How Much Does Monthly Lawn Service Cost

Lawn Service Cost Estimator By Brand

Many brands, like Lawn Doctor and TruGreen, do not publish prices online. This is because what youll pay can vary so significantly based on the condition of your lawn, its size and where you live. Heres a look at what youll pay with two different popular brands:

• TruComplete Lawn Plan: $780 per year.
• Scotts LawnService: $650 per year.

How To Find The Right Landscape Service

There are soooooo many people and companies that will maintain your landscape. How can you find a good one?

The best way is to find someone who is already doing a great job in your neighborhood. Keep your eyes open for someone who looks professional and who is working on one of the nicer gardens in the area.

This approach almost guarantees two things: you will be hiring someone who knows what they are doing, and they will be very happy to help. Landscape maintenance pros hate the time spent driving between properties, so they love to add clients close to existing ones.

Hopefully this has taken some of the mystery out of landscape maintenance, and next year your yard will look really nice!

Cost Of Weeding Your Lawn

Wedding your lawn is also very important maintenance. Removing unwanted and unsightly weeds is a sure way to improve the appearance of your lawn. If you have a regular lawn care professional who does your weekly mowing and trimming, you can ask them to get rid of the weeds on their next visit. There are a couple ways to go about weeding your lawn. You can pull them regularly or you can kill them with chemicals designed for the job for a more permanent solution.

The average cost of weeding is about $12 and $40 per hour, depending on which method you choose and how many weeds you have. Using weed killer is usually the more expensive route and cost closer to the $25 – $40 per hour mark since you are paying for labor and the chemicals.

Many weed killers are environmentally safe and pet friendly, but some are not. Be sure to consult a lawn care professional before making decisions on which path to take.

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How Much Does Lawn Care Cost In Portland

Over at lawnsite.com, a forum mainly frequented by landscape professionals, there was once a busy thread that posts an interesting question. The poster asks, “Should I put prices for landscape maintenance, lawn care, lawn mowing, etc. on my website?”

The consensus is “No”. Many of the respondents feel that you are locking yourself into your lowest price and maybe giving the competition an advantage. I disagree. Rather than argue with strangers, I decided to post everything I know about landscape maintenance program pricing in the Portland area.

Lawn Care Cost Factors

Many factors determine the final cost of your lawn care. These include not only the size of your lawn but also your location, grass type, number of fences, how many sidewalks to edge, required maintenance like aeration or fertilization, and number of trees. Many services provide discounts if neighbors have their lawns done at the same time.

If your lawn is in poor health, your starting costs may be higher than if your lawn only needs maintenance. Costs for residential areas may differ from costs for commercial properties.

Climate also plays a role. For example, wet, rainy climates have different needs than dry climates.

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Do I Need Fertilization

Yes, fertilization matters a lot in good gardening. As much as possible, go with natural fertilization, like compost, old leaves, ash, etc. Natural fertilizers work on their own without much efforts needed on your side. In case, however, your soil is absolutely unwelcoming for planting, go with professional fertilization of your gardeners choice.

Can Your Lawn Mowing Crew Trim My Bushes When They Come To Mow

Our basic mowing service does not include bush trimming. But, you can choose one of our lawn care packages, which includes routine bush trimming and mowing. A different crew would perform bush trimming on a separate day from your mowing service. Separating these services allows our crews to be more efficient so they can complete all our mowing clients on a timely basis. We do offer bush trimming as an à la carte service.

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Knowledge Is Power When It Comes To Lawn Care

I hope that this lawn care pricing chart has given you a good idea about what the average cost of different lawn care services will be.

As I said in the beginning of this article its important to remember that where you live, what your property is like, and how big your lawn is will all play a role in the cost of hiring a lawn care or landscaping company in your area.

If the price of managed lawn care is more than you would like to pay, I encourage you to take control of your lawn and do it yourself. Theres a real feeling of satisfaction that comes with mowing and caring for your own property, and I have a lot of helpful articles on this site to help you get started. Please have a look around!

Dont Forget To Price Special Services And Materials Differently

Special services like mowing, mulching, and weed control and fertilization application should be priced accordingly, rather than lumped into one cost.

Jason explains that these are actually very different services because they require different types of labor.

Weed control and fertilization, for example, is typically a one-person operation, so your labor is cut downand that one person can actually generate a lot more revenue than one person can mowing, he explains.

But there are expenses in the weed control: the actual fertilizer, weed control product, labor, and drive timeall those things are factors.

The main thing Im concerned with is how big the actual yard is, and the actual amount of turf that Im going to be applying the fertilizer or herbicide to. The bigger the yard, the more of the product Im using. Thats my biggest expense, Jason explains.

