Whether you want a tidy lawn every week, a one-time cleanup, or a new backyard, one of the first questions is what it will cost. And it’s surprisingly hard to compare. One company quotes by the hour, another by the visit, and a third offers a monthly plan.
Prices vary by region, season, and the size and condition of your yard, so this guide doesn’t list numbers. Instead, it explains how landscapers price their work, what drives the cost, and how to compare quotes so you can tell what you’re getting.
Lawn care vs. landscaping
It helps to know which kind of service you need:
- Lawn care and maintenance: mowing, edging, blowing, weeding, trimming, and seasonal tasks
- Landscaping projects: design, planting, irrigation, hardscaping like patios and walls, and lighting
- One-time jobs: yard cleanups, hauling debris, or prepping a home for sale
Maintenance is usually priced as an ongoing service. Projects are usually priced as a total bid.
How landscapers charge
Hourly
Common for small or hard-to-define jobs, like a few hours of yard work, cleanup, or pruning. Ask how many people are on the crew, whether the rate is per person or per crew, whether there’s a minimum, and whether travel or disposal is extra.
Per visit
Often used for mowing and routine maintenance. Each visit has a set price based on your yard and the tasks included.
Monthly or seasonal plans
Many companies offer a set monthly price for regular service. This can make budgeting easier. Ask how many visits are included, what happens in months when the grass grows slowly, and what’s excluded.
Project bids
For design or installation work, expect a written bid covering labor, materials, equipment, and timeline.
What drives the price
- Yard size and layout: larger lawns, slopes, and lots of obstacles take longer.
- Tasks included: mowing only versus edging, trimming, weeding, leaf removal, and hedge work
- Frequency: weekly, every other week, or as needed
- Condition: overgrown yards often need a first-time cleanup.
- Disposal: hauling away clippings and debris
- Materials: plants, mulch, soil, rock, and irrigation parts for projects
- Equipment and access: narrow gates, steep hills, or specialized equipment
- Location and season: local labor costs and busy seasons
In drier regions like Southern California, water-wise plants and irrigation efficiency are common topics. Local water rules may affect irrigation schedules, so ask your landscaper what applies.
What’s included in “lawn care”?
“Lawn care” can mean very different things to different companies. Before comparing prices, ask exactly what’s included:
- Mowing, edging, and blowing
- Trimming hedges and shrubs
- Weeding beds
- Leaf and debris removal
- Fertilizing or weed control
- Irrigation checks
- Seasonal cleanups
Fertilizer and pest treatments may require specific licenses in some states. Ask who performs them and how.
How to compare quotes
- Use the same scope. Give each company the same list of tasks and frequency.
- Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote listing tasks, frequency, pricing method, and exclusions.
- Ask about extras. Disposal, cleanups, and add-on services are common sources of surprise charges.
- Understand contract terms. Ask about contract length, cancellation, and price changes.
- Look at value, not just price. Reliability, communication, and quality matter for an ongoing service.
Step 1: Ask people you know
Neighbors are the best source here. If a yard on your street always looks great, ask who takes care of it, how much is included, and how reliable they are. Friends, your HOA, and your property manager may also know good crews.
Questions to ask
- How do you price, and what’s included?
- Is there a minimum charge?
- How many people will be on the crew?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How do you handle skipped visits or bad weather?
- What happens if I’m not happy with a visit?
- Can I adjust services seasonally?
Red flags
- Vague quotes without listed tasks
- No proof of insurance
- Long contracts with strict cancellation penalties
- Inconsistent communication before you even sign
- Cash-only payment with no receipts
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
The neighbor with the great-looking yard can tell you who does the work and what’s included. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
What does a landscaper charge per hour?
Hourly rates vary by region, crew size, and the type of work. Ask whether a rate is per person or per crew, and whether there’s a minimum.
Is monthly lawn care worth it?
A monthly plan can simplify budgeting and keep your yard consistent. Ask how many visits are included and what’s excluded.
How much does a few hours of yard work cost?
It depends on the tasks, crew size, disposal, and local rates. Describe the job clearly and ask for a written quote.
Why are landscaping quotes so different?
Differences in tasks, frequency, crew size, disposal, and materials often explain the gap. Compare quotes based on the same scope.
What should a lawn care contract include?
Look for listed tasks, frequency, pricing, exclusions, how weather is handled, and cancellation terms.
Find a landscaper your network already trusts
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