The cost of pruning or trimming hedges can vary greatly depending on their size and length, ranging anywhere from 1 meter high and 2 meters in length up to 10 meters high and 30 meters in length. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed pricing breakdown.
The cost of trimming a hedge can range from $45 to $1,500, depending on the length and size of the hedge and the degree to which it is overgrown. The vast majority of the time, if you have a hedgerow that has already been shaped, all you need to do is run the trimmers over it.
The total cost of this service will be determined not only by the number of square meters of hedge face that need to be trimmed but also by other aspects such as the height of the hedge, the tree species, and the availability of access.
In other circumstances, it will be unmanageable due to its excessive growth.
The advantages of maintaining a well-trimmed hedge
There are several advantages to keeping your hedges trimmed:
- Hedgerows that have been properly maintained can provide your family with the much-needed privacy and protection they require.
- Hedgerows that have been properly maintained provide a wonderful boundary between properties and can be of assistance in mediating disagreements between neighbours regarding space.
- Birds and other forms of wildlife can find shelter in hedges that have been trimmed.
- Hedgerows that have been maintained give a secluded area free from noise and dust.
- Hedges that are kept in check encourage the establishment of healthy plants.
- A lovely view of your property is afforded by hedges that have been neatly trimmed, particularly during the warm summer months.
- Hedgerows that have been properly maintained are versatile statement pieces that can lend personality to a dwelling.
What is the going rate for tree trimming services?
Before preparing an estimate for a client, you must have a general notion of how much you may charge for tree trimming. Even while the typical cost of tree trimming may appear to be an unknown quantity, this does not have to be the case.
The cost of tree pruning can vary widely, much like any other landscaping project. The cost of tree trimming can range anywhere from $250 to $500, but the specifics of the task will determine the precise amount.
Clients may hire you to prune trees for them. It is essential to clearly understand your services' scope before providing them because the pruning method differs from that of trimming.
Here is how you should describe the process of trimming and pruning to your clients:
Cost estimation for tree pruning
The costs associated with tree pruning and trimming are often comparable, with the typical task costing around $400 and $800 to complete.
Therefore, if the job needs to be done by an arborist, the cost of pruning may increase. Arborists are specialists who work to improve the health of trees, prevent diseases, and enhance public safety. They are also sometimes referred to as tree surgeons.
In addition to these elements, the following are also potential contributors to the overall cost of a pruning project:
- Tree size.
- Some trees.
- Trees in good health.
- The tree form.
- Season of the year
- Accessibility (e.g. impediments such as fences, plants, and other structures) (e.g. obstacles such as fences, plants, and other structures).
- Your specific location (urban or remote).
- Other services available (e.g. repairing damaged landscaping, pest control, other treatments).
- Cleanup.
- The cost of tree trimming on an hourly basis
The price of professional tree pruning can range anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour on average. This is the typical pricing range. Ultimately, whether tree trimming services are priced by the hour or by the bush will determine how much they cost.
The cost of tree pruning is approximately $63 per hour on average. On the low end, the most cost-effective contractors charge only $25 an hour for their services. Those with greater experience can charge up to $90 an hour for their services.
When doing tree pruning, some considerations need to be given priority.
How much do you charge each hour for hedging?
Once more, this is job-specific information. For example, lawn care companies often charge between $90 and $110 per hour, whereas tree services typically charge closer to $250 per hour.
You must remember that each job comes in a unique form and level. Therefore, using a tree service also provides a significant increase in safety, as well as experience and protection.
How much does it cost to remove a hedge?
You may conclude that it is too much work to keep a hedge in good condition and that you will want to get rid of it. This is understandable, given its potential impact on one's financial situation.
The cost of removing it entirely is significantly higher compared to simply trimming a hedge.
- Several points to remember: first, if you want to replant the hedges in the same position, you will need to remove the stumps from the hedges.
