Quick Cost Summary
- Hourly Rate: $40-$90 per hour
- Small Garden Visit: $80-$200
- Medium Garden Visit: $150-$350
- Large Garden Visit: $250-$600
- Monthly Maintenance: $200-$800
Garden Maintenance Cost Structure Australia
Garden maintenance costs in Australia vary based on garden size, service frequency, complexity of work, and regional location. Understanding pricing structures helps you choose the most suitable gardening service for your property.
Garden Maintenance Pricing Methods
| Pricing Method | Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $40-$90 per hour | One-off jobs, complex work |
| Fixed Visit Price | $80-$600 per visit | Regular maintenance, standard gardens |
| Monthly Package | $200-$1,200 per month | Ongoing contracts, comprehensive care |
| Per Square Metre | $2-$15 per m² | Large properties, specific tasks |
Garden Maintenance by Property Size
Garden maintenance costs scale with property size and complexity:
Residential Garden Sizes
Small Garden (under 200m²)
- Basic maintenance: $80-$150
- Comprehensive service: $120-$200
- Time required: 2-4 hours
- Ideal for townhouses, units
Medium Garden (200-500m²)
- Basic maintenance: $150-$250
- Comprehensive service: $200-$350
- Time required: 3-6 hours
- Standard suburban properties
Large Garden (500-1000m²)
- Basic maintenance: $250-$400
- Comprehensive service: $350-$600
- Time required: 5-10 hours
- Larger suburban blocks
Very Large Garden (1000m²+)
- Basic maintenance: $400-$800+
- Comprehensive service: $600-$1,200+
- Time required: 8-16+ hours
- Acreage properties, estates
Commercial Garden Maintenance
Commercial Property Pricing
- Small Commercial (500-2000m²): $300-$800 per visit
- Medium Commercial (2000-5000m²): $600-$1,500 per visit
- Large Commercial (5000m²+): $1,000-$3,000+ per visit
- Strata Complexes: $400-$1,200 per visit
- Council Contracts: $0.50-$5 per m² (bulk rates)
Garden Maintenance Service Types
Garden maintenance includes various services with different pricing structures:
Core Maintenance Services
| Service Type | Pricing Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing | Per visit | $30-$200 |
| Garden Bed Weeding | Per hour/m² | $40-$80/hour or $5-$15/m² |
| Hedge Trimming | Per linear metre | $8-$35 per metre |
| Plant Pruning | Per hour/plant | $50-$150 per plant |
| Mulching | Per m² (inc. materials) | $8-$25 per m² |
| Fertilizing | Per m² (inc. materials) | $3-$12 per m² |
Specialized Garden Services
- Tree Pruning: $80-$500 per tree (depending on size)
- Garden Design Consultation: $100-$300 per hour
- Pest & Disease Treatment: $50-$200 per treatment
- Irrigation System Maintenance: $80-$250 per service
- Seasonal Garden Cleanup: $200-$800 per property
- Garden Bed Installation: $50-$150 per m²
Factors Affecting Garden Maintenance Costs
Garden Complexity and Condition
Cost Modifiers by Garden Type
Standard Pricing
- Well-maintained gardens
- Standard plant varieties
- Easy access and terrain
- Regular maintenance schedule
Premium Pricing (+30-80%)
- Overgrown or neglected gardens
- Exotic or difficult plants
- Steep slopes or difficult access
- Pest or disease problems
Seasonal Cost Variations
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Peak season, higher demand, +10-20% rates
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Regular maintenance, standard rates
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cleanup season, leaf removal surcharges
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Reduced frequency, 10-20% discounts available
- Storm Cleanup: Emergency rates +50-100% premium
Service Frequency and Packages
Regular service contracts provide better value than one-off visits:
Maintenance Frequency Options
Weekly Service
- Premium maintenance option
- Highest garden quality results
- Standard rates apply
- Ideal for show gardens
Fortnightly Service
- Most popular frequency
- Good maintenance balance
- 5-10% discount available
- Suitable for most properties
Monthly Service
- Budget-conscious option
