As a rough guide, you should expect to pay a starting rate of £25 – 45 per hour for a small hedge and a minimum of £120 – 150 per hour for a large hedge.
However, it isn’t easy to estimate as it depends on many factors, and hedges come in various forms and sizes.
Let’s look at hedge trimming costs in more detail.
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Before you get a hedge trimming quote, it is advisable to get the gardener to carry out a site visit before giving you a quote. If they don’t suggest seeing the job before providing a quote, think twice about hiring them!
The tradesperson needs to see the size and type of hedge and its location to determine what equipment is required and how long they estimate it will take them to do the job.
How much does hedge trimming cost?
Hedge trimming costs between £25 – 150 per hour. This range is quite broad because it depends on various factors, which we delve into further down.
Some gardeners will include hedge trimming in their services and their hourly rate. We recommend getting a knowledgeable gardener because if they don’t know what they are doing, you might have a hedge that doesn’t grow back or you could end up paying more to correct it —an experienced gardener on average charges between £25 – 45 per hour.
You can expect to pay approximately £240 – 400 for half days work and a couple of van loads of hedge trimmings.
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Hedge trimming cost calculator
There are several factors that you will need to take into account before working out the cost of hedge trimming; here they are:
Hedge size
How tall or dense your hedge is will affect the hedge-trimming cost.
A large, dense hedge surrounding a large-sized garden will take longer to trim than a small hedge at the front of a semi-detached property. A large hedge will increase the labour cost and the amount of debris to dispose of.
If the hedges are tall or hard to access, this will affect the hedge trimming quote as the gardener will need specific equipment, and they may need to hire them. You may even need to hire a tree surgeon to do the job, which will be more expensive. The average hourly rate for a tree surgeon is £40 – 50 per hour.
Hedge type
Your hedge type will determine how regularly it needs trimming and when.
Conifer hedges are a popular choice for garden hedges in the UK as they are cost-effective and provide good privacy. However, they grow really fast, especially Leylandii, so they need regular maintenance, preferably 2-3 times a year. Therefore, this can potentially increase the annual cost.
They can also grow high, so trimming these will come at a higher cost.
Slow-growing species such as the box hedge, yew or holly are good options that are quick to grow at the start, but once mature, they are low maintenance and don’t need trimming often, hence lowering hedge trimming costs.
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Location and ease of access
Where you live will affect the hedge-trimming cost. Prices are usually higher in London and the south-east.
If your hedge is difficult to access or reach, then this will drive up the hedge-trimming labour cost too.
Equipment needed
Small hedges only need hand-held shears or secateurs. Some shears come with telescopic handles that the gardener can extend to help reach higher.
On the other hand, large hedges will require hedge trimmers powered by petrol or electricity, which the gardener will need to pay for and service, so expect a higher quote.
If the gardener has a van, they must also factor this into their costs, which can bump up the price.
Waste disposal
Clearing and disposing of waste often increases labour time and labour costs.
You can save money by disposing of the waste yourself or buying a compost bin where it breaks down quickly.
There is also the option of a garden waste removal service via the council, which costs between £40 and £90 per year. You are provided with a garden waste bin and it is collected on a regular basis by the council.
However, if you want the gardener to dispose of the hedge trimmings, you must be prepared to pay a higher price. Bear in mind that as a business, they must have a license to dispose of waste, which they must pay for.
The cost might vary by the gardener or hedge trimming service, but just be careful as they might not have a carrier’s license, so they might just be dumping the waste somewhere they shouldn’t be, which is illegal and called fly-tipping, which is something you don’t want to get caught up in!
Condition of the hedge
If your hedge is overgrown, trimming it will take longer than a regularly trimmed hedge, increasing the labour cost. For example, a hedge that requires a simple trim will cost less than a hedge with multiple dead or diseased branches.
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Frequently asked questions
How much to trim a large hedge?
The cost to trim a large hedge is on the higher end at approximately £120 – 150 per hour. Specialist equipment is usually needed to reach a certain height and be done professionally. It can also be a pretty risky job if the hedge is tall.
How much to trim a conifer hedge?
The cost to trim a conifer hedge can range from £65 – 370 per visit as it depends on the size and if specialist equipment is needed.
If they are established tall conifers, you might have to consider hiring a tree surgeon or arborist who is experienced with tall trees and has the equipment.
Conifers can grow quickly and need regular maintenance, around twice a year. The average growth rate for a Leylandii is 75-90cm a year! They also don’t grow back easily from hard pruning, so employ a knowledgeable gardener.
Is it important to trim your hedges?
Yes, it is essential for encouraging health and growth, preserving the hedge’s overall well-being and preventing the spread of diseases.
When is the best time of year to trim a hedge?
The best time to trim or prune a hedge depends on its species. Here are general guidelines:
| Type of hedge | Recommended time | Maintenance trimming |
| Formal (neatly shaped) | May – July | Every 6 – 8 weeks during growing season |
| Informal hedges (natural growth) | February – April | 1 – 2 times a year, depending on growth rate |
| Fast growing hedges | Early spring & late summer | Every few months |
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However you should try to avoid hedge trimming during bird nesting season, or if you do have to, then make sure you check the hedge for any birds nests beforehand.
Hopefully, this gives you a rough guide for your garden project.
Next, post a job to get hedge trimming quotes.
If you need your hedge removed, please look at our separate hedge removal cost guide to get an idea of costs.