Get matched with top lawn care pros in Sumter, SC

The best times to mow your lawn are mid-morning or early evening. Mowing in the mid-morning, around 10 a.m., allows any dew to evaporate so the grass is dry. Cutting dry grass is easier on both the lawn and the mower, and this timing gives the grass blades time to recover in the sunlight before the peak afternoon heat. Alternatively, you can mow in the late afternoon or early evening once the heat of the day has passed. Avoid mowing too early in the morning when the grass is still wet with dew, and try not to mow during the hottest part of the day, as high temperatures and harsh sunlight can put extra stress on the grass.

Bahia grass is not difficult to grow, but you might need patience for this slow-growing grass. Whereas some grass species, like Bermuda grass, can take 1 to 2 weeks to germinate, Bahia grass can take two or three times as long, making it seem like it won’t grow. But again, once your Bahia grass is established, it requires little maintenance. Its deep root system makes it a very durable grass that can bounce back after freezes and droughts. 

One of the best ways to save money on lawn care is to sign up for an annual contract for ongoing service rather than paying for one-off or as-needed services. If you guarantee a landscaping company ongoing work, they’re more likely to give you a break on the cost. Plus, ongoing services will keep your property in tip-top shape and help avoid the high cost of playing catch up on an overgrown lawn. You can also save money by sticking to the basics and foregoing add-on services like weeding and pest treatments.

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.