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How much does lawn mowing cost in the US?

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Average lawn mowing cost

$75 - $250

low

$75

median

$117

high

$250

Low, median and high bar chart distribuiton

Last Updated on

Cielo B.

Written by Cielo B.

Staff Writer

Read more about our contributor

Key Facts

  • Average mowing costs in the US range from $75 to $250, depending on factors such as lawn size, location, time of year, and more.

  • You can save money by opting for garden maintenance packages, such as mowing contracts or bundled services like weeding and mulching.

  • Choosing a knowledgeable, local lawn mowing service provider can make lawn maintenance easier, especially for first-time homeowners.

Maintaining your lush lawn year-round takes a lot of effort. So, if you’re looking to hire a professional to take care of your lawn, you’ve come to the right place. You can expect to pay between $75 and $250 for lawn mowing services in the US. The exact cost will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your garden and where you live.

This guide explains the factors that affect lawn mowing costs, how to hire a reliable specialist, and how to better care for turf.

What is the cost of lawn mowing services in the US?

Depending on your yard size, lawn mowing can cost from $30 to $55 for a small ⅛-acre lawn and from $115 to $420 for a two-acre property. The final price will also depend on grass length, terrain, access, and whether edging or cleanup is included.

Disclaimer: The prices in this guide are based on a combination of recent Airtasker marketplace data, external industry research, and inflation-adjusted historical figures. They are intended as a general benchmark only. Actual lawn mowing costs may vary. 

Lawn size

Average labor cost

⅛ acre

$30 to $55

¼ acre

$45 to $80

½ acre

$55 to $105

1 acre

$110 to $210

2 acres

$115 to $420

Do note that some specialists may charge a minimum fee to cover the time, money, and fuel required to travel to your location. The larger your lawn and the longer it takes to mow, the higher the labor cost. 

How much does it cost to mow a lawn in my state?

Your lawn mowing bill can vary depending on your home’s location. More densely populated regions typically have higher average costs. 

Location

Average lawn mowing cost (per completed task)

Texas

$50 to $150

Florida

$85 to $250

Minnesota

$165 to $190

California

$75 to $230

New York

$75 to $270

Regional price differences can reflect local demand, travel distances, labor costs, property size, and the availability of lawn care providers. A regularly maintained yard will generally cost less than an overgrown lawn that requires additional cutting, trimming, edging, or green-waste removal. 

What other factors affect lawn mowing costs?

A green push lawn mower with white wheels, in a garden, viewed from a low angle. - lawn mowing costAn expert lawn mower at work (Source: iStock)

The cost of lawn mowing depends on more than just yard size and your address. Other factors your lawn care specialist looks at include:  

Grass type and condition

Grass cutting rates will vary based on the type of grass you have. There are two types of grass: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season grasses like annual ryegrass grow quickly in the spring and fall and must be mowed weekly. Meanwhile, warm-season grasses like hybrid Bermuda spurt in the summer. 

If your grass is overgrown, your lawn mowing specialist may charge a higher fee, as long grass (6-12 inches in height) takes longer to mow. Regular maintenance can prevent grass from becoming too long and unmanageable, enabling quicker, more efficient mowing. 

Seasonal demand

As mentioned, the time of year affects ideal grass height and lawn care costs. Lawn mowing rates can also rise in the spring and summer, when gardeners are in high demand.

During peak seasons like spring and summer, higher demand may lead to increased rates. Conversely, in off-peak times, some providers might offer discounts to attract customers. Being aware of these seasonal trends can help homeowners better budget for lawn care throughout the year.

And while grass growth slows in the winter, outdoor maintenance doesn’t stop. Many homeowners transition from lawn care to snow plowing services to keep their property accessible during the colder months.

Terrain and accessibility

If you have a very rocky lawn, hilly terrain, or many landscaping features like flower beds, it may be harder to mow the grass. Considering this, homeowners with difficult terrain should expect a higher cost of mowing their lawns due to the increased complexity.

When requesting quotes from service providers, you should communicate any specific challenges related to your yard’s terrain. This transparency helps ensure accurate pricing and allows lawn care companies to prepare adequately for the job at hand. 

Equipment used

A green wheelbarrow filled with freshly cut grass and weeds, sitting in a lush, grassy field. - lawn mowing costA day’s worth of lawn mowing work (Source: iStock)

The average cost to cut grass will also depend on the equipment used. Each type of lawn mowing equipment has different uses. Here’s a brief overview of the most common options:

Lawn mowing equipment

Best for

Advantages or uses

Disadvantages

Push mower

Smaller lawns and simple yard layouts

Lightweight and easy to transport; lower carbon footprint; suitable for routine mowing

Less effective on rough, uneven, or heavily overgrown ground

Ride-on mower

Large yards and expansive properties

Covers large areas quickly; adjustable cutting heights; reduces physical effort on bigger lawns

More difficult to transport; requires more storage space and greater skill to maneuver safely

String trimmer

Edging, trimming, and hard-to-reach areas

Creates a neat finish along lawn edges; useful around fences, trees, garden beds, and other obstacles

Not suitable as the main tool for mowing large lawn areas

Additional services

If you want to maximize the cost of lawn mowing services, you can ask about bundling grass cutting with other recurring lawn care solutions, such as hedge trimming and lawn treatment. Since you’ll also need to do this regularly, a bundled service or contract can reduce garden maintenance costs.

