Production and Labor Costs
Gardening Worker / Kao (Flower Origin) Labor Costs (Daily/Hourly Wages)
Casual/Daily Wage Kao: General gardening work (watering, weeding, pruning, loosening soil, fertilizing, etc.)
Approximately $600–$800/day (mainly 8-hour workdays, depending on experience)
Some job postings show $78–$80/hour (e.g., parks or specific nurseries)
Arborist/Tree Climber: Higher: Up to $800–$1,500/day (depending on skills, such as high-altitude pruning)
Monthly Salary Gardening Worker: Approximately $15,000–$23,000 (depending on the company, government, or private market)
For temporary planting or simple maintenance, casual work is cheaper; for large-scale or regular maintenance, it is recommended to hire a company.
2. Planting Costs (Single Visit or Project)
Planting simple plants (e.g., lush greenery, common shrubs): Approximately $70–$150 per tree (labor + materials, depending on tree size)
For example, planting 10 small to medium-sized plants would cost approximately $500–$1,000 in labor (2–3 hours of work).
Larger trees (5–8 feet): Approximately $120+ per tree (including stakes, etc.)
Complete small garden/rooftop planting project: Varies from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the scope (including design, soil, plants, and labor)
3. Garden/Garden Maintenance/Care Costs (Regular Service)
Single on-site maintenance (pruning, weeding, fertilizing, watering, pest control, etc.):
Small (under 600 sq ft): Approximately $2,000–$5,000 per visit
Medium (600–1,500 sq ft): Approximately $3,500–$8,000 per visit
Large (over 1,500 sq ft): Approximately $6,000–$12,000+ per service
Monthly Regular Maintenance Contract (Professional Company):
Small Garden: From approximately $5,000/month
Medium Garden: From approximately $8,000/month
Large or Estate Garden: Over $12,000/month
Comprehensive Gardening Services (Design + Planting + Maintenance): Average $3,000–$15,000 (depending on the scope, lower for smaller projects)
4. Other Related Costs Reference
Plant Rental (Office/Home, Common Service): From $28/month per pot (includes maintenance, weekly watering, replacement of withered plants)
Tree Pruning/Removal (Professional Arboretum): Depending on tree size and risk, a single service can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars
Community Gardening Scheme (Leisure and Cultural Services Department): $400 per 18-week term (self-purchase of seeds, seedlings, and fertilizer)
Costs are affected by various factors:
Region: New Territories/Outlying Islands are generally cheaper, Hong Kong Island/ Prices are higher in the city center.
Season: High demand for tree inspection/pruning before and after typhoons may lead to price increases.
Professionalism: Projects handled by licensed arborists/landscape architects are more expensive, but safer and more professional.
Materials: Plants, fertilizers, soil, flower pots, etc., are charged separately.
