Before you decide to employ a gardener to manage your garden or remove garden waste, you might want to see how much you can reasonably anticipate to pay.
This price guide will be helpful in that situation. Here you can learn how much gardening services cost and how much you should budget for trash disposal and garden upkeep.
Regular garden upkeep typically costs between €31 and €51 every visit. This entails trimming, weeding, and mowing. It is simple to fit into a budget because this is typically a fixed fee. Most skilled gardeners charge in the range of €211 to €251 per day, or €25 to €31 per hour, for more groomed work or for a one-time huge clean up.
Read on for a more thorough cost analysis!
What is the cost of gardening services?
Grass cutting and lawn feeding, hedge and bush trimming and pruning, leaf blowing, weeding, watering, and patio and driveway cleaning are all parts of general garden upkeep. The price of garden care services ranges from from €11 to €51 per hour, though this depends on the kind of work that needs to be done.
Additionally, the price will vary depending on the size of the garden. For example, smaller gardens measuring 6 x 4 metres typically cost between €31 and €311, while an 8 × 6 metre garden typically costs between €51 and €351. This might cost as much as €81 to €811 or more for larger gardens that are 12 x 8 metres or greater.
Once more, these expenses may vary depending on the state of the garden because a well-kept garden will require much less time than an overgrown garden.
How much does clearing a garden cost?
Depending on the quantity and type of garden garbage you need removed, you can anticipate to pay between €41 and €71 per hour to have your garden cleared of trash.
The total cost of clearance might be impacted by the various methods that different forms of garden debris must be disposed of.
Costs of Hiring a Gardener for Garden Upkeep
Here are some ballpark figures for the price of hiring a gardener to take care of your garden:
- €31-311 for 6×4 metres, 3-6 hours
- 5-7 hours for 8 x 6 metres.
- €81–811 for 12×8 metres, 1-2 days
The costs of the various garden upkeep tasks are broken down as follows:
- The hourly cost of cutting the grass ranges from €11 to €41.
- Between €41 and €61 is what hedge cutting costs per hour.
- trimming costs between €61 and €81 per hour
- The cost of weeding ranges from €21 to €31 per hour.
- It costs between €11 and €31 per m2 to lay turf.
- Patio installation expenses range from €71 to €111 per square metre.
- Costs for installing a deck range from €41 to €111 per square metre.
- General cleaning costs between €15 and €21 per hour.
- The hourly rate for removing a tree stump ranges from €61 to €81.
- €61 to €81 per square metre for artificial grass
- Planting expenses range from €41 to €71 per m2.
- Garden fencing installation charges range from €21 to €111 per panel.
- Costs range from €511 to €5111 to install a pond.
- The price per hour to clean a patio, sidewalk, or driveway ranges from €41 to €61.
Supply Prices
You must be aware of the following expenses if you intend to take care of your garden on your own or save money by purchasing supplies and equipment to do it yourself at a lesser cost.
materials for construction
- Timber decking ranges from €2 to €11 per m2.
- IPE decking is priced per m2 at between €15 and €51.
- Composite decking ranges from €5 to €61 per m2.
- For each square metre, concrete patios cost between €31 and €41.
- Stone patios cost between €45 and €75 per square metre.
- Brick patio prices range from €35 to €45 per m2.
- Each large bag of gravel costs between €81 and €151.
- 91 to 181 euros for a large bag of woodchip
- Turf prices range from €2 to €5 per square metre.
- A m2 of artificial grass can cost anywhere from €11 to €31.
Price of Gardening Equipment
- Typical beech tree seeds range in price from €2 to €25 per carton.
- 1 to 25 euros each pack of alder tree seeds.
- Priced between €1 and €9 per pack, birch tree seeds.
- The cost of a pack of maple tree seeds ranges from €1 to €21.
- A pack of sunflower seeds costs between €2 and €5.
- Fuchsias range in price from €8 to €15 per pot.
- The cost of a pot of hydrangeas ranges from €11 to €41.
- Geraniums cost between €8 and €15 per pot.
- Bulk bags of topsoil are priced between €61 and €91.
- Each bag of compost costs between €4 and €8.