So, Im pricing strictly based on the square footage. I need to get an accurate measurement of the square footage of the lawn so that I know how to price it. Then I use a pricing chart that shows square footage from 2,000 square feet all the way up to 30,000 square feet.

I can then look at my pricing chart and give them a price quickly. So as the square footage goes up, the price per square foot actually goes down.

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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

So How Much Does Trugreen Actually Cost

Ah, now heres the part that you wont find on any TruGreen marketing materials.

Anyone who has been interested in the companys services will know that its almost impossible to find price lists for its plans and services.

Before giving you an example of what TruGreen charges , keep in mind that costs will differ according to various factors.

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Lawn Care Products Utilized

Like any other product you might purchase, there are varying levels of quality. The types of lawn care products a company utilizes are directly reflected in the price you pay for lawn care services. That means when a company uses a higher quality product, youll likely pay a little more for their services.

Like technician experience, products can have a big impact on results. Simply put, higher quality products are going to work better. A lawn care company that costs less might be making up for charging less by using lower quality products.

Lawn Mowing & Garden Maintenance Plans

Our monthly maintenance plans offer affordable weekly or biweekly care of your lawns or gardens on a simple monthly plan. Choose between lawn mowing and garden maintenance, or combined them in a single landscape maintenance plan. There is no long term commitment, and every maintenance plan includes your spring and fall cleanups at the same low monthly rate.

Simple weekly lawn mowing with spring and fall cleanups included.

Semis & Townhouses – $140 monthlyLarger detached houses – $185 monthly

Biweekly Pricing $100 / $120 / NA

Comprehensive garden care with spring and fall cleanups included.

Semis & Townhouses – $175 monthlyLarger detached houses – $70 / hour / staff

Weekly Pricing $220 / $250 / $310

Weekly lawn mowing and garden care with spring and fall cleanups included.

Semis & Townhouses – $220 monthlyLarger detached houses – $310 monthly

Biweekly Pricing $175 / $195 / HOURLY

Complete fertlizer program for lawns with slow release fertilizer.

Semis & Townhouses – $35 / applicationLarger detached houses – $55 / application

Includes 4 applications / year.

Complete garden fertilizer program for annuals, perennials & shrubs.

Semis & Townhouses – $35 / applicationLarger detached houses – $55 / application

Includes 4 applications / year.

Complete program combining fertilizing for both lawns and gardens.

Semis & Townhouses – $45 / applicationLarger detached houses – $70 / application

Includes 4 applications / year.

Control of broadleaf weeds like dandelion and plantain in lawns.

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Equipment Needed And The Cost Of Setup

I have a list of tools needed here and links to my recommendations. Please note that my suggestions are just that. You should buy the lawnmower you feel is best suited for your business and that may not be the one I have recommended here. That is fine as every business is different and has different needs when it comes to equipment.

• A vehicle This could be a pickup or a van
• A trailer This will depend on the size of your first mower. If you are using push mowers 30 inches or less than you may not need a trailer to start. For further reading on trailers, you can read this article The Best Trailer to Buy for a Lawn Care Business.
• A lawnmower This could be anything from a 20-inch push mower to a 35 inch if you are aiming for small residential. For further reading go to The Best Lawnmower to Use to Start Your Lawn Care Business. and that page has my current recommendations.
• A line trimmer Dont buy a bent shaft if you can help it. If you are going in on a budget, then try to buy a low-end straight shaft line trimmer. My picks are here Recommended Line Trimmers.
• A blower A handheld is cheaper but can become tiresome on big things like driveways. A backpack is better for this kind of job. Here is a comparison page Handheld vs. Backpack Blowers have a read, and you decide what suits you.
• Safety equipment This page has a list of general safety equipment needed What Safety Equipment Do I Need for a Lawn Care Business?

Lawn Replacement Or Restoration Costs

Sod costs between $120 and $400 per pallet. Youll pay between $2,500 and $6,620 to fully replace or restore an average-sized lawn thats about one-fifth of an acre.

To seed a lawn costs between $410 and $1,510. It takes between one and two years for a seeded lawn to fully grow in. During this time, its susceptible to pests and damage. Sod is a much quicker way to get the look and feel you want.

