Lawn Maintenance Expenses

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

19 Apr 2008 08:51 AM

Depending upon the size of your lawn, and the amount you pay to have it maintained, you may or may not find hiring a lawn service the more economical option. For some, the convenience is well worth any cost, but for many who are feeling the economic crunch, every dollar counts.

Unless a lawn service is able to provide a great deal, purchasing a mower and cutting the grass yourself may prove to be a good investment. If you can find a quality lawnmower at an affordable price, it could pay for itself in less than a year's time (as compared to how much you'd spend paying someone else to do your lawn).

Of course, the high cost of gas also has to be figured in, but in most cases, that extra expense is going to be passed on to the homeowner by the lawn service anyway.

Don't be surprised if the cost of your regular lawn service increases significantly, as gas prices continue to go up. Gas and oil for equipment, maintenance on equipment, gas to travel to your home, and many other expenses have to be added in to the price. This is especially true of the small business owner, who simply cannot afford to eat the extra costs.

You may also consider cutting down the frequency of the service, believing that you'll save money. However, keep in mind that the longer the grass gets between cuttings and the more difficult your yard is to maintain, the more each visit is going to cost you. Determine what if anything you will save in the long run and if it's worth it to have your lawn in less than great condition due to deferred maintenance.

Some people use the old-fashioned way, hiring a neighborhood kid to cut the grass. This may be less expensive, but you also have to make sure the person is responsible and knows what he or she is doing. You may need to supervise. It's also wise to make sure your homeowner's insurance covers any -heaven forbid- accidents or injuries.

Sometimes, close neighbors go in on the purchase of lawn equipment together and share mowers, weed-cutters, etc. Or, one buys a mower, the other a weed-cutter, and they trade off as needed.

Could something like this be a good option for you?

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Mary Ann Romans (26886) 21 Apr 2008 11:25 AM

Thanks for the tips! Does the grass grow faster the more it is cut, or is that a fallacy?

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 22 Apr 2008 06:16 AM

Actually, cutting the lawn too short, rather than cutting it regularly, causes it to grow faster. Over-watering also makes it grow faster.

*I'm working on a couple more lawn articles that I hope folks will find informative...