- Herbicides range from $1 to €21.
Price of garden tools
- For a lawnmower, prices range from €41 to €1111.
- Earn anywhere from €3 to €25.
- Prices for hedge trimmers range from €21 to €71.
- For a pressure washer, between €51 and €511
- Prices for leaf blowers range from €31 to €91.
- Prices for garden shovels range from $3 to $41.
- A hand trowel costs $3 to €11
- 1 to 31 euro Pruner
Extras for Gardening Can Be Expensive
- Garden fence panels range in price from €21 to €91.
- A water feature costs between €11 to €1111.
- From €61 to €311 for a pond kit
- Prices for wooden flower beds range from €21 to €121.
Added Charges
You should take into account a number of other expenses that could drive up the cost of garden maintenance.
- Patio furniture priced between €41 and €911
- Fire pits range from €25 to €411
- Skip rentals cost between €61 and €451.
- €61 to €211 for the removal of green garbage
- Outdoor lighting ranges from $3 to $3111.
- Between €31 and €511 is spent on outdoor heating.
- Price ranges for planters are between €1 and €41.
Using the Cost Analysis Calculator
The total cost of hiring a gardener to trim hedges, mow a lawn, and clean up the garden is €151.
Timeframes and Labor Costs
Although it can be challenging to estimate costs for gardening services, most gardeners charge by the hour. Hourly charges can be incredibly different, ranging from €15 to €21 for ordinary cleaning to €91 to €121 for hedge trimming.
The cost of labour for the gardener will also depend on the location and size of the business you select. A medium-sized garden maintenance firm would charge roughly €45 per hour, but major companies in the north of England often charge around €31.
Prices will change based on how long a work takes. For instance, small gardens typically take 3 to 6 hours to complete, and large gardens may take up to 2 days. For various jobs, there will be variations in the time frame. The timelines and costs for various garden upkeep tasks are shown in the table below:
- mowing the grass for 11–81 euros in 31–2 hours
- hedge trimming, 4 hours to 1 day, €161 to €481
- pruning for 1-2 days costs €481–€1211
- €161–€481 for 1-2 days of weeding
- €151 to €451 for installing turf over 1-3 days
- Patio installation: 3–5 days; $451–$751
- Decking installation takes 1-2 days. €511-€2511
- For two hours to a day, general cleaning costs between €31 and €161.
- Removal of tree stumps 4 hours – 1 day, €241 – €641
- Artificial grass has a lifespan of 1–7 days. €311-€2111
- Planting time: two hours, one day; cost: $31–$121
- Garden fence installation costs between €151 and €451 for 1-3 days.
- €311 to €2111 for pond installation over 1 to 8 days
- Cleaning the driveway, path, and patio 4–1 days, €161–€481
What Exactly Is Garden Maintenance?
Garden maintenance involves a variety of various tasks, such as:
blowing leaves
It is a good idea to get all the leaves removed from your garden before cutting your grass. The leaves should then be brushed up and disposed of after being moved off the grass to another place by a professional using a leaf blower.
Removing grass
Your lawn will be routinely mowed by a gardener or landscaper using a high-quality mower, who will ensure that the grass is cut to the proper height and is not less than one-third of its original length. But if your grass is lengthy, they might switch to a strimmer, which can be used to trim weeds and tall grass.
Weeding
By spraying a chemical weed killer on the grass and a different weed killer on your garden walk, a professional gardener will weed your garden. Then, after a 24-hour period, they will return and pull the weeds with a digging hoe, being careful not to dig too deeply because this can damage the soil. Depending on the state of the garden and the season, they will repeat this operation every three months or so.
trimming bushes
If you have hedges in your garden or the regions around your house, you must ensure that they are routinely trimmed. Before cutting the edges, they will inquire about the size and desired amount, after which they will mark the cutting area with thread. They will either use a raised platform to access higher places or a long-reach hedge trimmer to correctly cut the hedges. They will watch their cutting to make sure they don’t take more than 31 cm off the intended form and size.
Pruning
You might hire a gardener to trim your overgrown trees and plants. In order to identify the main branches, the location of the damage, and the amount of removal required, the gardener must first determine the size and shape of the tree.
