It doesn’t matter where you are in the US!
The question remains…
Should I hire a lawn service to take care of my yard?
Or should I purchase equipment that is needed and do it myself?
Look there is a lot to this question, but don’t worry.
We have put a lot of thought into this age old question.
Let's take a look at the facts!
Consider the Costs of the Equipment
First, you will need to take a look at the costs of all the equipment you would need to care for your own lawn.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Riding Mower | $1,750 |
Leaf Blower | $150 |
Weed Eater | $100 |
Total | $2,000 |
The total cost of all of that is $2,000 dollars. That is a lot of money!
"But, It will pay for itself in the long run, right?"
Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true.
One of the things that people who take care of their own lawns may not think about, is the costs of maintaining the equipment.
Consider the Costs of Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Look, you can’t just consider the up-front costs of purchasing the equipment. There are a lot of additional costs that go into maintaining and repairing equipment in the long run.
What if your equipment breaks? It will cost more money to repair or replace.
Get this, that’s not all. You also need to do an annual oil change and tune up on the mower.
It is also important to keep the equipment in tip top shape. For example, sharpening the blades of the lawn mower twice a year is a must, and can cost about 75 dollars.
Not to mention, if you hit a rock or stump and need to take your mower to a shop for repair. You could quickly rack up $200-$300 in repair costs.
Consider the Time You Invest In Mowing the Lawn
Not only is money wasted, how about all the time you are putting into your lawn care?
Look, no one can argue that mowing a lawn on the weekend is a great hobby. But when you are considering the cost difference between hiring a lawn care professional and doing it yourself...
The cost of your labor should not be overlooked.
Just looking at averages, the average 1/2 acre will take you about two hours. Let’s say you are “paying yourself” $15 per hour. Oh and don't forget you also have to account for the two gallons of gas which is another $6.
That’s an additional $36 in costs each time you mow the lawn!
That may not sound like much, but it adds up quickly.
The Costs of Hiring a Professional
Then, there is the other side, hiring a lawn service.
The average lawn mowing price for 1/2 acre is $45.
Get this, that is just a little more than doing it yourself, but saves you so much time.
Better yet, you will get a top quality cut!
Finding the Right Lawn Care Guy
Now finding the right company can take diligence. You have to search around and find the right lawn guy or company. Sometimes companies will not even respond to you due to being busy.
Fortunately for you, that is where GreenPal comes into play! We make it simple to find a lawn care pro.
With GreenPal you simply need to sign up and wait for OBLIGATION FREE bids to roll in!
Don't waste any more time. You can go online and order the services you would like, right now!
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth paying for professional lawn care?
Paying for professional lawn care can be worth it if you value your time and want to ensure your lawn is healthy and well-maintained. Professionals have the expertise, equipment, and experience to address specific lawn care needs, potentially saving you money on costly mistakes over time.
What are the initial costs of purchasing lawn care equipment?
Initial costs for basic lawn care equipment, including a riding lawn mower, leaf blower, and weed eater, can total around $2,000. This does not include ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
Can regular lawn care improve my property's value?
Yes, regular lawn care can significantly improve your property's curb appeal and potentially increase its value. A well-maintained lawn and garden can make a strong first impression on potential buyers or renters, contributing to higher property values.
What is the best time of year to start lawn care services?
The best time to start lawn care services varies by region due to climate differences. Generally, early spring is ideal for most areas, as this is when grass starts actively growing. However, specific treatments like aeration and overseeding are most effective in the fall for cool-season grasses.
The Bottom Line on Hiring a Lawn Care Provider Vs. DIY Lawn Care
Time to compare... It would take about $36 to cut your lawn yourself. With about 30 times a year, that equals out to $1,080 to cut your own lawn each year.
Choosing a credible company would be about $45- $50 per 1/2 acre lawn. Multiply that by 30 mowings per year, that equals out to $1,350 a year. That is only really saving you $270 a year.
Even worse, it will take about seven years to recover the $1,750 that was invested in equipment.
That is not even including replacing or repairing equipment that breaks.
DIY vs. Professional Lawn Care Costs & Time:
Consideration | DIY Lawn Care | Professional Service |
---|---|---|
Initial Cost | $2,000 | $0 |
Annual Cost | $1,080 | $1,350 |
Time Investment | 65+ hours | 0 hours |
Convenience | Lower | Higher |
So, will you save yourself the headache, time, and money and hire a trusted company?
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