The UK is a nation of gardeners. From small front gardens to large borders in back gardens, and even allotments for those looking to grow their own vegetables, UK households spend around £13.2 billion on garden goods annually.

What’s more, for those looking to turn their green fingers into a real job with a passion, UK households collectively spend more than £5.8 billion each year on professional gardening and landscaping services.

Original insights from Bark, found that since the COVID-19 pandemic, more homes in London have used the services of a professional gardener than anywhere else in the country.

No real surprise there, but when compared like-for-like, quite a different story emerges. Per 100,000 residents of any city or town, it quickly emerges that the residents of Nottingham are more likely to turn to the services of a professional gardener, followed closely by Manchester and Bristol, than anywhere else in the country.

 For those looking to offer gardening services in the UK, Bark insights found that Londoners use such services less frequently than anywhere else in England. It’s a similar story in Scotland, with both Glasgow and Edinburgh calling on gardening professionals more often than in London.

What gardening services are most popular in Great Britain?

When thinking about using a professional gardener there are a whole host of services, from lawn and plant care, to garden design and landscaping. However, Bark data found that weeding and weed prevention (23.3%) was the most requested of all gardening services, nearly followed by lawn mowing or grass cutting (22.5%). 

The third most requested service is hedge cutting and trimming (16%). With these three services making up almost two-thirds of all requests, gardening professionals need a host of skills, tools and stamina.  

Seasonal jobs, whether in the form of leaf clean up (6.3%), planting and seeding (4.7%), or pruning (8.2%), while not as in demand as ongoing garden maintenance, are still areas in which UK households are turning to gardening professionals.

Average cost per hour for a gardener in the UK? 

When hiring gardening professionals, it's important to understand that service costs vary significantly depending on the complexity and expertise required for each task. We have found that, on average, a gardener in the UK costs £25 per hour.

Price often depends on what is required. The most affordable services cover basic garden maintenance that most homeowners require on a regular basis. Lawn mowing averages around £20 per hour, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your garden looking neat. Rubbish clearing and general maintenance tasks fall into a similar price range, offering good value for essential upkeep.

For more routine gardening tasks, you'll find mid-range pricing that balances skill requirements with accessibility. Tree trimming typically costs around £60 per hour, acknowledging the specialised equipment and safety considerations involved. Flower planting runs about £35 per hour, while weeding services are generally priced at £30 per hour. 

These rates reflect typical UK market pricing, though costs may vary depending on your location, the size of your project, and seasonal demand. For more detailed information, check out our UK Gardener Price Guide.

Great British gardening contractors

Finding the right gardening professional is often a lot like a garden; it takes time, persistence and trial and error. Take time to research credentials, read reviews, and even meet potential candidates in person to discuss your vision and budget. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Always look for professionals who demonstrate expertise, reliability, and a genuine passion for plants, gardening, and delivering exceptional results.