Your customers want a lush, well-maintained lawn, and you want a thriving business. With the right strategy, you can offer competitive rates while maximizing your earnings.
Let’s explore how to establish fair and profitable prices that attract and retain loyal customers.
How to Price Lawn Care Services
Whether you choose hourly, flat-rate, or subscription pricing, the key is to balance value with profitability. Let’s explore the most common ways to price your lawn care services to help determine the best strategy for your business.
Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Pricing
Hourly pricing is ideal when the job duration is unpredictable, such as yard cleanups or large properties with varying conditions. It ensures you’re compensated fairly for your time. However, uncertain pricing can make some customers uncomfortable.
Flat-rate pricing works well for standard services like mowing and edging. It gives customers an upfront cost, making it easier to sell services while ensuring you maintain a steady profit margin.
Subscription vs. One-Time Pricing
Subscription pricing (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) offers customers convenience and keeps their lawn looking great year-round. This model provides consistent revenue and helps with customer retention.
One-time pricing is best for seasonal services like aeration, overseeding, or leaf removal. While these services aren’t recurring, they allow you to offer premium add-ons.
Tiered Pricing
Tiered pricing lets you create different service packages to cater to various customer needs. For example:
- Basic: Lawn mowing and edging
- Standard: Mowing, edging, and fertilization
- Premium: Full lawn care, including aeration, weed control, and pest management
This model helps customers choose what fits their budget while giving you upsell opportunities.
Lawn Care Pricing Guide (Based on the Service)
If you’re quoting jobs, you need more than just a ballpark number. This lawn care pricing guide lays out what goes into each service and why prices vary so you know exactly what to expect before the work begins.
Lawn Mowing
Estimated pricing: $40–$320
Lawn mowing includes cutting grass using walk-behind or ride-on mowers, trimming edges, and blowing clippings off sidewalks and driveways.
You can charge more if the property has slopes, overgrown grass, or landscaping features that slow down mowing time. Residential customers often expect a clean finish — tight edge work and evenly cut grass. Commercial clients may ask for weekly or biweekly schedules.
Fuel, blade maintenance, and travel time also affect pricing. Larger properties may require multiple passes or specialized equipment, especially if the grass has grown too long between visits.
Factors that influence mowing costs:
- Terrain complexity: Steep slopes, uneven ground, or tight spaces take more time and effort
- Grass height: Overgrown lawns take longer to cut and require more fuel’
- Clipping disposal: Bagging and hauling clippings adds labor time
Aeration
Estimated pricing: $120–$960
Aeration involves puncturing the soil with small holes to let water, air, and nutrients reach the roots. Most pros use a core aerator, which pulls plugs of soil from the ground.
This job usually happens in the spring or fall when grass is actively growing. Lawn conditions make a big difference — it takes longer to complete if the soil is compacted or if there is heavy foot traffic.
If you’re not using manual tools, factor in machine rental or maintenance. Some clients may want you to pair this service with overseeding or fertilizing, which increases your total payout per job.
Factors that influence aeration costs:
- Equipment use: Core aerators are expensive to purchase and maintain
- Soil condition: Compacted or clay-heavy soils require more passes
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in spring and fall, which can raise rates
- Type of aeration: Core aeration costs more than spike or liquid treatments
Weed Control
Estimated pricing: $40–$320
Weed control involves applying herbicides to prevent or kill unwanted plants. This includes broadleaf weeds like dandelions or grassy weeds like crabgrass.
You can spot-treat small lawns by hand. Larger areas often require tank sprayers or broadcast spreaders. Expect to inspect the lawn first — you’ll need to know the type of grass and weed before choosing a chemical.
Prices go up when the weed population is dense or if the lawn needs more than one round of treatment. Some clients may ask you to use pet-safe or organic products, which often cost more.
Factors that influence weed control costs:
- Chemical type: Selective herbicides cost more than generic ones
- Application method: Hand-pulling weeds is time-consuming and labor-intensive
- Infestation level: Heavily weeded lawns may need multiple treatments
Watering
Estimated pricing: $40–$320
Watering covers manually irrigating lawns, flower beds, or gardens. This service is useful for customers without sprinkler systems or during drought restrictions.
