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Setting the right prices is one of the most important parts of running your own lawn care business. Understanding national averages and the different ways pros charge is your first step. Then, you can build a pricing strategy that fits your services, covers your costs, and allows you to quote jobs consistently and accurately.
This guide breaks down average lawn mowing rates, the factors that influence your final price, and the mistakes that can shrink profits without you noticing. You’ll also find practical pricing formulas, example bids, and best practices that help you build a repeatable pricing strategy for every lawn.
Key takeaways:
Before pricing jobs, here are the basics every lawn pro should know.
Know average price ranges: Most mowing jobs cost $45–$95 per visit. Weekly service runs $65–$100, monthly $200–$400, and annual plans $2,000–$4,000.
Choose the right pricing model: You can charge hourly, per square foot, or flat rate, depending on yard size and job complexity.
Account for all costs: Include labor, overhead, fuel, travel, equipment wear, and terrain difficulty when setting your final price.
Use upsells to grow revenue: Services like edging, trimming, mulching, fertilization, and seasonal clean-ups add value and increase profit per visit.
Jump ahead
- Average cost of lawn care services
- Lawn care pricing chart
- Lawn mowing pricing models
- Lawn mowing price calculator
- How to price lawn mowing jobs
- Common pricing mistakes to avoid
- How to explain price increases to lawn care customers
- How to create a lawn care price book in 2025
- How Housecall Pro's lawn care business software can help
Average cost of lawn care services
Lawn care services vary by lawn size, material costs, and the amount of labor required. Most homeowners spend an average of $100–$450 per visit for a combination of common lawn care tasks, with prices increasing for large yards or seasonal services.*
Before setting rates, compare what landscaping companies typically charge for common lawn care services so you can price competitively.
*All price ranges in this guide are sourced from national landscaping cost studies, contractor cost reports, and publicly available home-services pricing benchmarks, including 2025 data from Angi and LawnStarter.
How much to charge for lawn mowing
Lawn mowing is the backbone of most lawn care businesses and a key driver of recurring revenue. As of 2025, most lawn mowing pros charge $45–$60 per visit in the United States. Prices vary based on lawn size, service frequency, terrain, and cost-of-living differences between states and cities.
How much to charge for lawn mowing per acre
The larger the lawn is, the more you should charge. These averages show what landscapers usually charge for weekly mowing at different acreages:
| Lawn size | Typical weekly rate |
| Under 1/4 acre | $45–$70 |
| 1/4–1/2 acre | $65–$90 |
| 1/2–1 acre | $90–$130 |
| 1–2 acres | $130–$200 |
| 2–3 acres | $200–$300+ |
| 3+ acres | $300+ (often per acre pricing) |
Lawn care pricing chart
These price ranges show what landscaping pros usually charge for routine and add-on lawn services. Use them as a benchmark when building your own pricing menu.
| Service category | Price range |
| Weekly lawn service | $45–$300 (varies on acreage) |
| Monthly lawn service | $200–$1,200 (varies on acreage) |
| Annual lawn service | $2,000–$12,000 (based on acreage) |
| Lawn fertilization | $225 (varies by size) |
| Lawn aeration | $75–$204 (varies by size) |
| Lawn seeding | $100–$5,880 (varies by size) |
| Leaf removal | $190–$540 |
| Spring/fall yard cleanup | $100–$250 |
| Lawn winterization | $80–$380 |
| Tree pruning/trimming | $292–$638 |
| Landscape edging/curbing | $700–$1,700 |
| Sprinkler system installation | $1,700–$3,400 |
Lawn mowing pricing models
The pricing model you choose affects how predictable your revenue is and how easy it is for customers to understand your rates. Most lawn care pros use one of three core models, or a combination of them.
Lawn mowing rates per hour
Hourly pricing works best for unpredictable yards or one-time cleanups. Most pros charge $45–$60 per hour for average sized lawns, depending on:
- Skill level and labor costs
- Equipment quality (push vs riding mower)
- Local market demand
- Difficulty of terrain or trimming needs
Hourly pricing is a good fit for:
- Overgrown lawns
- Cleanup jobs
- Uneven or steep yards
- Unfamiliar properties
The downside is that customers sometimes prefer upfront, predictable totals.
