Lawn mowing and hedge trimming

Professional gardeners bring industrial-grade mowers and long-reach trimmers that handle thick overgrowth far better than standard domestic tools. Whether you need a one-off "jungle clear" or a fortnightly maintenance visit, understanding the scope and costs involved helps you budget effectively for the growing season.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Lawn Mowing: Cutting grass to a seasonal height, typically leaving it longer in summer to resist drought and shorter in spring/autumn.
• Edging & Strimming: Using a vertical edger or strimmer to define borders, fence lines, and paths for a sharp finish.
• Hedge Trimming: Leveling the top and "dressing" the sides of hedges to maintain shape and prevent them from encroaching on pavements or windows.
• Base Clearance: Removing weeds and "suckers" (new shoots) from the bottom of hedge stems.
• Waste Management: Raking or blowing clippings and either bagging them for the local council green bin or removing them from the site.
• Health Check: Identifying signs of lawn pests (like leatherjackets), fungal diseases, or nutrient deficiencies.

Typical Costs

Prices vary based on the height of your hedges and the steepness of your lawn. If a gardener needs to use scaffolding or high-reach platforms for a tall conifer hedge, expect the daily rate to increase significantly to cover equipment hire and safety risks.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small front/back lawn: 30 to 45 minutes for a standard cut and strim.
• Average semi-detached garden (Mow & Hedge): 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on hedge density.
• Large detached garden: 4 to 6 hours, often requiring a two-person team.
• Initial "Rescue" Cut: 1 full day for gardens that haven't been touched in over six months.

DIY or Professional?

Mowing a small, flat lawn is a straightforward DIY task for most. However, hedge trimming—particularly at height—carries significant risks and requires specialist PPE and sharp, powerful tools to avoid "shredding" the leaves, which can lead to browning and disease.

Professionals are also well-versed in UK wildlife laws. For example, it is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. A pro will survey your hedge for nesting birds before starting, protecting you from potential legal issues under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability insurance (minimum £1m) to cover damage to your property or neighbours' cars from flying stones.
• Waste Licensing: If they are taking the clippings away, they must hold a valid Waste Carrier License from the Environment Agency.
• Equipment: Ask if they use petrol, corded electric, or battery tools; battery tools are much quieter and better for built-up residential areas.
• Questions to Ask:
  • Do you charge by the hour or a fixed price for the job?
  • Will you disinfect your blades between jobs to prevent the spread of box blight?
  • What is your policy if it is raining heavily on the scheduled day?

Always ask if the quote includes the disposal of green waste, as some gardeners assume you have a brown bin or a composting area.

UK Regulations

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Restricts hedge cutting during nesting season (typically March to August) if active nests are present.
• High Hedges (Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003): Neighbours can complain to the council if evergreen hedges exceed 2 metres and block light.
• Noise Ordinances: Most local councils restrict the use of noisy power tools to reasonable daytime hours (usually 8 am – 6 pm).

Common Problems

• Scalping the Lawn: Cutting too short on uneven ground, which kills the grass and encourages moss and weeds.
• Nesting Birds: Disturbing active nests in spring, which can lead to heavy fines and a halted job.
• Blunt Blades: Using dull mower or trimmer blades that "tear" the plant, leaving it vulnerable to disease and turning the tips brown.
• Hidden Hazards: Damaging hidden cables, irrigation pipes, or expensive garden lighting buried in long grass or hedge bottoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my lawn be mown?

During the peak growing season (May to August), once a week is ideal. In early spring and autumn, once every fortnight is usually sufficient to keep it tidy without stressing the grass.

Can you cut hedges in the rain?

Light drizzle is usually fine, but heavy rain makes the work dangerous due to slippery conditions and the risk of electric shock with corded tools. It also makes it difficult to achieve a clean, straight cut.

What is the 'One-Third Rule' for lawns?

You should never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mow. Taking off too much at once shocks the plant and can lead to a patchy, yellow lawn.

Do I need to be home for the gardener?

Generally no, provided they have clear access to the garden and any pets are kept indoors. Most gardeners will send an invoice electronically after the work is completed.

Why has my hedge turned brown after trimming?

This is often caused by 'sunscald' (trimming in very hot weather), using blunt blades, or cutting back into 'old wood' on species like Leylandii, which do not regrow from old brown branches.

What should I do with the grass clippings?

If you mow regularly, you can 'mulch' them back into the lawn to provide nutrients. Otherwise, they should be composted or put in your council green waste bin to avoid smothering the grass.