Is it worth it to hire a lawn service?
Hiring a lawn care professional can save you time and money on your lawn. Professionals know exactly which products to use to solve your lawn’s issues, such as removing crabgrass or controlling pests. Many lawn care companies are results-oriented, meaning that they come with a guarantee to provide results.
If you’re DIY-ing it, you may save some money on costs. But you also might spend lots of money at the store that goes straight down the drain.
Contact the best lawn care services near you and get free estimates from several professionals before DIY-ing your lawn.
Is it worth it to hire a professional to mow your lawn?
Although hiring a lawn care company is more expensive than doing it yourself, it can be well worth the money. For starters, it saves you time and equipment maintenance, which may be justifiable financially. It also creates a more professional appearance. Plus, a pro can spot problems before they occur. This can save you money on expensive reseeding, aeration and other types of lawn repair down the road.
Contact the best lawn mowing professionals near you to start getting free estimates.
How much does it cost to have your lawn mowed?
Regular lawn maintenance can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Professional lawn care prices will vary based on the regional cost to do business and regional cost of labor, the size of your lawn, and any additional services you may desire such as edging or mulching. The national average for lawn mowing costs is $30-$50. Pros may charge an hourly rate, a flat rate or by the square foot (an acre contains 43,560 square feet). Square footage rates factor in the professional’s time, the use of their equipment, and the gas to operate the mower. Distance may also affect cost: If you live outside the company’s standard service range, you may pay an additional travel fee. Here are some examples of average prices for mowing and lawn maintenance:
- Up to 8,000-square-foot property: $30 per week/$120 per month.
- Bimonthly: $40 per service/$80 per month.
- One time only: $45 per service.
- Prices include mowing all turf grass areas; trimming grass away from fences, structures, trees, and lawn edges; and clearing or blowing all grass trimmings from driveways, sidewalks, curbs, etc.
- Hourly rate: $25 per hour (including travel, equipment costs and labor).
- Lot size:
- Smaller lots in subdivisions: $35.
- Half-acre lot: $50.
- One-acre lot: $100.
How can I find out if a landscaper or lawn care professional is considered an essential COVID-19 service provider?
To consult national guidelines on essential COVID-19 service providers and see whether a lawn care professional qualifies, visit a page on CISA’s website called Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19. This website contains 16 categories of critical infrastructure sectors that you can search through. However, not all jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure so you should also check your city or state’s government website.
Does a landscaper or lawn care professional need to enter my home?
Because landscaping and lawn maintenance take place outdoors, it is unlikely that these professionals will need to enter your home.
To stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, practice social distancing at all times -- even with professionals doing work outside. You can minimize exposure during a consultation by using a video chat service. And when you pay, you can use a digital payment service like PayPal. Discuss strategies with any lawn mowing, landscaping, tree trimming and lawn care companies you may be considering.
Are there ways to be safe if I hire a landscaper or lawn care professional when social distancing?
If you decide to hire a landscaper or lawn care professional, you can take safety precautions on the worksite by not making any physical contact, keeping at least 6 feet between you and the pro(s) at all times and using digital payment platforms instead of cash or check.
Can I use digital payments to pay for outdoor landscaping and design, lawn mowing, tree trimming and other similar services?
Many outdoor landscaping and design, lawn mowing and tree trimming companies will likely accept some form of digital payment instead of cash or check. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely causing more businesses to adopt digital platforms like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash and Google Pay.
Search professionals’ online profiles to see if they list digital payment services, and ask them about their payment policies during a consultation call.
Do landscapers or lawn care professionals offer remote or virtual services?
Landscapers and lawn care professionals generally do not offer remote or virtual services. But if you come across a profile that states the landscaper is offering remote services, it’s best to contact them to see what type of remote work is offered.
Typically, lawn care and landscaping professionals can perform many of their duties without coming into physical contact with clients. Message local lawn mowing, landscaping, tree trimming, and lawn care companies near you to schedule a video call and inquire about remote services.
What’s the best way to set up a consultation or an appointment with a landscaper or lawn care professional during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To set up an appointment or consultation call with a lawn care professional or landscaper during the COVID-19 pandemic, take advantage of digital technologies to avoid face-to-face exposure. When searching for lawn mowing, landscaping and lawn care companies online, ask if they’ll do a video call to assess the job and give you an estimate. You can also go over strategies for completing the job and conducting virtual payments to stay safe.
How often should you cut your grass?
In general, weekly mowing is the golden rule. However, different lawns and conditions may require different mowing frequencies. For instance, if your grass is growing slowly due to dry conditions or a lack of sun, don’t cut it simply because a week has passed. And don’t cut more than a third of the length of the grass blade at any time. Also, ease up on mowing if the weather is going to be hot and dry, as the longer blades provide shade and can keep water from evaporating so quickly.
If you're unable to mow your lawn, consider hiring one of the best lawn care professionals near you.