Don’t let your front yard turn into a forest. If you want to prevent hedge overgrowth that can significantly ruin the appeal of your property, you must trim your hedges regularly. Professional hedge trimming costs around $200 to $600, with the national average cost at around $429.
Since your front yard makes a lasting impression on visitors, keeping your hedges properly trimmed and beautiful year-round is a must. So, remember to consider trimming your hedges as part of your routine lawn maintenance.
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 |
Although the national average cost for this service is around $429, you can expect to pay as low as $30 to as much as $900, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. From a simple shearing to an intricate topiary, the cost of hedge trimming will depend on the size, type, and condition of your hedge, as well as the complexity of the trimming job.
Hedge trimming cost estimator by size
While the cost of hedge trimming will vary depending on several factors, one of the most important is the size of your hedge. The larger the hedge, the more time it will take to trim and the more expensive the service.
On average, trimming a 6-foot-tall or shorter hedge can cost around $2.50 to $4 per foot (length). If your hedges are taller than 6 feet, you may have to pay between $4 and $6 per foot (length) to have them professionally trimmed.
For example, a medium hedge that is 12 feet long and 6 feet tall can cost around $30 to $48, while an extra large hedge that is 150 feet long and 12 feet tall can cost up to $900.
| 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
Though size is one of the most important factors that will affect the cost of hedge trimming, there are a few other things that also can influence the price.
Height of the hedge
The higher the hedge, the more expensive it will be to trim. A hedge that is 6 feet tall will take less time to trim than a tall hedge that’s 10 feet tall. This is because the taller the hedge, the more work it will take to reach the top and trim it properly.
Type of hedge
From delicate flowers to tough evergreens, the type of hedge you have also plays a role in the cost of trimming. A hedge made up of small, delicate leaves will take longer to trim and will be more expensive than a hedge made of tough, evergreen needles. Most landscaping companies charge an hourly rate of $69 per hour, but it will still depend on the type of hedge.
Level of difficulty
If your hedge is healthy and easy to work with, it will be less expensive to trim than a hedge that’s overgrown and difficult to manage. The labor involved in trimming an overgrown hedge will be more expensive than the labor involved in trimming a well-maintained one.
Additionally, if you want to create a topiary or other intricate shape, the cost will be higher than a simple shearing. This is because it takes more time and skill to create these shapes. Although it may be more expensive, the results can be stunning.
Frequency of trimming
The frequency with which you trim your hedge also can affect the cost of this service. If you need to trim your hedges more often, it will be more expensive than if you only need it once a year.
The table below shows how often some popular plants for hedges need to be trimmed.
| 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 |
Hauling away debris
Some companies will haul away the debris from your hedge for an additional fee, while others already include the dump fees in the total cost of the trimming service. So, ask your lawn care company if they include debris removal in their services so you know what to expect.
Additionally, you should check to see if your city has any regulations about disposing of hedge clippings (for example, many cities don’t allow burning to avoid wildfires and other fire accidents).
Plant growth regulator
If you want to control the growth of your hedges, you can try using plant growth regulators. With the help of these plant regulators, you can maintain the height and shape of your hedges for a longer time. Since these regulators inhibit plant growth, your hedges won’t need frequent trimming, and you can save time, money, and effort on maintenance.
There are a few related services that you may need in addition to hedge trimming. From bush trimming and landscaping to tree removal and lawn mowing, these services can all be performed by the same company that trims your hedges.
Bush trimming
Bushes don’t grow as tall as hedges, but they can be just as wide. Overgrown bushes can creep onto walkways, driveways, and patios. So, if you want to maintain the health and appeal of your landscaping, trimming your bushes should be part of your routine lawn care. Bush or shrub trimming can help you keep your plants looking neat and tidy.
Hedge removal
If you want to replace your hedges with a different plant species, it would be better to get professional hedge removal services instead of doing the job yourself. Hiring a pro can ensure a safer and smoother process of uprooting or cutting down hedges, helping you avoid potential injuries and saving you time and effort.
Landscaping
If you need help with other aspects of your yard, such as planting flowers or shrubs, you may want to hire a landscaper. Landscaping services can be performed at the same time as hedge trimming, and many companies will offer a discount if you bundle these services together.
The cost of professional landscaping services will depend on the size of your yard and the amount of work that needs to be done.
Lawn mowing
What’s a hedge trimming service without lawn mowing? Many companies that offer hedge trimming services also offer lawn mowing. On average, lawn mowing costs between $35 and $100. The actual cost will depend on the size of your yard and the frequency with which you need the service.
Mulching
The hedges around your home can benefit from mulching services, especially if they are located in an area that gets a lot of sun. This service is performed to help plants retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. With mulch, your hedges will be better protected against weeds and less likely to dry out.
Tree removal
If you have overgrown or dead trees in your yard, you may want to have them removed as soon as possible. Since tree removal is a dangerous job, it should only be performed by a trained professional. Tree removal costs usually depend on the size and condition of the tree.
Ask the tree services company if they also offer stump grinding. While there will be additional costs, this service can efficiently remove the tree stump so you can plant something else in its place.
Tree trimming
Don’t want to remove your trees, but they’re getting too close to the power lines? Tree trimming is a great solution. The total tree trimming cost will vary depending on the height and type of tree and the amount of trimming required.
Yard cleanup
Apart from hauling away the hedge trimmings, you must keep your entire yard clean and clutter-free to maintain its visual appeal. Professional yard cleanup costs around $174 to $436 on average. The service usually involves clearing away fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that can attract pests and ruin the health and beauty of your yard.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
If you’re handy with tools and have the time, you can trim your own hedges. However, you must take the following things into account before taking on this DIY hedge trimming project:
- First, factor in the cost of your time. If you value your time less than the cost of hiring a professional, then trimming your own hedges may be a good option for you.
- Additionally, consider the risk of injury. Hedge trimming can be dangerous, and if you’re not careful, you could end up hurting yourself.
- Remember that you’ll need to purchase or rent the necessary equipment, which can cost around $426 on average.
Here’s a list of things to purchase or rent if you want to trim your own hedges and how much each item is likely to cost you:
| 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, what’s the verdict? Is hiring professional hedge trimming services worth it? If you value your time and safety, then the answer is yes. While going the DIY route can save you money over the years, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure your hedges are trimmed properly and safely.
Cost of hedge trimming by location
From the Big Apple to the City of Angels, hedge trimming prices will vary. Your total project cost will greatly depend on where you live. In general, larger cities tend to have higher trimming costs than smaller towns. This is because there is more demand for services in big cities, and the cost of living is generally higher.
FAQ
What’s the best time of year to trim my hedges?
The best time of year to trim your hedges is in the late spring or early summer. This is because the weather is warm, and the plants are growing quickly.
What’s the difference between formal and informal hedges?
Formal hedges are trimmed into a specific shape, such as a square or a rectangle. Informal hedges are left to grow more naturally and are not trimmed into a specific shape.
What type of hedge trimmer should I use?
The two most common types of hedge trimmers are electric and gas-powered. Electric hedge trimmers are less expensive and easier to use, but they may not be powerful enough to tackle thick hedges. Gas-powered hedge trimmers are more expensive, but they are more powerful and can handle thicker hedges.
Trim your hedges for a neat and tidy yard
A well-manicured lawn is not enough to boost your property’s curb appeal if the hedges around it are overgrown and untidy. With regular hedge trimming, not only do you prevent overgrowth, but you also can maintain the health, functionality, and beauty of your hedges.
If you value your time and safety, you might want to hire a lawn care professional. While hedge trimming costs differ depending on where you live, you can expect to spend as low as $30 to as much as $900.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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