Then, in order to nourish healthy branches, your gardener will cut away any damaged branches. Crossing branches should also be clipped to enhance air circulation and promote healthy tree growth. Additionally, a buildup of fungal and insect infestations is prevented.
Additionally, pruning entails removing any branches that are in the way of telephone wires, walkways, or are hanging over the roof. The shrub or tree will next be shaped by the gardener in the manner that you have specified to enhance aesthetics.
Edging
In order to improve the aesthetics of your garden, you can edge your grass or flowers with a border. They will do this by cutting a line into the dirt with an edge tool to provide a border effect of any shape. The edging line will then be extended by approximately 4 to 6 inches using a spade.
Following the identification of the edging area, the turf will be removed from inside the edging line, and any extra grass will be sheared off.
They will apply mulch to prevent weeds from developing along the edging, which will not only prevent weed development but also add a darker shade to the edging to improve the appearance of your lawn or flower beds.
Putting Wood Chips Down
Wood chips can be used to enhance the aesthetic of your garden as well as prevent weed growth. A gardener should clear the area of any grass or weeds before smoothing over the soil in order to place wood chips appropriately.
The soil will next be covered with landscape cloth to prevent weed development. In the soil around flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs, add wood chips.
After this is finished, the wood chips can be added on top of the fabric, ensuring sure there is a layer that is at least three to four inches thick.
In order to ensure that there is at least a 6-inch spacing between trees and shrubs and 2 to 3 inches between plants, the wood chips will next be separated apart. They can then be carefully pressed with a shovel to keep them in place after being lightly raked to make sure they are smooth and level.
Planting turf
You will need the assistance of a skilled gardener if you need new turf. The experienced gardener will first go through your turf designs and evaluate the size and layout of your garden to decide the materials you need.
Before the new turf can be laid, this may require ground preparation, such as removing an old lawn and applying weed killer to the area. They may also measure the topsoil depth, which needs to be at least 111 mm deep before fresh turf can be laid down. The earth should then be loosened, compacted, and levelled to make sure it is smooth after this is finished.
The turf can be put by laying it down along a straight edge after the preparation is complete. Row by row, they will then stagger the turf to give it a brickwork-like appearance. After everything is spread out, the edges will be raked, and any obvious cracks or exposed turf should be filled up with fine soil. The edges of the turf should also be precisely cut and shaped to ensure everything looks natural.
Putting down fake grass
If you would rather have artificial grass than turf, you will need a tradesperson to remove any current turf and build a sturdy surface. To do this, level the surface, clean it, and ensure that the depth does not exceed 11 cm. After this is finished, a weed killer should be sprayed on the area before a weed membrane is put in place.
Since topsoil cannot be laid over fake grass, a layer of aggregate measuring about 21 mm thick needs to be spread out and rolled into place. Additionally, a thin layer of stone between 6 and 14 mm will be applied, with a 41 mm maximum depth being observed. If necessary, this should also be topped off and compacted.
The fake grass should be spread out once the sub-base has been installed and should be let two to three hours to dry. The grass will then be cut to the precise length you requested after this point. Two pieces of grass may need to be linked with jointing tape and adhesive in larger gardens. The grass should be secured before being brushed up to make it look tidy.
Putting up Flower Beds
To prevent harm when planting new flowerbeds, you or your gardener should determine whether any underground utility lines exist before establishing flowerbeds. Additionally, a skilled gardener will make sure that all vegetation is destroyed and taken out in advance of the installation. To make sure the new flowerbeds are positioned correctly, they will then sketch out their size and shape.
After covering the soil and plant matter with around 5 to 6 sheets of newspaper, add 2 to 3 inches of compost on top of that. Due to their capacity to block light, if this is done in the fall or winter, the newspapers should be left in place to kill off the vegetation before being removed in the spring. Your gardener may use a herbicide to get rid of the weeds and plant matter if it is already spring and you want to quickly build a flowerbed. When the plant is dead, your gardener will flip the bed over with a shovel and determine if the soil is damp or wet, with the latter being the desired option.
