What is the going hourly rate for minor yard work (pulling weeds, fixing planting beds, spreading mulch ect..) (insurance)

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I'm a novice Gardner, but a few acquaintances have complimented me on my yard and know how much I like to work on it. That being said, I'm always looking for ways to earn a little extra change and I've been approached by a few people asking me to do some minor yard work work for them. Nothing serious, just pulling weeds out of flower beds, spreading their mulch, giving some planting advice and stuff like that. Probably three to four hours work at best. I want to charge a fair price so I was curious if anybody here knew what the going hourly rate is for general yard work in this area? From the ads I've seen on Craig’s list it looks like it might vary from $10/hr to $15/hr. Does that sound about right?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[DanielleNC]

$10-$15 sounds about right to me. I knew a guy who did landscaping on his own and charged $10 an hour. This was about two years ago.

[sacredgrooves]

I would push for $15 simply because cutting the grass usually takes an hour in a standard .25 acre lot including trimming and cleanup and most pay $25 plus for that. Maybe you can add a surcharge for the ability to speak English as well

[beckycat]

My hubby does that type of work. He doesn't charge by the hour but the job. He said $15/hr is reasonable though for minor stuff. If it takes 1/2 a day he'd probably charge $125, whole day $200. That's what he calls a clean-up which includes weeding, trimming bushes, cleaning up leaves, picking up dead branches, hauling leaves away, etc. From what you're saying though it's just minor stuff, so $15/hr is reasonable.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Thanks for the responses. It is very helpful. FWIW, this is just odd job type yard work to pick up a few extra bucks on the weekend. Nothing that will require equipment like regular mowing / fertilizing or anything like that. Just elbow grease. These are simply one time gigs that people need a helping hand with. Most of the people who have asked for my services are elderly and just need some help pulling weeds out of their flower beds and spreading mulch they have ready to go. I know we have some real lawn care and landscape pros on this forum and I respect what they do and I don't pretend to be something I'm not. I'm just a guy with a little extra time on my hands that likes working in the yard.

Thanks!

[lamishra]

I just paid my neighbor (an out of a job landscaper) $13.00/hour for a few hours worth of landscaping work.

[Raleighson]

maybe 10-15 if you just want an unskilled body. Probably more like 40-60 if they know what they're doing, have insurance, tools, and experience with plants and more technical parts. You get what you pay for.