- Basic lawn maintenance (cutting and mowing the edges of the grass) typically costs between $0.01 and $0.06 per square foot. So for a 5,000 square foot lawn, you’re looking at a cost of $50 to $300.
- If you require additional services like fertilization, weed control, or irrigation, expect to pay extra on top of the basic maintenance cost.
- Many lawn care companies have a minimum charge per visit, so even if you have a small lawn, you may still be charged a higher fee.
- The average lawn care service runs from $30 to $70 an hour, and you can expect the service to take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the size of your lawn and the services required.
- Some lawn care companies offer seasonal packages- such as spring or fall cleanups, snow removal, or leaf removal- which can help you save some money and ensure year-round maintenance of your lawn.
Factors that affect the cost of lawn care services
When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn, hiring a professional lawn care company can be the best option. However, before you decide on hiring a specific company, it’s important to understand the different factors that can affect the cost of lawn care services. Some of these factors include:- The size of your lawn
- The complexity of the job
- The frequency of visits
- The level of expertise needed
- Types of equipment required
Understanding the different pricing models for lawn care
Lawn care companies typically use either hourly or square footage pricing models. The cost per square foot for basic lawn maintenance (which usually includes cutting and mowing the edges of the grass) ranges from $0.01 and $0.06. The typical lawn care service running from $30 to $70 an hour, depending on the factors mentioned above. If you’re trying to decide between different pricing models, it really depends on the size and complexity of your lawn care needs. If it’s a small, straightforward job, square footage pricing may be the better option. However, if the complexity of your lawn care needs vary, it might make more sense for the company to charge you by the hour.Why cheap lawn care services aren’t always the best option
While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, it’s important to remember the old adage: you get what you pay for. Lawn care companies that offer extremely low prices may be cutting corners and not providing the quality service your lawn needs. Cheap companies may also not have the necessary licenses or insurance, which can put you and your property at risk. Additionally, they may not have the proper equipment needed to take care of your lawn properly. Ultimately, investing in quality lawn care services from a reputable company is important for the health and beauty of your lawn, and for your own peace of mind.The average cost of lawn maintenance in different regions
The cost of lawn maintenance can vary depending on your region in the country. For example, in the Midwest, the average cost of lawn care is between $35-$55 per visit, while in the South, it can range from $30-$50 per visit. When it comes to the Northeast, you can expect to pay between $40-$70 per visit and on the West Coast, the cost ranges from $35-$60 per visit. It’s important to check with local lawn care companies in your area to see what the average costs are for your particular region.Tips for negotiating the cost of lawn care services
If you decide to hire a lawn care company, there are some tips and tricks to help you negotiate the cost of services. Here are a few:- Get multiple estimates to compare prices and services offered
- Choose a reputable company with good reviews, even if they cost a bit more
- Bundle services to get a discount (e.g., lawn care and landscaping)
- Ask for a loyalty discount if you commit to a regular schedule of services
- Be willing to negotiate on frequency of visits or certain services to save money
Budget-friendly lawn care alternatives to hiring a professional
If the cost of hiring a professional lawn care company is too high, there are a few low-cost alternatives you can consider:- Invest in quality lawn equipment and do it yourself
- Recruit friends or family to help with lawn care
- Hire a neighborhood teenager to mow your lawn for a lower price
- Consider a less frequent mowing schedule to save on costs
How to calculate the estimated cost of your lawn care needs
So, how exactly do you calculate the cost of your lawn care needs? Here’s a simple method:- Determine how often you need the lawn to be mowed (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, etc.)
- Measure the square footage of your lawn
- Multiply the square footage by the cost per square foot of your chosen professional lawn care company
- For hourly pricing, multiply the average hourly rate by the estimated time it will take to complete the job
- Add any additional services (e.g., landscaping, fertilization, etc.) to get the total estimated cost