The average cost to mow a lawn is between $50 and $210, depending on the size of your yard
A carefully maintained yard can give your home that picture-perfect look, but caring for it is no small task. Whether you choose to mow it yourself, enlist a kid from down the street, or hire lawn mowing pros near you to handle the job, your lawn maintenance will add to the curb appeal of your home and make you glad to return home each evening. The national average cost for a pro to mow your lawn is $130 per visit.
How Much Does It Cost to Mow a Lawn per Acre?
The size of your yard is a major factor in the cost of mowing—after all, the more grass you have, the longer it takes to mow.
Here are the national average prices by acreage:
| Acreage | Cost |
|---|---|
| One acre | $150 – $200 |
| Two acres | $250 – $350 |
| Three acres | $350 – $500 |
| Five acres | $450 – $650 |
| 10 acres | $500 – $750 |
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Lawn Mowed Near You?
The average price for a professional to mow your lawn ranges between $50 and $210 per visit. Most companies charge a flat rate per visit for grass cutting based on hourly rates or the size of your property.
For an additional cost, most local lawn care services also offer feeding, weeding, aeration, and other upgrades if you want a next-level lawn. Remember, you’re also paying for the employee’s expertise.
Here’s a look at the price of lawn mowing in 10 cities:
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $130-$530 |
| Minneapolis | $40–$400 |
| Los Angeles | $50–$800 |
| New York | $80–$400 |
| Houston | $30–$400 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $30–$380 |
| Cincinnati | $30–$470 |
| Phoenix | $50–$450 |
| Milwaukee | $30–$450 |
| Baltimore | $40–$700 |
What Lawn Care Can I Get on My Budget?
As long as the lawn care crew is making regular appearances at your place, you might want to use their expertise for other maintenance tasks. Here are some other jobs to ask your lawn care pros about, and their national average costs:
| Maintenance Task | Cost |
|---|---|
| Edging | $700–$1,700 |
| Weed abatement | $35–$120 |
| Fertilization | $80–$380 |
| Aeration | $70–$190 |
| Leaf removal | $190–$540 |
How Much Does It Cost to Mow a Lawn Yourself?
Some homeowners love getting up early to mow the lawn and enjoy that fresh-cut smell all weekend. If that’s you, DIY lawn maintenance is a relatively inexpensive task—after the initial purchase of the mower.
If you have a small-ish yard, a push mower will work just fine. You can find one you power yourself or an electric or battery-operated model for under $200. Gas mowers start around $300, while ride-on mowers cost closer to $1,500 to $5,000. You also need to factor in the cost of a weed eater and leaf blower, both of which are typically between $80 and $200.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of gas and maintaining and repairing your lawn mower.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Mow a Lawn?
The biggest factors in your lawn mowing costs are the lawn’s size and how often it needs to be mowed. Some companies will offer better rates if you sign a contract for the entire season rather than calling them as needed. That’s because lawns that are maintained less frequently will have more and taller grass to cut, and hence require more time and equipment usage, resulting in higher costs.
You may have to pay for travel time to your house as well, though you might be able to negotiate a discounted rate if several homeowners on your block use the same lawn company.
Lawn Mowing FAQs
How do I save money on lawn maintenance?
Lawns are high maintenance. You can save time and money by mulching, composting, and planting species native to your area, so they keep alive with less TLC from you.
Should I pick sod or seed for my lawn?
If you want to enjoy your lawn ASAP, choose sod. Laying sod costs about $1 per square foot more than the cost of seeding a lawn. Seeded lawns can take up to two years to grow in completely, while sod can immediately increase your home's curb appeal.
What should I consider when caring for my lawn?
Lawn care is tough work—even when you hire a lawn service, there’s no guarantee your grass won’t die (unless, of course, your company offers a guarantee). But lawn care companies don’t control the rain or watering restrictions. Your type of grass also impacts the type of care required to keep a lush lawn—and how much that care costs. Talk to a lawn care pro to determine the best times to treat your lawn based on type of grass and your climate.
What other projects should I do at the same time?
Most lawn care companies are happy to do your edging, fertilizing, aerating, and removing weeds. Lawn pros generally bundle the services and charge a flat fee per month or visit. You can also discuss other add-on services including debris removal and grass repair for small spaces.