- Basic maintenance level
- 10-15% discount available
- May affect garden quality
Seasonal Service
- 4 visits per year
- Major seasonal tasks
- 15-20% discount available
- Minimum maintenance level
Annual Garden Care Packages
Package Deal Examples
- Basic Annual (Medium Garden): $1,800-$4,200 (monthly service)
- Standard Annual (Medium Garden): $3,600-$7,200 (fortnightly service)
- Premium Annual (Medium Garden): $5,200-$10,400 (weekly service)
- Savings: 10-25% compared to individual visit pricing
Regional Garden Maintenance Pricing
Garden maintenance costs vary across Australian cities:
Sydney
- Hourly rate: $50-$100
- Medium garden: $200-$400
- Monthly package: $400-$1,000
- Highest rates due to living costs
Melbourne
- Hourly rate: $45-$90
- Medium garden: $180-$350
- Monthly package: $350-$800
- Strong competition, good value
Brisbane
- Hourly rate: $40-$80
- Medium garden: $150-$300
- Monthly package: $300-$700
- Year-round growing season
Perth & Adelaide
- Hourly rate: $40-$75
- Medium garden: $140-$280
- Monthly package: $280-$650
- Most competitive rates
Specialized Garden Types
Different garden styles require specific expertise and pricing:
Garden Style Maintenance Costs
Native Gardens
- Lower water requirements
- Specialized plant knowledge
- Seasonal pruning patterns
- Standard to +20% pricing
Formal Gardens
- Precise hedging and shaping
- Frequent maintenance required
- High skill level needed
- +20-50% premium pricing
Vegetable Gardens
- Seasonal planting expertise
- Pest and disease management
- Harvesting and succession
- +15-40% specialized rate
Water Features
- Pump and filter maintenance
- Aquatic plant management
- Water quality testing
- +$50-$200 per service
Rose Gardens
- Specialized pruning techniques
- Disease prevention programs
- Seasonal care requirements
- +10-30% premium pricing
Tropical Gardens
- High maintenance requirements
- Exotic plant expertise
- Frequent watering needs
- +20-60% premium pricing
Equipment and Materials
Professional garden maintenance requires specialized equipment and materials:
Professional Equipment Used
Basic Hand Tools
- Pruning shears and loppers
- Hand weeders and cultivators
- Rakes, spades, and forks
- Watering equipment
Power Equipment
- Lawn mowers and line trimmers
- Hedge trimmers and chainsaws
- Leaf blowers and mulchers
- Irrigation system tools
Materials and Supplies
| Material | Cost Range | Coverage/Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch (bulk) | $40-$80 per m³ | 5-8m² at 10cm depth |
| Compost | $50-$120 per m³ | 8-10m² garden bed treatment |
| Fertilizer | $3-$15 per kg | 10-50m² coverage per kg |
| Seeds/Seedlings | $2-$15 per plant | Varies by plant type |
| Pest Control | $15-$50 per treatment | Per application area |
DIY vs Professional Garden Care
Cost Comparison Analysis
| Aspect | DIY Approach | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $500-$3,000 initial | Included in service |
| Annual Materials | $300-$1,200 | Included or marked up |
| Time Investment | 4-12 hours per week | None required |
| Expertise Level | Learning curve required | Professional knowledge |
| Results Consistency | Variable | Consistent quality |
When Professional Service Makes Sense
- Large Properties: Over 500m² becomes very time-consuming
- Complex Gardens: Formal gardens, rare plants, water features
- Time Constraints: Busy professionals benefit from service
- Physical Limitations: Age, health, or mobility considerations
- Specialized Needs: Tree surgery, pest management, design
- Equipment Storage: No space for garden equipment
Choosing the Right Garden Service
Essential Service Qualifications
- Business License: Current ABN and appropriate licensing
- Insurance Coverage: Public liability and equipment coverage
- Horticultural Knowledge: Formal training or extensive experience
- Local Plant Knowledge: Understanding of regional conditions
- Equipment Quality: Well-maintained professional tools
Questions to Ask Garden Services
- Are you insured and licensed for garden maintenance?