Before turning the soil over once more, 2 to 3 inches of compost or other organic matter will be spread over the bed. After that, they will sow flower seeds in the earth. To prevent harm, it is advisable to plant the seeds first in flower pots if any weed prevention treatments are being utilised. After the flower beds are in place, more compost or mulch will be put to prevent more weed growth and to improve the appearance of the flower beds.
Patio construction
Before a new patio can be placed, the expert you engage will make sure the area is properly prepared. This might entail first dismantling an existing patio, then excavating a hole that is at least 151 mm deep throughout the entire patio space, making sure the earth is tightly compacted. Once this is finished, a sub-base can be added and smoothed out, being sure that it has a depth of about 111mm.
The material for the patio will then be produced and blended. For instance, to make a doughy texture for a concrete patio, three parts sand and one part cement would need to be mixed with water. The patio bed should then have a 41mm coating of this applied.
The patio slabs can be put once the sub-base layer has been installed and dried. To prevent drying out the underlayer, the craftsmen will dampen them before fitting them. Once the slabs are in position, they should be firmly fixed by pounding them with a rubber mallet. At least an 11mm gap should exist between each slab. After this is finished, the patio needs to be hosed out and let about 24 hours to dry. The gaps will then be filled with a jointing substance using a trowel to stop movement.
How to Install a Deck
The decking area will need to be prepared by an expert, who will make sure that a patio or other sturdy base is in place to hold the decking. If not, a base foundation must be constructed.
A joint will need to be put on your home’s wall to support the decking if you want a fixed deck erected. Another choice is a freestanding deck, which necessitates the construction of a decking frame to hold the joists. The joists must be measured before holes are drilled into each side of the frame to guarantee that they are placed correctly. They will then be screwed together and secured with noggings, which will support the framework.
Pre-drilling and installing the decking boards with an overhang for fascia boards should be done after the frame and the rest of the structure are in place.
Basic Maintenance
The majority of gardeners will take care of the garden’s general upkeep, which includes raking up leaves, hosing the path, watering the plants, and pulling weeds to keep it looking excellent all year long.
Patio, pathway, or driveway cleaning
Cleaning your patio, sidewalk, or driveway will need sweeping the area to remove any dirt and debris. Additionally, they might power wash the surface, add a suitable solution, mix it with water, and apply it to the area to get rid of any stains and grime. The solution will then be applied to the area with a brush, and it needs to sit there for 21 to 25 minutes before being rinsed with a hose.
Tree Stump Removal
Hiring a skilled gardener to remove an unsightly tree stump from your garden is an option. Digging around the stump is the first step in releasing the roots, which should then be cut into manageable pieces and removed.
They ought to be able to separate the stump once most of the roots have been taken out. The wood will subsequently be thrown away or used as composting material.
Planting
Hire a gardener to plant some common flowers in your garden to improve its appearance. Additionally, they will advise you on where to put your flowers so that they receive the ideal amount of sunshine.
To plant flowers, one must first prepare a hole at least 1.6 cm deep for plant seeds. In contrast, one must prepare a hole at least as deep as the root ball for a potted plant. Prior to being placed in the hole, the latter needs to be thoroughly watered to ensure that the soil is saturated. The bottom of the hole should then be fertilised before planting both potted and seeded flowers.
Once the holes have been made, the flowers or seeds can be inserted, being careful to cover the top of the root ball and ensure there are no open spaces around the blooms.
Putting up garden fencing
The first step in building garden fence is to measure the area where it will be placed in order to determine how many posts and panels are required.
Following the marking of the area, it should be cleaned, which entails getting rid of any dirt, trash, or weeds. Also include a weed killer as a prophylactic step. In order to prevent decay, the wood panels should also be cleaned and given an all-purpose wood preservative treatment.
The installation of metal supports should be done by hammering them into the ground after the area has been cleaned and the wood has been ready. Then, dig posts-sized holes that are at least 2 feet deep for your posts. After the posts are in place, the holes should be sealed with concrete to keep them in place, and the concrete should then be allowed to set for about an hour.
Before attaching the fence panels to the posts, gravel boards should be added to prevent rot. The panels can then be secured to the posts using stainless steel screws once they are in position. Post caps will then be put as the last touch, making sure they are of the same height, once everything is safe.
