What is the typical hourly rate for a gardener in London?
National cost guides put the average UK gardener at roughly £15 to £45 an hour. London is at the top of that range and often above it, because travel, parking and the cost of running a van in the capital are all higher.
For general maintenance in West London, such as mowing, weeding, edging and tidying borders, most homeowners will see quotes between £30 and £45 an hour. Skilled work like shaping hedges, pruning trees or planting schemes can be charged at £45 to £60 an hour. These are typical market figures, not a price list. The only way to get a firm number for your garden is to have someone look at it.
How do gardeners price their work?
You will usually come across one of four pricing methods. Each suits a different kind of job.
- Hourly rate: common for small, unpredictable jobs. Ask whether there is a minimum charge, often one or two hours.
- Day rate: typically £250 to £380 in London for one gardener, more for a team. Good value for a big one-off tidy.
- Fixed price per visit: the gardener agrees what gets done each visit and charges the same every time. This is how most regular care plans work.
- Fixed quote for a project: used for clearances, hedge reductions, new turf or a fence. You know the total before work starts.
How much does a regular garden maintenance plan cost?
A regular plan is a set visit every week, fortnight or month, with an agreed list of jobs. For an average semi-detached garden in Northolt, Greenford or Ruislip, a fortnightly visit of two to three hours from spring to autumn is a common pattern, with fewer visits over winter.
Because the gardener can plan the route and the garden never gets out of hand, a plan often costs less per hour than calling someone in when things have grown wild. A garden that has been left for a season can take a full day to bring back, which is where costs climb. Our regular garden maintenance is set up this way: one agreed price per visit, agreed before we start.
What makes a gardener more or less expensive?
Two gardens of the same size can cost very different amounts. These are the things that move the price most.
- Access: a mid-terrace in Southall or Acton with no side gate means every bag of waste goes through the house. That takes time.
- Green waste: removing cuttings is often charged separately. If you have a council garden waste bin, the gardener can fill that instead.
- Condition: an overgrown garden needs a first clearance before regular care can start.
- Hedges and height: tall hedges need platforms or towers and two people for safety.
- Frequency: weekly or fortnightly visits usually cost less per hour than occasional ones.
- Materials: compost, plants, bark and lawn feed are normally on top of labour.
Do I pay extra for taking the garden waste away?
Often, yes. A professional gardener has to pay to tip green waste at a licensed site, so most charge for removal either per bag, per load or within the visit price. Always ask what is included.
You can keep this cost down with a council garden waste subscription. For 2026/27, Ealing Council charges £75 a year and Hillingdon Council £77 a year for a garden waste collection. If you have one, your gardener can fill the bin and leave the rest neatly bagged for the next collection.
Is a cheap gardener a false economy?
Not always, but it is worth checking a few basics before you hire anyone. A very low price can mean no insurance, no proper waste disposal or a hedge cut at the wrong time of year.
Ask whether they hold public liability insurance, how they dispose of waste, and whether they can give you a written quote. Reviews from local customers are a good guide too. A.K. Gardening has worked across West London since 2006, holds public liability insurance and has a 4.8 rating from 67 Google reviews, and our team members who visit homes are DBS checked.
How do I get an accurate price for my garden?
Every garden is different, so a figure over the phone can only ever be a guess. The fair way is a short visit: the gardener walks round, you agree what you want, and you get a fixed price in writing.
We offer that visit free across Ealing, Harrow, Hayes, Uxbridge and the rest of West London. There is no obligation and no pressure. Call Karol on 07703 040203 to book a time that suits you.
Questions people ask
How much does a gardener charge per hour in London?
In 2026 most London gardeners charge around £30 to £45 an hour for general maintenance such as mowing, weeding and tidying. Specialist work like tree pruning or hedge shaping can reach £45 to £60 an hour. Prices vary with access, waste removal and the condition of the garden.
What is a typical day rate for a gardener in London?
A typical London day rate for one gardener is roughly £250 to £380. A two-person team costs more but finishes larger jobs faster. A day rate is usually good value for a one-off tidy or clearance where the hours are hard to predict.
Is it cheaper to have a gardener regularly?
Usually yes. Regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits keep the garden under control, so each visit is shorter and easier to plan. Gardens left for a whole season often need a full day or more to recover, which costs more overall.
Does a gardener's price include taking away green waste?
Not always. Many gardeners charge separately for removing cuttings because they pay to tip them at licensed sites. Ask before you agree a price. A council garden waste bin, around £75 to £77 a year in Ealing and Hillingdon for 2026/27, can reduce this cost.
How can I get a fixed price for my garden?
Ask for a visit and a written quote. A gardener needs to see the size, access and condition of the garden before giving a fair fixed price. A.K. Gardening offers a free visit and quote across West London. Call 07703 040203 to arrange one.
Karol Antolak
Owner of A.K. Gardening Specialist in Northolt. Looking after gardens across West London since 2006. Fully insured, DBS checked.
