How Much Do Hedges Cost? [2026 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

In 2026, the national average cost to install hedges is $1,100, with a typical range of $900 to $1,300 depending on hedge species, project size, and installation complexity. Expect to pay $10 to $45 per linear foot, with larger or specialty plantings reaching $2,200 or more.

Hedges Cost by Length: What Size Means for Price

Both the total length and height of your hedge are the primary cost drivers, with residential projects typically ranging from 20 to 100 linear feet and prices scaling with the number of plants required. 

Tighter plant spacing produces a fuller hedge sooner but increases your per-foot cost, while single-row plantings cost less than multi-row configurations in both materials and labor. Costs vary significantly by length and height, as the breakdown below shows.

Hedge Material Costs: Which Type Fits Your Budget?

The hedge species you choose has a direct impact on both up-front cost and long-term maintenance, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 per linear foot for affordable fast-growers like privet up to $25 to $50 per linear foot or more for specialty flowering, edible, or mixed-species plantings. 

Evergreen species such as boxwood, arborvitae, holly, and yew cost more than deciduous options but deliver year-round screening, while mature plants command a premium over seedlings in exchange for immediate privacy. Hedge costs vary by species, growth habit, and plant maturity, as the table below details:

Hedge Costs by Location: Where Prices Change Most

Where you live shapes your hedge installation cost through two key variables: local labor rates, which run higher in urban and coastal markets than in rural areas, and climate, which determines which species are viable and affects nursery availability and delivery fees. 

Installation placement matters as well, since hedges along difficult property lines or on challenging sites such as slopes or poor soil require additional labor and materials that raise your total.

Hedge Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several variables shape your final hedge installation cost, and knowing them in advance helps you build a realistic budget and avoid unexpected charges.

Labor

Hedge installation pros charge $50 to $150 per hour or $5 to $15 per linear foot, and some quote a flat fee for the full job. Minimum service fees may apply to small projects, while curved layouts, multi-row plantings, difficult site access, or large mature plants all push labor costs higher.

Permits

Permits are sometimes required for hedge installation, particularly when the hedge will function as a fence or exceed local height restrictions. Check with your local building or zoning office before starting, since some jurisdictions also require post-installation inspections or compliance fees.

Additional Features

Many people choose to add irrigation during their installation, and integrated fencing is another popular add-on. These extras will increase your overall hedge installation cost:

• Drip irrigation installation: $0.50 to $5 per sq. ft.

• Mulching, edging, and weed barriers: $0.20 to $0.60 per sq. ft.

• Integrated fencing: $11 to $90 per lin. ft.

• Landscape lighting: $50 to $500 per fixture

• Trellis: $45 to $260 per lin. ft.

• Custom shapes or topiary work: $30 to $320

• Landscape design: $50 to $150 per hour

Prep and Cleanup

Site preparation such as excavation or grading is often necessary, especially when replacing an existing hedge, and delivery fees for plants and materials can vary based on your location and order size. Post-installation cleanup and debris disposal are frequently billed as separate line items, so confirm what is included before signing a contract.

Hedge Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Beyond installation, several ongoing and one-time expenses can affect your total investment in hedges.

Warranties

Some nurseries and landscapers offer plant warranties lasting one to three years that cover replacement if a hedge fails to thrive, though this protection typically adds 5% to 15% to your up-front cost. That premium can pay for itself if any plants need replacing during the coverage period.

Operating Costs

Fertilizers and soil amendments run $0.02 to $0.08 per square foot depending on hedge length and type, and seasonal expenses such as winter protection or pest management should also be included in your long-term budget. Newly installed hedges need consistent watering through the first season, and if you add an irrigation system, ongoing water costs will follow.

Maintenance

Hedges require regular trimming and pruning, and while DIY maintenance is an option, professional trimming costs $150 to $850 for one to three bushes. Long-term care can also include disease management, pest treatment, or replanting dead sections, with fast-growing species demanding more frequent attention than slower-growing varieties.

Taxes

Sales tax may apply to plants, materials, and installation services, depending on your state. Some localities also levy landscaping or improvement taxes, which can add a small percentage to your total project cost.

Insurance

Homeowner's insurance may cover hedge damage from storms or vandalism, but not normal wear or disease. Liability coverage is important for large or boundary hedges, especially if they border sidewalks or roads. If you hire a pro, confirm they carry adequate insurance to protect your property during installation.

DIY Hedge Planting vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeowners often weigh the pros and cons of DIY hedge installation versus hiring a professional. Each approach has distinct cost implications.

If you take the DIY route, you’ll pay only for plants, soil, mulch, and basic supplies, depending on plant size and type. You’ll also need tools such as shovels, trimmers, a wheelbarrow, and irrigation supplies. DIYers save on labor but invest significant time and physical effort. Improper planting or spacing may lead to plant loss and higher long-term costs.

Professional installation includes site preparation, planting, and initial care, often with a warranty. Costs are higher, but you benefit from expertise, faster completion, and better plant survival rates. A pro can also help you select the right hedge species for your climate and soil, reducing the risk of failure.

Hedge Replacement vs. Repair

Deciding whether to repair or replace a hedge depends on its condition and age. Understanding costs and long-term impacts will help you make the best choice.

If your hedge has gaps, dead sections, or disease, targeted repair may be possible. Full removal and replacement of an entire hedge line is more expensive, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on length and plant maturity.

If the hedge is old, severely damaged, or warranties have expired, replacement is the better investment. The 50% rule is a good guideline: If repair costs exceed half the price of a new installation, replacement makes more sense. Repeated repairs can add up, making new installation the more cost-effective option in the long run.

Do Hedges Add Value to Your Home?

Hedge installation can offer a strong return on investment and boost your home’s curb appeal. While ROI varies, well-maintained hedges can return 50% to 80% of their cost in increased property value. Hedges create privacy, reduce noise, and enhance security—benefits that appeal to potential buyers.

Compared to other landscaping improvements, hedges cost less upfront than fencing or mature trees but deliver lasting value. To maximize ROI, choose species suited to your climate, invest in professional installation, and consider mature plants for immediate impact. Hedges also support environmental goals by providing habitat and improving air quality.

Safety, efficiency, and aesthetics all play a role in the value hedges bring. Well-designed hedges can define spaces, protect children and pets, and offer universal appeal.

Tips to Save On Hedges

Try these budgeting tips to save on your hedge costs:

• Buy smaller or younger plants to lower upfront costs.

• Choose native or readily available hedge species for better pricing.

• Space plants appropriately to reduce total plant count without sacrificing coverage.

• Perform site prep and cleanup yourself to save on labor.

• Install hedges during off-peak seasons for potential discounts.

• Get multiple quotes from local hedge installation pros to compare pricing and services.

• Consider phased installation for large projects to spread out costs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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