How Much Do I Charge For Mowing Lawns

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000

Reel lawn mowers like this one require more work than gas or electric mowers. As you push a reel lawn mower, youre manually making the blades spin.

That being said, reel mowers can be an affordable, eco-friendly option for small lawns and homeowners who dont mind a little extra sweat.

If you think a reel mower might be up your alley, the 2000-20 model from Scotts Outdoor will give you the best bang for your buck. The mower has a 20-inch cutting deck, larger than most other reel mowers . Its ergonomic handle has a cushioned grip to help counterbalance the extra strain a reel mower puts on the user.

Since it doesnt have a motor, the Scotts Outdoor 2000-20 is the lightest push mower on our list. You wont have to worry about buying fuel, charging batteries, or avoiding a cord. This mower runs on pure manpower.

Specifications:

Whats Not Included In The Cost Of Lawn Care Services

Every company is different, but for the most part, the cost of lawn care services includes:

• Lawn care materials
• A series of visits

Additionally, many companies will come to your home free of charge between visits for touch ups or re-dos for problem areas. Some companies also include post-emergent crabgrass control in their lawn care prices.

Its important to point out, however, that some lawn care services cost extra. These extra services could include aeration, overseeding, grub control and insect control.

When you compare lawn care programs, be sure to pay as much attention to what is NOT included as what is. Some of these services are infrequently needed, but make sure your lawn care company explains what the potential costs could be.

Yard Cleanup In Spring And Fall

Ever spring youll have downed branches and debris in your lawn and garden beds to pick up and remove.

In the fall youll want to prune back perennials and rake out garden beds to make them neat and tidy.

Homeowners generally pay between $100 and $250 for yard cleanup in the spring and fall, and its a great investment in making your home neat and tidy so you can focus on enjoying your lawn all year.

Don’t Miss: Lawn Lines

What About Small Lawns

An important thing to take away from this article is to never work for free. Small lawns dont have to pay the extra charges that those with more acreage do, but you should never drop your minimum price for paying customers. If you want to mow your friends or familys lawn for a discount, you might be able to get away with it, fine, but only if you know youre going to have enough money to pay for your overhead costs.

What Is The Cost Of Fertilizing Your Lawn

Your lawn needs the proper nutrients to look its best and The best way to enhance the appearance and health of your lawn is to fertilize it. Fertilizers contain the necessary minerals and nutrients that your grass needs to grow to its full potential. Adding fertilizer to your lawn aeration can increase final costs but also save money over having the jobs performed separately.

The cost of fertilizing your lawn will run you around $.28/sf, with average prices ranging from $.08/sf to $.48/sf in the Canada for 2020 according to Homeguide.

Also Check: Aarons Rental Lawn Mowers

Read Also: Ace Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening

/2 Acre Lot Lawn Mowing Pricing

$50 Lawn Example

Amount of Grass: 11,500 Sq. Ft

Lot Size: 22,600 Sq. Ft

Notable characteristics:

This lawn has nearly twice the amount of grass than the 1/4 example above, but it is only $5 more per mowing service. Why?

• Few obstacles This lawn has a couple trees and beds in the lawn, but for the most part, it is wide open mowing.
• Slight slope in the back Its hard to tell, but this lawn has a slight slope in the back, not enough to affect the price though.

Pictures of this lawn:

Lawn Care Costs Per Acre

Lawn care prices per acre run from $150 to $250. Just like with mowing, more significant lawn care such as seeding, weed control, fertilization, and aeration is typically priced per acre, with many companies performing more than one of these services at a time. Maintenance costs range widely due to the variety of services that may be needed. They may include one or more services, such as seeding with fertilization or aeration. These services are usually performed and billed separately from mowing. If you have several acres, costs will definitely be higher:

Dont Miss: What Is Preemergent

You May Like: Lawn Tractor Haul Away

Getting Your Lawn Overseeded

Overseeding your lawn via a professional usually cost around $1,200, which you saw in my lawn care pricing chart.

Overseeding can boost the health and appearance of your lawn by encouraging the grass to continue growing even when older and problematic patches die.

When you hire a company to overseed your lawn, you can specify that a disease-resistant or drought-resistant grass seed be used. This will be helpful for you if you live in a harsh climate.

I have an article with detailed recommendations about the best seed to use for overseeding if youd like to learn more.

Does The Size Of The Grass Affect The Price

So far, all the prices weve presented represent normal-sized grass. If youve let yours grow wild, for whatever reason, expect the costs to rise. As a rough estimate, heres our lawn care costs table for people who love to let their gardens grow:

Although the prices rise in line with your gardens size, you could see financial benefits in certain circumstances. For example, if youre trying to sell your house, having a pristine lawn gives it greater curb appeal. Additionally, if youre self-employed or work from home, the hours you save when hiring someone to cut your grass go back into your business. Essentially, the cost of lawn maintenance pays for itself in these circumstances.

