How much does lawn mowing cost?

Maintaining your lush lawn all year round takes a lot of effort. So if you’re looking to hire a professional to take care of your lawn, you’ve come to the right place. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $200 for a lawn mowing service in the US. The exact cost will depend on a few factors, like how big your garden is and where you live

This guide will take you through the factors that affect lawn mowing costs, how to hire a reliable specialist, and how to take better care of that turf.

What is the cost of lawn mowing services in the US?

Depending on where you live, the average cost of lawn mowing can range from $30 to $200. Here’s what you can expect to pay based on typical lawn care costs:

Do note that some specialists may have a minimum rate, to account for time, money, and fuel spent travelling to your location. The bigger your lawn and the more time it takes to mow it, the greater the labor cost. 

How much does it cost to mow a lawn in my town or state?

Your lawn mowing bill can vary depending on your home’s location. More densely populated regions typically have higher average costs. 

This difference in pricing can be attributed to several factors, including local demand for lawn care services, the cost of living in each city, and the availability of service providers. In metropolitan areas where competition is high. Moreover, a well-maintained lawn that is regularly mowed will typically incur lower costs than a larger, overgrown yard that requires more intensive labor and time to restore. 

What other factors affect lawn mowing cost?

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

The cost of lawn mowing depends on more than just yard size and your address. Other factors your lawn care specialist looks at include:  

Grass type and condition

Grass cutting rates will vary based on the type of grass you have. There are two types of grass: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season grasses like annual ryegrass grow quickly in the spring and fall and need to be mowed weekly. Meanwhile, warm-season grasses like hybrid Bermuda spurt in the summer. 

If your grass is overgrown, your lawn mowing specialist may charge a higher fee since long grass (6-12 inches in height) means more hours spent working on your lawn. Regular maintenance can prevent grass from becoming too long and unmanageable, allowing for quicker and more efficient mowing sessions. 

Seasonal demand

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

If you have a very rocky lawn, hilly terrain, or lots of landscaping features like flower beds, it may be harder to cut the grass. Considering this, homeowners with difficult terrain should expect a higher cost of getting their lawn mowed due to the increased complexity involved in maintaining their lawns.

When requesting quotes from service providers, you should communicate any specific challenges related to your yard’s terrain. 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 average cost to cut grass 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 maneuver 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 lawn mowing services, 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.

Additional services

If you want to maximize the cost of lawn mowing services, you can ask about bundling grass cutting with other recurring lawn care services such as hedge trimming and lawn treatment. 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.

Business size

Average lawn mowing costs 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 personalized service you may receive from smaller businesses. Smaller providers can offer more tailored solutions and build closer relationships with their clients. 

Travel time

Grass trimming service cost will also depend 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 minimize 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 looking for a professional lawn mower specialist, consider getting quotes from more than one service provider to pulse-check the cost of the mowing services. This checklist can help you determine the best fit:

• Canvass multiple lawn mowing price lists so you can weigh the inclusions of each provider

• Opt for local lawn services for better familiarity with your seasonal needs, plus less travel costs.

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

• Check their reviews or ask for references.

• See if they provide bundled lawn care services such as hedge trimming, weeding, and tree lopping, or if they have contract-based plans 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: 

• Familiarize yourself with the lawn care calendar for the type of grass you have. This includes mowing frequency, when to apply fertilizer, and how to care for your yard during droughts or stormy spells. 

• Know how much to cut grass during the different seasons (three inches in fall and winter, four inches in spring and summer)

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

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

• Practice mulching since leaves and grass in plastic bags don’t decompose; leaving these on the lawn will enrich the soil

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

Post a task and find a lawn mowing expert near you

Lawn mowing prices can be tricky to figure out, but not for you! Now that you’re familiar with lawn mowing costs and the factors that affect them, you’re equipped to make an informed decision the next time you need to get your lawn cleaned up. 

Whether you choose the DIY route or enlist a professional lawn care service, your outdoor space is poised for a transformation. Post a task on our platform to connect with local lawn mowing professionals and elevate your curb appeal.