Depending on what’s available, you’ll use hoses, sprinklers, or watering cans. Many clients ask for watering while they’re on vacation or during new lawn installation.
Time matters here. You’ll spend longer on hot days or when working with larger properties. Charging per visit paired with offering seasonal packages helps you build consistent income.
Factors that influence watering costs:
- Manual vs. automated systems: Manual watering is more labor-intensive
- Drought conditions: Extended dry spells increase demand
Pest Control
Estimated pricing: $40–$480
Lawn pest control targets bugs like grubs, ants, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. The job usually includes applying pesticides or granules that eliminate insects feeding on the grass or soil.
You’ll start by inspecting the lawn to confirm the presence of pests. Then, you’ll treat the lawn using a spreader, backpack sprayer, or hose-end applicator.
Pricing depends on infestation level, lawn size, and how many follow-up visits are needed. You may also charge more if you’re using eco-friendly or low-toxicity products.
Factors that influence pest control costs:
- Type of pest: Grub, ant, or chinch bug treatments require different products
- Severity of infestation: Heavier infestations need more pesticide and time
- Treatment method: Surface sprays vs. granular applications have different price points
Leaf Removal
Estimated pricing: $60–$480
Leaf removal includes clearing fallen leaves from lawns, gardens, patios, and walkways. Expect to rake, blow, or vacuum debris and either bag or haul it off-site.
The volume of leaves drives the cost — heavily wooded properties or post-storm cleanups take longer. Some clients prefer mulching, which involves shredding leaves back into the lawn. You’ll also need to plan for disposal fees if local dumps charge by volume. Offering this service during the fall can fill your schedule when mowing slows down.
Factors that influence leaf removal costs:
- Tree density: More trees mean more leaves and more significant labor time
- Bagging or mulching: Some clients prefer mulch, while others want full removal
- Equipment used: Leaf blowers, vacuums, and trailers impact time and costs
Fertilizing
Estimated pricing: $65–$340
Fertilizing involves spreading nutrient-rich material to support lawn growth. You’ll use granular or liquid formulas — some products release nutrients slowly, others work quickly. You must apply the correct amount for the grass type and season. Over-fertilizing can damage the lawn, while under-fertilizing won’t give results.
Some properties may ask for soil testing to customize the fertilizer blend, which can be built into your pricing. Most lawns need four to six treatments per year, so offering service plans helps you lock in repeat work.
Factors that influence fertilizing costs:
- Fertilizer type: Organic and slow-release options cost more than synthetics
- Application rate: Large lawns require more product
- Number of applications: Most lawns need four to six treatments per year
- Soil testing: Some companies include soil analysis in their pricing
Seeding (New Lawn)
Estimated pricing: $265–$1,700
New lawn seeding involves prepping bare soil, spreading seed, applying starter fertilizer, and watering regularly. You may also need to level or till the area beforehand.
The size of the yard and seed type affect pricing. Premium blends or climate-specific grasses cost more. You’ll also spend more time on full-acre jobs — they require larger equipment or multiple crew members.
New lawns also need several follow-up visits. Offer watering, touch-up seeding, or weed control as part of a full install package.
Factors that influence seeding costs:
- Seed type: Premium blends cost more but deliver better coverage
- Soil prep: Removing old turf, tilling, and leveling increases labor
- Starter fertilizer: Often applied with seed to promote growth
- Watering requirements: New seed needs consistent moisture, which can be added as a service
Overseeding
Estimated pricing: $165–$900
Overseeding adds fresh seed over an existing lawn to thicken the grass and fill in bare patches. This is often paired with aeration for better soil contact. Assess the lawn’s condition first. If the grass is thin or patchy, you’ll use more seed and may need to mow shorter before starting.
Expect to charge more for premium seed blends, larger lawns, or post-service watering. Many pros also offer this as part of a fall lawn care package.
