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There are several possible reasons why your Bermuda grass is not thick, with the biggest reasons being too little water, too much shade, compacted soil, drainage issues, and too few nutrients in the soil. Bermuda grass needs frequent and direct sunlight to stay thick, so thinning grass is likely the result of a lack of sun. 

You should mow your lawn first and water it afterward, in most cases. You should not mow when your lawn it’s wet as it could clog the blades. If you haven't been watering your lawn for an extended time or your area is experiencing a drought, water your grass first. Mowing thin, wispy grass can be difficult, so allow it to become fuller and thicker before mowing. Once it looks more lush and dry, go ahead and mow.

The average cost to mow a lawn is about $125 per visit, with prices typically ranging from $50 to $205. The final cost depends on several factors, including your location, yard size, lawn shape, accessibility, grass type and length, and the frequency of service. Lawns with obstacles, steep slopes, or hard-to-reach areas may cost more. If a company charges by size, you can expect to pay between $0.01 and $0.06 per square foot, or $150 to $200 per acre.

A general breakdown of costs by lawn size is as follows:

• 3,500 square feet: $35–$210

• 5,000 square feet: $50–$300

• 10,000 square feet: $100–$600

• 1 Acre: $150–$200

• 2 Acres: $300–$400

• 3 Acres: $450–$600

• 4 Acres: $600–$800

• 5 Acres: $750–$1,000

• 10 Acres: $1,500–$2,000

• 15 Acres: $2,250–$3,000

Keep in mind that these prices generally cover routine maintenance like mowing and edging. Additional services such as raking leaves, weeding, trimming, or applying pesticides can add $400 or more to your total cost.

You should wait about seven to 10 days after you top dress your lawn to mow. This will give the ground ample time to absorb the nutrients from the sand, topsoil, and compost, and help facilitate growth before you trim the existing grass. It’s also best to water the lawn frequently in the week or so after you top dress and before you mow.