Find a Garden Clearance Expert near you
The average rating for Bark Garden Clearance Experts is 4.77, based on 1,170,746 reviews
Is your garden looking more like a jungle than a serene outdoor space? Whether you're revamping your garden for a property sale, reclaiming it for personal use, or simply tired of the overgrowth, garden clearance services can help restore order. This guide details the costs involved in garden clearance, factors influencing pricing, and tips on selecting the right professional for the job.
Garden clearance is the process of removing unwanted vegetation, debris, and structures from your outdoor area. A typical garden clearance service may include:
Cutting back overgrown plants, weeds, and brambles
Clearing fallen leaves and branches
Responsible disposal of garden waste
Removing unwanted garden furniture, sheds, or structures
Tidying up the cleared area
Unlike regular maintenance, garden clearance is often a one-time service aimed at tackling severely neglected spaces. A survey found that 68% of homeowners opted for professional clearance due to the overwhelming nature of the task, while 22% lacked the necessary equipment (Gardening Know How).
The size and condition of your garden are the primary cost determinants. A small, moderately overgrown garden might cost around £150, while a large, neglected space could exceed £1,000.
"The difference between clearing a garden neglected for one year versus five years is significant, affecting both time and disposal costs." – Mark Thompson, Garden Clearance Specialist
Gardens with limited access or challenging terrain can be more expensive to clear. If professionals can't bring vehicles close, they'll need to transport waste over longer distances, increasing labour time and costs. Properties with narrow paths, steep slopes, or no direct access can see a 15–30% price increase.
Waste disposal is a major cost component. According to UK government data, landfill tax and disposal fees have risen by 35% over the past decade.
Green waste: £50–£100 per tonne
Mixed waste: £100–£200 per tonne
Hazardous waste: £200+ per tonne
The time of year can affect costs:
Autumn clearances (due to fallen leaves) can be 20–30% more expensive than summer
Winter clearances might be cheaper due to lower demand
Spring is often the busiest and priciest season
Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay based on garden size:
Garden Size | Cost Range | Average Cost |
Small (up to 50m²) | £150–£300 | £225 |
Medium (50–100m²) | £300–£550 | £425 |
Large (100–250m²) | £550–£1,000 | £775 |
Very Large (250m²+) | £1,000+ | Varies |
These prices usually cover labour and waste disposal. Additional services like tree removal or shed demolition will incur extra costs. According to our reasearch the national average for a standard garden clearance is approximately £425.
If you're considering a DIY approach, here are potential costs:
Skip hire: £150–£300
Skip permit: £15–£30 per day
Tool hire: £30–£100 per day
Protective gear: £50–£100
Your time: 2–5 days for a medium garden
Hiring professionals offers several advantages:
Expertise in efficient clearance methods
Proper equipment for various vegetation types
Environmentally responsible disposal
Insurance coverage for accidental damage
Time savings (professionals can clear in hours what might take you days)
"Professional garden clearance is about safe, efficient removal with minimal environmental impact. We know what can be recycled, composted, or requires special disposal." – Sarah Jenkins, Eco-Friendly Garden Clearance
Responsible professionals prioritise eco-friendly disposal:
Composting suitable green waste
Wood chipping for mulch or biomass fuel
Recycling metal, plastic, and other materials
Donating usable items to community gardens
Many services offer "green clearance" options, costing 5–10% more but ensuring over 90% of waste is recycled or repurposed.
If your garden has invasive species like Japanese Knotweed, you’ll need specialised services:
Japanese Knotweed removal: £2,000–£5,000
Himalayan Balsam clearance: £500–£1,500
Giant Hogweed removal: £1,000–£3,000
Improper disposal of these plants can result in fines up to £5,000 or imprisonment.
When hiring, ask:
Are you licensed for waste transport and disposal?
Do you have public liability insurance?
How will you dispose of the waste?
What’s included in your quote?
How long will the job take?
Do you offer guarantees?
Be cautious of services that:
Offer prices below market average (may illegally dump waste)
Lack waste carrier licences
Request full payment upfront
Have no reviews or online presence
Refuse to provide a written quote
Illegal waste dumping has increased by 50% in five years, with garden waste being a common culprit (Environment Agency).
A well-maintained garden can boost property value. Research by Rightmove shows that a tidy garden can increase property values by 5–20%. For more insights on enhancing your garden’s appeal before selling, explore our guide on improving your garden for selling.
Local councils and charities may offer subsidised or free services for elderly or disabled residents. Organisations like Age UK provide information on available programs.
After clearance, consider these steps:
Improve soil with compost
Simple landscaping with low-maintenance plants
Install weed-suppressing membranes
Create defined spaces for activities
"The best time to plan your new garden is right after clearance. The blank canvas reveals the space’s potential." – Claire Wilson, Garden Designer
For more inspiration on transforming your garden, check out our inspiring gardening ideas.
To find reliable services:
Get at least three quotes
Check reviews and references
Verify waste carrier licences
Use platforms like Bark.com for vetted professionals
Ask neighbours for recommendations
Investing in garden clearance transforms unusable spaces into valuable assets. Whether reclaiming an overgrown area or preparing for a redesign, understanding costs helps you budget and choose the right professional.
Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Proper disposal, insurance, and expertise are worth the investment. With the right service, your garden can go from overwhelming to inspiring in just a day or two.
Ready to reclaim your garden? Find trusted local professionals on Bark.com and start transforming your outdoor space today.
The average rating for Bark Garden Clearance Experts is 4.77, based on 1,170,746 reviews
Want to get your garden cleared? Read our handy guide to find out how much your garden clearance team will charge for their services.