Factors that influence overseeding costs:
- Seed quality: Disease-resistant and drought-tolerant seeds come at a premium
- Existing lawn condition: Thinner areas may need more seed and extra passes
- Aeration pairing: Often done with aeration, which increases cost but improves results
- Post-seeding care: Includes watering, mowing restrictions, and possible reapplication
Yard Cleanup
Estimated pricing: $40–$320
Yard cleanup includes removing branches, dead plants, weeds, and debris from lawns, walkways, and patios. The work varies depending on the season and how overgrown the space is. Rake leaves, bag green waste, haul off branches, or trim shrubs. Tools like blowers, hedge trimmers, and loppers come in handy.
Heavier cleanups take more time, especially if the property has been neglected. You can charge extra for hauling fees, dump runs, or storm debris removal.
Factors that influence yard cleanup costs:
- Volume of debris: More waste means more hauling
- Disposal costs: Some areas charge by weight or volume at dumping sites
- Labor intensity: Hand removal takes longer than leaf-blowing
- Seasonal timing: Fall and spring cleanups are more expensive due to demand
Garden Cleanup
Estimated pricing: $80–$640
Garden cleanup focuses on restoring garden beds. You’ll pull weeds, trim perennials, remove dead flowers, and sometimes refresh mulch or compost. You’ll often work by hand in tight spaces, which adds labor. Some clients may want you to reshape edges, prune shrubs, or clean up rock features.
Pricing reflects the amount of detail work involved. Expect longer jobs in the spring and fall when people prep or shut down their gardens.
Factors that influence garden cleanup costs:
- Plant types: Delicate plants may need hand-pruning vs. trimming tools
- Weed density: Overgrown beds take longer to restore
- Mulch or compost: Some clients request re-mulching after cleanup
- Bed edging: Manual edging or reshaping increases pricing
Composting
Estimated pricing: $65–$340
Composting involves collecting and processing organic yard waste — like grass clippings, leaves, and plant trimmings — into nutrient-rich soil. You can start a compost pile on-site or offer curbside pickup. Clients may also request bin rental or delivery of finished compost.
The cost depends on the amount of material you’re handling and how often pickups occur. Composting adds an eco-friendly option to your service list and can reduce local disposal fees.
Factors that influence composting costs:
- Type of compost: Backyard-style piles cost less than industrial pickup
- Pickup vs. on-site: Transporting material raises fuel and labor costs
- Bin rental: Some clients need collection containers included
Dethatching
Estimated pricing: $60–$480
Dethatching removes the thick layer of dead grass and roots that builds up between soil and grass. You’ll pull the material up with a power rake or vertical mower.
Expect to clean up a large amount of debris afterward — some lawns need a complete bagging and disposal service. Thatch over a half-inch thick blocks water and nutrients, so dethatching helps the lawn breathe again. Clients often pair this with overseeding or fertilizing.
Factors that influence detaching costs:
- Thatch layer thickness: Heavier thatch takes more time and multiple passes
- Equipment needs: Power rakes or vertical mowers increase efficiency but also pricing
- Grass type: Cool-season grasses need different dethatching timing than warm-season varieties
Sprinkler System Winterizing
Estimated pricing: $40–$320
Sprinkler winterizing protects underground systems from freezing during cold months. You’ll shut off the water, drain the system, and blow out lines using compressed air.
Expect to charge more for larger systems with multiple zones. Each zone needs individual attention to prevent damage. Some clients may ask you to return in Spring for system testing and startup. Offering both services as a bundle helps lock in seasonal work.