- I recommend hiring a lawn care firm to complete the task if the hedges are less than 5 meters in height because you would save at least fifty per cent by doing so.
When pruning hedges, do shears or loppers work better?
When it comes to cutting hedges, two primary tools are used. Pair of hedge shears are both viable options. In addition, a motorised machine meant to chop through fine branches and leaves for hedging is referred to as a hedgehog.
The condition of your hedge will determine which option is the best one to go with. For example, a hedgehog is an appropriate tool if it has been well maintained and your work consists solely of shearing off fine leaves and needles. It is much quicker, and the resulting surface will be straight and level.
I recommend using a set of shears if your hedge is overgrown. The hedgehog will destroy any branch that is more than a metre in thickness. As soon as you begin cutting woody stems that are 0.5 centimetres thick, you will do a "hacked at." Shears will make a clean cut through the material on the opposite side.
Other Aspects That Play Into the Final Price
Your costs associated with pruning your hedges may also be affected by the following additional considerations:
Landfill fees vs. municipal pickup
Currently, he is working as a pro hedge trimmer, pruning a hedge twice as high as he is.
You may be charged an additional cost if the lawn crew you hire will cart away a substantial amount of debris. While some crews may factor this into their hourly pay, others treat it as a stand-alone expense that must be itemised.
The price for removing waste will often range from $25 to $55 per job, but this will mostly rely on the quantity of hedge trimmings that need to be removed.
If, on the other hand, you have a city pickup or if your regular trash pickup allows for garden waste, the crew that trims your hedges will frequently bag the debris for you, allowing you to avoid paying the additional expense.
The degree of difficulty involved
The price of the service may go up if there are barriers that make it difficult to access your hedges, such as power lines, or if the bushes are located in close proximity to a building or another structure.
The cost of having your hedges trimmed and the amount of time it will take the staff to finish the job can be impacted by factors such as the slope of your land and the difficulty of the terrain there.
Accessibility
Your costs will increase if you reside in a location that is more difficult to access or if your hedge prevents power from reaching your home. However, the higher fee will cover the additional time spent driving and the additional safety precautions.
Height
To a much greater extent than with bushes, the expense of trimming hedges is mostly determined by their height. Therefore, taller hedges will result in increased expenses.
With a ladder, most hedge-trimming workers can reach heights of up to six feet. After that, they can climb a ladder up to 10 or maybe even 15 feet. Hiring an arborist is typically the more effective course of action when dealing with hedges that are taller than 15 feet.
In a nutshell, the amount of height that needs to be cut increases the quantity of land area that needs to be cut and the length of time it takes to complete the task. The majority of crews provide a complimentary on-site estimate.
Debris hauling
If you leave a pile of branches on the customer's lawn at the end of the job, they will not be very impressed with the provider you provided.
You must carry away the waste left behind after the project, just like any other landscaping service. Your estimates for tree pruning can consider the prices associated with carrying away waste (like dump fees).
The regularity of the service
In most cases, tree trimming should be performed every two to five years. Therefore, yearly tree trimming could be required to keep the tree in good shape, depending on the tree species.
For instance, due to the rapid development that they experience, younger trees need to have their branches trimmed more frequently, but older trees require less regular maintenance.
A helpful hint for effectively estimating the costs associated with tree maintenance is considering the trees' age.
Urgency
Consider the scenario in which the limbs of a tree pose a risk to the framework of a house. Another instance is when unwanted organisms take over a section of a tree, necessitating its trimming before the problem spreads to the remainder are few ven. Although there aren't that many situations that call for emergency tree trimming, emergency tree removal frequently needs to be done after a severe snowstorm or rainstorm.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of these predicaments, adding an additional fee to the standard rate you normally charge for your service is acceptable.
You can also offer services such as tree removal and pruning, but you are not required to restrict yourself to working solely with trees. Let's look at some more services that may or may not fall within the purview of your business.
