Services
Garden & Yard Cleaning
We take care of your outdoor space: leaf clearing, pruning, weeding, washing patios and balconies. Ideal before summer or after the season.
What does professional garden cleaning include?
Professional garden cleaning is a comprehensive process that differs substantially from simple routine upkeep. A specialised professional gardener applies advanced gardening equipment, ensuring targeted cleaning tasks for the immediate revival of the outdoor space.
Key highlights
- Average pricing: Basic cleaning for a 100 m² garden usually costs between €70 and €100.
- Regular maintenance: Monthly packages typically range from €80 to €100 for 1-2 scheduled visits.
- Legal obligation: In Greece, plot and garden clearing is mandatory by April 30th for fire protection.
- Essential tasks: Includes thorough weeding, branch pruning, and precise lawn mowing.
- Waste management: Green waste is responsibly collected and disposed of according to municipal rules.
Removing weeds, wild grasses and dry branches
The radical uprooting of weeds and the removal of dry branches form the foundation for restoring the health and appearance of the garden. In Greece’s dry-warm Mediterranean climate, systematically clearing wild grasses from the garden every spring is deemed essential, as the rapid growth of unwanted plants robs ornamental species of a significant share of soil moisture. Thorough weeding of the garden and the mechanical removal of weeds by the root with manual weeders and hoes prevents regrowth without toxic residue. At the same time, the regular clearing of dry branches and the complete uprooting of wild grasses remove the foci of pathogenic fungi and wood-boring insects, minimising the risk of fire in good time.
Specialised lawn care continues with scheduled mowing, faithfully observing the basic rule of removing up to one third of the height of the foliage. In the hot summer months, the ideal mowing height is strictly set at 3.5 to 5 centimetres, protecting the roots from heatstroke. At the same time, the precise shaping of hedges and border trimming with modern hedge trimmers ensures the proper penetration of sunlight to the base of the shrubs and the maintenance of a compact structure.
Cleaning paved surfaces, paths and removing debris
Completing the gardening work requires the thorough cleaning of hard surfaces and the proper management of organic residue. Cleaning garden paving, such as traditional Karystos slabs and industrial concrete, is effectively carried out with high-pressure washing machines that remove algae, soil and dangerous slipperiness. Washing paths with a pressure washer fully restores safe movement around the space. At the same time, the collected green waste is placed in reinforced garden waste bags for composting. Responsible green-waste management is completed with scheduled branch collection, in full compliance with the local cleanliness regulations set by the competent municipalities.
How much does garden cleaning cost in 2026? Price list and cost factors
Calculating how much garden cleaning costs in 2026 depends directly on the square metres and the mandatory fire protection of plots. Garden cleaning prices for 2026 and the gardener’s hourly cost are determined by a clear garden maintenance price list.
Indicative prices per task and per square metre (m²)
Prices for garden cleaning and shaping in the Greek market in 2026 are formed on the basis of the type of work and the extent in square metres. For a typical space of 100 m², a full clean takes 3 to 4 hours.
| Type of work | Unit of measurement | Estimated cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Tree pruning | Per tree | €10 - €20 |
| Planting saplings | Per tree | €8 - €12 |
| Laying turf | Per m² | €8 - €12 |
| Automatic irrigation | Network | From €70 |
Laying ready turf costs €2 to €4 per m² for labour plus €6 to €8 for materials. For a safe budget, obtaining a detailed written quote before work begins is always recommended.
Cost difference: one-off general cleaning versus monthly maintenance
The choice between a one-off general clean and a monthly maintenance programme directly determines the annual garden care budget. A one-off clean for a heavily neglected garden requires specialised equipment and starts from at least €150 per application.
By contrast, organised monthly maintenance of a 100 m² garden steadily costs €80 to €100 per month for 2 to 4 scheduled gardener visits, reducing the cost per visit by up to 50%. In the warm Greek climate with its rapid vegetation growth, preventive plant protection wards off dangerous weeds, diseases and seasonal fire risks. Choosing long-term maintenance offers full financial predictability.
Factors that affect the final price
The final price of a garden cleaning intervention depends on a series of parameters beyond the simple area of the space. The total square metres determine the basic charging scale, while the presence of a lawn usually adds €30 to €40 to the cost due to the increased demands of regular mowing and aeration.
At the same time, the removal of green rubble weighs significantly on the budget, as Greek municipalities impose strict disposal regulations, requiring a special skip or a motorised branch shredder. In addition, difficult machine access and steeply sloping ground increase the necessary labour hours. For this reason, carrying out an on-site survey before the final agreement is always recommended.
A step-by-step guide: how proper garden cleaning is done
The correct cleaning procedure is based on a strictly structured sequence of tasks that saves time and energy. By following this garden cleanliness guide, every professional gardener ensures absolute garden safety while reinforcing the critical fire protection of properties and plots.
Step 1: Clearing and uprooting wild grasses
The first critical step in reforming the garden is the complete clearing of the surface and the radical uprooting of wild grasses. Initially, a petrol brushcutter cuts the tall grasses to 1 centimetre from the ground, while the operator mandatorily wears goggles and a protective face shield because of Greece’s stony soils.
Next, a light watering 3 to 4 hours earlier softens the hard soil, facilitating removal. A manual weeder removes the root system of perennial weeds deeply to prevent their reappearance. This targeted mechanical weed elimination rids the soil of dry residue, preparing the next stage.
Step 2: Pruning trees, shrubs and tending flower beds
The second critical step includes the clean and precise pruning of trees and shrubs, removing dead branches to encourage new shoot growth and improve air circulation. At the same time, the flower beds are hoed and tended, shaping the shrubs uniformly and ensuring the healthy growth of the plants.