Factors that influence sprinkler system winterizing costs:
- Number of zones: More zones mean more valves to drain and blow out
- System type: Manual drain systems cost less than automatic ones
- Compressor use: Blowing out lines with air pressure adds labor
- Timing: Last-minute winterizations may carry a premium
Lawn Care Pricing Chart
Here’s a general lawn care pricing chart to help set your rates.
| Service | Quarter Acre | Half Acre | Full Acre |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lawn mowing |
$40 – $80 |
$80 – $160 |
$160 – $320 |
|
Aeration |
$120 – $240 |
$240 – $480 |
$480 – $960 |
|
Weed control |
$40 – $80 |
$80 – $160
|
$160 – $320 |
|
Watering |
$40 – $80 |
$80 – $160 |
$160 – $320 |
|
Pest control |
$40 – $120 |
$160 – $240 |
$320 – $480 |
|
Leaf removal |
$60 – $120 |
$120 – $240 |
$240 – $480 |
|
Fertilizing |
$65 – $85 |
$130 – $170 |
$260 – $340 |
|
Seeding (new lawn) |
$265 – $425 |
$530 – $850 |
$1,060 – $1,700 |
|
Overseeding |
$165 – $225 |
$330 – $450 |
$660 – $900 |
|
Yard cleanup |
$40 – $80 |
$80 – $160 |
$160 – $320 |
|
Garden cleanup |
$80 – $160 |
$160 – $320 |
$320 – $640 |
|
Composting
|
$65 – $85 |
$130 – $170 |
$260 – $340 |
|
Dethatching
|
$60 – $120 |
$120 – $240 |
$240 – $480 |
|
Sprinkler system winterizing
|
$40 – $80 |
$80 – $160 |
$160 – $320 |
Note: Keep in mind, actual prices vary based on location, lawn size, and specific service requirements. Figures are based on data compiled from GorillaDesk.
What Factors Influence Lawn Care Pricing?
Lawn care pricing varies based on multiple factors, including the lawn size, regional pricing trends, and operational costs. Consider the following when developing your pricing models:
Lawn size and complexity: Larger laws require more time, labor, and resources. Yards with complex landscaping, hills, or obstacles involve extra effort compared to a flat, open space.
Location: Urban areas often have higher rates due to increased labor costs, while suburban and rural areas may have lower overheads but require more travel time, which can be factored into pricing.
Equipment and material costs: From mowers and trimmers to fertilizers and weed control solutions, equipment and materials get pricey. Consider upkeep costs when setting prices, as maintaining high-quality tools ensures professional results.
Labor costs and profit margins: Wages must be factored in if you have a team. Even solo operators should set rates accounting for their skill, time, and operational expenses while ensuring a reasonable profit margin.
How Should Seasonal Changes Affect Your Lawn Care Pricing?
Seasonal demand greatly influences lawn care pricing. Adjusting your rates and services based on seasonal needs helps you compete in the industry while maximizing profits.
Adjust for peak and off-seasons: Spring and summer are high-demand seasons. Set slightly higher rates during these months. In fall and winter, offer discounted services to maintain steady work.
Offer seasonal discounts and pricing: Encourage off-season bookings with special promotions and pricing rates. Consider fall cleanup discounts or winter lawn prep packages and/or adjusting your rates throughout the year to maintain a steady flow of work and revenue.
- Fall services: Leaf removal, aeration, overseeding, and winter prep.
- Winter services: Snow removal, ice management, and dormant seeding.
- Spring/summer services: Lawn mowing, fertilization, pest control, and landscaping.
Questions About Lawn Care Pricing
What’s the average profit margin for lawn care services?
Depending on overhead costs and pricing strategy, lawn care businesses typically see profit margins from 5% to 20% per job.
Should I charge extra for travel to distant locations?
Yes. If a job requires excessive travel, include a surcharge to cover fuel and time costs.
Should I include the cost of insurance in my service prices?
Yes, most professionals include the cost of insurance in their pricing model. Insurance protects your equipment, business, and customers, helping you handle unexpected issues without financial strain. Including it in your pricing keeps your business secure without cutting into your profits.
Stay Protected, Stay Profitable — Get Covered Today!
You work hard to price your services right — don’t let one accident wipe out your profits. Even a low-risk lawn care job can lead to expensive claims. A rock from your mower, a chemical spill on a customer’s lawn, or an employee injury can drain your income quickly.
The right insurance protects your income, keeps operations running smoothly, and gives you peace of mind. Get covered today and protect your hard-earned business revenue.
