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DIY Lawn Care vs. Hiring a Professional: What’s Truly Cheaper?

Writer's picture: jason clarksonjason clarkson

Updated: Jan 20


When it comes to maintaining a lush, green lawn, many homeowners face the classic dilemma: should I do it myself or hire a professional? While DIY lawn care can seem like a cost-effective option on the surface, the time, effort, and potential for mistakes often outweigh the savings. Here’s a breakdown of the costs, time investment, and why hiring a professional might actually be the smarter, and even cheaper, choice in the long run.


The DIY Approach: Time and Costs Add Up


On paper, doing your own lawn care seems like a great way to save money. But when you dig deeper into the actual costs involved, the savings can quickly vanish. Here’s what you need to consider:


1. Equipment Costs

To maintain your lawn, you’ll need more than just a basic lawn mower. Depending on your lawn’s needs, you may need:

• Aerators ($150-$300 for a good quality )

• Spreaders ($50-$150)

• Trimmers and edgers ($100-$200)

• Fertilizer and seed ($200-$600 yr )

These upfront costs can easily run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the size of your lawn and the type of equipment you buy.

2. Product Costs

Lawn care products like fertilizers, weed control, and pest control chemicals aren’t cheap. High-quality products can cost you $50 or more per application, and depending on the season, you may need several treatments.

3. Time Investment

Lawn care is a year-round commitment. Between mowing, fertilizing, aerating, seeding, weed control, and pest management, a well-maintained lawn can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours per week. That’s up to 260 hours per year! When you factor in the value of your time, DIY lawn care becomes a significant commitment.

4. Learning Curve and Mistakes

Lawn care requires knowledge of soil types, grass varieties, and local pests, among other things. Misapplying products or using the wrong ones can damage your lawn, leading to costly repairs. This can turn your “cost-saving” DIY project into an expensive redo.


Hiring a Professional: The True Value of Expertise


Now, let’s consider the option of hiring a professional. While it might seem more expensive upfront, the overall value and long-term benefits often outweigh the initial costs.


1. Lower Equipment Costs

When you hire a lawn care professional, you don’t have to invest in expensive equipment. Professionals come equipped with commercial-grade tools that would be too costly for the average homeowner. No need to buy, maintain, or store lawn care equipment.

2. Access to Expert Knowledge

Professionals bring experience and expertise. They know the best products for your lawn, how to apply them correctly, and when to do so for optimal results. This can prevent costly mistakes and ensures that your lawn remains healthy and lush.

3. Product Savings

Lawn care companies buy products like fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in bulk, often getting better deals than you would at your local garden store. They pass some of those savings on to you while using top-quality products that deliver better results than DIY alternatives.

4. Time Savings

Perhaps the biggest benefit of hiring a professional is the time you save. With a pro handling your lawn, you can spend your weekends relaxing or doing other things you enjoy rather than spending hours on lawn maintenance. Professionals can usually get the job done faster and more efficiently because of their training and tools.

5. Preventing Long-Term Damage

Hiring a professional can help you avoid costly mistakes. For example, applying too much fertilizer or cutting your grass too short can lead to serious problems down the line, like lawn burn or pest infestations. Pros know how to care for your lawn in a way that prevents damage, saving you money in repairs and treatments.


Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional


Let’s take a quick look at the annual costs of DIY lawn care vs. hiring a professional for a typical lawn of about 5,000 square feet.



While DIY might look cheaper on paper (after the initial equipment costs), hiring a professional offers a more comprehensive, hassle-free experience. Plus, there are no risks of costly mistakes that could set your lawn back for seasons to come.


Why Hiring a Pro Is Worth It


In the end, it’s not just about cost—it’s about value. Hiring a professional means:


• Peace of mind knowing your lawn is being cared for correctly.

• Better results from professionals who know exactly what your lawn needs.

• More free time to spend on the things you enjoy.


While DIY lawn care can work for some, most homeowners find that hiring a professional is the smarter, more cost-effective option. After all, when it comes to something as important as your lawn, wouldn’t you rather leave it to the experts?


Ready to Take the Next Step?


If you’re ready to take the hassle out of lawn care, contact Turf Geeks. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all season long.



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