Putting in a Pond
Installing a garden pond could be a good idea if you have a sizable property. This entails figuring out where it will be and making sure it will receive at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. You can then choose the size and mark out the pond area once this has been established.
A skilled landscaper will next dig the area where the pond will be constructed after the area has been laid out. To create a liner overlap, they will also remove nearby turf that is approximately 451 mm wide and 51 mm deep. The area will subsequently be cleared of any rocks or other objects that could interfere with the pond’s construction.
Depending on the style of pond you desire, the pond area will subsequently need to be lined with an underlay and a pond liner. Depending on whether the pond you’ve chosen has a filler or overflow pipe, they might additionally need to install pipe sleeves. Then, an overlay will be put, and it will be covered in sand, dirt, or stone.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Garden Maintenance
Depending on your location and the size of the maintenance company, the average cost for routine garden maintenance can vary significantly. For example, small to medium-sized companies in the north charge about €31 per hour, while large garden maintenance companies in Dublin can charge up to €51 per hour. For basic jobs like lawn mowing or general upkeep, some independent gardeners do charge as little as €11 per hour. Some gardeners bill a day rate of €151, plus an additional €111 if they are working with another gardener.
One of the most significant cost factors is the size of your garden. Small gardens typically cost between €31 and €311, and larger gardens larger than 12 x 8 metres cost between €81 and €811. These costs are based on standard jobs like mowing the lawn, pruning, blowing leaves, and weeding. More difficult tasks like tree stump removal, which often costs between €61 and €81 per hour, artificial grass installation, which typically costs between €61 and €81 per square metre, and new garden fencing, which typically costs between €21 and €111 each panel, will result in higher prices.
Your garden’s state will also influence the price because it will take less time to maintain a well-maintained garden than an overgrown one that has not received attention in a long time.
Garden Maintenance on Your Own
Many individuals maintain their own, but this typically entails straightforward activities like watering, weeding, and mowing the lawn. Doing it yourself can help you save money on labour costs and may even teach you a thing or two about gardening.
While performing your own lawn upkeep can help you save money on labour, you will still need to buy supplies and tools. For example, a lawnmower might cost between €41 and €1111 to buy and between €41 and €31 per week to rent. A hedge trimmer might cost between €21 and €71 or between €31 and €31 per week to rent. A pressure washer, which can be rented for up to €161 per day or purchased for between €51 and €511 can be used to clean your garden path.
To clean your road, you could alternatively hire a leaf blower for about €55 per day, or you could buy one for between €31 and €91. A rake typically costs between €3 and €25, a garden shovel between €3 and €41, a hand trowel between €3 and €11, and a pruner between €1 and €31. You will also need to make an investment in some standard gardening tools.
You might need to hire a specialist with the knowledge and abilities to modify your yard for more difficult tasks like installing a patio or treating your grass. Additionally, they’ll have access to professional-grade supplies and could be able to offer you trade discounts.
How Often Do I Need to Maintain My Garden?
To calculate your budget before employing a gardener, you must ascertain how frequently you will require their services. For instance, a large garden would likely require maintenance at least once a week, whilst a small garden may benefit from maintenance every two weeks. Obviously, the length of time depends on the kind of garden you have. For example, a minimalist garden will require much less upkeep and might be done on a monthly basis, whereas a garden that supports wildlife or grows food will require a lot more upkeep.
You won’t need to water your plants as frequently in the winter because the rain will take care of it for you, but in the drier summer months, you might need a gardener’s services on a weekly basis. Your plants and grass should be allowed to grow naturally in the spring and fall so you might hire a gardener for monthly upkeep.
What Distinguishes a Landscaper from a Gardener?
The primary distinction between a landscaper and a gardener is that the former typically handles upkeep tasks like mowing the lawn, planting, trimming, weeding, and fertilising, while the latter typically creates new gardens. Planned, designed, and installed garden improvements including new flowerbeds, decks, fencing, water features, and pavement are often done by landscapers.
