Good mowing doesn’t just create a neat lawn; it makes it healthier. Professional lawn mowing prices typically range between $49 and $147 per lawn. Prices will vary depending on the size of your yard and how challenging the terrain is to mow around (i.e., steep slopes or garden beds).
This guide breaks down all the costs of mowing using data gathered from both big and small cities across the U.S.
Cost by Location
Your location significantly impacts mowing prices because it determines how frequently your lawn needs attention, as well as the cost of living in your area. Labor costs are generally higher in urban or suburban areas than in less populated rural areas. Lawns in wet, warm Southern regions with longer growing seasons also require more care than in Northern regions with shorter growing seasons.
The table below offers a snapshot of the cost of lawn mowing across the country:
| City | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $49 – $146 |
| New York, NY | $59 – $189 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $44 – $125 |
| Orlando, FL | $45 – $130 |
| Atlanta, GA | $45 – $130 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $50 – $153 |
| Chicago, IL | $54 – $167 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $48 – $141 |
| Seattle, WA | $55 – $173 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $45 – $128 |
| Roswell, NM | $45 – $130 |
| San Diego, CA | $51 – $157 |
Cost by Size
When evaluating the expenses associated with lawn mowing, it’s essential to factor in the size of your property. For an average-sized home, the average grass-cutting cost falls between $49 and $147.
Tip: Expect to pay a minimum for less than 5,000 square feet. The average minimum cost for lawn mowing service is usually around $30. Even if the area is small, the landscaper will have to account for travel expenses and time, thus the minimum fee.
Check the table below to estimate your costs:
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 1/4-acre lawn | $28 – $65 |
| 1/2-acre lawn | $42 – $92 |
| 1-acre lawn | $92 – $190 |
| 2-acre lawn | $175 – $375 |
Cost of Labor
There are lawn mowing companies that offer flat rates, but most charge an hourly rate or a set fee for services included in a package. The average cost of a lawn mowing service is between $49 and $147, depending on the services and the size of the project.
Most pros charge between $32 and $68 per hour or $0.01 to $0.06 per square foot.
If a landscaper, for example, charges $50 per hour for mowing services, a yard that takes two hours to mow will cost $100.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
There are many reasons homeowners mow their lawns themselves, including saving money or because they like working outdoors. You’ll need reliable lawn care tools to maintain your lawn and take precautions to avoid injuries.
The average walk-behind lawn mower costs around $325 but can range much higher depending upon the width of the cutting deck, the size of the engine and other features. For more details on the cost of each type of lawn mower, check our lawn mower pricing guide.
When all of these costs and the time needed to maintain your lawn are considered, many people find that hiring a professional lawn service is a good option for them.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In addition to lawn size, multiple factors determine average lawn mowing costs. Let’s take a look:
Ease of Access
Areas that are uneven, steep, or have to be worked around, like trees, shrubs, or landscaping features, will take longer to mow and, thus, cost more. The average price to cut grass will rise if more places need to be cut or if the location is hard to reach. If the lawn isn’t level, learn how to level your yard before you call a pro to mow.
Grass Type
The type of grass covering your yard impacts the maintenance and mowing costs. Cool-season grasses grow at different rates than warm-season grasses throughout the year. Warm-season lawns grow the fastest in the summer, but cool-season grasses need mowing the most in the spring and fall.
The season will determine how often you mow. Usually, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues will need weekly mowing during spring and fall, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysiagrass will need weekly mowing during summer.
Grass Height
Has your lawn turned into the Amazon jungle? Expect the price for lawn mowing to be well above the national average, even for a small yard. Most companies charge a long grass fee if the grass is over 6 to 12 inches.
Some lawn care businesses will charge an extra fee for lawns that are 12 inches and higher. (Like a super speeder ticket, the price increases significantly over a certain height threshold.)
Packages
If you need regular lawn care, signing up for a mowing package or maintenance lan can help reduce the cost per visit. Many lawn care companies offer discounted rates for those who commit to a recurring schedule, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or annual service.
FAQ
Yes. Mowing your lawn regularly keeps it looking nice and stimulates grass growth and the formation of a robust root system. It can be the difference between a picturesque, lush lawn and a lifeless, dull disappointment.
During the growing season, once a week is usually plenty. The amount of rainfall, the amount of irrigation, and rate of growth all have an impact on how often a lawn needs a trim. Follow the one-third rule, and only cut a third of the grass blades per mow.
Mowing, blowing clippings from concrete surfaces, and edging the perimeter are typical mowing service features. Depending on the service provider and the agreement, a lawn-cutting job may not include certain items, such as removing grass clippings (which is not recommended anyway). Always double-check your contract to verify that it covers all you want to be done.
When to Hire a Lawn Mowing Pro
The average cost to cut grass will vary based on a variety of factors, such as the size of the lawn, the services you select, and how frequently you want your grass mowed. Give special attention to the size of your yard and how difficult the landscaping is to mow around.
Hiring a lawn care professional keeps your grass looking green and healthy. It is an easy and time-saving option that provides peace of mind. So start taking advantage of a weekly mowing service right away by scheduling an appointment with a local lawn care provider.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Read More:
– How Much Does Lawn Care Cost?
– Self-Propelled vs. Push Mowers
– Reel Mower vs. Rotary Mower
– Gas vs. Electric Lawn Mowers
– How Much Does Lawn Mower Repair Cost?
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Pexels
![8 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews]](https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Best-Battery-Powered-Lawn-Mowers-150x150.jpg)
