From lush gardens to cacti forests, your landscaping needs are unique. Plus, as stellar curb appeal can increase your property’s value by 7%, maintaining your home’s exterior is critical (The Motley Fool, 2020). While tending to the yard can be costly, planning ahead and consciously budgeting can ensure you get the most out of your money. Every yard is different, so plan to pick out the pieces that apply to your specific property and start saving accordingly on yard maintenance costs.
Lawn Maintenance
Mowing regularly can keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful, cut down on water and seriously reduce time for overall upkeep (HGTV). If hiring a pro, depending on the size of your lawn, plan to spend between $50 and $220 per month or an average of $135 per month (HomeAdvisor, 2021). These costs typically include Mowing, hedging and trimming, but every lawn maintenance specialist will offer their own selection of services.
Aeration
Lawn aeration, or the breakup of soil to allow water and fertilizer in, maintains the look of your lawn and promotes growth (Home Depot). If you don’t want to DIY, hiring a pro will cost around $130 (HomeAdvisor, 2021). Otherwise, plan to purchase or rent an aerator and, of course, factor in the cost of your time.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your lawn promotes grass health and integrity (HGTV, 2021). If you’re hiring a pro, a single application will start at around $50 (HomeAdvisor, 2021). An entire yard typically costs between $80 and $380, with an average of $220.
Seeding
Seeding can either start a new lawn or fill out an existing one (Lowes, 2020). Plan to pay about $950, or between $410 and $1,510 depending on your market and the size of your lawn (HomeAdvisor, 2021). Then, wait approximately two years to reap the seeds you’ve sown.
Weed Control
Pesky weeds can leach water and nutrients from your plants and spread like wildfire. If it’s time to bring in a pro, you’ll likely spend between $65 and $90 for standard removal, or between $75 and $105 for organic weed removal (HomeAdvisor, 2021). To prevent future weeds from cropping up, you can also purchase pre-treatment services, which will run you $64-$90.
Tree Trimming
Trimming or pruning your trees can help promote health while preventing potential fallen limb-related disasters (HGTV). Costs for professional tree trimming fall between $410 and $1,200, depending on the height and complexity of the problem limbs (HomeAdvisor, 2021). You can cut down on costs by DIY-ing, but be sure to prioritize safety.
Leaf Removal
A thick layer of dead leaves can stifle lawn growth and invite disease. A professional will gladly rake and remove leaves from your lawn for the price of $345, or between $200 and $550. Prices will fluctuate depending on the volume of leaves and your market.
Sprinkler System Install
Your irrigation system is the lifeblood of your lawn, and accounts for approximately 30% of your water bill (HGTV). As such, choosing the right one is critical. A sprinkler system install costs between $1,740 and $3,410, or $2,500 on average (HomeAdvisor, 2021). The size of your lawn and the necessary materials will dictate just how much you’ll pay.
Sprinkler System Maintenance
If you’ve already found the perfect irrigation system, you’ll want to prioritize maintenance. If you live in a colder area, winterizing your sprinkler system can prevent costly damages down the line. Professionals charge between $55 and $110, plus $115 for regular maintenance (HomeAdvisor, 2021). You could also opt to DIY the work and save some cash.
Lawn Replacement or Restoration
If you’re looking to start fresh or rehabilitate a sparse lawn, you’ll want to look to sod (HGTV, 2019). Sod is sections of pre-grown grass, which will cost you between $120 and $400 per roll. For a full lawn install, plan to pay an average of $2,500 to $6,620 for roughly one-fifth of an acre.
Whether you’re watering cold-weather perennials or desert cacti, raking leaves or laying sod, catering to your specific lawn is essential. Budget based on your specific property and market, and determine whether you’ll DIY or call a pro for each project for accurate yard maintenance costs. Your yard is sure to be sparkling in no time.
Published on May 17, 2021