Lawn mowing rates per square foot
Square-foot pricing gives you a consistent base for large or irregular yards. Typical rates range from $0.01–$0.05 per square foot, depending on:
- Yard size
- Terrain complexity
- Grass density
- Trimming requirements
Square-foot pricing is ideal for:
- One-acre or multi-acre properties
- HOAs and large estates
- Commercial lawns
Customers appreciate the transparency of this pricing model because the calculation is easy to explain.
Flat-rate pricing
Flat-rate pricing is the most common and customer-friendly model for lawn mowing. Flat rates are typically based on:
- Yard size
- Trimming and edging time
- Obstacles
- Grass height
- How often the yard is maintained
Pros prefer this model because:
- Quotes are faster
- Revenue is more predictable
- Customers approve estimates quickly
- It pairs well with recurring service plans
Weekly customers often pay a lower flat rate because their lawns take less time to maintain.
Hybrid pricing
Many lawn care businesses combine models to tailor rates to each job.
Common hybrid setups include:
- Flat rate for weekly recurring clients
- Hourly rate for cleanups or overgrowth
- Per-square-foot pricing for 1+-acre properties
- Travel fee for long-distance jobs
Hybrid pricing gives you flexibility while still keeping your pricing consistent.
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Lawn mowing price calculator
A pricing formula helps you create consistent, profitable mowing rates across different yard sizes, terrains, and service types.
Use this formula to estimate your lawn mowing price:
(Labor time × hourly rate) + Overhead + Equipment Cost + Profit Margin = Mowing Price
Example: Large 1-acre yard
Let’s say you’re completing a full-acre job that requires a riding mower, more fuel, and trimming.
Labor time: 1.25 hours
Hourly rate: $55 (higher-skilled labor + acreage-level mowing)
Overhead: $8 (increased transport time + larger equipment cost)
Equipment cost: $7 (fuel, belt wear, blade wear)
Profit margin: $15 (higher margin due to higher job value)
(1.25 × 55) + 8 + 7 + 15 = $98.75
Final price: $98.75
When to adjust your formula
There are a few situations where you should modify your pricing. If a job requires extra labor, longer mowing time, or increased travel or equipment, adjust your base formula to reflect the added time and operating costs. For example:
- Thick or overgrown grass that requires multiple passes
- Steep slopes or uneven ground that slow your mower
- Yards with heavy trimming around fences, beds, or trees
- Long drive times that reduce route efficiency
- High fuel prices or increased maintenance costs
This ensures your final price is fair while still protecting your margins.
Factors that affect lawn mowing prices
Every lawn has conditions that change how long the job takes, how much fuel you use, and how hard your equipment has to work. Consider these factors when setting your prices:
- Yard size: Bigger lawns require more mowing and trimming time, more fuel, and more equipment wear. Each size tier (1/4 acre,1/2 acre, 1 acre) should increase your base price.
- Terrain and slope: Slopes, dips, uneven ground, and areas a riding mower can’t access slow down your passes and increase strain on your equipment. Challenging terrain can add 10%–25% to your final price.
- Grass length and overgrowth: Tall or neglected grass needs multiple passes, clogs blades, and takes more time. Add first-visit or overgrowth surcharges to protect your margins.
- Obstacles and edging: Fences, trees, beds, playsets, and hardscape features add trimming time. The more obstacles, the higher the price.
- Service frequency: Lawns mowed weekly need less upkeep. Biweekly and monthly lawns take longer, require more trimming, and should always cost more per visit.
- Travel time: Long or inefficient routes reduce hourly revenue. Add a small travel fee when customers are outside your service area or can’t be grouped with nearby stops.
- Equipment wear and fuel: Thick grass, large properties, slopes, and wet conditions all increase fuel use and accelerate mower and blade wear. Your pricing should always account for these operating costs.
How to price lawn mowing jobs in 2025
A profitable pricing strategy starts with knowing your costs and charging rates that protect your time, equipment, and margins. Follow these steps to create consistent, sustainable pricing as your business grows.
Step 1: Calculate overhead
Overhead includes the expenses that keep your business running but aren’t tied to a specific job.
Common overhead costs include:
- Fuel and vehicle expenses
- Equipment storage or shop space
- Insurance and licensing
- Software, invoicing, and marketing tools
- Accountant or admin costs
To calculate your hourly overhead:
- Add up your monthly overhead.
- Divide by your billable hours.
- Add this number to your pricing formula.
