Best lawn care pros near Alberta, VA

Lawn care is tough work—even when you hire pros, 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.

When spring arrives, it’s best to hold off on mowing until temperatures have consistently reached a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Attempting to mow grass that hasn't fully thawed from its winter dormancy can harm the delicate blades. Ensure your grass is dry before mowing and aim to mow when the grass is about three to four inches tall, trimming no more than one-third of the grass blade's height at a time. This timing encourages healthy growth and prevents shock to the grass, preparing your lawn for a happy, healthy growing season.

Yes, it's perfectly safe and environmentally sound to mulch leaves with a lawn mower, provided that the layer of leaves isn't too thick and the leaves are dry and crispy. Too many wet leaves get sticky and will clog the mower. Thick layers of leaves can suffocate the lawn after the leaves have been mulched, so the layer should be no more than six inches thick.

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.