Hedge Trimming Services Cost 2025: Prices per Foot, Meter, Hour and Job

Planning a hedge tidy-up this year? Here’s a clear, up-to-date look at 2025 hedge trimming prices, what drives the cost, and how to get a fair quote whether you’re in a temperate, coastal, hot-dry, or tropical climate. We also share practical tips to cut costs without cutting corners.

2025 average hedge trimming prices

Most professionals quote by the job, but it helps to know the common pricing benchmarks used across the industry.

• Per linear foot (USD): $1.50–$8.00 for hedges up to ~6 ft (1.8 m); $8–$20 for tall hedges 7–12 ft (2.1–3.7 m).
• Per linear meter (USD): $5–$26 for hedges up to ~2 m; $26–$65 for 2–3.5 m hedges.
• Per hour (USD): $50–$120 for a pro crew (often quoted as a flat job rate).
• Typical job (USD): $90–$700 for routine trims; $700–$2,000+ for oversized, tall, or neglected hedges/topiary.
• Green waste removal: Often included; if not, add $25–$150 depending on volume and local disposal fees.
• Minimum/Call-out fee: $50–$100 is common for small jobs.

Regional ballparks (typical, not guaranteed):

• UK: £40–£60 per hour; £2–£6 per foot; typical job £80–£400.
• Australia: AU$70–$120 per hour; ~AU$15–$40 per meter; typical job AU$150–$800.
• Canada: C$70–$120 per hour; C$2–C$10 per foot; typical job C$120–C$900.
• EU: €45–€90 per hour; €5–€30 per meter; typical job €120–€800.

What affects hedge trimming cost?

• Height and thickness: Tall, deep hedges need ladders, platforms, or pole trimmers and more time.
• Length and shape: Long runs cost more; formal shapes or topiary add precision time.
• Species and growth rate: Fast, dense growers (e.g., privet, viburnum, lilly pilly) take longer than light, open hedges.
• Access and terrain: Tight gates, slopes, beds, pools, or parked cars can slow crews.
• Debris volume: Cleanup and haul-away can be 15–30% of job time.
• Condition: First-time or overdue trims, hedge reductions, and rejuvenation cuts cost more than maintenance shaping.
• Frequency and timing: Recurring schedules are cheaper per visit; peak-season demand can raise prices.

Real-world price examples (2025)

• Small front hedge (30 ft × 4 ft / 9 m × 1.2 m): $120–$250 including clippings removal.
• Medium yard screen (80 ft × 6 ft / 24 m × 1.8 m): $300–$650 depending on density and access.
• Tall laurel or viburnum (100 ft × 10 ft / 30 m × 3 m): $900–$1,800 with platform work and full haul-away.
• Topiary or formal boxwood edging (precision): $200–$600 for 1–3 hours of detail work.
• Overdue hedge reduction (height/width cutback): $800–$2,000+ with phased pruning and multiple disposals.

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Routine trims on low hedges are DIY-friendly. Tall hedges, heavy reductions, or jobs near roads and power lines are best left to insured professionals.

• Choosing tools? Compare options in our Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide 2025 and Battery vs Gas Hedge Trimmers: 2025 Buyer’s Guide.

How often should hedges be trimmed?

• Fast growers (privet, photinia, lilly pilly): 2–4 times/year in warm climates; 1–2 times/year in cool zones.
• Conifers (thuja, cypress): 1–2 times/year; avoid cutting back into old wood that won’t re-sprout.
• Boxwood and holly: 2 times/year for crisp lines; touch-ups as needed.
• Tropicals: Rapid growth may need 3–4 light trims/year to prevent heavy reductions later.

Tip: Healthy, well-spaced hedges are quicker to maintain. Explore species and spacing ideas in Noise-Blocking Hedges: Best Species & Spacing.

Money-saving tips (without sacrificing quality)

• Book off-peak: Early spring or late summer can be cheaper than peak weeks.
• Set a maintenance schedule: Recurring trims stop hedges from outgrowing your budget.
• Prep access: Clear toys, furniture, and pet waste; mark irrigation lines; unlock gates.
• Bundle work: Combine with neighbors to reduce travel and minimum fees.
• Choose easier-care screens: See Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges for Small Yards (2025) and Drought-Tolerant Evergreen Screens.
• Water smart, prune light: Healthy hedges need fewer major reductions. Consider Smart Drip Irrigation.
• Compare options: For low-maintenance looks, weigh Artificial Hedge Panels vs Live Hedges.

What to include in your quote request

• Length and average height (photos help).
• Sides to cut (front, top, back) and desired shape/height after trimming.
• Access notes (gates, slopes, beds, parking, pets).
• Whether cleanup/haul-away is included and how clippings will be handled.
• Frequency (one-off vs. seasonal plan) for better rates.
• Insurance and safety plan for tall hedges or roadside work.

Planning a new hedge to cut future costs?

Planting right now can reduce future maintenance. Compare timelines in Instant Hedges vs Traditional Planting, pick climate-fit species in Drought-Tolerant Privacy Plants (2025), and avoid high-trim zones near pools with Poolside Privacy Plants or tropical container screens in Container-Grown Tropical Privacy Screens (2025).

FAQ

Is it cheaper to trim more often?

Yes. Light, frequent trims are faster and produce less debris than infrequent heavy reductions, typically lowering your yearly spend.

Do pros charge extra for tall hedges?

Usually. Anything over ~6–7 ft (1.8–2.1 m) often adds equipment, safety, and time, reflected in higher per-foot or per-meter rates.

Can I reduce noise with hedges?

Layered, dense species help. See design ideas in Noise-Blocking Hedges.

Bottom line

In 2025, expect most hedge trimming jobs to land between $90 and $700, with tall or overdue hedges running higher. Measure accurately, share clear expectations, and consider a maintenance plan to keep both your hedge and your budget in shape.