How much does hedge trimming cost?
How much does hedge trimming cost?
$185 – $450 average total cost
$2.50 – $6.00 per linear foot
$40 – $100 per hour
Average hedge trimming cost
Hedge trimming costs $185 to $450 on average for most residential properties, with the national average sitting around $300 to $429. For smaller jobs, you may pay as little as $30, while extensive trimming on large or tall hedges can run up to $900 or more. Most hedge trimming services charge by the linear foot, with rates varying based on hedge height, or by the hour at $40 to $100 per hour.
| Cost measure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $300 – $429 |
| Typical price range | $185 – $450 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $30 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $900+ |
| Per 10-foot length (up to 6 feet tall) | $25 – $40 |
| Per 10-foot length (6 to 12 feet tall) | $30 – $60 |
| Hourly rate | $40 – $100 |
| Minimum service fee | $75 – $150 |
The total you pay depends largely on the length and height of your hedges, along with accessibility, plant type, and whether the hedges are overgrown. Understanding these variables helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises when the landscaper arrives.
Hedge trimming cost by size
Hedge size is the single biggest factor in pricing. Landscapers typically quote by linear foot, with separate rates for short hedges (up to 6 feet tall) and tall hedges (6 to 12 feet tall). Short hedges cost $2.50 to $4 per linear foot, while tall hedges run $3 to $6 per linear foot.
| Hedge length | Short hedges (up to 6 feet tall) | Tall hedges (6 to 12 feet tall) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | $25 – $40 | $30 – $60 |
| 15 feet | $38 – $60 | $60 – $90 |
| 25 feet | $60 – $100 | $75 – $150 |
| 50 feet | $125 – $200 | $150 – $300 |
| 75 feet | $185 – $300 | $225 – $450 |
| 100 feet | $250 – $400 | $300 – $600 |
| 150 feet | $375 – $600 | $450 – $900 |
| 200 feet | $500 – $800 | $600 – $1,200 |
| 250 feet | $625 – $1,000 | $750 – $1,500 |
For example, a typical backyard privacy hedge measuring 75 feet long and under 6 feet tall would cost $185 to $300. That same hedge at 10 feet tall could run $225 to $450 due to the additional time, labor, and equipment needed to reach higher branches.
Hedges taller than 15 feet often require an arborist rather than a standard landscaper, which can push costs even higher.
Factors that affect hedge trimming cost
Beyond size, several other variables influence how much you will pay for hedge trimming. The type of hedge, job complexity, and your property's conditions all play a role in the final price.
| Cost factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Hedge type | Harder wood and thicker branches cost more to trim |
| Height over 6 feet | Adds at least 50% to the base cost |
| Overgrown hedges | Can double the cost compared to maintained hedges |
| Ladder work required | Increases cost by 50% or more |
| Debris cleanup and hauling | Adds $35 – $100 extra |
| Topiary or intricate shaping | Significantly increases labor time and cost |
| Accessibility issues | Power lines, slopes, or structures nearby raise rates |
| Season | Winter and early spring rates tend to be lower |
| Service contracts | Annual contracts offer discounts on recurring visits |
Type of hedge
Different hedge species require varying levels of effort to trim. Sturdy evergreen hedges with needles are generally faster and easier to cut than hedges with delicate, broad leaves. Thicker branches or harder wood species demand more powerful tools and more time, which increases labor costs.
Height of the hedge
Most trimming professionals can comfortably work on hedges up to 6 feet tall without a ladder. Hedges between 6 and 15 feet require ladder work, which adds at least 50% to the cost. For hedges taller than 15 feet, you will likely need to hire a certified arborist with specialized equipment.
Level of difficulty
Overgrown or neglected hedges can double the trimming cost compared to well-maintained ones. Reshaping requires more labor-intensive pruning rather than simple surface trimming.
Terrain challenges like steep slopes, limited access points, and nearby obstructions (power lines, buildings, fences) also increase the price. Intricate shaping such as topiaries requires additional expertise and time, further raising costs.
Debris cleanup
Many hedge trimming quotes do not include debris removal. Hauling and dumping clippings typically adds $35 to $100 to the total, depending on volume, travel distance, and landfill fees. Some landscapers offer mulch mowing, which shreds hedge debris into the grass and eliminates hauling fees. For larger properties, a full yard clean up may be needed to handle extensive clippings and green waste.
Season and location
In colder climates, landscapers often charge lower rates during winter and early spring when demand is slow. States with longer growing seasons require more frequent maintenance, which can increase annual costs. The crew's travel time and local cost of living also affect trimming rates.
Many lawn care companies offer discounts when you combine hedge trimming with other services like lawn mowing, mulching, weed control, or flower planting. Signing an annual maintenance contract can also reduce per-visit costs.
How often should you trim hedges?
