Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Mullens, WV

Starting a mowing business can be profitable if you manage your business wisely, calculate costs accurately, and invest in time-efficient, high-quality equipment. With good customer service, you can lock in loyal customers who invest in weekly lawn care services that turn your business into a successful one. 

Lawn care businesses can earn anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year depending on how you operate, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of equipment to determine your actual profit margins.

The screwdriver test involves trying to push a screwdriver into your lawn. If it goes in easily, you’re likely overwatering and should cut back. If there’s moderate resistance, you have a good watering schedule and soil composition. If there’s a lot of resistance or you can’t get the screwdriver into the soil, you may need to aerate your lawn to reduce compaction and increase your watering schedule.

Each type of grass has its own specific needs regarding the timing of aeration, but in general, late summer to early fall is the best time to do so. For most lawns, that means sometime between September and November, though certain types of grass, like St. Augustine Grass, do better with aerations in late spring and early summer.

If your lawn hasn't been aerated in over a year, or the soil is incredibly compacted, do two passes with the aerator. The first pass should follow your mowing pattern and the second one should form a perpendicular angle relative to the first. Stick to 20 to 40 holes per square foot as a rule of thumb.