Gardeners often charge about €151 per day, though they also prefer a fixed monthly payment because it makes budgeting simpler for them. However, you must exercise extreme caution before committing to any long-term maintenance contract. Being paid weekly or monthly, according to a contract that specifies a set number of hours per year, is frequently the best solution for both the householder and the gardener. A predetermined monthly cost for the homeowner is preferable to receiving hefty invoices in the summer when the majority of the work will be finished.
Given that they will spend a lot more time planning and developing your garden, landscapers may charge a little bit more. Depending on the size and condition of your garden, landscape gardeners typically bill between €181 and €211 per day.
Which Garden Style Do I Want?
You should think about what kind of garden you want if you’re planning a comprehensive garden restoration. There are many different sorts of garden designs available, including:
Small-Scale Garden
This kind of garden has a straightforward layout that is uncomplicated, appealing, and simple to maintain. Low-maintenance flowers that complement the neutral tones of a minimalist landscape are lavender and hydrangeas, which can be added to a minimalist garden. A minimalist garden that uses materials like limestone and marble for raised flowerbeds and pathways will also incorporate hard landscaping as a crucial component. A fountain or other water element will be used to compliment them, adding to the serene atmosphere and straightforward architecture.
Elegant Garden
A formal landscape has a much larger amount of greenery and a more conventional pattern. Formal gardens have a lot of straight lines, with stone walkways leading to the house or outhouse interspersed amid geometric patterns. In formal gardens, geometric shapes like square hedges and bushes are used. These plants require constant trimming, which makes them difficult to manage. They also prefer foliage to flowers, growing more ferns and chameleon plants, both of which require continuous watering.
Household Garden
In contrast to a formal landscape, cottage gardens have a more adaptable design that includes vibrantly coloured plants like sunflowers, roses, and carnations that should be planted all over the garden to foster harmony. Where the plants would overhang, you should put in curving walkways made of conventional materials like gravel or brick in between the plants.
Cottage gardens also include ornamental elements like evergreens, hedges, and rustic fencing. While it may be easy to handle each of these aspects on your own, hiring a professional is necessary for total garden maintenance.
The Mediterranean Garden
A Mediterranean garden is ideal if you want to create an exotic theme, and no Mediterranean theme is complete without a water feature or pond. They also contain elements that are appropriate for dry conditions, such as perennials, cypress trees, olive trees, palm trees, and rosemary. They are fairly difficult to maintain, yet they can still flourish in Dublin. A common addition to any Mediterranean-style garden are clay and terracotta pots, though once more, these will need to be regularly maintained as potted plants typically hold less water.
Gravel, a low-maintenance and inexpensive material, is frequently used for Mediterranean garden walkways. On decks, stairways, and patios, they are typically mixed with Mediterranean tiles.
Friendly to wildlife gGarden
Making a landscape that is suitable for both you and both large and small creatures is essentially what it means to have a wildlife-friendly garden. Long grass, which serves as a habitat for a variety of insects and small animals, is one of a garden’s main distinguishing features for wildlife. You won’t need to get your grass cut as frequently as a result, of course.
A landscape that is friendly to wildlife will also contain a lot of trees and borders filled with flowering plants like carnations, daisies, and delphiniums that attract insects with their nectar. Additionally, you might wish to establish some fruit trees that produce tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The best option could be to hire a professional gardener because this could take a lot of time and fruit growing can be challenging.
A pond, which can serve as a habitat for a variety of animals or a water feature like a fountain for birds, is one of the key components of a wildlife-friendly garden.
Food Garden Growing
You’ll need to purchase a lot of fruit and vegetable plants if you want to grow your own food in the garden. These plants can be used to grow things like tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, spring onions, lettuce, beets, and more. It is advisable to seek guidance from an authority if you are new to gardening because it might be challenging to stay up.
You might want to install a greenhouse, which you can build yourself or have a professional do for you, to make sure your plants receive the right amount of sunlight.
Garden Planning
It is crucial to think about your intended purpose while designing a new garden. For instance, if you have a sizable garden, you might want to think about building decking to make room for furniture like a dining set and barbecue grills. This will allow you to use the space as an entertainment area.
You might wish to designate a space in your yard for growing food if you enjoy gardening a lot. Installing a greenhouse apart from the rest of the garden might be necessary for this. You could either buy one from a store or have one built in the colours of your choice.
