hedge trimming - cost???

[willowstar]

Hello

We are currently house hunting. I have found a garden I want (with an OK house attached!) but my OH despises gardening and is very concerned that I can't cope with the whole thing on my own ( I am going to be a first time mum in October and aim to carry on working part time afterwards and work will be 90 minute commute each way). So, he may have a point. The garden is between 3/4 and 1 acre. Most of it is grass (can handle that with a sit on mower) and there is a small area of trees with loads of shrub borders, a pond (yay, lots of frogs!) and some patio space too. Obviously I would create a vegetable patch. Now, my question is, the whole thing is enclosed by hedges...big hedges, and there is a huge one across the garden too, dividing it into two areas. In the hedge there are two ridiculously tall archways which I am not keen on. Anyway, I have never trimmed a hedge in my life and according to OH is it quite taxing and takes ages. Any ideas how much it would cost to get someone in to do it? Do they price per meter? I have no clue. I have looked up some websites but they just say to contact them and they will come out and give a quote. We haven't even made an offer yet and we probably won't get it, I just want to arm myself with info for the argument we are about to have!

[shirlthegirl43]

Maybe phone a couple of people and ask how they charge - explaining the situation. I am sure they will be helpful if they think they will get the job

[janeyo]

I think the fist cut may be expensive but subsequent trims each year less so.

We paid about £300 to have 150 feet of conifers reduced by 50%, they had never been cut and were about 50 feet high. The quote from the same chap a year later has come in at £100. Less work I guess and les smess to take away as they ormally charge for that as they have to dispose of it somewhere.

The chaps we use are cheap though for most garden thigns, some of our other quotes came in at nearer a grand! I think often trade can add a big chuck of money on if they see a large house and grounds etc so worth shopping around a bit.

One the initial shaping is done you maye find it manageable yourself. I have had a go at some hedge trimming. Hard work on the arms and definitely a job I prefer my non-gardening OH to do, which he does when he realises it's that or shell out for someone to come in and do it for him lol. Not being very tall even with a step ladder and a patform it's almost impossible to reach safely so getting someone in is usually a better option anyway.

Hope this helps a bit!

[Two_Sheds]

presumably your Vendor already trims the hedges ... can you ask them who they use?
Or if they know of anyone who would do it (a retired chap perhaps?)

[SarzWix]

If you keep the trimmings and compost them yourself, you'll save a bit of money. As Janeyo says, if it's a big reduction in size you're looking at about £300. But if it's just trimming, and you clear up after them, then £100 - £150 would be more like it.
Doing it yourself is time consuming and the trimmer makes your arms ache like billyoh after about 3m...

[willowstar]

thanks folks, that is very helpful. the hedges are in great shape at the moment, it really would just be the upkeep. I don't think we will get the house, it is hugely overpriced for this years market, but I don't think the vendor is willing to accept that so this is probably all pie in the sky anyway, I just wanted to know roughly the cost. Many thanks again.

[willowstar]

oh and Janeyo, if it all comes together i might ask you who you use...if you are near Ely, we are looking to buy in the north Cambs/west Norfolk area so you never know :-)