How much does lawn care cost per month?
$120–$450/month during peak season for a typical 1/4 acre yard, depending on which services are bundled.
Lawn Care Cost Calculator — Free 2026 Mowing, Fertilizer & Service Estimate
How much does lawn care cost per month? Most homeowners pay $120–$450/month during peak season for weekly mowing plus standard treatments. This page covers ongoing lawn maintenance pricing — for new lawn installation, see our lawn installation cost calculator.
Estimated monthly cost (peak season)
$160 – $240
For weekly mowing on a medium lawn at national-average pricing.
Lawn care service prices (2026 averages)
| Service | Small lawn | Medium lawn | Large lawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mowing (per visit) | $30–$45 | $45–$70 | $75–$130 |
| Fertilizer treatment (each) | $50–$75 | $70–$110 | $120–$180 |
| Weed control (each) | $40–$70 | $60–$95 | $95–$160 |
| Aeration (annual) | $80–$140 | $130–$220 | $240–$420 |
| Fall leaf removal (per visit) | $120–$220 | $220–$400 | $400–$750 |
| Full annual program | $650–$1,200 | $1,100–$2,200 | $2,200–$4,500 |
DIY vs hiring a lawn care service
DIY upfront cost: $350–$900 once for a decent mower, string trimmer, and a year of fertilizer and weed control. Ongoing materials: $120–$300/year. Total time: 25–40 hours per growing season.
Service-provider cost on a medium lawn: $1,100–$2,200/year for the full program (mowing + 4 fert apps + 4 weed control + aeration + leaf removal). The breakeven question is whether 30 hours of your time is worth more than ~$1,000.
What is and isn’t in a "standard" lawn care contract
A standard weekly mowing contract typically includes: mowing, edging beds and walkways, line trimming around obstacles, and blowing clippings off paved surfaces. It typically excludes: fertilization, weed control, aeration, leaf removal, branch pickup, dethatching, overseeding, irrigation servicing, and any chemical treatments. Always confirm what’s in vs out before signing.
Lawn care vs lawn installation — which page do I need?
If you’re planning to install a new lawn (sod, seed, hydroseed, or full renovation), use our lawn installation cost calculator. This page is for recurring care on an existing lawn. If you want a refresh of an overgrown yard before starting service, our yard cleanup cost calculator covers that.
Related calculators
Browse all our free tools: landscaping cost calculator, garden cost, backyard renovation, 2026 cost guide.
FAQ
How often should the lawn be mowed?
Weekly during peak growing season (May–Sept in most US regions), then every 10–14 days in shoulder months.
Is annual or pay-per-visit cheaper?
Annual contracts typically discount 8–15% off the per-visit equivalent, plus they lock in your slot during the busy season.
Should I tip the lawn crew?
Not expected for routine service. A $30–$60 end-of-season thank-you to the crew is generous if the work has been excellent.