A pathway for easy access to your home must be built if you want to build a wildlife-friendly garden with long grass, so keep this in mind as you plan your garden as well. There are several choices, which would look beautiful in any garden, such as concrete walkways, stepping stones, or gravel.
Consider hiring someone to put fake grass in your garden if you would prefer one that requires less upkeep, as it won’t need to be mowed. Once a month, it only needs to be brushed and rinsed. Additionally, you might wish to grow some low-care plants like geraniums, lilies, shrubs, and more.
Consider hiring a landscaper or garden designer if you’re having problems creating your garden or are unclear of what you want. The hourly rate for garden design ranges from €61 to €211. They will collaborate with you to plan and design your landscape and assist you in creating the garden of your dreams.
Which kind of soil do I require?
A soil testing kit can be bought for between €61 and €121 if you’re not sure what kind of soil you have. You won’t need this test if you hire a gardener because a skilled gardener should be able to identify the various types of soil, such as:
In clay soil
This type of soil, also referred to as heavy soil, costs between €15 and €75 per bag and contains more than 25% clay. Given that nutrients are retained by the soil’s clay minerals, it is one of the most fruitful varieties. It is, however, quite challenging to maintain. Additionally, they store a lot of water, which takes a while to drain and a while to warm up.
Along with eucalyptus, birch, and juniper trees, plants that flourish well in clay soil include daisies, primulas, and geraniums, however they do require a lot of upkeep to thrive. If your soil is difficult to dig up and feels slimy, sticky, and damp to the touch, you probably have clay soil.
Coastal Sands
Sandy soil, also known as light soil, ranges in price from €15 to €151 a bag and is composed primarily of sand. This soil type drains easily after watering or rain, making it one of the simplest to nurture. Additionally, during spring’s growing season, they warm up quickly. However, they lack plant nutrients that are frequently washed away by water and dry out much more quickly than clay soil.
Sandy soils frequently have acidic conditions, making them ideal for acid-tolerant plants. Most perennial plants, including geraniums, iberus, and linum, as well as evergreen trees and shrubs, thrive in sandy soils. If your soil is sandy, you will be able to tell since a ball of it will quickly collapse.
Moist soil
Gardeners typically use this type of soil, which ranges in price from €91 to €141 per bag. Due to its porous texture, which allows water to pass through slowly without becoming soggy, this type of soil, which has an equal mixture of sand, silt, and a tiny quantity of clay, offers the ideal balance for the majority of plants. Loam soil is nutrient-rich and has space for air to mingle among the soil particles, allowing for superior plant growth.
Wisterias, delphiniums, white oaks, red maples, and white cedar are a few of the plants and trees that are most frequently grown in loam soil. The easiest way to determine whether your soil is loam is to roll it into a ball; however, you’ll find that it won’t hold its shape and will feel loose and crumbly.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Maintain My Garden?
In the spring and fall, when grass grows at its fastest rate, you should have your lawn cut every week or at least every other week. In the winter, mowing frequency can be significantly decreased. Regular feedings are necessary to keep your lawn healthy and promote new growth. For best results, your gardener should feed the turf twice a year. Although existing hedges only require maintenance trimming once a year, intricate formal hedges may still require pruning twice a year or more to look their best. New hedges require formative pruning at least twice a year. In the spring and summer, maintenance trimming is typically done. Professional and knowledgeable gardeners will be able to precisely predict when to trim your hedges and bushes.
During hot, dry spells during the dry seasons. With the exception of the hardiest, most drought-tolerant plants, all plants require watering. Watering should largely take care of itself during the rainier seasons, but do not take this for granted. A skilled gardener will always monitor the amount of rain that falls. Your patio and drives require routine cleaning and may even require some weeding, but typically a good pressure hose rinse a few times a year will take care of it!
FAQ
How much does routine garden maintenance cost?
Costs for garden upkeep vary so widely that it is challenging to even estimate a set price. Instead, the majority of gardeners will bill by the hour. However, in Dublin, even this fee might range from as little as €15 to as much as €51 per hour. Additionally, the majority of gardeners charge a minimum of two hours. Gardeners are happy to offer fixed prices rather than hourly rates for bigger works.
