Aussies love a good DIY project. Whether it’s repainting the deck, laying down pavers, or trying your hand at pruning that slightly out-of-control hedge, there’s something satisfying about getting stuck into your own garden. It feels good, it can be fun, and it seems cheaper than bringing in a professional.
But here’s the question every homeowner eventually faces: Is doing it yourself actually saving you money… or costing you more in the long run?
Let’s break down what’s really involved, what most people don’t factor in, and when hiring a gardener is actually the smarter (and cheaper) move. If you’re weighing up the cost of DIY vs. hiring a gardener, this guide will help you decide which path is best for your home, your wallet, and your weekends.
On paper, DIY looks cheap. You’re not paying labour, you’re doing the work at your own pace, and you can pick up tools and supplies when you stumble across a good deal. But the costs stack up quickly once you dig beneath the surface (pun intended).
Gardening isn’t just a pair of gloves and some cheap secateurs. If you want to maintain your yard properly, you may need:
A lawn mower
Whipper snipper
Hedge trimmer
Shovel, rake, pruners, loppers
Gardening bags
Fertilisers, compost, soil conditioners
Even if you go for budget-friendly gear, you’re easily looking at hundreds of dollars worth of equipment. And that’s before you factor in repairs, maintenance, and replacement blades or fuel.
Tradies and pro gardeners already own commercial-grade equipment—and they maintain it so you don’t have to.
This one’s easy to forget. Sure, DIY might seem free, but your time isn’t. A Saturday morning spent mowing, pruning, bagging green waste and hauling it to the kerb is a Saturday morning not spent relaxing, catching up with family, or doing something you actually enjoy.
For many Aussie homeowners, the cost of time ends up outweighing the cost of hiring a gardener—especially when the job is a big one.
Plants die. Lawns burn. Edges get hacked. Hedges get uneven.
And it’s all part of learning… but it also costs money.
Every mistake means:
Re-buying plants
Replacing soil
Spending more time fixing what didn’t work
A gardener, on the other hand, already knows what works in your climate, your soil type and your yard conditions.
Hiring a gardener isn’t as expensive as most people think—especially when you do it smartly.
A typical gardener in Australia might charge anywhere from $40 to $90 per hour, depending on experience and location, or offer fixed-price packages for tasks like mowing, pruning or seasonal clean-ups.
What you get for that price is more than labour. It’s:
Knowledge
Efficiency
Professional tools
The right techniques
Long-term care advice
And let's be honest—most tradies can finish in an hour what takes the average person three.
You save money when:
You avoid plant loss due to incorrect care
You avoid damage to irrigation systems or property
Jobs are done right the first time
Your garden stays healthier, which prevents bigger repairs later
It’s kind of like servicing your car—regular professional maintenance stops small problems from turning into costly disasters.
To be fair, DIY absolutely has its perks. There are situations where doing it yourself is genuinely the cheaper and more rewarding option.
A little lawn and a few shrubs? No worries. A quick mow and tidy-up doesn’t require specialised knowledge.
If gardening is your happy place, keep at it! Hiring a gardener doesn’t need to replace you—it can complement you. For example, you do the regular maintenance, and bring in a pro for seasonal tasks like pruning, mulching or major clean-ups.
Tools tend to be the biggest upfront cost. If you’ve already invested (and actually use them), DIY becomes far more cost-effective.
This is where many homeowners start to realise the “cheap DIY” route isn’t so cheap after all.
We’ve all been there. A few busy weeks, some rain, and suddenly:
The grass is knee-high
Hedges are wild
Weeds have taken over the front path
The garden beds look tired
A gardener can restore order fast—and often in just one visit.
Got guests coming? Selling your home? Hosting Christmas?
You want your yard looking schmick—quickly. A pro can make your garden look magazine-ready in a fraction of the time.
Sun vs shade, sandy vs clay soil, water-loving vs drought-tolerant—gardeners know which plants thrive in your area and which ones are a waste of money.
Healthy gardens cost less to maintain.
Unhealthy gardens are expensive.
Pros prevent:
Lawn die-off
Pest infestations
Overgrown trees
Poor drainage and erosion
One proper visit can save hundreds down the track.
And that’s OK. Life gets busy. Letting a tradie take care of it gives you back your time.
Here’s the simple truth:
Most Aussie homeowners end up choosing a mix of both:
DIY for simple tasks
Hiring a gardener for bigger, seasonal, or specialist jobs
It’s the sweet spot between saving money and keeping your yard looking great without the overwhelm.
If you’re considering hiring a gardener, the biggest mistake you can make is choosing the first option you find on Google or Facebook Marketplace.
That’s where ServiceSeeking.com.au comes in.
On the platform, you can:
Compare quotes in minutes
Read real customer reviews
Check qualifications
Chat with gardeners before booking
Find someone local and reliable
It’s the easiest way to make sure you’re not overpaying—and that you’re getting a tradie who knows what they’re doing.
A healthy garden doesn’t need to cost a fortune. And with the right gardener, you’ll save money, avoid stress and keep your outdoor spaces looking their best year-round.