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Lawn Care Service Prices

Lawn care professionals provide many different service outside of just mowing. Depending on where you live, and how long its been since your yard has been maintained, some additional services may be needed. Let’s take a look at some common lawn services and their prices:

• Lawn Mowing: Average cost $25 – $50
• Tree Trimming: Average cost $250 – $500
• Lawn Aeration: Average cost $80 – $175
• Lawn Weeding: Average cost $20 – $40 /hour
• Lawn Winterization: Average cost $350
• Lawn Fertilizing: Average cost $40 – $60 /application
• Lawn Seeding: Average cost for professional $700
• Leaf Removal: Average cost $50 – $80
• Landscaping: Average cost between $3,000 and $15,950

So What Is A Fair Rate

No doubt about it, the consensus among the lawn care services who participated in our poll is that the average charge for professional lawn mowing services is around $1 per minute of grass cutting.

Put another way, let’s say it takes your lawn mowing service 30 minutes to mow your yard by himself. You can figure the $30 per lawn mowing is a fair price to pay based on average market pricing.

Now let’s say he has a helper and there are 2 men on the lawn care team?

Well, then he needs to be in and out of your lawn in 15-20 mins for that $30 price.

Make sense?

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Cost Of Landscaping For Your Home

While the cost of landscaping can seem high at first glance, the investment really adds value to your home. Quality landscaping also makes your home more visually appealing for you if youre not planning on moving anytime soon.

If youre ready to invest in new landscaping, you want to hire the best professionals for the job. Check out our page to get estimates from a variety of landscapers in your area who can help you transform your outdoor spaces.

When Is The Best Time To Do Tree Trimming

Fall is the time to cut back any unruly limbs or branches that have become unsightly, or are simply growing in a manner that could cause injury. Special consideration should be given to branches that could possibly fall and injure someone when there is a snowfall, or during any high winds from winter storms.

When hiring an arborist, look for certifications like ISA Certified Arborist, TDA Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified and membership to the American Society of Consulting Arborists or Commercial Arborists.

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Typical Landscape Project Costs:

For this discussion a “typical” landscape is on a residence, perhaps one that has recently been remodeled. The house is not brand new and the landscape is not a blank slate. There is some lawn and a small number of mature plants. Let’s assume a typical lot size as well- 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. And you do not live on a slope or with really poor access for trucks and equipment.

This sort of project starts with a landscape consultation. If you need a landscape design it will cost $1500-$3500. However, many landscape projects can proceed with a detailed description and simple sketch- which probably won’t cost you anything.

Let’s assume that you are doing just the front yard . The lawn will be smaller, but new grass is needed. A few of shrubs will be pruned and/or transplanted. 10-15 new plants and a couple trees will be installed. A few boulders are set too. The beds get finished with bark dust and everything is left clean. What does this cost? This would usually be between $6,000 and $8,000.

If you need an irrigation system, drainage, substantial grading, retaining, or low voltage landscape lighting then the price would obviously be higher.

Now let’s consider the backyard. The back will be landscaped in a style similar to the front. Usually the backyard is larger than the front, and access is a little more difficult. So, a back yard landscaped similar to the description above would be $7,000-$10,000.

What if you need more?

How Do I Kill Weeds Without Killing The Grass

Selective herbicides kill only certain weeds, while nonselective herbicides kill any green, growing plant, whether its a weed or not. Most broadleaf herbicides, including products like Weed-Away and Weed Warrior, are systemic and selective to kill broadleaf weeds only. They wont kill weedy grasses.

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Garden Landscaping & Maintenance Cost Factors

As you work to find and hire a gardener, you can generally expect some or all of these services included in the scope of their work:

• Planting, including shrubs, trees perennials and annual plants.
• Maintenance, like mowing, pruning and fertilizing.
• Removing debris, like brush or other yard waste.
• Weed removal and prevention.

These services may also include pest and disease prevention. They could also include plant examination and plant training. This is where the plant is shaped to grow in a specific way. Ultimately, it fits the design of your propertys landscape.

Hardscaping And Outdoor Living Spaces

An important part of any landscaping project is the hardscape work. Its not the glamorous or even pretty part of the landscaping, but it established the framework for the landscape plan. It can also be the most costly part of any landscape project because it is so labor-intensive.

Hardscape features include:

• Patios
• Fire pits

Before you begin any landscape project, you want to have a clear plan on your hardscape needs. For example, you dont want to pay to install sod and then later decide you need to haul rocks to build a retaining wall. You certainly dont want to install sod and then realize moving sprinklers is a hassle and need an irrigation system.

Hardscape features are where working with experts can really help your landscape plan. Landscapers often have landscape architects that work with them to help homeowners see the hardscape things that need to be done or that could be done to add real interest to the overall landscaping.

Of course, this is a more costly feature, but one that is often the most impactful when landscaping.

Outdoor living spaces have also become the rage as homeowners have spent more and more time at home. Make your outdoor living space part of your overall plan. This would include things like a patio area, outdoor kitchen, and a fire pit that allows your family to gather together in your yard.

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