
• Raising seedlings and planting new plants
• Organic pest management instead of chemical weed spraying
• Preparing properties for real estate agents before sale

Average prices for weeding can range from $35 to $65 per hour.

Complex Tasks and Larger Projects

• Garden design and landscaping projects
• Building retaining walls or pathways
• Irrigation and watering systems
• Tree services such as cutting back branches or removing a large tree
• Working with local council approvals for tree removals or structural landscaping

Professionals may charge up to $250 per hour for complex jobs.

How Much Do Gardeners Cost Per Hour?

Gardener cost per hour can vary depending on your location, the work required, and the experience of the provider.

• In New South Wales, rates are often at the higher end, with averages between $70 and $120 an hour.
• In Western Australia, gardeners tend to be more affordable, with averages between $50 and $80 an hour.
• Other states typically sit somewhere in the middle, with standard gardening rates averaging around $65 an hour.

The cost is also influenced by whether you need a one off service or regular visits. Many gardeners will reduce their hourly rate if you commit to ongoing work.

How Much Do Gardeners Cost Per Job?

Some garden maintenance tasks are priced by the job rather than by the hour. This is common for lawn mowing or hedging contracts where the scope is easy to measure.

Typical gardener cost per job:

• Initial lawn cut (no green waste removal): Around $200
• Initial lawn cut (with green waste removal): Around $250
• Ongoing lawn services: $70 – $75 per service
• Hedging services: $80 – $90 per visit (based on 3–4 times per year)
• Tree removal: $500 – $2,000 depending on size and approvals

These figures highlight how additional costs like green waste disposal or the use of specialist equipment affect the final price.

Factors Affecting Gardener Costs

Several key factors influence gardener cost in Australia:

1. Location – Services in Sydney and regional New South Wales tend to be more expensive than in Western Australia or Tasmania.
2. Garden size – Larger lawns or extensive hedges take more time and may require ride-on mowers or chainsaws.
3. Services required – Basic lawn mowing is cheaper than complex tasks such as landscaping or tree removal.
4. Waste disposal – Including green waste removal adds to the cost.
5. Experience – A professional gardener with valid insurance and advanced skills will charge more than someone offering only basic mowing.
6. Frequency – Regular visits are generally cheaper per visit than one-off services.

Specific companies may offer garden design services to remodel properties.

1. Location – Services in Sydney and regional New South Wales tend to be more expensive than in Western Australia or Tasmania.
2. Garden size – Larger lawns or extensive hedges take more time and may require ride-on mowers or chainsaws.
3. Services required – Basic lawn mowing is cheaper than complex tasks such as landscaping or tree removal.
4. Waste disposal – Including green waste removal adds to the cost.
5. Experience – A professional gardener with valid insurance and advanced skills will charge more than someone offering only basic mowing.
6. Frequency – Regular visits are generally cheaper per visit than one-off services.

Why Hire a Professional Gardener?

While some gardening tasks can be done on weekends, many homeowners find it worthwhile to hire a gardener because:

• They save time on time consuming jobs like mowing and weed removal.
• They have the right equipment for efficient results.
• They understand soil health, plants, and seasonal care.
• They can spot early problems such as pests, poor air quality, or lawn disease before they become costly.
• They are covered by valid insurance in case of accidents.

What to Look for When Hiring a Gardener

When hiring a gardener, consider both price and quality. A few questions to ask include:

• Do you hold valid insurance?
• Can you provide a written quote with full breakdown of gardening rates and additional costs?
• What services are included in your garden maintenance?
• How much per hour or per job do you charge?
• Do you have references from other local gardeners or clients?

When hiring a gardener, it is important to ask about their experience and inquire as to their education.

• Do you hold valid insurance?
• Can you provide a written quote with full breakdown of gardening rates and additional costs?
• What services are included in your garden maintenance?
• How much per hour or per job do you charge?
• Do you have references from other local gardeners or clients?

Remember that at least three quotes should be obtained so you can compare prices and levels of service.

Gardeners and Specialist Services

Not every job is suited to a standard gardener. Some tasks may require more specialised skills:

• Arborists: Trained for safe removal of a large tree. Costs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on size and local council approvals.
• Landscapers: Handle garden design, turf installation, paving, and structural work.
• Real estate agents: Often recommend a professional gardener to prepare gardens before sale, as a tidy property increases value.

Saving Money on Garden Maintenance

While the hourly rate of a gardener can seem high, there are ways to make it more cost effective:

• Book regular garden maintenance to secure lower ongoing gardening rates.
• Do simple tasks yourself, such as watering or light weeding, leaving complex tasks to the professionals.
• Ask whether you can keep mulch from a removed tree to reduce additional costs.
• Request a written quote to avoid surprises and ensure transparent pricing.
• Use Trade Heroes to compare prices between local gardeners before you hire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a gardener cost per hour?

Expect to pay between $45 and $120 per hour. The hour depending on the service, location, and experience of the gardener.

What is included in garden maintenance?

Services usually include lawn mowing, pruning, trimming hedges, weeding, fertilising, and removing green waste.

How much does a one off service cost?

A single lawn cut may cost $200 to $250, while ongoing lawn services average $70 to $75 per visit.

What should I look for in a gardener?

Choose someone with valid insurance, experience in your type of garden, and the ability to provide a written quote.

Do gardener costs vary by state?

Yes. New South Wales is generally the most expensive, while Western Australia and Tasmania offer lower average gardening rates.

Conclusion

Gardener cost in Australia in 2025 ranges from $45 to $120 per hour, with most gardening services averaging around $65. Prices vary depending on the size of the property, the tasks required, and your location. A single service job like an initial lawn cut or hedge trimming is more expensive, while regular garden maintenance is usually cheaper per hour over the long term.

When hiring a gardener, it is important to always get at least three quotes, confirm the gardener holds valid insurance, and that the written quote clearly states what is included such as green waste removal. Whether you need a quick tidy-up or a full garden design, a professional gardener can help keep your garden healthy, attractive and more enjoyable year round.

With Trade Heroes, you can easily compare prices, find trusted local gardeners, and hire the right professional for your property.