Gardening in Switzerland: Prices, tasks, and how to choose the right gardener

A beautiful garden is pure relaxation—until you realize how much time and energy goes into maintaining a well-kept lawn, clean flower beds, healthy shrubs, and a proper pruning schedule. Especially with larger properties or demanding plants, you quickly reach the point where professional support makes sense: either regularly (e.g., monthly) or selectively (spring/fall, tree pruning, removing neophytes). To help you plan your gardening work better, here is a practical overview: what services are available, what a gardener in Switzerland typically costs – and what you should look out for so that you don't pay too much or hire the wrong person.

Gardening involves much more than just mowing the lawn. Depending on the property and the season, it can involve maintenance, landscaping, or actual construction work. Common areas include:

The more complex the garden (sloping terrain, lots of trees and shrubs, lots of shade, difficult soil), the more worthwhile it is to hire a professional—especially because mistakes in pruning and plant selection can end up being really expensive later on.

The costs depend on whether you need "standard care" or specialized work such as tree pruning, planning, or machine work. To give you an immediate idea of the price range, the price block is at the top of the page.

Service | from | to Gardener / Groundskeeper | $80 | $95 Landscape Gardener / Master Gardener | $100 | $130 Garden Planning / Landscape Architect | $140 | $180

Prices depend on:

The following values serve as a guide. In practice, effort, accessibility, and disposal are often the decisive cost drivers.

Power | from | to

Lawn mowing per m² | $0.35 | $0.45 Mowing + scarifying per m² | $0.30 | $1.30 Lawn fertilizing | $0.50 | $1.30 Weeds & flower beds

Weeding per square meter | $5 | $9 Preparing flower beds (hourly rate) | $75 | $105 Hedges & shrubs

Service | from | to Simple hedge trimming per running meter | from $6 |– Hedge trimming down to the stump | – | $45 Winter preparation

Service | from | to Winterizing plants per m² | $90 | $120

Many providers charge a flat rate that includes machinery and disposal. Service | from | to Tree pruning per tree | $400 | $900 Tree felling (depending on height/surroundings) | $700 | $2,200

Tip: When comparing quotes, always check whether machinery, disposal, and travel costs are already included in the price. This is often where quotes differ significantly.

Tree care is one of the most demanding gardening tasks. It requires expertise, experience, and often special equipment. Mistakes made when pruning can cause long-term damage or endanger public safety. Many specialist companies work with flat rates that already include:

Typical costs in tree care

If the tree is located close to buildings, roads, or power lines, additional safety measures will significantly increase the price.

Many gardening tasks can be done by yourself. In practice, however, you often lack the time, experience, or suitable tools. That's why many garden owners opt for professional support—either on an ad hoc or regular basis:

Typical models:

Work that is best left to professionals:

A gardener not only saves time, but also reduces the risk of damage or improper care.

A garden changes constantly throughout the year. Knowing which tasks are appropriate at which time of year will ensure healthy plants and save effort in the long term.

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December – January

February

A gardener knows the best times for pruning and maintenance—this protects plants and saves costs in the long term.

Legal requirements also apply in the garden. Anyone who ignores them risks conflicts or sanctions.

🔇 Quiet hours & noiseprotection Motorized equipment may only be operated at certain times. Midday quiet hours, evening quiet hours, and Sundays and public holidays must be observed in particular. The exact times are determined by the municipality.

🌳 Bound arydistances Plants must be planted at a sufficient distance from the property boundary. The requirements are regulated at the state level and depend on the type and height of the plant.

🌿Overgrowth If branches or roots extend onto a neighbor's property, neighbor law applies. In many cases, pruning is mandatory—preferably after consultation.

🔥 Garden fires &compost Open fires are prohibited or severely restricted in many places. Compost must not cause any unpleasant odors either.

💧 Waterconsumption During dry periods, watering restrictions may apply. Private wells often require registration or approval.

🧱 Structuralinstallations A building permit may be required for pergolas, retaining walls, garden sheds, or fixed irrigation pipes. A call to the building authority will clarify this.

A well-maintained garden does not happen by chance. Regular care, professional pruning, and thoughtful planning make all the difference in the long run. A gardener not only relieves you physically, but also ensures that plants remain healthy and that you can enjoy your garden for years to come. Professional help quickly pays off, especially if you lack time, experience, or tools. Thanks to clear hourly rates, the costs remain easily controllable—and you can use your garden as it was intended: as a place of relaxation.