How to Price Tree and Shrub Trimming Jobs

Q: Should I include debris removal in trimming quotes?

Always specify whether debris removal is included. Most landscapers include cleanup and haul-away in the price, adding $25-75 for disposal depending on volume. Some offer a discount if the customer handles debris. Never assume—unclear quotes lead to disputes.

3 Ways to Price Trimming Jobs

Choose the pricing method that fits the job type. Most landscapers use different methods for different situations:

Pricing Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Per Shrub	Residential, defined beds	Quick to quote, customers understand	Doesn't account for condition
Hourly Rate	Commercial, renovation pruning	Accounts for all variables	Customers prefer fixed price
Per Linear Foot	Hedges, privacy screens	Easy to measure and quote	Height/width affect time too

Worked Example: 15-Shrub Residential Property

Here's the exact calculation for a typical residential trimming job:

Example: Foundation Plantings Trim

Small shrubs × 6 (boxwood, dwarf holly) @ $30 each $180.00

Medium shrubs × 5 (azalea, ligustrum) @ $45 each $225.00

Large shrubs × 4 (camellia, large holly) @ $65 each $260.00

Subtotal (15 shrubs) $665.00

Debris removal (estimated 2 cubic yards) $50.00

Quote to customer $715.00

Estimated time: 3-4 hours for crew of 2

Effective hourly rate: ~$90-120/hour

Note: Prices based on typical US Southeast rates. Pricing varies by region and market.

Per-Shrub Pricing by Size (US)

Use these ranges as starting points, then adjust for your market:

Small (under 3 ft): $25-35 — boxwood, dwarf varieties, young plants
Medium (3-6 ft): $35-50 — azaleas, standard hollies, foundation shrubs
Large (6-10 ft): $50-75 — mature camellias, large hollies, overgrown shrubs
Extra large (10+ ft): $75-150+ — tree-form shrubs, renovation pruning

Note: These are general US market rates. Coastal and metro areas typically run 25-50% higher. Always adjust for your local market conditions.

5 Common Trimming Pricing Mistakes

Same price regardless of condition: Overgrown shrubs needing renovation take 2-3x longer than maintained shrubs. Charge accordingly.
Forgetting debris removal: Disposal costs add up. Either include it in your price or line-item it separately.
No premium for difficult access: Shrubs behind fences, on slopes, or requiring ladder work should cost more.
Underpricing ornamental trees: Japanese maples and other ornamentals requiring careful shaping take more time than hedge trimming.
No minimum charge: A customer with 3 small shrubs still costs you drive time and setup. Set a $75-150 minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge per shrub for trimming?

Most landscapers charge $25-75 per shrub (US rates) depending on size. Small shrubs under 3 feet run $25-35, medium shrubs 3-6 feet run $35-50, and large shrubs over 6 feet run $50-75+. Overgrown or neglected shrubs that need renovation pruning should be priced 50-100% higher than maintenance trimming. Always consider the shrub species too—some are more time-consuming to shape properly.

Should I price trimming per shrub or by the hour?

Per-shrub pricing works best for residential quotes—customers understand it easily and you can price quickly from photos or a site visit. Hourly pricing works better for large commercial properties or renovation pruning where conditions vary significantly. Consider offering both: quote per shrub for defined maintenance work, hourly for "clean up until it looks good" requests or properties you haven't seen before.

How do I price hedge trimming?

Price hedge rows by linear foot ($2-5/ft for standard height) or by labor hour. A 50-foot boxwood hedge at 4 feet tall might take 1-2 hours for a crew of two. At $65/hour labor, that's $130-260 total. Add disposal costs if you're hauling debris. Complex shapes, tall hedges requiring ladders, or formal hedges needing string-line precision all command premium pricing—add 25-50% over basic hedge rates.

Should I include debris removal in trimming quotes?

Always specify whether debris removal is included—this is the #1 source of customer disputes on trimming jobs. Most landscapers include cleanup and haul-away in their price, adding $25-75 for disposal depending on volume. Some offer a discount if the customer handles debris themselves. Never assume the customer knows what's included; put it in writing on every quote.

How do I price ornamental tree trimming vs. shrubs?

Small ornamental trees (under 15 feet) typically run $75-200 each for light pruning. Price based on time required—a Japanese maple needing careful aesthetic pruning takes 2-3x longer than a crape myrtle that just needs sucker removal. Large trees requiring a bucket truck or climbing are specialty work outside normal landscaping scope; consider subcontracting to certified arborists and adding your markup.

What's the minimum charge for a trimming job?

Set a minimum job charge of $75-150 regardless of shrub count. A property with 3 small shrubs still requires drive time, unloading equipment, doing the work, cleanup, and reloading. Without a minimum, small jobs become unprofitable fast. State your minimum clearly when quoting—most customers understand that professionals have a minimum service charge.