Also Check: Why Do Raccoons Tear Up Lawns

Amazing Stamped Concrete Patio Design Ideas

About Remodeling Expense

Remodeling Expenses provides homeowners with accurate cost information on home services and level the playing field for consumers and service professionals. We aim to have data on all US zip codes, so homeowners from all over the country can lookup accurate and up to date pricing information.

Select Your Project & Zipcode

What Others Are Saying

We were in the planning stages of our exterior remodeling project that included: New siding, windows, fencing, and a deck refacing.

RemodelingExpense had pretty darn accurate cost calculators that helped us budget our projects, all relevant to our zipcode and contractors near me. I felt good Knowing exactly how much I should pay without getting ripped off. Francesca, Charlotte, NC

What About Big Commercial Properties

Properties like schools and industrial lots take a lot more time and effort to mow. I would advise that you keep your price ranges the same and allow the formulas above to help you earn more money from doing more work. Remember, just because a company has more finances than a household doesnt mean that theyre any more willing to spend their money, and they can always take their business elsewhere if they think youre charging too much. I would also advise you to not mow commercial properties if youre just one person unless you have a riding mower, but even then you might want to wait until you have more workers so you can get the job done without spending all your energy.

Also Check: Pennington Ultragreen Starter Fertilizer 22-23-4

Price Per Acre Comparison Chart

Lets take a closer look, at how much the price per acre is, broken down into multiple payment methods. With the price per job, the price per hour, and the price per person.

Weve put together this chart, so you will better understand how the process works for payment.

Some companies, or individuals, will charge per job, per hour, or by how many guys. It depends on the company or the individual. These prices will usually include, transportation to the site, and equipment costs. Some companies may have a minimum price.

Most professional companies have set prices and per-job pricing. You are most likely, going to have a per hour price, from a handyman or individual. Companies will give you a bill, with an invoice. While most individuals will expect payment upon completion.

You may also be able to get reduced rates, by setting up a contract, for a bi-monthly, or one mow per month rate.

How Do You Calculate Lawn Mowing Costs For 2 Acres Of Land

You should calculate lawn mowing costs for 2 acres of land based on the condition of the lawn, any additional services you need to perform, and the time of year. Most often, the condition of the lawn and the additional surfaces go hand in hand.

For instance, a lawn that is well taken care of with no livestock or major ornamentations may require absolutely no additional services, resulting in a less expensive price. However, 2 acres of land where cows typically graze should cost more since manure and other items may be in the way during the cutting process.

Also Check: Scotts Super Turf Builder With Summerguard

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Johnson Grass In My Lawn

Lawn Mowing Cost Per Week

Regular lawn mowing once a week will run you an average of $30 to $80 per visit. Weekly costs are generally calculated based on the property size and type of work being done. Weekly mowing service is the most common contract option, especially during peak growing season, normally the spring and summer. This is because your lawn will grow faster, and the watering, sunshine, and fertilizer continue to nourish it.

Recommended Reading: How To Thicken A Thin Lawn

How Often Should I Mow My Lawn

This can sometimes depends on the time of year. Some clients prefer to have their lawn cut weekly during the spring and most like to try and save some money during the Summer and try to keep it at once every two weeks.

According to CustomLawn, Mowing actually helps make your grass grow thicker because the tip of each blade contains hormones that suppress horizontal growth. When you cut the lawn, you remove these tips allowing the grass to spread and grow thicker near the roots.

Also Check: Does Lowes Accept Affirm

Cost Of Winterizing Your Lawn

Depending on where you live, you may need to winterize your lawn for the harsh winter weather. Winterizing your lawn will ensure the lawn your worked so hard to keep healthy and beautiful does not die from the first snow, and can also prevent dead spots or the unappealing brown spots that we all see too often at the beginning of spring.

The average cost for winterizing a lawn is about $400, but the price can vary drastically depending on where you live and the size of your lawn. If you have a lawn care provider you can ask them about their winterizing process and what your lawn would need, or you can find a lawn care professional today to take on the job.

Do You Need To Buy A Commercial Lawn Tractor

Ideally, yes. While you could use a standard lawn tractor for cutting on a commercial basis, they tend not to be designed for long-term use. They are more for a few hours per week. In most cases, if you buy a non-commercial lawn tractor and use it for commercial purposes, the warranty may be voided.

Also Check: How To Bid Lawn Mowing Jobs

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Lawn Mowing Service

Almost nothing is as gratifying as a well-maintained lawn. Fortunately, a lush and beautiful yard no longer requires endless hours of mowing and trimming by the entire family. The best lawn care professionals can help take care of your home, office, rental or commercial properties and they’re beneficial in many ways.