How to locate a professional who will trim your hedges
The length of your hedge run, size, and state will determine whether you look for a specialist to cut your hedges or require a larger business to tackle a more extensive job. There are internet resources that can assist you in finding a trade. Based on job requirements and postcodes, these resources can provide details about contractors in your area. Ask around among friends and family or via a group on social media platforms.
Since the cost might vary quite a little from one provider to the next, getting at least three is a good idea. Also, check before making a decision. Finally, check that the price you are being charged covers clearing up, removing, and disposing of the hedge cuttings; otherwise, you can be stuck with a massive and untidy chore.
Extra Services
Most of your lawn crew's spending will go toward transportation costs and the utilisation of vehicles. Therefore, you may consider bundling additional lawn care services to get the most for your budget if they are on your property.
Lawn mowing
If you'd like to have someone else start the lawn mower for a change (or regularly), consider having your staff mow the lawn while they trim the hedges at the same simultaneously cut the grass once a week, which ranges from $25 to $80 on average. The length of time it will take the staff to complete the task and the size of your lawn are the primary components that go into deciding the price.
Trimming the bushes
Another popular element in landscaping is the use of bushes. In addition to trimming your hedges, it is recommended that you also trim any free-standing shrubs on your property.
For little shrubs, you may expect to pay $4, medium bushes to cost $6, large bushes to cost $10, and extra large bushes to cost $16 each.
Mulching
Many gardeners consider the practice of mulching to be an important stage in preserving the soil in areas where bushes, trees, and hedges have been planted. Cleaning up the bed where the bushes are planted and installing new mulch can give them a more updated appearance.
The expense of putting down mulch can range from $20 to $45 per cubic yard but often falls in that range.
If your client requires any additional services in addition to tree care, you can include them in the "other services" portion of the estimate template you use for tree trimming work.
Trimming of tree limbs and branches
The price a consumer pays to trim tree branches will differ depending on the number of branches, the kind of tree, and the tree's size.
If a customer wants a few branches trimmed, the total cost of a single project might be as low as $85 in this scenario. On the other hand, a consumer may be charged up to $1,267 for purchasing a tree taller than 60 feet.
Putting flowers on the ground
While the crew is working on cutting your hedges, why not have them place some new flowers or other attractive plants to bring some colour to the lawn?
The expenses of installing landscaping can range from $4 to $14 per sq foot on average, with less complicated jobs such as planting flowers on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
Conclusion
Hedge plants are an excellent option for beautifying your outdoor space while providing several functional benefits, such as increased privacy and protection from the wind. Hedge plants also require very little attention and care.
After a hedge has been established, however, it needs to be pruned regularly. The frequency of your hedge maintenance will be determined by the bushes and shrubs that make up your hedge.
If you are considering using the services of a qualified hedge-trimming company, you should budget approximately $63 for each hour of work. On the other hand, you may purchase your hedge trimmer for anywhere between $33 and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the going rate for pruning hedges?
Hedge trimming may cost anywhere from $48 to $79 an hour, with the typical median cost being $63 an hour. The price can vary widely depending on the exact circumstances involved.
Hedge trimming can cost as little as $35 an hour on the low end, while more involved operations cost as much as $100 an hour on the high end.
Other variables that may affect how much it costs to trim hedges include the following:
- Landfill fees and municipal pickup: the waste left over from cutting might add $25 to $55 to the cost of each job. Customers can avoid this additional expense by placing debris in bags and delivering them with regular garbage for collection.
- Hedge height: The cost to trim higher hedges will be greater than trim shorter hedges. When pruning hedges higher than 15 feet, homeowners may be required to employ an arborist, which can add up to 20% to the project's total cost.
- Accessibility: Hedgerows with a complex construction may be more difficult to trim than those with a straightforward, linear design. The final costs may also be affected by the terrain and slope.
- Equipment: A straightforward trimmer and tarp are often all needed for tending to small and uncomplicated hedges. When compared, hedges that are both larger and more elaborate may necessitate the use of all equipment.
