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Garden Maintenance

Garden maintenance is the process of taking care of a garden in order to keep it healthy, attractive, and functional. It involves a variety of tasks, including watering, pruning, fertilising, and controlling pests and weeds. Proper garden maintenance is important for a number of reasons, including ensuring that plants receive the necessary nutrients and water to grow, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the garden, and protecting plants from diseases and pests. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, just starting out, or looking to hire a professional gardener, there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your garden.

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Overview

  • What does a gardener do?
  • The importance of regular garden maintenance
  • DIY garden maintenance vs. hiring a professional
  • How much does garden maintenance cost in Australia?
  • Types of garden maintenance
  • Garden maintenance tips for beginners
  • Tools and equipment for effective garden maintenance
  • Garden maintenance checklist
  • What is strata garden maintenance? 
  • Tenant guide to garden maintenance 
  • Choosing the right gardener
  • Does my gardener need to be licensed?
  • Questions to ask your gardener

What does a gardener do?

A gardener provides services similar to a landscaper, but on a smaller scale. A gardener’s job, essentially, is to care for plants. Some people garden as a hobby, while others, such as landscape gardeners or groundskeepers, garden for a living. Gardeners are hired by individuals, as well as businesses, apartment complexes and parks to care for plants, trees and shrubs.

shovel with dirt

The Importance of Regular Garden Maintenance

Regular garden maintenance is essential for keeping your garden in its best condition, both functionally and visually. Completing all of the standard garden maintenance jobs on a regular basis helps ensure your plants will continue to thrive. Occasional maintenance also helps reduce the instance of weeds and pests, which can cause damage to your plants and compromise the overall health of your garden.

In addition to the practical benefits, regular garden maintenance is important for the aesthetic appeal of your garden. By keeping your plants well-trimmed and healthy, you can create a beautiful and welcoming outdoor space. Overall, the importance of regular garden maintenance cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for the longevity and attractiveness of your garden.

DIY Garden Maintenance vs. Hiring a Professional

DIY garden maintenance can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to keep your outdoor space looking its best. With a little bit of planning and some basic tools, you can easily take care of simple tasks like weeding, trimming, and watering. However, there are also certain benefits to hiring a professional gardener or landscaping company.

Professional gardeners have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to caring for plants and outdoor areas. They can provide expert advice on the best plants for your space, and can also help with more complex tasks such as soil analysis and irrigation system installation. Additionally, hiring a professional can save you time and effort, as they will be able to complete the work more efficiently and to a higher standard.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to go the DIY route or hire a professional will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. If you have the time and desire to take on garden maintenance yourself or want to save money,  it can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. However, if you don't have the expertise or the time to dedicate to your garden, hiring a professional may be the better option.

garden with path

How much does garden maintenance cost in Australia?

​​It’s difficult to provide an exact garden maintenance cost in Australia, as there are many factors that can impact the price. Some of the things that can affect the cost of garden maintenance include the size of the garden, the complexity of the tasks involved, and the location of the property.

On average, homeowners in Australia can expect to pay between $40 and $100 per hour for garden maintenance services. However, this price can vary widely depending on the specific needs of your garden and the services being provided. Some garden maintenance companies may offer flat rate packages for specific services, such as regular lawn maintenance or hedge trimming, while others may offer customised plans based on your individual needs.

It is always a good idea to get quotes from several different companies to get an idea of the range of garden maintenance prices that are available. This will allow you to compare prices and choose the option that best meets your needs and budget.

For more details, you can check out our guide on the costs of hiring a gardener.

Types of Garden Maintenance

What does garden maintenance include? There are many different forms of garden maintenance tasks that can be performed to keep your garden in optimal shape. Some common types of garden maintenance include:

  • Watering: This is perhaps the most essential type of garden maintenance, as plants need a consistent supply of water in order to survive and thrive. The frequency of watering will depend on the type of plants you have, as well as the climate and soil conditions in your area.
  • Pruning: Pruning involves trimming back overgrown or damaged branches on plants to promote healthy growth and shape. It can be especially important for trees and shrubs, as it can help to prevent them from becoming too large or unmanageable.
  • Fertilising: Plants need certain nutrients in order to grow and survive, and fertilising can help to provide them with the ones they need. There are many different types of fertilisers available, and the right one for your garden will depend on the type of plants you have and the soil conditions.
  • Pest control: Pests can be a major problem for gardens, as they can damage plants and spread diseases. There are many different methods for controlling pests, including the use of chemical pesticides, natural predators, and physical barriers.
  • Weed control: Weeds can compete with plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight, and they can also harbour pests and diseases. Regular weed control is important for keeping a garden healthy and well-maintained.