Trimming frequency depends on the hedge species and the time of year. Fast-growing hedges may need trimming every two to four weeks during the growing season, while slower-growing species require attention only a few times per year. Regular maintenance keeps costs lower per visit, since the hedges stay in shape and require less labor.
| Hedge type | Spring to summer frequency | Autumn to winter frequency |
|---|---|---|
| American boxwood | Every 4 weeks | None |
| Box honeysuckle | Every 4 to 6 weeks | None |
| Boxwood | Every 3 weeks | Every 8 weeks |
| Leyland cypress | Every 2 to 3 weeks | Every 8 weeks |
| European beech | Every 2 to 3 weeks | Every 8 weeks |
| Ficus | Every 4 weeks | Every 6 weeks |
| Holly | Every 3 weeks | Every 8 weeks |
| Hawthorn | Once in summer | Once in autumn |
| Laurel | Every 4 weeks | Every 6 weeks |
| Lawson cypress | Every 8 to 10 weeks | None |
| Ligustrum | Every 4 to 6 weeks | None |
| Privet | Every 4 weeks | Every 10 weeks |
While frequent trimming results in higher cumulative costs, it prevents hedges from becoming overgrown. Overgrown hedges are significantly more expensive to restore to shape, sometimes costing double the price of a standard maintenance trim.
Shrub and bush trimming cost
Individual shrub and bush trimming is priced differently from hedge trimming. Landscapers charge $5 to $20 per bush on average, or $40 to $75 per hour for larger jobs. Smaller jobs are typically priced per shrub, while more extensive work is billed hourly.
| Pricing method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per bush | $5 – $20 |
| Per hour | $40 – $75 |
If you have scattered shrubs throughout your yard rather than continuous hedgerows, expect per-bush pricing. Combining shrub trimming with hedge trimming in a single visit often reduces the overall cost.
Hedge removal cost
If your hedges are beyond saving or you want to redesign your landscape, hedge removal costs $40 to $150 per 5-foot length. Root removal adds $12 to $24 per stump on top of the base removal price.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hedge removal (per 5-foot length) | $40 – $150 |
| Root/stump removal (per stump) | $12 – $24 |
Most companies count every 5 feet of continuous hedge as one shrub when quoting removal. The final price depends on the shrub type, root structure, and proximity to structures or utilities. For larger woody stumps left behind, stump grinding may be necessary to fully clear the area.
DIY vs. professional hedge trimming
DIY hedge trimming can save money on small, accessible hedges. Tools and equipment for a DIY job cost $50 to $250 upfront, or you can rent a hedge trimmer for $30 to $60 per day. However, professional services offer speed, expertise, and cleaner results, especially for tall or complex hedges.
| DIY tool or equipment | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hedge trimmer rental | $30 – $60 per day |
| Basic hand tools (shears, pruners) | $50 – $200 |
| Electric or gas hedge trimmer | $50 – $250 |
| 8-foot ladder | $50 – $300 |
For a DIY trim, you will also need gloves, safety glasses, a tarp for collecting debris, a garden rake, and potentially an extension pole for taller areas.
Hedges taller than 6 feet, hedges near power lines, or overgrown hedges that need heavy reshaping should be handled by a professional landscaper or arborist. Working on a ladder with power tools poses safety risks for inexperienced homeowners. For hedges intertwined with trees, you may also need tree removal services.
For short hedges under 6 feet and less than 25 feet long, DIY trimming is practical and cost-effective. The cost of a basic hedge trimmer pays for itself after one or two uses compared to hiring a professional. For anything larger or taller, the time savings, safety, and quality of a professional crew typically justify the expense.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay someone to trim my hedges?
Most homeowners pay $185 to $450 for hedge trimming on a typical residential property. For smaller jobs involving short hedges under 25 feet long, expect to pay $25 to $100. Always get multiple quotes and confirm whether the price includes debris cleanup.
How much do hedge trimmers charge per hour?
Hedge trimming professionals charge $40 to $100 per hour, with a standard rate around $69 per hour for most landscaping companies. Hourly rates vary by region, experience, and the complexity of the job.
How much does hedge trimming cost per foot?
For hedges up to 6 feet tall, trimming costs $2.50 to $4 per linear foot. Hedges taller than 6 feet cost $3 to $6 per linear foot. Minimum service fees of $75 to $150 apply for very small jobs.
When is the best time to trim hedges?
The best time to trim most hedges is late spring through early summer, after the first flush of new growth. A second light trim in late summer or early autumn helps maintain shape before winter. Avoid heavy trimming in late fall, as new growth may not harden off before freezing temperatures arrive.
How much does it cost to trim overgrown hedges?
Overgrown hedge trimming can cost double the price of maintaining well-kept hedges. For a 75-foot overgrown hedge, expect to pay $370 to $900 depending on height and severity. The extra cost accounts for the additional labor, heavier pruning, and increased debris removal required.
How can I save money on hedge trimming?
You can reduce costs by maintaining a regular trimming schedule, bundling hedge trimming with other lawn care services, scheduling trims during the off-season, and getting quotes from multiple landscapers. Annual service contracts often provide the best per-visit rates.