How Much Does a Gardener Cost in Cornwall?

One of the most common questions I get from new customers is: "What should I expect to pay?" It's a fair question and one that doesn't always have a straightforward answer — pricing in gardening varies depending on the job, the garden, and who you're hiring. But I can give you a realistic picture of what's typical across Cornwall.

These are general guidelines based on my experience working in the area. Prices will vary between providers and every job is assessed individually, but this should give you a useful starting point.

Grass Cutting

Grass cutting is the most common gardening job and usually the most regularly recurring one. For a standard residential lawn in Cornwall, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from £20 to £50 per visit depending on size.

• Small lawn (up to 30m²) — around £20–£30 per visit
• Medium lawn (30–80m²) — around £30–£45 per visit
• Large lawn (80m²+) — £45+ depending on size and access

Most customers on a regular schedule (fortnightly in summer, monthly in spring and autumn) get better value than one-off visits, as the grass is easier to manage when it's cut consistently. If the lawn has been left for a month or more and is significantly overgrown, expect the first cut to be priced higher to account for the extra time and difficulty involved.

Hedge Cutting

Hedge cutting prices depend heavily on the size, height, and number of hedges involved. A simple low front hedge might take 30 minutes; a large boundary hedge might take half a day. Typical pricing:

• Small garden hedges — from £40–£60 for a straightforward job
• Larger or taller hedges — £80–£200+ depending on scale
• Full garden with multiple hedges — usually quoted as a full-day job

In Cornwall many properties have mature leylandii or beech hedges that have grown significantly. These need more specialist equipment and time, which is reflected in the price. Always make sure the quote includes waste removal — some gardeners charge separately for this and others include it.

Garden Clearance

Garden clearance — clearing an overgrown or neglected garden — is typically priced as a day rate or half-day rate rather than a fixed fee, as the amount of work can vary significantly once you get stuck in. You can expect:

• Half-day clearance — from £150–£250
• Full-day clearance — from £250–£450
• Multi-day projects — priced per day

Waste disposal is a significant factor in clearance work. Green waste, soil, rubble and furniture all need to go somewhere, and skip hire or tip runs add to the overall cost. A reputable gardener will include this in their quote or explain exactly what is and isn't included.

Weeding and Border Maintenance

Weeding and border care is usually charged at an hourly or half-day rate. This is labour-intensive work and the time required varies enormously depending on how established the weeds are and the size of the borders. Typical rates:

• Hourly rate — £20–£35 per hour is typical in Cornwall
• Half-day (up to 4 hours) — from £80–£120

For customers on a regular maintenance schedule, weeding is usually included as part of a broader visit rather than charged separately — which is another good reason to consider a regular arrangement rather than occasional one-off jobs.

Pressure Washing

Patio and driveway pressure washing is popular in Cornwall given how quickly hard surfaces turn green and slippery here. Pricing is usually based on the area being cleaned:

• Small patio (up to 20m²) — from £60–£100
• Medium patio (20–50m²) — from £100–£180
• Large patio or driveway — £180+ depending on area

Regular Maintenance Contracts

Many customers find that a regular maintenance arrangement is the best value overall. Rather than calling for individual jobs, a regular gardener visits every 1–2 weeks (or monthly in quieter seasons) and keeps the whole garden ticking over. This typically includes mowing, edging, light weeding, hedge trims as needed, and a general tidy.

Pricing for regular contracts varies depending on the garden and the scope of work, but many residential customers in Cornwall pay between £80 and £200 per month for a reliable regular service. The exact price will be agreed based on a visit to assess the garden.

Getting an Accurate Quote

The best way to get an accurate price is a free garden visit. Every garden is different — size, access, condition, and the scope of work all affect the cost, and a reputable gardener should always come out and see the job before quoting. Be cautious of any gardener who gives a fixed price without seeing the garden first.

I offer free, no-obligation quotes across Newquay, Perranporth, Truro, Padstow, Wadebridge, St Austell and all the surrounding areas of Cornwall. If you'd like to know what your garden would cost to maintain, get in touch and I'll come out and take a look — there's no pressure and no commitment required.