Are your hedges fast becoming an eyesore? It may be time for a trim. On average, hedge trimming costs between $200 and $600, or an average price of $429. But depending on the complexity of the job and other cost factors, you may have to spend as little as $30 to as much as $900.
If your hedges need a little TLC, or you are considering adding hedges to your landscape, knowing the average trimming costs, various cost factors, and related services can help you tackle the task more efficiently.
Average Hedge Trimming Costs in 2025
| National average cost | $429 |
| Typical price range | $200 – $600 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $30 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $900 |
Hedge trimming costs vary widely based on the length of the hedge. Other cost factors include the height, condition, and type of the hedge. Most homeowners spend around $429, which is the national average cost. But depending on the complexity of your trimming needs, you may have to pay as little as $30 to as much as $900.
Hedge Trimming Cost Estimator by Size
The size of your hedge plays a vital role in determining the cost of hedge trimming services. Generally, larger hedges require more time and effort to trim, resulting in higher expenses. Trimming a 6-foot-tall or shorter hedge could incur costs between $2.50 and $4 per foot (length), while taller hedges above 6 feet can range from $4 to $6 per foot (length).
So, if you have a hedge around 10 feet tall and 75 feet long, you may spend as much as $450 for the trimming services. This is due to its considerable size and complexity. On the other hand, a short, medium-sized hedge measuring 6 feet in height and 12 feet in length might cost around $30 to $48 for professional trimming.
| Hedge Length | Typical Cost (up to 6 feet in height) | Typical Cost (taller than 6 feet) |
| 12 feet | $30 – $48 | $48 – $72 |
| 15 feet | $38 – $60 | $60 – $90 |
| 30 feet | $75 – $120 | $120 – $180 |
| 50 feet | $125 – $200 | $200 – $300 |
| 75 feet | $188 – $300 | $300 – $450 |
| 100 feet | $250 – $400 | $400 – $600 |
| 120 feet | $300 – $480 | $480 – $720 |
| 150 feet | $375 – $600 | $600 – $900 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Apart from the hedge size, several factors also can influence the cost of hedge trimming. So, you must consider things like the type and height of the hedge and the complexity of the job when budgeting for your trimming project.
Type of Hedge
While many landscaping companies have a standard hourly rate of $69, the specific hedge type may still influence the final price.
Due to their characteristics, different types of hedges incur varying costs for trimming. If you have a hedge made of sturdy evergreen needles, it will be faster to trim than a hedge with delicate leaves. You also can expect to spend less on trimming since the job will not be as complex.
Height of the Hedge
Height is a major factor in determining the price of hedge trimming, as it increases the surface area that needs cutting and the time and effort it takes to get the job done.
Most trimming professionals can reach up to 6 feet without a ladder. After that, they can do up to 10 or maybe even 15 feet on a ladder. For tall hedges higher than 15 feet, hiring an arborist is usually a better solution.
Level of Difficulty
Maintaining a healthy hedge not only protects it from pests and diseases but also reduces trimming costs compared to tackling an overgrown hedge. It will be more labor-intensive to trim an overgrown, challenging hedge, so it can be more expensive than trimming a well-maintained hedge.
Difficulties in the terrain and slope of your property also can affect the price of trimming and the time it takes the crew to complete the work. If obstructions like power lines affect accessibility to your hedges or the bushes lie close to a building or other structure, this may increase the price of the service as well.
Moreover, if your project involves intricate shaping, like topiaries, it will cost more due to the additional time and expertise required.
Frequency of Trimming
The total cost of trimming is also influenced by how frequently you require the service. Regular trimming may result in higher costs compared to less frequent maintenance. Below is a guide detailing the recommended trimming frequency for various types of hedge plants.
| Type of Hedge | Spring to Summer | Autumn to Winter |
| American boxwood | every 4 weeks | none |
| Box honeysuckle | every 4 – 6 weeks | none |
| Boxwood | every 3 weeks | every 8 weeks |
| Leyland cypress | every 2 – 3 weeks | every 8 weeks |
| European beech | every 2 – 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 – 10 weeks | none |
| Ligustrum | every 4 – 6 weeks | none |
| Privet | every 4 weeks | every 10 weeks |
| Pittosporum | every 3 weeks | every 8 weeks |
| Red Robin | every 4 weeks | every 10 weeks |
| Yew | once in summer | once in autumn |
Plant Growth Regulator
To manage hedge growth effectively, many homeowners use plant growth regulators, which help maintain the height and shape of hedges over an extended period. By inhibiting plant growth, these regulators reduce the need for frequent trimming, saving you time, money, and effort on maintenance tasks.
Hauling Away Debris
Inquire with your lawn care provider about their policy on debris removal during hedge trimming, as some may include it in their service while others charge extra dump fees. But whether there’s an additional fee or not, it’s crucial to remove the debris right away to avoid attracting pests to your yard.
If you have a city pickup or if your regular trash pickup allows for yard waste, trimming crews often bag the debris, so you can eliminate the extra cost.
Note: Remember to check local regulations concerning the disposal of hedge clippings, as certain cities may have specific guidelines to follow, such as restrictions on burning to prevent fire hazards.
Related Services
Trip costs and vehicle usage are a major portion of your lawn crew’s expenses. So, while they’re on your property, you might want to consider bundling other lawn care services to get the most for your money.
Apart from hedge trimming, you may require other services like lawn mowing, hedge removal, yard cleanup, and bush trimming. Many trimming companies also provide these additional services, ensuring comprehensive care for your yard.