This ensures every job pays its share of your operating expenses.
Step 2: Add labor
Labor goes beyond hourly wages. It includes taxes and benefits associated with each worker. If you’re a solo operator, you should still account for your own labor by assigning yourself an hourly rate that reflects your skill level, experience, and the income you want the business to generate. This ensures you’re pricing based on real time and not accidentally undercharging.
Labor burden often includes:
- Payroll taxes
- Workers’ comp
- Paid time off
- Training and onboarding time
- Employee benefits (if offered)
These costs typically add 20%–35% to your base labor cost. Solo operators can treat this percentage as a “self-employment burden” to cover taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, and time spent on nonbillable tasks like quoting, scheduling, and equipment maintenance.
Step 3: Set minimum profit margins
Your profit margin is what’s left after covering labor, overhead, and equipment costs.
A healthy margin range for lawn care services is:
- 10%–20% in competitive suburbs
- 20%–35% in high-demand or high-cost areas
Knowing your minimum acceptable margin helps you avoid unprofitable jobs.
→ Try our profit margin calculator to find your target rate quickly.
Step 4: Build recurring service packages
Offering recurring lawn mowing plans keeps your schedule full, makes revenue more predictable, and strengthens customer relationships.
Popular recurring packages include:
- Weekly mowing
- Biweekly mowing
- Seasonal fertilization
- Spring and fall cleanup
- Bundled maintenance plans
Weekly customers are often the most profitable because their lawns need less work per visit, saving you time and labor while still earning steady revenue.
Pro tip: Regular mowing jobs are easier to manage when they’re automated. Housecall Pro’s recurring service plans help you schedule visits automatically and keep income steady during peak season.
Step 5: Standardize your pricing
Using a consistent pricing system makes it easier to generate quotes and builds customer trust. Use:
- A clear formula for estimating every job
- Pricing tiers for different yard sizes
- Predictable surcharges (long grass, heavy trimming, slopes)
- Consistent hourly and per-square-foot rates
A standardized system is especially important when hiring additional crew members because it keeps pricing consistent.
Step 6: Review your pricing every year
Fuel, equipment, and labor costs rise over time. Update your pricing regularly to make sure these price hikes don’t eat into your profits.
Many lawn care pros increase rates by:
- 5%–10% for recurring clients
- More for underpriced service areas
- Additional adjustments for inflation or fuel spikes.
Common pricing mistakes to avoid
Even experienced pros lose profit to avoidable pricing mistakes. Understanding where those gaps happen helps you build a more predictable and profitable pricing system.
Here are the most common mistakes:
- Underestimating labor time: Missing small tasks like trimming, traveling between yard sections, cleanup, and equipment prep leads to undercharging across your entire route.
- Ignoring equipment wear: Blades, belts, engines, and fuel all add real costs. If you don’t build equipment wear into your pricing, you pay for it out of your own pocket.
- Not charging for overgrowth or first-time cuts: Tall or neglected grass requires multiple passes, clogs blades, and takes longer. Always apply a first-visit or long-grass surcharge.
- Skipping travel fees: Long drive times lower hourly revenue. Add a travel fee for customers outside your service zone or when jobs can’t be grouped efficiently.
- Pricing without a margin target: Copying competitor prices is risky. Healthy lawn care margins typically run 10%–20% in competitive suburbs and 20%–35% in higher-cost markets.
- Charging weekly and biweekly clients the same: Less frequent cuts take longer and use more fuel. Biweekly and monthly visits should always cost more per visit.
- Not raising prices annually: Costs rise every year. Annual increases of 5%–10% help protect your margins over time.
How to explain price increases to lawn care customers
Price increases are a normal part of running a lawn care business, and customers respond well when you communicate changes clearly. Here are some tips to explain these changes professionally:
- Give customers advance notice: Provide at least 30 days notice before rate changes take effect, especially for recurring plans or annual contract renewals. Early communication shows respect and reduces pushback.
- Explain the value they’re receiving: Customers are more accepting when they understand what they’re paying for—better equipment, rising fuel costs, improved reliability, faster response times, or expanded service coverage.
- Keep the message simple: A clear notice should include the new price, the effective date, what’s included, and reassurance that their property will continue to be cared for properly. Simple, friendly language works best.
- Offer loyalty perks when appropriate: Long-time customers appreciate small gestures such as a one-time discount, free edging, priority scheduling, or grandfathered rates on select services.
