Garden and property upkeep: what it costs and who to hire

A garden and outdoor area can make a huge difference to how a property looks and feels. But “garden work” can mean anything from mowing a small lawn to removing a 15-metre tree or paving an entire driveway.

That also means prices vary enormously.

There isn't one standard South African price list, but knowing some typical ranges can help you budget, compare quotes and ask the right questions before work starts.

What garden and property jobs can cost

Some garden services charge per visit, while regular maintenance may be priced monthly. Bigger projects such as paving, irrigation and tree removal are usually quoted individually.

As a rough 2026 guide:

Important: These are broad planning ranges, not fixed or prescribed rates. Prices vary considerably by area, provider, property size, access, materials and the exact scope of work.

Always get a quote for your particular property.

What changes the price?

Two gardens that look roughly the same size can still produce very different quotes.

Some of the biggest factors are:

• the size of the garden or property;
• how overgrown or labour-intensive the work is;
• how frequently you need the service;
• access for workers, vehicles and equipment;
• the amount of waste that needs to be removed;
• the materials required;
• the type and size of plants or trees involved; and
• whether specialist equipment is required.

Tree work is a good example.

A medium-sized tree standing in an open garden can be considerably easier to remove than a similar tree leaning over a roof, boundary wall or other structure.

That's why photos can help with an initial estimate, but complicated outdoor jobs may need an on-site assessment before you receive an accurate quote.

Compare what's actually included

A cheaper quote isn't necessarily the cheaper job.

Before comparing prices, check exactly what each Pro has included.

For garden maintenance, ask whether the service includes things such as mowing, edging, pruning, weeding and clearing up afterwards.

For tree work, find out whether the quote includes cutting up the tree, removing branches and timber, cleaning the site and dealing with the stump.

For paving, ask whether the price includes excavation, preparation of the base, paving materials, installation and edging.

And for any job that creates a lot of garden waste, ask:

“Does the price include removing the waste from my property?”

Never assume it does.

Be especially careful with tree work

Tree removal can involve significantly more risk than ordinary garden maintenance.

The size of the tree is only part of the equation. Buildings, walls, vehicles, neighbouring properties, access and nearby infrastructure can all make the job more complicated.

For larger or difficult trees:

• get more than one quote;
• explain anything that could make access difficult;
• ask what is included in the removal;
• ask how the tree will be taken down safely;
• check the provider's experience with similar work; and
• ask about appropriate insurance for the work being performed.

If a tree is close to electrical infrastructure, don't assume it is simply a normal garden job. Make sure the person assessing the work understands the additional risk and what needs to happen before work begins.

What about paving and irrigation?

These are better treated as small property projects than ordinary garden maintenance.

With paving, the preparation underneath the paving matters just as much as the blocks you see on top. A very cheap per-square-metre quote may not include the same excavation, base preparation, drainage or edging as another quote.

Ask each contractor to explain exactly what their price per square metre includes.

Irrigation prices depend heavily on the size and design of the system.

A small drip-irrigation setup is very different from an automatic residential system with multiple watering zones, pop-up sprinklers, valves and a controller.

Instead of asking only:

“How much does irrigation cost?”

ask the installer what system they're proposing, how many zones it has, what areas it will cover and what's included in the quote.

How to choose a garden or property Pro

You're giving someone access to your property, so price shouldn't be the only consideration.

Before hiring, look at:

• Previous work. Ask for photos of similar projects where appropriate.
• Reviews. Look for feedback relevant to the type of work you need.
• A clear quote. Make sure you understand the scope, materials and waste-removal arrangements.
• Experience. Bigger trees, irrigation and paving may require more specialised experience than routine garden maintenance.
• Insurance where appropriate. Particularly for higher-risk work such as tree removal.
• Communication. Agree on what is being done, when it will happen and what it will cost before work starts.

For regular garden services, also agree on exactly what each visit includes and how often the team will come.

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Prices in this article are indicative market estimates for general guidance and were reviewed in September 2026. Actual prices vary by location, provider, property size, materials, access, job complexity and other factors. Always request a quote for your specific job.