Lawn Mowing
Similar to overgrown hedges, neglected and unkempt grass lawns also can ruin a property’s curb appeal. That’s why lawn mowing should be part of your routine lawn care maintenance as well.
If you’d like someone else to rev up the lawn mower for a change (or routinely), consider hiring a professional lawn mower, which can cost as low as $30 to as much as $278, depending on factors like your lawn size.
Hedge Removal
Do you find maintaining your hedges a very tedious task? Or, maybe you’re considering replacing them with a different plant variety. If so, hiring a hedge removal company is better than tackling the job yourself. Getting the help of a professional reduces the risk of injury while saving both time and effort, ensuring a safer and more efficient removal process.
Yard Cleanup
Keeping your yard clean is essential not just for the health of your lawn but also for your family’s health and well-being. You can expect to spend as low as $109 to as much as $1,089 for professional yard cleanup services. A clutter-free yard can enhance the beauty of your property while fostering a conducive environment for yard activities and relaxation.
Bush Trimming
Bushes are another landscaping favorite. If you have free-standing bushes in addition to your hedges, you might as well get those cut, too. Don’t let them encroach on your patio, driveway, or walkway.
Despite not growing as tall as most hedges, bushes can still look unsightly and invade other parts of your yard when you neglect trimming them. With regular bush and shrub trimming, you can ensure your landscaping remains both healthy and visually appealing.
Landscaping
For homeowners who need assistance with additional yard tasks like shrub or flower planting, hiring a professional landscaper is the way to go. Many landscaping companies offer discounted rates for bundled services. The pricing for landscaping services will vary based on factors like the scope of work required and the size of your yard.
Tree Trimming
If you have trees in your yard that are getting too close to your roof or power lines, you may want to have them trimmed as soon as possible. Not only can tree trimming services help avoid potential hazards, but they also can promote healthy tree growth. Tree trimming costs usually differ based on the type of the tree, as well as its condition.
Tree Removal
If you need to remove dead or decaying trees from your property, it’s crucial to hire professional tree removal services to prevent potential hazards. Given the inherent risks involved, tree removal costs will depend on its current condition and size.
Additionally, inquire with the tree services provider if they can do stump grinding as well. Tree stumps can pose safety risks and ruin the aesthetic appeal of your yard. So, while it will incur additional costs, removing the tree stump will be well worth it.
Mulching
If your hedges get direct sunlight most of the day, you need mulching services as well. Mulching helps protect the health of your hedges by retaining moisture in the soil, suppressing weed growth around the hedge roots, and providing insulation against extreme temperatures.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you’re planning to get your hands dirty with DIY hedge trimming, there are a few factors to weigh. The first one to consider is time. Homeowners who are too busy with work and life itself may benefit from hiring a professional instead of doing the trimming job themselves. Another thing to remember is that trimming hedges, especially very tall ones, can be hazardous.
Moreover, you need to factor in the cost of buying or renting the equipment needed for the job, which typically averages around $426. Here’s a breakdown of the items you’ll need and their approximate costs:
| Type of DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Gas-powered hedge trimmer | $227 |
| Safety glasses | $13 |
| Work gloves | $12 |
| Pruning shears (hand pruner) | $14 |
| Step ladder | $48 |
| Rake | $32 |
| Tarp | $11 |
| Wheelbarrow | $69 |
| Total equipment cost | $426 |
So, if you prioritize your safety and want to spend your time doing more important things, it will be much better to hire a landscaping company to do the hedge trimming on your behalf. While opting for DIY projects may save you money in the long run, a reliable pro can do a much better and safer job trimming your hedges.
Cost of Hedge Trimming by Location
Hedge trimming prices vary widely depending on location due to several factors. Since the local economy plays a vital role, cities with higher costs of living generally have higher trimming service rates. Additionally, local climate and terrain can impact the difficulty of trimming jobs and affect pricing.
So, if you live in a region prone to extreme weather or if your property has challenging terrain, the lawn care company will need to use more labor or specialized equipment. Because of this, you may need to pay additional costs, driving up your overall cost of trimming. Also, if your lawn care company carries its own insurance, this factors into the pricing as well.
FAQ
When is the Best Time of Year to Trim Hedges?
It depends. Azaleas, forsythia, and other early bloomers should be trimmed right after they are done flowering. Non-flowering hedges are usually trimmed in spring and mid-summer. Consult with your lawn care pro or look up the name of your hedge to see when it’s best to trim.
Is There a Trick To Clean Up Clippings Easily?
Yes, a great tip is to put down tarps along the length of the hedge before you trim. Then, when you’re through trimming, roll up the tarps and place the trimmings in a compost bin or put them on the street if you have a city pickup. This eliminates the need to rake through mulch or other groundcovers.
Are There Other Things to Consider Before Planting Hedges?
Beyond choosing the right plants for your space, you’ll need to check with your city to see if there are certain code requirements homeowners have to meet to put up a hedge.
Some cities have stipulations involving height and property lines that you’ll need to know to ensure compliance.
Boost Your Curb Appeal With Neatly Trimmed Hedges
Whether you are seeking more privacy, wind reduction, or just a low-maintenance plant to beautify your lawn, hedges are a great way to add these benefits to your outdoor space. But once you have a hedge, it must be trimmed regularly. The trimming frequency will depend on the bushes or shrubs that make up your hedge.
Since professional hedge trimming costs just around $200 to $600, consider hiring a local landscaping company so you won’t have to break a sweat tidying up your hedges.
Main Photo Credit: Dave Catchpole / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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