Garden Maintenance Cost in Basingstoke 2026 | Lawn Mowing & Tidy-Up Prices
2026 price guide for professional garden maintenance and lawn mowing services in Basingstoke, East Sussex. Covering regular lawn cuts, hedge trimming, weeding, pruning, and one-off garden tidy-ups for rural and suburban properties. Includes local gardener hourly rates, seasonal factors, and how to find reliable, knowledgeable professionals for your Basingstoke garden.
Price Summary
Hourly Rate (Experienced Gardener)
£24–£38
Labour only, min 2-3 hours
Lawn Mowing (Small/Med Garden)
£24–£48
Cut, edge, strim, clear clippings
Hedge Trimming (per metre)
£8–£19
Shape & tidy, waste removal
One-Off Garden Tidy
£140–£340
For overgrown/neglected plots
2026 Garden Maintenance Price Breakdown
| Service in Basingstoke | Cost | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gardener Hourly Rate (Skilled) | £24–£38 | Experienced gardeners at higher end. Minimum charge often 2-3 hours. |
| Regular Lawn Mowing (Small/Medium Lawn, approx. 50-100 sqm) | £24–£48 per cut | Includes cutting, edging, strimming, and removing clippings. Fortnightly Apr-Oct. |
| Regular Lawn Mowing (Large Lawn, 100-200+ sqm) | £38–£75+ per cut | Proportionally higher due to time and fuel. Ride-on mowers for very large rural plots. |
| Hedge Trimming (Formal Hedge, per linear metre) | £8–£19 | Simple trim of privet, laurel etc. Height over 2m or reduction adds cost. |
| Weeding & Border Maintenance (per hour) | £24–£38 | Hand weeding, light pruning, deadheading. The bedrock of regular garden care. |
| Pruning Shrubs & Roses (Small/Medium, per plant) | £5–£18 | Knowledge of plant types and correct pruning time required. |
| One-Off Garden Clearance/Tidy (Small, overgrown) | £140–£340 | Cut back overgrowth, clear weeds, prune shrubs, mow lawn, remove all waste. |
| One-Off Garden Clearance (Large, heavily overgrown) | £340–£750+ | May involve clearing brambles, small tree saplings, and multiple waste removals. |
| Patio/Driveway Pressure Washing (per sqm) | £3–£7 | Removes algae, moss, and dirt. Common add-on service in Basingstoke's damp climate. |
| Seasonal Leaf Clearance (per visit) | £38–£95 | Lawn and border clearance in autumn. Price depends on volume and access. |
| Planting Services (Supply & plant small shrubs) | £18–£38 per plant | Includes plant cost, soil preparation, planting, and watering in. |
| Lawn Aeration & Scarification (per 50 sqm) | £40–£80 | Seasonal treatment to improve lawn health. Often part of a spring/autumn package. |
Popular Garden Maintenance Packages
Fortnightly Maintenance Package
£48–£95 per visit
Lawn mow & edge, strim borders, quick weed check, hedge trim as needed (up to 10m).
Seasonal Reset Package (Spring/Autumn)
£190–£430
Major lawn scarify/aerate, prune all shrubs, clear borders, mulch beds, full tidy.
Holiday Home Garden Care
Monthly/Weekly Rate
Regular mowing, border tidy, pot watering, and ad-hoc checks to keep property presentable.
What Affects Garden Maintenance Costs in Basingstoke?
- Garden Size & Complexity: Simple lawn vs. multi-level garden with beds, ponds, and trees.
- Current Condition: Well-kept vs. neglected (requiring clearance).
- Access & Storage: Narrow side access, steep slopes, or ability to store mower/equipment on-site.
- Waste Generation: Volume of green waste to be removed and cost of disposal/tip runs.
- Skill Level Required: Basic mowing vs. knowledgeable pruning of delicate plants.
- Frequency & Commitment: One-off vs. regular contracted work.
Typical Basingstoke Garden Types
Cottage & Character Gardens
- Mixed borders requiring plant knowledge
- Established shrubs and climbing plants
- Potential for unwieldy, traditional hedging
Family & Modern Estate Gardens
- Lawn focus for play areas
- Low-maintenance shrub beds
- Patio and driveway cleaning needs
Rural & Larger Plots
- Large lawns requiring ride-on mowers
- Field hedging and tree line management
- Wildlife area maintenance
Choosing a Gardener in Basingstoke
Check for Practical Experience & Plant Knowledge
A good gardener should understand seasonal tasks, plant identification, and correct pruning techniques. Ask about their experience with local soil conditions (often clay-based in Basingstoke) and typical garden challenges like moss in lawns.
Clarify Equipment, Waste, and Access Details
Confirm if they bring all equipment (mower, strimmer, hedge cutters). Agree on how green waste will be disposed (recycling centre, composted on-site). Discuss access to outdoor taps and secure storage if needed.
Get a Clear Agreement on Scope & Schedule
For regular work, have a simple written list of included tasks and frequency (e.g., "Fortnightly: mow lawn, edge, strim, basic weeding in front border"). This prevents scope creep and ensures both parties are aligned.
Local Basingstoke, East Sussex Insight
Basingstoke's variable weather and clay soil present specific challenges: lawns can be waterlogged in winter and hard in summer, requiring different care. Many gardens feature mature hedgerows and trees that need skilled management. The popularity of holiday lets and second homes in the area creates demand for reliable maintenance while owners are away. A local gardener will know the common pests (vine weevil, slugs) and best planting practices for the area. In autumn, leaf clearance from mature trees is a major task. Consider sharing a gardener with a neighbour if you have small plots to make visits more efficient and cost-effective.
FAQs
How often should my lawn be mowed in Basingstoke?
During the main growing season (April to October), every 1-2 weeks is typical. In cooler months (November-March), it may only need cutting once a month or not at all. A good gardener will adjust the schedule based on weather and growth.
Should I tip my gardener?
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for exceptional work, especially after a big one-off clearance. A more common and valued practice is offering a drink, providing a yearly bonus, or giving positive reviews and referrals to neighbours.
What's the difference between a gardener and a landscape gardener?
A gardener or maintenance gardener focuses on ongoing care (mowing, pruning, weeding). A landscape gardener designs and builds new garden features (patios, retaining walls, planting schemes). For regular upkeep, you need a maintenance gardener.
Can I leave my gardener a key?
Many people do for regular maintenance. If so, ensure they are trusted, insured, and you have a clear agreement. Alternatively, use a secure key safe or give access via a side gate. Always ensure your own home insurance is not invalidated.
Conclusion
Garden maintenance in Basingstoke costs £24–£38 per hour, with a standard lawn mow from £24–£48. A reliable, knowledgeable gardener is a valuable asset for preserving the beauty and health of your outdoor space. Clear agreements on tasks, frequency, and waste disposal ensure a smooth, long-term partnership.
Tip:
Before hiring for a one-off tidy, walk around the garden with the gardener to agree on priorities (e.g., "focus on the front garden and clear the patio"). For regular maintenance, a mid-winter visit for pruning and planning can be more valuable than a mow in the rain.