Privet is the workhorse of the hedging world. It’s everywhere, it grows like it has somewhere to be, and it doesn’t ask for much. But that fast growth is a double-edged sword: the more often you need to trim, the more you spend on maintenance over the years. So let’s talk money.
Average Cost to Trim a Privet Hedge
For a typical residential privet hedge, professional trimming costs:
- United States: $100 to $450
- United Kingdom: £80 to £320
- Australia: A$150 to A$480
- New Zealand: NZ$170 to NZ$520
Privet sits in the mid-range category for trimming costs. It’s not as cheap and quick as a short box hedge, but it’s a lot less work than leylandii or laurel. The main cost variable is how much it’s grown since the last cut.
Privet Cost Breakdown by Hedge Size
Privet hedges vary a lot in size, so let’s break it down properly.
Small Privet Hedge (Under 3 ft / 1 m Tall, Up to 15 ft / 5 m Long)
This is your classic front garden border hedge. Quick to trim, easy access, light debris. Expect to pay $80 to $180 in the US, or £60 to £130 in the UK. A job like this typically takes one to two hours including cleanup.
Medium Privet Hedge (3 to 6 ft / 1 to 1.8 m Tall, 15 to 40 ft / 5 to 12 m Long)
This is the most common size. A decent-sized side or back garden boundary hedge. You’re looking at $180 to $320 in the US, £130 to £240 in the UK. Allow two to four hours for a professional, depending on how thick and overgrown it is.
Large Privet Hedge (Over 6 ft / 1.8 m Tall, or Over 40 ft / 12 m Long)
Once privet gets tall and long, the cost jumps because of the debris volume and the equipment needed to reach the top properly. Budget $320 to $450+ in the US, £240 to £350+ in the UK.
How Fast Does Privet Actually Grow?
Faster than you’d expect. Common privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) puts on about 30 to 60 centimetres (12 to 24 inches) per year in good conditions. In warmer climates with decent rainfall, it can push beyond that.
This growth rate is why most professionals recommend trimming privet three to four times per year during the growing season. More trims sounds like more expense, but shorter sessions cost less each time. If you leave privet for a full year without touching it, the next trim takes significantly longer.
Privet vs. Other Common Hedges: Cost Comparison
| Hedge Type | Avg US Cost (Medium Size) | Growth Rate | Trims Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privet | $180 to $320 | Fast | 3 to 4 |
| Boxwood | $150 to $280 | Slow | 1 to 2 |
| Leylandii | $300 to $550 | Very fast | 2 |
| Laurel | $200 to $380 | Moderate | 2 to 3 |
What’s Included in the Price?
Most professional hedge trimming quotes include the trim itself, basic tidying of the surrounding area, and the gardener’s time. What varies is whether debris removal and disposal is included.
On a medium privet hedge, the clippings volume is substantial. Those bags have to go somewhere, and disposal is either included in the quote or charged as an add-on of $20 to $50. Always clarify this upfront to avoid a surprise on the invoice.
When Is the Best Time to Trim Privet?
The golden windows are late spring (once new growth has appeared and hardened slightly) and late summer. In the US and UK, June and August are your two main targets. In Australia and New Zealand, adjust for the southern hemisphere season: October to November and February to March work well.
Avoid cutting privet during a hard frost. It won’t kill the plant, but it makes the job harder and can damage fresh cut ends.
Save on Recurring Privet Maintenance
The best way to keep privet costs manageable is a recurring maintenance contract. Many gardeners offer a discount of 10 to 20 percent for seasonal clients they can schedule ahead. Over a full year, that adds up quickly on a hedge that needs four cuts.
Want to know what your privet hedge should cost? Run it through the free calculator and get a tailored estimate.