Lawn Mowing
A well-maintained lawn can be the envy of any neighbourhood. Not only is it visually pleasing, but it also promotes a thriving environment by encouraging healthy grass growth and preventing weeds.
Lawn mowing is an essential part of lawn care, therefore if you don’t have the time, equipment, or skills to do it yourself, this may be a good opportunity to hire a professional lawn mowing business.
We outline everything you need to know about lawn mowing, its costs, and hiring an expert below.
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Overview
- What do lawn mowing contractors do?
- Why hire a lawn mowing contractor?
- Lawn mowing techniques
- Lawn mowing for beginners
- Common lawn mowing mistakes
- How much does lawn mowing cost?
- Can lawn mowing contractors work without a licence?
- Questions to ask a lawn mowing contractor
- Choosing the best lawn mower to hire
What do lawn mowing contractors do?
A professional lawn care business should have expertise in several aspects of lawn maintenance to keep your property in prime condition, including mowing, watering, drought protection, and aeration.
Often, lawn mowing and gardening services will go hand-in-hand, so your contractor may also be able to offer help with planting, mulching, pruning, fertilising, weed control, and hedging.
We recommend hiring someone who is capable of a wide range of tasks — even if you don’t need them all now, it will save you from having to hire a second contractor down the track when your lawn mowing expert can complete all the work in a single visit instead.
Why hire a lawn mowing contractor?
Regular mowing is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. By cutting the grass to the appropriate height, mowing encourages the growth of strong, deep roots and prevents weeds from taking over.
It's also important to mow at the right frequency, as cutting too often can damage the lawn, and too infrequently can leave the grass overgrown and susceptible to disease. The ideal mowing height and frequency can vary depending on the type of grass, so if you don’t have time to do the research yourself, consult a lawn care professional to ensure that your lawns are being mowed correctly.
Keeping your lawn in good condition will also make you more inclined to spend time outside, enjoying a picnic in the yard, kicking a ball around, or reading on the grass.
Lawn Mowing Techniques
There are certain best practices that should be followed when it comes to lawn mowing, such as using the appropriate mowing pattern, cutting the grass to the right height and mowing at the right frequency.
For example, mowing in a different pattern each time can help to prevent the grass from leaning in one direction, and keeping the mowing height consistent can help to prevent weeds from running rampant. Additionally, some grass types may need different mowing frequencies in different seasons or weather conditions, so it's essential to adjust accordingly.
Lawn Mowing for Beginners
Lawn mowing can seem overwhelming for beginners if you want to take the DIY route, but with a few tips, it can be manageable and fulfilling.
One important tip is to start by mowing a small section of the lawn at a time, rather than trying to tackle the entire lawn in one go. This allows you to focus on each area and ensure that you're mowing correctly. Another important tip is to always make sure to use the appropriate mowing height for your grass type, as cutting the grass too short can damage the lawn.
Before mowing, be sure to check the blades of your mower, make sure they are sharp and clean. Also, try mowing when the grass is dry, not only because it's more comfortable but also to reduce the risk of clogging your mower.
Lastly, take your time and enjoy the process of maintaining a beautiful lawn!
Common Lawn Mowing Mistakes
Despite its importance, many people make common mistakes when mowing their lawns.
One of the most common mistakes is cutting the grass too short, which can damage the lawn and make it more likely to encourage disease and weeds. Another mistake is not mowing frequently enough, which can lead to overgrowth and uneven grass height. Additionally, not regularly maintaining the mower, such as cleaning and sharpening the blades, can cause damage to the lawn and make mowing less efficient.
It's important to be aware of these mistakes and to take steps to avoid them in order to maintain a healthy lawn and unnecessary costs down the track. You can overcome these issues by finding a professional lawn mowing service to help you.
How much does lawn mowing cost?
Lawn mowing prices will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The size of your lawn
- How regularly it will be mowed
- Type of grass
- Grass height
- Whether edge trimming is needed
- Removal of green waste
- If you have a mower on-site
As an estimate, the cost can range anywhere from $25 to $150 per hour. It’s best to gather a handful of lawn mowing quotes to get an idea of what to expect in your local area.
While the cost of professional lawn mowing may seem like a considerable investment, it can save you from having to decide what lawn mower to buy, and will also give you more time to spend on your own work or enjoying yourself with family and friends on weekends — so, consider this when weighing up the pros and cons.
Can lawn mowing contractors work without a licence?
In Australia, the requirements for licensing and registration vary by state and territory. Currently, there are no specific licensing requirements for mowing lawns.
If any structural landscaping will be completed, your lawn maintenance contractor may need a licence for projects over a certain dollar value.
It's best to check with the government agency responsible for trades licensing in your state or territory to determine what, if any, licensing requirements apply to businesses in your area.
Questions to Ask a Lawn Mowing Contractor
Here are some questions you may want to ask when hiring a professional for your lawn mowing jobs:
- Can you provide references or a portfolio of previous work?
- Are you insured?
- How long have you been in the lawn mowing business?
- What services do you typically include in a lawn mowing package?
- Do you have experience with residential or commercial lawns?
- How often do you recommend maintaining my lawn?
- What is your pricing structure?
- How do you communicate with clients during the process?
- Are you flexible with your schedule and can you work on weekends if necessary?
These questions should help you get a better understanding of the business’ experience, qualifications, and approach to lawn maintenance.
You can also ask more specific questions depending on your requirements, and make sure to get a detailed, written estimate of the work to be done and the cost involved.
Choosing the Best Lawn Mower to Hire
Doing adequate research and communicating thoroughly with potential contractors will help you select the best person for the job.
Here are a few more tips to begin:
1. Gather Quotes
Enter the details of your lawn mowing job on Service.com.au, and we'll provide you with a list of local businesses that may help.
2. Narrow Down Your Search
We use a three-tier badge system to help you make the right choice. We recommend selecting a lawn mowing contractor with the highest level (badge 3 – ‘recommended’) from our three-step verification process.
Badge levels are:
- Verified
- Trusted
- Recommended
3. Do Further Research
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, check out the contractor’s online presence to determine their reputation and services. View their website and social media to see past customer reviews and the quality of their work in photos.
With regular upkeep and attention, your lawn will be looking its absolute best in the long run. If you’re uncertain about the process, reach out to the experts for help.
Get free quotes in minutes.
Get quotes from our qualified and licensed tradies Australia-wide.
Please note that all prices mentioned are in AUD and are to be used as an approximate guide only. These prices may differ by location and at the discretion of each business and are accurate at the time of writing.