The hourly rates shown do not include any equipment rental fees, VAT, or trash removal. Be extremely sceptical of gardeners who charge less than €11 per hour in the current economy. Simply said, such prices don’t allow one to support oneself. If you can get a dependable gardener who charges at least €15 per hour for routine upkeep, you are quite lucky. How may a gardener be hired to assist with general upkeep?
You might occasionally require assistance with general upkeep tasks in the garden. There are many willing gardeners out there, but it can occasionally be challenging to make a decision. Check to see if a contractor is a member of any professional groups that screen their applicants and offer ongoing training prior to contracting them for routine maintenance work.
These trade associations guarantee that members are certified and competent, as well as ensuring that members have sufficient insurance and will have a complaints mechanism if you are not happy with the service performed.
Even though they are capable and dependable, small local contractors who are just starting out in business may not belong to most of these organisations because membership costs money. As a result, in addition to consulting with friends and family, seek advice from nearby horticultural institutions, garden centres, and nurseries.
The Gardeners Guild is the best organisation that represents garden maintenance gardeners professionally. Maintenance gardeners are frequently referred by word of mouth. Before becoming a member of the Guild, gardeners must demonstrate that they have at least one horticultural qualification at Level 2 or higher.
What about the removal of waste?
The price of maintaining a garden can increase due to the disposal of garden waste. If it isn’t specified, don’t assume that gardeners will remove trash or other waste as part of their duties.
When getting quotations, make sure you always inquire regarding garbage disposal and who is accountable. When compared to paying extra for the gardener to dispose of rubbish, using your local council’s green waste collection service can often be far less expensive.
How can a low-maintenance landscape be made?
If you do not have the time to manage your yard, you might want to think about installing artificial grass, which will save you time by reducing the need to cut and maintain your lawn. Additionally, opt for low-maintenance plants like hydrangeas, lavender, and evergreen shrubs and attempt to have a small number of these rather than a wide variety.
Additionally, you should apply a layer of mulch 4 to 6 inches thick over your plant beds. This will prevent weeds from growing and will provide moisture, so you won’t need to weed or water your plants as frequently. A low-maintenance garden is more affordable than one that requires a lot of work.
What is garden upkeep?
In essence, garden maintenance entails taking care of your garden as a whole, which typically entails routinely cutting the grass, weeding, watering, fertilising, and cleaning your pathway. The tasks will change depending on the type and size of your garden because some may need to maintain food plants while others won’t have any at all.
Which plants in the garden require little care?
Low-maintenance plants including decorative grass, topiary, dahlias, day lilies, asters, geums, and lavender all grow well in Dublin gardens.
Are landlords obligated to maintain gardens?
The conditions of the lease agreement will govern who is responsible for maintaining the gardens in rental houses. This obligation to maintain the garden on a regular basis may be spelled out in the lease agreement by some landlords. Others won’t, so the tenant must take care of the garden themselves or hire a gardener if necessary.
How do I begin cultivating my own food?
You will need to set aside a space in your garden with sufficient flower beds, the right amount of sunlight, and regular irrigation if you want to start growing fruits and vegetables. In order to achieve ideal development, you might also think about setting up a greenhouse. If this is your first time growing food in your garden, you should consult with a professional who can walk you through the process.
Finding and Hiring a Gardener
It is recommended to hire a gardener or a landscaper to build and maintain your garden if you want to create your ideal outdoor space but lack the time or expertise to do so. Depending on the size and condition of your garden, the price of garden maintenance can range from €11 to €51 per hour.
You might think about seeking bids online or asking your neighbours for referrals while searching for a professional gardener. Before hiring someone, request some examples of prior projects they have worked on as well as a price list from a local gardener.
Ask them about their experience as well because you should only hire people with at least five years of experience. You might also think about hiring someone like bulkygardening who belongs to a reputable group like The Gardener’s Guild, whose members are required to hold at least one horticultural credential. Last but not least, make sure they are covered by public liability insurance. If there are any accidents or damages, this will protect both you and the tradespeople.