Gardener: How much does it cost?

A gardener costs on average €65 per hour, typically ranging from €58 to €72 per hour.

Anyone who owns a house with a garden knows how much effort it takes to keep it neat and visually appealing.
Each season brings its own typical gardening tasks, and at times, you might not be able to manage everything on your own.
In such cases, hiring a professional gardener to take care of everything is a great solution.

In the past, gardeners were often hired directly. Today, however, people usually hire garden maintenance and landscaping service providers.
The total cost depends on several factors, such as:

• Type and scope of the work

• Frequency of service

• Pricing method (per hour or per square meter)

• Disposal of garden waste

• Travel distance to the job site

Can Gardening Costs Be Deducted from Taxes?

Yes. The cost of regular garden maintenance is considered a household-related service (“haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen”) and can be tax-deductible.

However, only the labor costs (not materials or plants) are eligible.
You must have a proper invoice and make payment by bank transfer, since cash payments are not accepted.

For example, in 2019, homeowners could deduct up to 20% of the labor costs for a self-employed gardener on their tax return.
Note: Creating or redesigning a new garden is not tax-deductible.

If you are a landlord, you can pass these gardening costs on to your tenants.
Tenants, in turn, can claim part of these costs as “household-related services” in their own tax returns.
The landlord must provide a detailed cost breakdown, since tax offices often do not accept the general utility bill as sufficient proof.

What Services Does a Gardener Provide?

The tasks performed by a gardener usually fall into two categories: garden maintenance and garden design.

Garden Maintenance

This includes many recurring tasks throughout the year.
Many companies offer maintenance subscriptions (monthly or yearly), which are usually cheaper than hiring a gardener for individual visits.

Below is a price overview for common maintenance services:

Some gardeners charge by the hour, typically €58–€72 per hour.
Certain gardeners also offer a wintering service for tropical or non-hardy plants, which includes pickup, storage in greenhouses, and delivery.

Garden Design and Landscaping

If you want to redesign or newly create your garden, hiring a landscape gardener (Landschaftsgärtner) is highly recommended.
They can advise you on suitable and low-maintenance plants, help you customize your garden according to your style, and ensure it fits the local climate.

Garden design costs vary greatly depending on project size, materials, and plant selection.
For instance, tree planting can range from €6 to €87 per tree, excluding the cost of the plants themselves.

Travel Costs

If your location is outside the gardener’s standard service area, an additional travel fee of €10 to €50 may apply, depending on the region.

Example Calculation: Lawn Care (20 m²)

In summary: Hiring a professional gardener saves time, keeps your garden in top condition, and — if used regularly — may also qualify for tax benefits.