- Location is a major factor in determining hedge-trimming prices. In regions with a high population density where the structure may not be as accessible, trimming expenses tend to be higher.
- Additional services: flower planting can cost an additional $4 to $14 per sq foot for homeowners who wish to add a splash of colour to their hedges. Homeowners should expect to pay this amount.
How much money should it cost to prune the trees?
The cost of tree pruning can vary greatly depending on many criteria, including those listed here.
- Even though inspection is not required, it is strongly recommended because it helps determine whether a tree needs more treatment. On average, a tree inspection costs anywhere from $30 to $150.
- The price of tree trimming typically ranges from $100 and $400 for trees that are 30 feet tall, but for trees that are over 60 feet tall, it can cost more than $1,800.
- Season: Most tree trimming services recommend doing the work in the late winter when the branches are dormant and not actively growing. Additionally, during the winter months, trees have fewer leaves, which makes it simpler for construction workers to see structures and other obstructions.
- Accessibility: It may cost anywhere from 25 to 50 per cent extra to prune inaccessible trees. Take into consideration any impediments, such as fences or other installations, that could make gaining access more difficult. When working in regions that cannot be reached by bucket trucks or platform lifts, certain contractors may impose an additional fee.
- Tree cutting in more rural places may increase prices due to the increased travel required. Prices will skyrocket in more affluent metropolitan neighbourhoods as well.
- Cleanup: Larger trees, by their very nature, produce more garbage than smaller trees, so cleaning up after them requires more effort and time.
- Infestations: Pruning trees that are ill or infested with pests might result in high additional costs due to instability or rot. The removal of unhealthy limbs can result in an additional cost of between $50 and $500.
How do I submit a proposal for work removing trees?
The majority of homeowners will feel the pressure to take the offer that is the least expensive. However, although these offers could offer an excellent return on investment, this is not necessarily the case.
As a result, contractors shouldn't worry too much about giving the lowest quote; rather, they should focus on offering the most efficient and cost-effective solution that meets the difficulties faced by the client.
The following are some suggestions that can help you develop bids that are competitive and profitable:
- Display a size chart as follows: Regarding size standards, no two contractors use the same scale; what one considers to be on the tiny side may be considered medium by another. Therefore, you need to come up with a suitable range for the sizes of the clusters. For instance, you may consider trees with a height of fewer than 30 feet small, whereas trees with a height of more than 60 feet would be considered enormous. Also, take into account the thickness of the trunk.
- Do some research on the various sorts of trees: Although the scale of the job is a more reliable predictor of expenses, understanding the types of trees involved can go a long way toward producing an accurate estimate. For instance, certain types of trees can be more prone to contracting a disease or might not thrive well under certain climatic conditions.
- Consult arborists certified by the ISA: To complete certain tree removal operations successfully, you will need the assistance of a trained arborist. This is especially true if you are working with sick or rotting trees. In addition, arborists can offer guidance regarding the upkeep of lawns in the future and provide quick solutions to problem areas.
Is there a template for an estimate of tree trimming costs?
When creating a template for an estimate on tree trimming, you can use Excel or other more complicated software or come up with your own.
You can get started quickly and easily by downloading our free estimate template for tree trimming and then modifying it to meet your company's requirements.
How should an estimate for tree trimming be written up?
Before beginning any kind of professional tree service, including tree removal, the first and most crucial thing is to create an estimate of the work that needs to be done.
When developing an estimate for the removal of a tree, it is important to keep the following aspects of the tree in mind:
- Height.
- Diameter
- Location.
- Condition.
Use these considerations to calculate how much it will cost to remove the tree, and then include the conclusion in the quote you provide for the tree service.
Include the price of any additional services clients desire, such as the removal of stumps, under the heading "additional charges."
A helpful hint for writing an estimate is to use a template specifically designed for tree pruning estimates.
