How much does garden maintenance cost in Sydney?
A plain-English guide to what Sydney homeowners actually pay for lawn mowing, hedging and seasonal tidy-ups - and the details that shift the price up or down.
The short answer
Most Sydney households spend between $50 and $150 per visit for a regular garden maintenance service on a standard suburban block. One-off jobs and seasonal tidy-ups sit higher - usually $250 to $800 - because they include mowing, edging, weeding, hedging and green waste removal in a single visit.
Prices vary because no two gardens are the same. Below are the factors a professional will assess when they quote you.
Lawn mowing & edging
For a regular residential lawn, expect $50 - $120 per visit. What moves the number:
- Lawn size and shape - more edges means more edging time.
- Grass type - kikuyu and buffalo grow fast and need more frequent visits.
- Frequency - fortnightly schedules are cheaper per visit than one-offs.
- Access - side gates, stairs and steep slopes add labour.
- Green waste - some jobs need clippings hauled away, others can be left.
Hedging & pruning
Hedging is usually quoted per hedge or by the hour. A small formal hedge might be $80 - $150, while a long lilly pilly or murraya run that hasn't been touched for a year or two can be $300 - $600+ once green waste removal is included. Structural pruning of larger shrubs and small trees is priced separately.
Seasonal tidy-ups
A seasonal tidy-up is a one-off visit that resets the whole garden - mowing, edging, weeding, mulching, light pruning and green waste removal. In Sydney these typically start around $250 and scale to $800+ for larger properties or gardens that have been let go.
What makes prices go up
- Overgrown starting condition (first visit always costs more).
- Difficult access - narrow gates, stairs, or no rear vehicle access.
- Large volumes of green waste needing tip fees.
- Mulch, fertiliser or plants supplied and installed.
- Pressure washing, gutter clearing or rubbish removal added on.
How to keep costs down
- Book a regular schedule - fortnightly is usually the best value.
- Get on top of the garden with one tidy-up, then maintain it.
- Bundle services (mow + hedge + tidy) into one visit.
- Be clear about what you want done and what can wait.
Get a real quote for your property
Every garden is different. Tell us about your property and we'll come back with a tailored quote - no obligation.