Even though arborvitae (Thuja) is pretty low-maintenance, it still needs a regular trim to stay looking its best. This is especially true if you have a hedge—otherwise, it’ll shoot up way higher than you probably want! If you’d rather skip the DIY hassle and don’t mind spending a little extra, hiring a pro is a great way to go.
How do pros price out trimming an arborvitae hedge?
Most landscaping companies calculate their rates based on the height and total length of your hedge. Sometimes they’ll just give you a flat price per linear foot. Here are the main things that will impact your final bill:
- Height and length of the hedge
- Total labor hours
- Travel fees/service calls
- Green waste disposal
What should you keep in mind when hiring a pro?
The best part about hiring a professional crew is that you don’t have to worry about owning the right tools or hauling away a mountain of branches. However, you do need to plan ahead. Keep in mind that there are often local regulations or nesting bird protections that might limit when you can do a heavy pruning or remove a hedge entirely (usually, major work is best done in late fall or winter). Make sure to book your appointment well in advance!
It’s always a smart move to shop around and compare a few different quotes. Whether it’s better to pay by the hour or by the foot really depends on your specific yard, so take a close look at those estimates—and don’t forget to check if travel and disposal fees are included.
How much does hedge trimming actually cost?
Prices can vary quite a bit depending on where you live. It also makes a big difference if you just need a quick maintenance trim to keep it tidy or if you need a more drastic “hard prune.” On average, here’s what you might expect to see on an invoice (based on 2021 averages):
- Light trim or shaping: $5 to $10 per meter (approx. 3 feet)
- Radical pruning: $20 per meter
- Hourly labor rates: $30 to $40 per hour
- Service call/Travel fee: $10 to $50
- Waste disposal: $30 to $70 per cubic meter
Depending on how big your arborvitae has grown, a professional crew can usually get the job done in anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.