Home › Home & Energy › How Much Does Lawn Care Cost? (2026 Guide)

How Much Does Lawn Care Cost? (2026 Guide)

Lawn mowing costs $30–$80 per visit. Full-service lawn care (mowing, fertilizing, weed control) runs $100–$350/month. Lawn size is the biggest cost driver.

Updated Mar 2026Home & Energy$500–$3,000/yr
Lawn Care Cost Calculator
Estimate your annual lawn care cost by size and services
to
Estimated range based on your inputs
⚠️ Based on national averages. Get 3+ local quotes for accurate pricing.

Lawn Care Cost Breakdown

ServiceCostFrequencyNotes
Mowing (1/4 acre)$30–$55/visitWeekly or bi-weeklyMost common service
Fertilization$50–$150/application4–6x per yearPart of full-service plans
Weed control$50–$100/application4–6x per yearPre and post-emergent
Aeration$75–$200/visit1–2x per yearFall best for cool-season grass
Overseeding$100–$350/visit1x per year (fall)Thickens thin lawn
Lawn dethatching$150–$300/visitEvery 2–3 yearsRemoves thatch buildup
Leaf removal$150–$400/visitFallOften add-on service
How Costs Compare
8%
8%
12%
17%
25%
25%
Mowing (1/4 acre) 5%
Fertilization 8%
Weed control 8%
Aeration 12%
Overseeding 17%
Lawn dethatching 25%
Leaf removal 25%

Pro Tips for Lawn Care

Bi-weekly saves 30–40% vs weekly — Most lawns do fine with bi-weekly mowing except during peak spring growth. Switch to weekly only in April–June.
Aeration is the most underrated service — Core aeration at $75–$200 once a year does more for lawn health than fertilizer. Loosens compacted soil and lets water/nutrients reach roots.
Fall overseeding beats spring — For cool-season grasses, overseed in early September not spring. Soil temperature is ideal and competition from weeds is lower.
Compare national chains vs local — TruGreen and Lawn Doctor charge 20–40% more than local operators for the same services. Get 3 local quotes before signing a national contract.

Get Lawn Care Quotes

Compare providers near you — free, no obligation

🔒 Free, no obligation. Your info stays private.

DIY vs Professional Lawn Care

ApproachAnnual CostTimeBest For
Full DIY$200–$600/yr4–8 hrs/monthBudget-conscious, enjoy yard work
Mowing only service$500–$1,500/yrMinimalHate mowing but do fertilizing
Full-service pro$1,200–$3,500/yrNoneBusy homeowners, rental properties
Lawn subscription (e.g. TruGreen)$400–$900/yrNoneFertilizing/weed only, DIY mowing

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does lawn mowing cost per visit?▼
The average is $45–$65 per visit for a typical suburban lot (1/4 acre). Small city lots run $30–$45. Large lots over 1 acre run $100–$200+. Most services require a minimum of $30–$40.
Is it worth hiring a lawn care service?▼
At $500–$1,500/year for mowing only, it's worth it if your time is worth more than $15–$20/hour. A quality riding mower costs $1,500–$4,000 — it takes 3–5 years to break even on equipment alone.
What does full-service lawn care include?▼
Full-service typically includes mowing, edging, fertilization (4–6x/yr), weed control, and sometimes aeration/overseeding. Expect $1,500–$4,000/year for a typical suburban lawn.
When should I fertilize my lawn?▼
Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue): fertilize in fall (September) and spring (April). Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, St. Augustine): fertilize in late spring through summer when actively growing.
Related Calculators
LandscapingTree RemovalFenceDeck
📊 Data Sources & Methodology
Cost data from HomeAdvisor, Angi, LawnStarter, and lawn care company surveys. Regional pricing verified across 50 states. Updated March 2026. Learn more about our methodology.