Get matched with top lawn care maintenance and mowing pros in Ottumwa, IA

Mowing your lawn yourself is generally cheaper than paying someone to do it. While a lawn mower can cost between $80 and $2,500 depending on the type, professional mowing services charge between $30 and $80 per visit. Investing in your own mower means that over time, you can save money by handling the mowing yourself, especially if you maintain your lawn regularly.

While the wording may vary from company to company, lawn maintenance typically includes all the services that keep your current healthy lawn looking sharp. Think mowing, watering, weeding, and a spring or fall cleanup.

Lawn care digs a bit deeper. These packages may include services that elevate your lawn's health or address an issue throughout the year. Fertilization, pest and weed control, and dethatching all fall into this category.

There is no set-in-stone schedule for mowing your lawn, as each grass variety grows at a different rate depending on the season. Once you determine the type of grass in your lawn and its ideal height, aim to remove no more than the top third of the blade at a time to retain its healthy structure.

In the high growing season, this will likely break down to about once a week, which is why lawn care specialists often offer weekly plans.

Don’t mow your grass if it hasn’t grown more than one-third of its height since you last cut it. For example, if you want grass no more than 2 inches, don’t mow it until it’s 3 inches. Don’t cut your grass when wet, as it clumps together and places more stress on your mower’s blades and makes it harder for the sun to reach the turf. This can lead to mold or disease. Conversely, don’t mow when it’s too dry. But, if you do, be sure to raise your mower’s deck height by about half an inch to encourage slower growth.

Yes, landscaping can significantly add value to your home. High-quality landscape design offers a return on investment of 20% to 30%. A well-maintained lawn and attractive outdoor spaces enhance your property's curb appeal and market value, making it more appealing to potential buyers when you decide to sell.