Maintaining a beautiful lawn can be a rewarding but time-consuming task. If you're looking for a helping hand, you might be considering hiring a lawn care professional. But before you make that decision, it's essential to understand the average lawn care cost per month to budget accordingly.
In this article, we'll provide you with detailed information on the factors that affect lawn care costs, including the size of your lawn, the frequency of service, and the type of services you need. We'll also offer tips on how to save money on lawn care and keep your lawn looking its best.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore the details of lawn care costs so you can make informed decisions about your lawn care budget.
average lawn care cost per month
Factors affecting lawn care costs:
- Lawn size
- Frequency of service
- Type of services
- Location
- Seasonality
- Equipment costs
- Labor costs
- Additional services
Consider these elements to determine your budget and choose the right lawn care provider.
Lawn size
The size of your lawn is one of the most significant factors that will affect your lawn care cost. The larger your lawn, the more time and resources it will take to maintain it. This means that you can expect to pay more for lawn care services if you have a large lawn.
For example, if you have a small lawn of around 5,000 square feet, you can expect to pay between $50 and $75 per month for basic lawn care services, such as mowing, edging, and blowing. However, if you have a large lawn of around 10,000 square feet or more, you can expect to pay between $100 and $150 per month for the same services.
It's important to note that these are just averages, and your actual lawn care cost may vary depending on other factors, such as the frequency of service, the type of services you need, and your location.
If you're not sure how big your lawn is, you can use a free online tool like Google Earth to measure it. Once you know the size of your lawn, you can start getting quotes from lawn care companies in your area.
By considering the size of your lawn, you can get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay for lawn care services.
Frequency of service
The frequency of lawn care services you need will also affect your overall cost. The more often you need your lawn mowed, edged, and fertilized, the more you can expect to pay.
- Weekly service:
If you have a high-maintenance lawn or live in an area with a lot of rain, you may need weekly lawn care service. This is the most expensive option, but it will also give you the best results.
- Biweekly service:
Biweekly lawn care service is a good option for lawns that don't need as much attention. This is a good compromise between cost and quality.
- Monthly service:
Monthly lawn care service is the most affordable option, but it's also the least frequent. This is a good option for lawns that don't need a lot of maintenance.
- Seasonal service:
Seasonal lawn care service is a good option for homeowners who only need lawn care services during certain times of the year, such as the spring or fall.
When choosing the frequency of lawn care service, consider your budget, the condition of your lawn, and your personal preferences.
Type of services
The type of lawn care services you need will also affect your overall cost. Basic lawn care services, such as mowing, edging, and blowing, are typically the most affordable. However, if you need additional services, such as fertilization, weed control, or aeration, you can expect to pay more.
Here are some of the most common lawn care services and their average costs:
- Mowing: $25-$50 per month
- Edging: $10-$20 per month
- Blowing: $10-$20 per month
- Fertilization: $30-$60 per application
- Weed control: $20-$40 per application
- Aeration: $50-$100 per application
- Thatching: $50-$100 per application
When choosing the type of lawn care services you need, consider your budget, the condition of your lawn, and your personal preferences.
By understanding the different types of lawn care services available and their average costs, you can make informed decisions about the services you need and how much you can expect to pay.
Location
The cost of lawn care can also vary depending on your location. Lawn care companies in urban areas typically charge more than those in rural areas. This is because the cost of living and labor is higher in urban areas.
- Urban areas: $50-$100 per month
- Suburban areas: $40-$75 per month
- Rural areas: $30-$60 per month
In addition, the cost of lawn care can also vary depending on the specific region of the country you live in. For example, lawn care costs are typically higher in the Northeast and West Coast regions of the United States.
When getting quotes from lawn care companies, be sure to ask about their rates for your specific location.
Seasonality
The time of year can also affect the cost of lawn care. Lawn care companies typically charge more during the peak season, which is typically spring and summer. This is because there is more demand for lawn care services during these months.
- Spring: $50-$100 per month
- Summer: $50-$100 per month
- Fall: $40-$75 per month
- Winter: $30-$60 per month
If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider getting lawn care services during the off-season. This is typically fall and winter. You can also save money by mowing your own lawn and doing other basic lawn care tasks yourself.
When getting quotes from lawn care companies, be sure to ask about their rates for different times of the year.
Equipment costs
If you decide to mow your own lawn, you will need to purchase or rent lawn care equipment. The cost of lawn care equipment can vary depending on the type of equipment you need and the brand. Here are some of the most common lawn care equipment and their average costs:
- Lawn mower: $100-$500
- Edger: $50-$100
- Leaf blower: $50-$100
- Fertilizer spreader: $30-$60
- Weed trimmer: $50-$100
If you don't want to purchase lawn care equipment, you can rent it from a local hardware store. The cost of renting lawn care equipment typically ranges from $20 to $50 per day.
When budgeting for lawn care, be sure to include the cost of lawn care equipment or the cost of renting equipment.
Labor costs
Labor costs are another significant factor that will affect the cost of your lawn care. The cost of labor will vary depending on the lawn care company you choose and the region of the country you live in. However, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per hour for lawn care labor.
