Some homeowners enjoy mowing on a Saturday morning; others would rather spend that time anywhere else. Between the two are many combinations: DIY mowing with a service for treatments, or a crew for everything. This guide compares the options and what to check if you hire a lawn care company.
Key takeaways
- DIY saves money but takes time, equipment and some knowledge.
- A service saves time; check insurance and, for chemical treatments, any state licensing.
- Many homeowners mix: mowing themselves, hiring for aeration, treatments or cleanups.
What lawn care involves
A typical lawn needs mowing through the growing season, occasional edging and trimming, watering in dry spells, and sometimes fertilizing, weed control, aeration and overseeding. Fall and spring cleanups handle leaves and debris. The workload depends on lawn size, grass type and your standards.
Doing it yourself
DIY gives you full control and usually costs less over time, but it requires equipment, storage, time and knowledge. You choose when to mow, how high to cut and which products to use. Learning to read your lawn’s needs takes a few seasons.
Hiring a service
A service handles the work on a schedule and brings the equipment. Good crews notice problems early. The trade-offs are cost, less control over timing and methods, and the need to vet the company.
Mixing both
Many homeowners mow and water themselves and hire specialists for tasks that need equipment or expertise, such as core aeration, overseeding, treatments or large cleanups. This can be a good balance of cost and effort.
Options at a glance
| DIY | Service | Mixed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower ongoing | Higher | Middle |
| Time | Most | Least | Moderate |
| Equipment | You buy and store | Provided | Some |
| Control | Full | Less | Shared |
| Knowledge | You learn | Provided | Shared |
What to check when hiring
- Proof of liability insurance.
- Any state license required for applying pesticides or fertilizers.
- A clear list of services and schedule.
- How they handle rain delays and skipped visits.
- Contract length and cancellation terms.
The FTC’s general advice for home service contractors applies: check licensing with the state or county, ask for proof of insurance, get written estimates and read the contract carefully. See Checking a Landscaper’s License and Insurance.
Chemical treatments
Many states license companies and individuals who apply pesticides commercially. Ask what products will be used, why, and how you will be notified, especially if you have children, pets or a vegetable garden. Ask whether treatments are applied on a fixed schedule or only when needed.
Tip: Ask a lawn company to explain why each treatment is needed for your lawn. A company that tests soil and targets problems is usually a better fit than one that sells the same program to every house.
Mowing basics if you DIY
Keep mower blades sharp, avoid cutting off too much of the grass blade at once, and adjust mowing height for your grass type and season. Leaving clippings on the lawn returns nutrients to the soil. Your cooperative extension service publishes guidance for your region’s grasses.
Watering and the service
Most lawn services do not water. If you hire one, you still manage irrigation, which strongly affects results. See Watering Your Lawn the Smart Way: When, How Often and How Long.
Which option fits
If you have time and enjoy yard work, DIY with help for occasional heavy tasks is often the best value. If time is short or the lawn is large, a full service may be worth it. If you only want the lawn to look tidy, a mowing-only service plus good watering habits may be enough.
Seasonal tasks worth hiring out
Even keen DIY homeowners often hire help for a few jobs. Core aeration uses heavy equipment that is costly to own. Large fall leaf cleanups can take a crew an hour and a homeowner a weekend. Overseeding a thin lawn works best with the right timing and equipment. Tree work near power lines or at height should always go to trained professionals; see Hiring a Certified Arborist: When You Need One and What to Check.
Equipment costs to consider
If you are weighing DIY against a service, list the equipment you would need: mower, trimmer, edger, blower, spreader, hoses and storage for all of it. Add maintenance such as blade sharpening and fuel or batteries. For small lawns, a basic set is modest; for large lawns, equipment becomes a real part of the cost comparison.
Common mistakes
- Signing a long contract without cancellation terms.
- Hiring for treatments without asking what is applied.
- Mowing too short.
- Assuming the service handles watering.
Frequently asked questions
Do lawn care companies need a license?
Many states license commercial pesticide applicators. Check your state’s rules.
Should I bag or leave grass clippings?
Leaving clippings on the lawn often returns nutrients, unless clumps smother the grass.
How often should a lawn be mowed?
It depends on grass type and growth; more often in peak season.
See Choosing a Grass Type: Cool-Season vs Warm-Season Lawns for grass basics.