Essential equipment and tools for garden cleaning
The right gardening equipment and specialised tools ensure maximum efficiency in every maintenance task. Large equipment networks carry plot-cleaning machinery and the necessary personal protective equipment for safe care.
Hand tools (secateurs, hoes, weeders, shovels)
Hand tools are the cornerstone of everyday care, offering a precision no machine can replace. A bypass secateur of hardened steel, such as those by Felco or Fiskars, ensures clean cuts on shoots without injury. At the same time, the ergonomic garden hoe and weeders remove weeds by the root, aerating the soil.
For excavation and planting, the sturdy transplanting shovel offers durability on stony ground. Cleaning the blades with isopropyl alcohol and oiling the axles after use ensures the long-term operation of the tools.
Power tools (brushcutters, mowers, pressure washers)
The use of modern power tools is the cornerstone of fast, efficient and safe garden cleaning at any scale. For the effective clearing of dense wild vegetation on stony soils, the powerful 45–52cc petrol brushcutters or the modern 36V/40V Li-Ion cordless tools by Stihl, Bosch and Husqvarna offer top performance. Complementarily, a rotary mower with a 20–70 mm cutting range ensures an absolutely even lawn.
For cleaning hard surfaces, a pressure washer at 110–150 bar effectively removes moss and grime from Karystos or Pelion slabs, protecting the stone paths of the yard.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe use
Strict adherence to personal protection measures is a non-negotiable precondition when carrying out garden cleaning work, especially when power equipment is used. Reinforced leather gardening gloves to EN 388 standard shield the hands from thorns and cuts, while also protecting against contact with insects. A certified protective face shield or goggles to EN 166 prevent eye injuries from flying fragments during brushcutter use.
In addition, ear defenders with an SNR rating above 25 dB prevent hearing damage. Anti-slip S3 class safety boots prevent slips and protect from reptile bites in dense vegetation.
Legislation, fire protection and garden waste management in Greece
The strict 2026 plot-cleaning legislation from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection makes the fire protection of properties and plots a legal obligation for every owner. Every responsible declaration is mandatorily registered in the National Register of Preventive Fire Protection measures to avoid strict penalties.
Mandatory cleaning of plots/gardens (Fire Brigade directive & fines)
Under the current Fire Brigade directive, the mandatory cleaning of plots within town plans, in settlements and within a 100-metre radius of forests is completed with a strict deadline of 30 April every year. The mandatory interventions include cutting dry grasses to a height of up to 10 centimetres, pruning tree branches to at least 1.5 metres from the ground and the complete removal of flammable plant matter.
Subsequently, every owner submits a responsible plot-cleaning declaration on the akatharista.gov.gr platform for inspection by the Fire Service. Failure to submit incurs a fine, while non-compliance leads to automatic cleaning by the Municipality with an additional charge per square metre.
Managing prunings and depositing in bio-waste bins or municipal services
Proper garden waste management requires strict separation at the source. Grasses, thin leaves and lawn mowing residue are discarded without plastic bags into the brown bio-waste bin. For bulky branches up to 1 metre long tied in bundles, branch collection by the municipality is scheduled via a telephone appointment with the cleanliness service.
During the official fire-protection period (1 May to 31 October) there is an absolute ban on burning prunings, with administrative fines and criminal penalties. Alternatively, an electric branch shredder for compost converts the plant biomass into organic mulch and natural fertiliser, ensuring zero organic waste.
Cleaning the garden yourself or with a professional gardener: what pays off?
The choice between doing it yourself and hiring a professional depends directly on the size of the space, the cost of equipment and the safety of the work. While DIY garden maintenance cuts costs, professional garden cleaning ensures speed and a flawless result.
When it is worth cleaning the garden yourself
Personal care of the garden is the most cost-effective option when it comes to the regular maintenance of limited areas below 60–80 m². In small gardens and beds, the use of basic equipment — such as a Gardena electric mower or a Bosch border shears — suffices for routine tasks like weeding, mowing the lawn and collecting dry leaves.
For owners of detached houses in the suburbs of Thessaloniki, DIY garden maintenance saves €300 to €500 per season. A regular engagement of 2–3 hours a week keeps the greenery healthy without additional labour costs, provided no tall-tree pruning is required.
When a professional gardener is necessary
The intervention of a professional gardener becomes absolutely imperative in cases where the work carries safety risks, requires special technical knowledge for pruning tall trees, the use of heavy machinery or the complete removal of a large volume of waste.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a garden need a full general cleaning?
A full general cleaning of a garden is needed twice a year, specifically in early spring and late autumn. At the same time, regular maintenance with lawn mowing and weeding is carried out every 2 to 4 weeks during spring and summer, while in the winter months 1 application every 30 days suffices.
How much does cleaning a 100 m² garden cost?
For a garden of 100 m², the basic clean and mowing cost on average from €70 to €100, usually requiring 3 to 4 hours of intensive work. In cases of heavily neglected areas with dense brambles and extensive weeds, the total cost ranges from €120 to €150.
When is plot cleaning mandatory under the legislation?
Under Greek legislation and the current fire brigade directives, the cleaning of plots and gardens is mandatory by 30 April every year. Owners must keep the space clear of flammable biomass throughout the fire-protection period, which ends on 31 October.
What does monthly maintenance by a professional gardener include?
Regular monthly maintenance by a professional gardener costs about €80 to €100 per month and includes 1 to 2 scheduled visits. The work package covers lawn mowing, bed weeding, surface pruning and shrub grooming, checking and adjusting the automatic irrigation, plant feeding, as well as the complete removal of green residue.