By performing these tasks on a regular basis, you can ensure that your plants receive the care they need to grow and flourish.

close up of newly planted shrubs

Garden Maintenance Tips for Beginners

If you’re learning how to maintain your garden as a beginner, here are some of the best tips to get started:

  1. Start small: It's easy to get overwhelmed by a large garden, especially if you're new to gardening. Try starting with a small area or a few key tasks, and gradually expand your garden as you gain confidence and experience.
  2. Plan ahead: Before you start working in your garden, take some time to plan out what you want to accomplish. Consider what you want to grow, where you want to plant it, and what types of maintenance will be required.
  3. Keep it simple: Don't try to do too much at once. Focus on the basics, such as weeding, watering, and pruning, and leave more complex tasks for later.
  4. Invest in good tools: Quality tools will make your gardening tasks much easier and more efficient. Look for durable, well-made tools that will last for many seasons.
  5. Learn as you go: Gardening is a learning process, and it's okay to make mistakes. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, and be willing to try new things.
  6. Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about something, don't be afraid to ask for help from a more experienced gardener or a professional. There are many resources available to help you learn more about gardening and get the support you need.

Tools and Equipment for Effective Garden Maintenance

Here is a list of some basic tools and equipment that are useful for garden maintenance:

  • Shovel: A shovel is a versatile tool that can be used for tasks such as digging, planting, and moving soil and mulch.
  • Rake: A rake is useful for clearing leaves and debris, leveling soil, and spreading mulch.
  • Pruning shears: Pruning shears, also known as secateurs, are used for trimming and shaping plants. Look for a pair with comfortable handles and sharp blades.
  • Hoe: A hoe is a useful tool for weeding and cultivating soil.
  • Watering can or hose: Water is essential for the health of your garden, so it's important to have a good watering system in place. A watering can or hose can be used to provide water to your plants.
  • Gloves: Gardening gloves can protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and other hazards.
  • Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can be handy for transporting tools, soil, and other materials around your garden.

This is just a basic list, and you may find that you need additional tools and equipment as you become more experienced with garden maintenance. As a beginner, it's a good idea to start with the essentials and gradually build your tool collection as needed.

pink flowers with blue sky

Garden Maintenance Checklist

To keep your outdoor space thriving, here’s the ideal garden maintenance list and how often each task should be done:

  • Watering: The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the weather, soil type, and the specific needs of your plants. In general, most plants need to be watered once or twice a week.
  • Weeding: It's a good idea to weed your garden at least once a week, or more frequently if you have a lot of weeds.
  • Pruning: The frequency of pruning will depend on the type of plant you are pruning. Some plants, such as roses, may need to be pruned several times a year, while others may only need to be pruned once a year or less.
  • Fertilising: The frequency of fertilising will depend on the specific needs of your plants and the type of fertiliser you are using. In general, most plants will benefit from fertilising once a month or once every two months.
  • Checking for pests and diseases: It's a good idea to check your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. If you do notice any issues, take appropriate action as soon as possible.
  • Raking leaves and debris: This task can be done as needed, depending on how quickly leaves and debris accumulate in your garden.
  • Maintaining tools: It's a good idea to clean and maintain your tools after each use, and to do a more thorough cleaning and maintenance check once a month.

Again, these are general guidelines, and the specific needs of your garden may vary. It's a good idea to pay attention to your plants and the conditions in your garden and work on creating a garden maintenance schedule accordingly.

What is strata garden maintenance? 

Strata garden maintenance refers to the care and upkeep of outdoor spaces in a strata property, which is a type of multi-unit property where the owners share common facilities and spaces. In a strata property, the owners' corporation is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these shared areas, which can include gardens, lawns, and other landscaping features.