- Mowing: $20-$30 per hour
- Edging: $20-$30 per hour
- Blowing: $20-$30 per hour
- Fertilization: $30-$40 per hour
- Weed control: $30-$40 per hour
- Aeration: $40-$50 per hour
- Thatching: $40-$50 per hour
When getting quotes from lawn care companies, be sure to ask about their labor rates. You should also ask if there are any additional fees, such as travel fees or fuel surcharges.
By understanding the labor costs associated with lawn care, you can budget accordingly and find a lawn care company that fits your needs and budget.
Additional services
In addition to the basic lawn care services, such as mowing, edging, and blowing, there are a number of additional services that lawn care companies may offer. These services can vary in price, but here are some of the most common additional services and their average costs:
- Fertilization: $30-$60 per application
- Weed control: $20-$40 per application
- Aeration: $50-$100 per application
- Thatching: $50-$100 per application
- Tree and shrub care: $50-$100 per visit
- Landscape design: $100-$500 per project
- Snow removal: $50-$100 per visit
When choosing additional lawn care services, consider your budget, the condition of your lawn, and your personal preferences.
For example, if you have a lot of weeds in your lawn, you may want to consider getting regular weed control service. Or, if you have a lot of trees and shrubs on your property, you may want to consider getting tree and shrub care service.
By understanding the different additional lawn care services available and their average costs, you can make informed decisions about the services you need and how much you can expect to pay.
By planning and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that your lawn looks its best all year round.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the average lawn care cost per month:
Question 1: How much does lawn care cost per month?
Answer: The average lawn care cost per month can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your lawn, the frequency of service, the type of services you need, your location, and the season. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per month for basic lawn care services.
Question 2: What factors affect the cost of lawn care?
Answer: The following factors can affect the cost of lawn care:
- Size of your lawn
- Frequency of service
- Type of services you need
- Your location
- Seasonality
- Equipment costs
- Labor costs
- Additional services
Question 3: How can I save money on lawn care?
Answer: There are a number of ways to save money on lawn care, such as:
- Mowing your own lawn
- Edging and blowing your own lawn
- Fertilizing your lawn yourself
- Applying weed control yourself
- Aerating your lawn yourself
- Thatching your lawn yourself
- Getting quotes from multiple lawn care companies
- Bundling lawn care services
- Scheduling lawn care services during the off-season
Question 4: What is the best way to find a reliable lawn care company?
Answer: You can find a reliable lawn care company by:
- Asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors
- Reading online reviews
- Getting quotes from multiple lawn care companies
- Checking the company's license and insurance
- Interviewing the company's representatives
Question 5: What should I look for in a lawn care contract?
Answer: When signing a lawn care contract, you should make sure to read the contract carefully and understand all of the terms and conditions. You should also make sure that the contract includes:
- The services that will be provided
- The frequency of service
- The cost of service
- The payment terms
- The cancellation policy
Question 6: How can I keep my lawn looking its best?
Answer: To keep your lawn looking its best, you should:
- Mow your lawn regularly
- Water your lawn deeply and infrequently
- Fertilize your lawn regularly
- Control weeds and pests
- Aerate your lawn regularly
- Thatch your lawn regularly
By following these tips, you can keep your lawn looking its best all year round.
Now that you know more about the average lawn care cost per month, you can start planning and budgeting for your lawn care needs.
Tips
Here are a few tips for keeping your lawn looking its best while staying within your budget:
Tip 1: Mow your lawn regularly.
Mowing your lawn regularly is one of the best ways to keep it looking healthy and green. Aim to mow your lawn once a week during the growing season. When you mow your lawn, be sure to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade. This will help to prevent the grass from becoming stressed.
Tip 2: Water your lawn deeply and infrequently.
Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently is better than watering it lightly and frequently. This will help to encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil, which will make your lawn more drought-tolerant. Aim to water your lawn once or twice a week, and water it for about 30 minutes each time.
Tip 3: Fertilize your lawn regularly.
Fertilizing your lawn regularly will help to keep it healthy and green. Aim to fertilize your lawn every six to eight weeks during the growing season. When you fertilize your lawn, be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for lawns.
Tip 4: Control weeds and pests.
Weeds and pests can quickly take over your lawn and make it look unsightly. To control weeds and pests, you can use a variety of methods, such as hand-pulling weeds, using herbicides, and applying insecticides. Be sure to read the labels carefully before using any weed or pest control products.
By following these tips, you can keep your lawn looking its best all year round without breaking the bank.
By following these tips and planning accordingly, you can have a beautiful lawn without spending a fortune.
Conclusion
The average lawn care cost per month can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your lawn, the frequency of service, the type of services you need, your location, and the season. However, by planning and budgeting accordingly, you can have a beautiful lawn without spending a fortune.
Here are some key points to remember:
- The size of your lawn is one of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of lawn care.
- The more frequently you need lawn care services, the more you can expect to pay.
- The type of lawn care services you need will also affect the cost.
- Lawn care costs can vary depending on your location.
- Lawn care costs can also vary depending on the season.
By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about the lawn care services you need and how much you can expect to pay. You can also save money on lawn care by mowing your own lawn, edging and blowing your own lawn, and fertilizing your lawn yourself.
With a little planning and effort, you can have a beautiful lawn that you can enjoy all year round.