Key takeaways
- The size of the hedge or tree, and how overgrown it is, have the biggest effect on time and cost.
- Access, height and the amount of green waste also make a difference.
- Clear photos and rough measurements help you get an accurate quote quickly.
What makes the biggest difference
Size
Length and height matter most. A 10 m low border is a very different job to a 30 m hedge that's 3 m tall. For trees, height and the spread of the canopy set the scale of the job.
How overgrown it is
A hedge that's trimmed regularly takes far less time than one that's had a few years off. Thick, woody growth is slower to cut and produces more green waste.
Access
Easy access from the street is quicker than carrying everything through a house or down a steep path. Tight spaces, steep sections and hedges over walls or fences take more care.
Height and equipment
Tall hedges and trees need ladders or platforms and more time to do safely. Work near power lines may need an approved utility arborist.
Green waste
Taking the green waste away is included in my prices. A big cut back produces more waste, which takes more time to clear and load.
Shaping and detail
Formal shapes, topiary and clipped standards take longer than a simple flat-topped hedge.
Combining jobs
Getting several jobs done in one visit, such as a hedge trim and a garden clean up, is usually better value than separate visits.
How to get an accurate quote
- Send a few clear photos, including a wide shot of the whole area.
- Give rough measurements: length, height and how far it is from the street.
- Mention anything that affects access, like steps, steep slopes or narrow side paths.
- Say whether you'd like a light tidy or a bigger cut back.
Quotes are always free with no obligation. For a rough idea first, see my guide prices, or send me your photos.