How Much Does Lawn Mowing Cost? [2024]

Nothing beats the look of a neat and tidy lawn, but keeping your lawn mowed can be a time-consuming task. Hiring a lawn mowing professional could be just what you need if you'd rather be kicking back and enjoying your garden — not working in it.

In this article, we explore what factors impact lawn mowing costs so you can choose the best service provider for your needs. Read on for more information including:

• What factors influence lawn mowing prices?
• How much does lawn mowing cost?
• How do lawn mowing prices compare in different states?
• Benefits of using a lawn mowing service
• How long does it take for a lawn to be mowed?
• Regular vs. casual lawn mowing service
• How often should a lawn be mowed?
• How to choose the right lawn mowing service

What factors influence lawn mowing prices?

In general, the cost of a lawn mowing job will depend on the time it will take to complete and the difficulty of the job. If you can think of anything that will make the job take longer or if it will be more difficult, then chances are that it will cost more. 

Some common factors that influence lawn mowing costs include:

• The size of the lawn: Larger lawns will generally take longer to mow than smaller ones and the cost will usually reflect this. If you have a rough estimate of your lawn size when you get in contact with your lawn mower, you can get a more accurate quote for your job
• The condition of the lawn: Lawns that are overgrown or have a lot of weeds require more time and effort. Longer grass is also harder to cut and they will need to empty the catchers more regularly. If you’re paying for edging or fertilising, these jobs can also become much harder if they’re starting with an unkempt lawn
• Services provided: Basic lawn mower services include mowing and cleaning up grass clippings. Additional services such as edging (cutting a crisp edge between the lawn and things like paths and flowerbeds), fertilising and aeration will increase the total cost
• The location: How far away you are from the service, the difficulty of accessing your lawn and the state you live in can all affect the cost of your lawn mowing service. There are also differences in the cost of living and supply and demand in your area that can impact lawn mowing costs
• The equipment:  Different jobs may require your lawn mower to use different equipment. In general, things like a riding mower (used for large properties and acreages) will cost more than push mowers. If they have to bring along specialised equipment for edging and fertilisation, you may also be charged more
• Time of year: Your lawn will grow at different rates depending on the seasons, in spring and summer months you will likely be paying for more regular mowing to keep up with the rate your grass is growing. Peak times will also likely see changes in the price of lawn mowing

How much does lawn mowing cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $45 and $85 per hour for regular professional lawn mowing services and up to $120 per hour for sit-on lawn mowing services. The average hourly rate for lawn mowing services usually sit somewhere around $66. 

In general, you expect to pay the following ballpark figures to mow different lawn sizes: 

• Small lawn (up to 80m2): $40 - $80 
• Large lawn (up to 160m2): $60 - $90 
• Very large lawn: $90 - $120, as these lawns will likely need a ride-on mower to get the job done 

Lawn mowing rates can also be higher or lower depending on the specific services you need and who you choose to hire. Always get a few different quotes from lawn-mowing businesses before deciding.

How do lawn mowing prices compare in different states?

Costs vary from state to state due to differences in cost of living, competition, supply and demand, travel time and equipment costs. Even within a particular state, costs differ, with regional and urban areas having different pricing structures.

Some examples of average lawn mowing costs per state include:

• New South Wales (NSW): $60 per hour
• Victoria: $45 per hour 
• Queensland: $55 per hour
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): $50 per hour
• Western Australia: $40 per hour
• Tasmania: $40 per hour 
• South Australia: $45 per hour

In general, a lawn mowing job will cost between $50 and $150 in total unless you have a very large lawn, an acreage or any specialist requirements.

What are the benefits of using a lawn mowing service?

It’s understandable to want to know why you should go with a professional service over doing your lawns yourself.

There are several benefits to hiring someone to help, some of which may be surprising. If any of the following sound like priorities for you, then it might be best to get in contact with a pro:

• Time-saving: Mowing the lawn can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large lawn or it's in bad condition. By using a lawn mowing service, you can free up your time to focus on other things
• Convenience: A tradie takes care of everything for you, including mowing, edging and cleaning up the grass clippings. This can be especially convenient for people who are unable to mow their own lawns due to age, mobility issues or other reason
• Expertise: Professional gardeners have the expertise and equipment to properly maintain your lawn. This can help ensure that your lawn is healthy and looks its best
• Consistency: A regular lawn mowing service helps make sure that your lawn is consistently well-maintained, which can improve its appearance and even add value to your property. This can also be useful for landlords who want to keep their investments looking smart
• Lawn maintenance: Properly maintained lawns are healthier and more resistant to pests and diseases. This can in turn make them easier to maintain in the future. It can also ensure that pests don’t get attracted to your home

How long does it take for a professional to mow my lawn?

The amount of time it takes to have your lawn mowed depends on the size of your lawn, the condition and length of the grass, and the type of mower being used. You’ll generally find that most lawns can be mowed within an hour or two.

It’s important to remember that mowing is just one part of proper lawn care. Other tasks, such as edging, fertilising and watering are also important for maintaining a healthy lawn. The more regularly these things are done, the easier and quicker it will be next time which can reduce the overall cost of your service.

What is the difference between a regular and casual lawn mowing service?

When choosing your lawn mowing service, you’re likely to come across the terms casual or regular mowing services. As the names imply, this is usually to do with the frequency you get your lawns mowed. 

A regular lawn mowing service is scheduled on a consistent basis, such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly. This helps with ongoing lawn maintenance and lawn care.

A casual lawn mowing service is on an as-needed basis, say before an outdoor party or while you’re on holiday.

One-off lawn mowing might cost more than ongoing maintenance, as some service providers offer a discount for ongoing contracts. 

How often should a lawn be mowed?

Several factors will determine how often you need your lawn mowed, and these are mostly up to your personal preferences: 

• Type of grass you have
• Length you want your lawn 
• How regularly you want someone to mow and maintain it

The seasons and weather is another factor that will change the rate your grass grows, and therefore, the frequency at which you need to mow your lawn. As a good rule of thumb, mow your lawn once a week or fortnight during summer and monthly or six-weekly in other seasons. If you’re in an area that experiences regular rain or particularly wet seasons, it’ll be worth mowing weekly or fortnightly during those times. 

How can I choose the right lawn mowing service?

When choosing lawn mowing professionals, there are a few key factors to consider when trying to find the perfect one for you.

• Experience: What qualifications or accreditations does the company offer? How long has the company been established?
• Pricing: Get quotes from a few companies to get an idea of the going rate in your area. Remember, the cheapest isn't always the best
• Reputation: Check out online reviews or ask to speak to existing customers to get an idea of their reputation
• Services offered: Lawnmowers often offer other general garden maintenance services such as grass cutting, weed control, weed spraying, soil aeration, edging, fertilising, and watering. Consider what services you need before choosing your service provider.
• Insurance: Lawn mowing businesses should have insurance in case of any accidents or damage to your property.

Head to our directory to find the best local lawn mowing services. If you're quoted an hourly rate, make sure they also tell you how many hours they'll need to complete the job.