- What horticultural qualifications do you have?
- Do you provide plant identification and advice?
- How do you handle seasonal garden changes?
- What happens if weather disrupts scheduled visits?
- Do you provide before/after photos of work?
- Can you provide references from similar properties?
- What is included in your standard maintenance visit?
Garden Health and Quality Standards
Professional Service Standards
Quality Garden Maintenance
- Plant Health Monitoring: Regular assessment of plant condition
- Seasonal Adaptation: Services adjusted to growing seasons
- Pest Management: Early detection and treatment programs
- Soil Health: Testing and improvement recommendations
- Sustainable Practices: Water-wise and eco-friendly approaches
- Communication: Regular updates and maintenance reports
Service Guarantees and Warranties
- Plant Health Guarantee: Replacement for maintenance-related losses
- Service Quality: Redo unsatisfactory work at no charge
- Weather Protection: Flexible scheduling for weather delays
- Seasonal Adjustments: Service modifications for garden needs
- Equipment Damage: Coverage for accidental property damage
Why Choose Mates Rates for Garden Maintenance?
0% Service Fees for Gardeners
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our qualified gardeners keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value for your garden maintenance.
Low 10% Fee Capped at $60
You'll only pay a 10% service fee capped at maximum $60, compared to Airtasker's uncapped fees that could add $20-$120+ to your garden service bill.
Verified Garden Professionals
All gardeners are verified, experienced, and knowledgeable about Australian plants, climate conditions, and sustainable garden practices.
Local Horticultural Expertise
Australian-owned platform connecting you with local gardeners who understand your regional soil, climate, and native plant requirements.
Cost-Saving Tips for Garden Care
Budget Optimization Strategies
- Package Deals: Annual contracts save 10-25% over individual visits
- Off-Season Service: Winter maintenance at reduced rates
- Group Bookings: Neighbors sharing services for discounts
- Flexible Scheduling: Allow gardeners to optimize their routes
- Material Supply: Purchase bulk materials yourself
- Maintenance Focus: Regular care prevents expensive problems
Long-Term Garden Investment
- Property Value: Professional garden care maintains curb appeal
- Plant Health: Expert care extends plant lifespan
- Sustainable Practices: Water-wise and eco-friendly approaches
- Time Savings: 4-12 hours per week freed for other activities
- Consistent Results: Professional quality year-round
Ready to Get Garden Maintenance Quotes?
Connect with verified garden maintenance professionals for your property. Get detailed quotes for regular garden care, landscaping, and specialized services with transparent pricing and low fees.
✓ Compare quotes from verified gardeners ✓ 0% fees for professionals ✓ Low 10% fee capped at $60
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does garden maintenance cost in Australia?
Garden maintenance costs $40-$90 per hour, with small gardens costing $80-$200 per visit and large gardens $250-$600 per visit. Annual packages range from $1,800-$10,400 depending on frequency.
How often should I have professional garden maintenance?
Most gardens benefit from fortnightly maintenance visits during growing season. Weekly service provides premium results, while monthly service is suitable for low-maintenance gardens.
What's included in standard garden maintenance?
Standard service typically includes lawn mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, and cleanup. Additional services like fertilizing, mulching, or pest control are usually quoted separately.
Is it cheaper to maintain my garden myself?
DIY costs $500-$3,000 in equipment plus $300-$1,200 annually for materials, while professional service costs $1,800-$10,400 annually. Consider your time value and expertise level.
How do I choose the right garden service?
Look for insured, experienced gardeners with horticultural knowledge, local plant expertise, and good references. Compare service inclusions and reliability, not just price.
How much can I save using Mates Rates instead of Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $20-$200+ per month on a $200-$1,200 garden maintenance service by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.