Service type

Average price

Lawn edging

$3 to $11.50 per foot

Lawn fertilization

$45 to $400

Hedge trimming

$175 to $260

Choosing a package deal can often lead to discounts compared to purchasing each service individually. Understanding these options helps homeowners get the best value for their lawn care while ensuring thorough maintenance for a healthier lawn.

Business size

Average lawn mowing costs will also vary based on the lawn care provider’s business size. Solopreneurs will generally charge lower rates than big garden maintenance companies. These larger lawn mowing companies usually incur additional costs, such as advertising, employee uniforms, and other operational expenses. 

When selecting a lawn care service, consider not only the price but also the level of personalized service you may receive from smaller businesses. Smaller providers can offer more tailored solutions and build closer client relationships. 

Travel time

Grass trimming service costs will also depend on the lawn mowing professionals’ travel time to and from your location. This is because they’ll have to spend their workday driving out to your location and pay more for gas to tow heavy mowing equipment. 

To minimize travel-related costs, consider hiring local lawn care providers in your area. This will not only help reduce expenses but also support local businesses.

How do you hire a professional lawn mower?

A modern, green-colored lawn mower with other equipment in the garden. - lawn mowing costA lawn mower ready to keep any garden or yard looking its best (Source: iStock)

While mowing your lawn yourself is generally doable, it can be quite a chore when you have a busy schedule and lack the right equipment. That’s why it can be more beneficial to have a professional lawnmower to help you out. 

When looking for a professional lawn mower specialist, consider getting quotes from more than one provider to pulse-check the cost of the mowing services. This checklist can help you determine the best fit:

  • Canvass multiple lawn mowing price lists so you can weigh the inclusions of each provider

  • Opt for local lawn services for better familiarity with your seasonal needs and lower travel costs.

  • Ask whether they offer free quotes based on photos of your lawn.

  • Check their reviews or ask for references.

  • See if they provide bundled lawn care services such as hedge trimming, weeding, and tree lopping, or if they have contract-based plans for regular mowing appointments.

What should you know about lawn care frequency? 

Lawn care frequency will depend on the type of turf you have and the season. Maintaining your lawn between mows can improve your yard’s appearance and reduce mowing costs. Below are some tips for taking care of your lawn: 

  • Familiarize yourself with the lawn care calendar for your grass type. This includes when to apply fertilizer and how to care for your yard during droughts or stormy spells. 

  • Know how much to cut grass during the different seasons (three inches in fall and winter, four inches in spring and summer)

  • Practice No Mow May to allow wildflowers to grow and attract valuable pollinators.

  • Practice mulching since leaves and grass in plastic bags don’t decompose; leaving these on the lawn will enrich the soil.

  • Make sure your lawn mowing equipment is well-maintained, and have experts repair your mower if needed.

Post a task and find a lawn mowing expert near you

Lawn mowing prices can be tricky to figure out, but not for you! Now that you’re familiar with lawn mowing costs and the factors that affect them, you’re equipped to make an informed decision the next time you need to get your lawn cleaned up. 

Whether you choose the DIY route or enlist a professional lawn care service, your outdoor space is poised for a transformation. Post a task on our platform to connect with local lawn mowing professionals and elevate your curb appeal.

Learn more about our contributors

Cielo B.

Written by Cielo B.

Staff Writer

Cielo is an experienced content writer who has explored various industries throughout her career. Her expertise, founded on a degree in journalism, includes writing about automotive and home maintenance. Cielo also covers topics like dressmaking, tailoring, and photography since she is a passionate cosplayer who enjoys dressing up as her beloved anime characters.

FAQs on lawn mowing

If you’re talking about an average-sized residential lawn, the job lasts around 30-45 minutes. For a large lawn, it can take 60-90 minutes.

To prevent your lawn from overgrowing, book a mowing service every one to two weeks in summer. If you’re not sure whether a weekly or fortnightly service is better, use your judgment based on how fast it grows or ask a professional.

During winter, you can reduce lawn cutting to once every four to five weeks. You might also want to have your lawn aerated. Aeration prevents lawns from looking tired when the soil beneath becomes compacted.

Your lawn grows faster in summer due to warmer temperatures and increased sunlight. As part of photosynthesis, your grass depends on plenty of sunlight. Although too much will kill it, too little prevents it from flourishing. 

It’s worth noting that poor moisture during hot mid-summer months reduces growth. Like sun and heat, your grass depends on a ready supply of water to thrive. If you live in an area with poor rainfall, consider watering your lawn during hot months.

Hourly lawn mowing rates can range from around $30 to $210, depending on the provider’s experience, location, equipment, and the condition of your yard. However, many lawn care providers quote a flat task price based on lawn size and the work required. Ask whether the quote covers the entire job or represents an hourly rate.

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