In most cases, the owners' corporation will hire a professional garden maintenance company to take care of these tasks on their behalf. The cost of strata garden maintenance is typically shared among the owners of the strata property.

blue and white hydrangeas

Tenant Guide to Garden Maintenance 

As a tenant, it's important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to garden maintenance when renting. Here is a short guide to help you navigate this aspect of renting a property:

  1. Check your lease: Your lease should outline your responsibilities as a tenant in regard to garden maintenance. Make sure you understand what is expected of you, and be sure to follow these guidelines.
  2. Communicate with your landlord: If you’re unsure about your responsibilities or have any questions about garden landscaping, be sure to communicate with your landlord or property manager.
  3. Keep the garden tidy: Even if you are not responsible for major garden maintenance tasks, it's still important to keep the garden looking tidy. This might include tasks such as picking up leaves and debris, and keeping the lawn mowed if you have one.
  4. Seek permission before making changes: If you would like to make changes to the garden, such as planting new flowers or shrubs, be sure to get permission from your landlord or property manager first.
  5. Follow watering guidelines: Watering is an important part of garden maintenance, so make sure to follow any guidelines provided by your landlord or property manager.

By following these guidelines and taking good care of the garden, you can help to ensure that you are a responsible tenant and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord.

Choosing the Right Gardener

Many gardeners work on an individual basis. Find gardeners in your area by seeking referrals from friends, family, and associates. Be sure to interview potential candidates thoroughly, and view some of their work if possible. When hiring a gardener, it is important to ask about their experience and enquire about their education. Although not mandatory, a gardener who holds a Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture may be more experienced and educated in their field of work.

Here are a few more tips for finding the best gardener:

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Enter the information outlining your gardening needs on Service.com.au, and we'll provide you with a list of local businesses that can help do the job.

2. Narrow It Down

Service.com.au uses a three-tier badge system to help you make the right choice.

We recommend selecting a gardener with the highest level (badge 3 – ‘recommended’) from our three-step verification process.

Badge levels are:

  1. Verified
  2. Trusted
  3. Recommended

3. Do Further Research

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, check out the business’ online presence to get an idea of its reputation and services.

View their website and social media pages to see customer reviews and the quality of their work in photos.

man trimming garden edges

Does my gardener need to be licensed?

In Australia, the requirements for licensing or registration for gardeners vary by state and territory. In some states and territories, such as New South Wales and Victoria, there are no specific licensing requirements for gardeners. However, in other states, such as Western Australia, individuals and companies offering gardening services may need to be licensed or registered with the appropriate government agency. 

Also, if any structural landscaping will be done, your gardener may need a licence for projects over a certain dollar value.

It's best to check with the government agency responsible for trades licensing in your state or territory to determine what, if any, licensing requirements apply to gardeners in your area.

Questions to Ask Your Gardener

Here are some questions you may want to ask when hiring a gardener for garden maintenance:

  • Can you provide references or a portfolio of previous work?
  • Are you licensed or insured?
  • How long have you been in the gardening business?
  • What services do you typically include in a garden maintenance package?
  • How do you approach garden maintenance (e.g. organic methods, chemical treatments)?
  • Do you have experience with specific types of plants or gardens (e.g. native plants, vegetable gardens)?
  • How often will you be visiting my garden for maintenance?
  • What is your pricing structure?
  • How do you communicate with clients during the garden maintenance process?
  • Are you flexible with your schedule and can you work on weekends if necessary?

These questions should help you get a better understanding of the gardener's experience, qualifications, and approach to garden maintenance.

You can also ask more specific questions depending on your requirements, and make sure to get a detailed, written estimate of the work to be done and the cost involved.

By planning regular garden maintenance, you can not only improve the appearance of your garden but also increase its lifespan, protecting your investment and ensuring that your garden remains a source of joy for years to come!

Get free quotes in minutes.

Get quotes from our qualified and licensed tradies Australia-wide.


Please note that all prices mentioned are in AUD and are to be used as an approximate guide only. These prices may differ by location and at the discretion of each business, and are accurate at the time of writing.

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