For one, lawn care professionals have their own lawn mowers and trimming equipment, so you don’t need to spend money on a mower of your own. Hiring a professional gives you back the space you would have used to store bulky lawn equipment in the garage or shed. You also won’t have to worry about keeping gas in the tank or a charge in the battery, or finding an extension cord long enough to let you weed-whack your entire yard.

They can also take care of your lawn beyond just a simple mow and trim with add-on services like laying down fertilizer or coming up with a mowing plan to keep your yard growing healthily year-round. Or, if your lawn has been neglected for awhile, they can revive it. No matter how poorly maintained your lawn has been in the past, the pros can bring a dried-up lawn back to life or tame an overgrown mess.

How To Save Money On Lawn Care Services

If you love the idea of professional lawn care but not the added household expense, think strategically about signing on for the long term with a lawn company. “Lawn mowing is a competitive business,” says one lawn care pro. As a result, many companies will negotiate discounts and deals based on frequency of visits.

If you are planning to become a regular customer, ask about package rates and bundling lawn mowing and trimming with other lawn care services such as landscaping and fertilization. Lawn care pros benefit by providing you with multiple services, your pocketbook benefits from the discounts, and your lawn benefits from the holistic care.

Don’t Miss: Average Lawn Care Salary

Whats Included In The Price Of Lawn Mowing Services

Lawn care companies like to provide discounts on one-off services by bundling common lawn care services into a single package. These mowing packages often include mowing, edging, weeding, and leaf removal services.

Depending on what a lawn needs, itâs easy for homeowners to add on other services, such as watering and fertilization.

Remember that itâs common to provide discounts for committing to a long-term lawn care contract. Loyalty rewards are always appreciated in this hotly contested business.

Find Out The Track Record

Ask how long a lawn care provider has been in business. What level of experience and education does the person or a providers staff have? Also, is the provider properly licensed and insured?

Unfortunately, some providers are fly-by-night operators that havent been in business very long and are interested only in taking your money, not in providing top-notch service. As noted by MarketWatch, providing lawn care requires little more than some equipment and a business license. Almost no training is required.

Don’t Miss: Best Time To Water Grass In Colorado

Lawn Mowing Rates Per Hour

The average hourly rate for lawn mowing runs between $25 and $80. For tricky properties with fences, trees, childrens play equipment, and other obstacles, your company may charge by the hour rather than by the job. The more obstacles they encounter, the higher the price. Working around many small odd-shaped landscaped areas may also result in an hourly rate charge. Some yards require multiple workers, making the price per hour increase. However, the total cost should remain the same because the total number of hours will be reduced.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Purple Violets In Lawn

How Much Does Instant Lawn Cost

And if you are wondering what maintenance-free instant lawn costs, low to mid-priced synthetic grass can cost anywhere from $50 to $75 per square metre , while better quality lawn will be more like $75 to $100 per square metre . Regular turf or lawn, sold in rolls, costs significantly less, anywhere from $25 to $35 per square metre, but you do have more maintenance costs with real lawn.

You May Like: Keeping Rabbits Off Lawn

Landscaper Lawn Mowing Costs

If you hire a lawncare company, the average cost to mow a lawn is 1.2 cents per square foot, which works out to $45 to $90 for lots of the most common sizes. But for very small areas, the cost per square foot is much higher. Most companies have a minimum charge of at least $40.

Youll probably pay about half that price if you hire a neighbor kid who is looking to earn spending money. But dependability of someone who doesnt do it for a living might vary.

When using a landscaping company to handle your weekly or bi-weekly yard maintenance you can expect them to first clean up branches and debris that may have fallen onto the grass. Then theyll cut the lawn at the correct height for the season. After the yard it cut, theyll use a string trimmer to cut in your edges around the sidewalks, driveway, and planters. Finally, theyll finish up with using a blower to remove all debris from the hard surfaces. This is commonly referred to as a Cut, Trim and Blow by landscapers and yard maintenance crews.

Do I Need A License To Start A Lawncare Business

Starting a lawnmowing business as an adult is also perfectly legal as long as you do your homework. You must report your income to the IRS and pay income taxes just like any other business or job. Whether or not you need a state license to perform basic lawn care depends on what state you live in, some states require that you have a business license, some dont. However, most states require a license for any business that uses pesticide or fertilizers. This usually requires you to have a certain amount of prior experience working with the relevant chemicals and to pass an exam.

This is a difficult time were all living in, and a lot of us, young and old, have been left in need of jobs. Thats why the lure of an industry that welcomes just about everyone like lawn mowing is so appealing. Its tricky to get into, though, and I definitely dont recommend dropping whatever youre doing and hitting up the Home Depot for the latest riding mower. Planning on mowing lawns for a living takes money, planning, patience and experience, but if you make yourself known to your area, plan your savings and projects carefully, and work your hardest, you just might be able to turn what was once a summer gig for spending money into a full time job.

Don’t Miss: Rent Aerator Lowes