How Do I Price My Lawn Care Services Profitably?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Pricing your lawn care services correctly is one of the most important decisions you'll make when starting or growing your business. Whether you're mowing residential yards or managing commercial landscapes, your pricing strategy affects your profitability, competitiveness, and ability to scale.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping lawn care contractors not only protect their businesses with tailored insurance but also succeed with smart operational strategies.
Understand Your Costs First
Before you set prices, you need to understand your cost structure. This includes:
Labor: Wages, payroll taxes, and workers compensation insurance.
Equipment: Purchase, maintenance, fuel, and equipment insurance.
Transportation: Fuel, vehicle maintenance, and commercial auto insurance.
Overhead: Marketing, software, uniforms, and general liability insurance.
Office or storage space: Rent and commercial property insurance.
💡 Tip: Use a free lawn care cost calculator to estimate job costs based on lawn size, service type, and frequency.
Popular Lawn Care Pricing Models
1. Flat Rate Pricing
Charge a fixed price per service. For example, $40–$85 per mow depending on lawn size. This is ideal for small residential jobs.
2. Hourly Rate Pricing
Charge based on time spent. Most lawn care businesses charge $40–$80 per hour. This works well for unpredictable or custom jobs.
3. Per Square Foot Pricing
Useful for large or commercial properties. Rates range from $0.03–$0.13 per square foot.
📊 Check out Homewyse’s lawn maintenance calculator for regional pricing estimates.
Regional Pricing Insights
Lawn care rates vary by region due to labor costs, climate, and demand. Here’s a snapshot:
Northeast (e.g., NYC): $59–$3,964 depending on service type.
Southeast (e.g., Atlanta): $45–$3,159
Midwest (e.g., Chicago): $54–$3,671
Southwest (e.g., Houston): $45–$3,130
📍 Use LawnStarter’s regional pricing guide to compare costs
Add-On Services and Pricing
Offering additional services can boost your revenue. Here are average costs:
Fertilization: $50–$100 per application
Weed Control: $30–$60 per treatment
Aeration: $70–$150 per treatment
Leaf Removal: $60–$100/hour or $150+ flat rate
Software Tools to Streamline Pricing
Using lawn care business software helps automate pricing, scheduling, and invoicing. Top picks include:
Jobber – Great for quoting and invoicing
Connecteam – All-in-one field service management
LawnPro – Built for lawn care businesses with client portals and route optimization
How Insurance Affects Your Pricing Strategy
Insurance is a necessary cost that should be factored into your pricing. Here’s what you need:
General Liability Insurance: Covers property damage and injury claims.
Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects your trucks and trailers.
Commercial Property Insurance: Covers your office or storage space.
Workers Compensation Insurance: Required if you hire employees.
Equipment Insurance: Protects mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
Tax Deductions That Can Offset Costs
Don’t forget to factor in tax deductions when calculating your pricing. Common write-offs include:
Equipment and tool purchases
Fuel and mileage
Advertising and website costs
Business insurance premiums
Safety gear and uniforms
Tips for Pricing Success
Research competitors in your area.
Offer service packages for seasonal contracts.
Use software to automate quotes and invoices.
Adjust pricing seasonally to reflect demand.
Include insurance and overhead in every quote.
Final Thoughts
Pricing your lawn care business is more than just picking a number—it’s about building a sustainable, profitable operation that reflects your value and professionalism. By understanding your costs, choosing the right pricing model, and leveraging tools and insurance coverage, you can confidently quote jobs and grow your business.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping lawn care contractors protect what they’ve built. From general liability to equipment insurance, we work with top carriers to find coverage tailored to your services. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, having the right insurance partner is key to long-term success.
Ready to protect your lawn care business?
