How much does lawn mowing cost in the UK?

Did you know that lawn mowing costs depend on more than just lawn size and where you live? There’s a lot more to it! Lawn mowing labour can range from £12 to £50, on average.  

Your lawn, like your home interior, requires regular care to maintain its beauty. That’s why in this guide, you’ll learn what goes into the pricing of your lawn maintenance bill. You’ll also find tips on caring for your lawn between trims, plus a guide on hiring competent lawn mowing service providers.

What are the average costs of lawn mowing in the UK?

Depending on where you live, the cost of mowing a lawn can range from £12 to £50, with the average cost clocking in at £25 for 100 square metres. Here’s what you can expect to pay based on this average cost:

How much does it cost to mow a lawn in my region?

Your lawn mowing bill can vary depending on your home’s location. Areas in the southern UK typically have higher rates versus other parts of the country. Within England, London has the highest prices - around £50 per mow. 

This price variation can be attributed to several factors, such as local demand for garden maintenance services, regional living costs, and the availability of service providers. In densely populated urban areas with high competition, prices may be more competitive. Additionally, a regularly maintained lawn typically requires less intensive work and, consequently, lower costs compared to a larger, neglected garden that needs significant restoration.

What other factors affect lawn mowing cost?

An expert lawn mower at work. (Source: iStock)

Typical lawn mowing cost calculators only look at lawn size and equipment to be used, but there are other factors a good garden specialist should consider. These include: 

Grass length

Yard mowing prices are higher for overgrown lawns. This is because they will need weeding and strimming before the actual mowing. Cutting to the ideal grass height also takes some expertise. Gardening experts usually recommend a height of 13-25mm in summer, and up to 40mm in spring and autumn. 

If your grass is overgrown, you may incur additional fees due to the extra time and effort required to achieve a clean cut. Regular maintenance can prevent grass from becoming too long and unmanageable, allowing for quicker and more efficient and cheaper mowing sessions. 

Time of year

As mentioned earlier, the time of year affects ideal grass height - and lawn care costs. You can also expect lawn mowing rates to rise in the spring and summer, when gardeners are high in demand.

Seasonal variations can impact lawn mowing prices due to changes in demand. During peak seasons like spring and summer, higher demand may lead to increased rates. Conversely, in off-peak times, some providers might offer discounts to attract customers. Being aware of these seasonal trends can help homeowners budget better for their lawn care throughout the year.

Terrain difficulty

The terrain of your yard will impact lawn mowing service prices. For example, hilly or rocky terrain or gardens with many paths will require additional labour and fuel/battery power or specialised equipment. Considering this, homeowners with difficult terrain should expect higher service charges due to the increased complexity involved in maintaining their lawns.

You should communicate any specific challenges related to your yard’s terrain when requesting quotes from service providers. This transparency helps ensure accurate pricing and allows lawn care companies to prepare adequately for the job at hand. 

Equipment used

A day's worth of lawn mowing work. (Source: iStock)

The cost to mow a lawn will also depend on the equipment used. Each type of lawn mowing equipment has different uses, advantages, and disadvantages. Your lawn mower will need to know the size of your lawn to determine which type is best to bring to perform the job, Here’s a brief overview of the most common options:

Push mower

• Best for: Smaller lawns

• Advantages:

  • No need for protective gear

  • Lightweight and easy to transport

  • Lower carbon footprint

• Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for rough or uneven terrain

Ride-on mower

• Best for: Large properties

• Advantages:

  • Efficiently mows large areas quickly

  • Adjustable cutting heights for versatility

• Disadvantages:

  • More difficult to transport

  • Requires more skill to manoeuvre effectively

Whipper snipper (String trimmer)

• Best for: Edging and trimming

• Uses:

  • Creates a neat finish along lawn edges

  • Ideal for trimming hedges and hard-to-reach areas

When hiring a grass-cutting service, most will provide their equipment. But you can check if they can use your own mower to reduce costs. Just make sure your mower’s blades are nice and sharp.

Type of service

If you want to make the most out of the average price of lawn mowing services, you can ask about bundling grass cutting with other lawn care services such as hedge trimming. Since you’ll also need to do this regularly, a bundled service or contract can reduce garden maintenance costs.

Choosing a package deal can often lead to discounts compared to purchasing each service individually. Understanding these options helps homeowners get the best value for their lawn care while ensuring thorough maintenance for a healthier lawn.

You will sometimes find grass-cutting services advertising their lawn mowing cost per hour - sometimes as low as £12 to £15 per hour. But while it might be helpful to know how much lawnmowers charge per hour, it’s better to request a holistic quote based on your lawn size, grass condition, and their expert recommendation.

Business size

Average lawn mowing cost will also vary based on the lawn care provider's business size. Solopreneurs will generally have more affordable rates than big garden maintenance companies. This is because these bigger lawn mowing companies will usually have additional costs, such as advertising, employee uniforms, and other operational costs. 

When selecting a lawn care service, consider not only the price but also the level of personalised service you may receive from smaller businesses. Smaller providers can offer more tailored solutions and build a closer relationship with their clients. 

Travel time

The cost of lawn mowing varies depending on the lawn mowing professionals’ travel time to and from your location. This is because they’ll have to spend their workday driving out to your location and spend more on gas to carry heavy mowing equipment. 

To minimise travel-related costs, consider hiring local lawn care providers in your area. This will not only help reduce expenses but also support local businesses.

How do you hire a professional lawn mower? 

A lawn mower ready to keep any garden or yard looking its best. (Source: iStock)

While mowing your lawn yourself is generally doable on your own, it can be quite a chore when you have a busy schedule and lack the right equipment. That’s why it can be more beneficial to have a professional lawnmower to help you out. 

When hiring a professional lawn mower, you should get quotes from more than one service provider to pulse-check the cost to mow your lawn. Here are some tips to help you find the right service provider: 

• Reach out to multiple service providers so you can weigh the pros/cons of each.

• Consider hiring a local lawnmower for better familiarity with your local climate needs, plus less travel costs.

• Ask if they provide free quotes based on pictures of your lawn.

• Check their reviews or ask for references.

• Ask about the best type of mowing equipment based on the turf you have, the time of year, and the condition of your lawn.

• See if they provide bundled lawn care services such as hedge trimming, lawn treatment, weeding, and tree lopping, or if they have contract-based services for regular mowing appointments.

What should you know about lawn care frequency?

Lawn care frequency will depend on the type of turf you have, the season, and your desired appearance. Maintaining your lawn regularly in between mows can improve your yard’s look and lower mowing costs. Below are some tips for taking care of your lawn include: 

• Familiarise yourself with the lawn care calendar. This includes mowing frequency, when to apply fertiliser, and how to care for your yard during droughts or stormy spells. 

• Practice No Mow May to allow wildflowers to grow and attract valuable pollinators.

• Reduce mowing in winter to promote strong grass growth in spring. 

• Make sure your lawn mowing equipment is well-maintained, and have experts repair your mower if needed.

Find the green-thumbed expert you need on Airtasker

Just like with the grass on your lawn, there’s more to lawn mowing costs than what’s on the surface. Other factors that impact the quote include: your location, grass condition, time of year, terrain, equipment, travel time to your home, additional gardening services, and the service provider’s business size. 

Now that you know how much it costs to cut grass in the UK, you’re ready to find a lawn mowing specialist. Post a task today and start contacting a lawn mowing specialist in your area.