- Stay confident in your pricing: Customers take cues from your tone. Confidence comes from understanding your costs, target margins, service quality, and long-term goals. When you speak with certainty, customers trust the update.
Lawn care price increase letter (template)
If you need to update your mowing rates, a simple message helps customers understand the change and feel confident about staying with your service. Use this template as a starting point.
Hi [Customer Name],
I’m reaching out to inform you of a minor update to our pricing. Due to rising fuel, equipment, and labor costs, your mowing rate will change from [old price] to [new price] starting on [date].
This adjustment helps us maintain high-quality service, reliable scheduling, and the professional results your lawn depends on. All services currently included in your plan will remain unchanged.
If you have any questions, I’m here to help. Thank you for your continued business and trust.
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email or Website]
Learn more: How to Write a Price Increase Letter (Templates & Tips)
How to create a lawn care price book in 2025
A price book keeps your pricing consistent, easy to explain, and profitable as your business grows. Here’s how to create a structure your team can use on every job.
- List your core services: Start with the work you perform most often—weekly and biweekly mowing, edging, trimming, fertilization, aeration, mulch installation, and seasonal cleanups. A clear service list makes the rest of your price book easier to build.
- Create pricing tiers: Use predictable flat rates for common yard sizes (under 1/4 acre, 1/4–1/2 acre, 1/2–1 acre, 1+ acres). Each tier should reflect labor time, fuel use, and trimming complexity.
- Add upsells and add-ons: Standardize profitable add-ons like edging, mulch top-ups, dethatching, fertilization, weed control, and seasonal pruning. Upsells help increase revenue per visit and improve lawn health.
- Include your pricing formulas: Add the same formulas you use in estimates—labor-based pricing, per-square-foot rates, and clear surcharges for long grass, slopes, obstacles, or travel. Formulas ensure consistency across your team.
- Update your price book annually: Review your pricing once a year to account for rising fuel costs, equipment maintenance, labor changes, new services, and inflation.
Example lawn care price book
This sample price book shows how you can structure clear, consistent pricing for weekly and biweekly mowing, upsells, add-ons, and special conditions.
| Scenario | Inputs | Labor-time formula | Final price |
| Weekly small-yard | 0.5 hr @ $60/hr, $8 overhead, $4 equipment, $13 profit | (0.5 × 60) + 8 + 4 + 13 = 55 | $55 |
| Biweekly medium-yard | 0.83 hr @ $65/hr, $5 overhead, $6 equipment, $8 profit | (0.83 × 65) + 5 + 6 + 8 = 72.95 → 73 | $73 |
| Large 1-acre weekly | 1.25 hr) @ $65/hr, $10 overhead, $8 equipment, $11 profit | (1.25 × 65) + 10 + 8 + 11 = 110.25 → 110 | $110 |
| First-visit overgrowth | 1.08 hr @ $50/hr, $8 overhead, $6 equipment, $26 profit | (1.08 × 50) + 8 + 6 + 26 = 94 → 95 | $95 |
Pro tip: Housecall Pro’s Price Book lets you store mowing tiers, upsells, and surcharges in one place so you can quote faster and never undercharge.
How Housecall Pro’s lawn care business software can help
Pricing lawn care services can feel like a moving target: costs shift, lawns vary, and no two jobs are the same. Housecall Pro makes it easier by giving you the tools to price confidently, stay profitable, and streamline every part of your business.
Our lawn care business software comes with:
- Flat-rate pricing: Stop guessing on job costs. Housecall Pro’s Price Book provides pre-set, customizable rates for common lawn care services so you can quote confidently every time.
- Seamless estimating and invoicing: Quickly transform estimates into work orders and generate professional invoices that integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks.
- Job profitability tracking: See which jobs make you money in real time. Track labor, materials, and margins so you can fine-tune your pricing and maximize profit on every visit.
- Recurring service plans: Keep revenue steady year-round with built-in recurring service plans. Easily create, schedule, and manage ongoing agreements so customers stay on your calendar and your cash flow stays consistent.
Trying to figure out the best pricing method and model for lawn care services isn’t always easy, but with Housecall Pro, you’ve got a solid partner to help you get it right.
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Try Housecall Pro for free today and take the first step toward having a more profitable, efficient, and streamlined lawn care business.
