In the lawn care industry, a common question arises: should lawn care companies remove clippings after mowing? This query extends to whether such a service should be complimentary. According to one former landscaping business owner with 15 years of experience, their company always included hauling off clippings as part of the service. However, not all companies operate this way. Some contractors leave clippings at the curb for municipal collection, which can result in unsightly piles until they are removed.
Different lawn care businesses have varied approaches. Some include clipping removal in their pricing, while others charge extra or do not offer it at all. “It is generally reasonable for a lawn care service provider to charge 10%-20% extra to haul off the clippings,” according to insights from landscapers and customers.
The decision not to haul away clippings often stems from cost considerations. Companies may add $5-$10 per service for disposal when quoting new jobs, but not all clients are willing to pay this fee. Handling clippings involves additional time and resources; they must be loaded onto trucks, stored throughout the day, and eventually disposed of.
There are alternatives to removing clippings. One option is leaving them on the lawn if mulching kits are used with mowers, which can maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance without bagging. Another option is composting clippings in a backyard pile, allowing homeowners to reuse nutrients as top-dressing on their lawns.
Ultimately, many agree that charging an additional fee for clipping removal is reasonable due to the extra effort involved. For those seeking bids from local companies offering such services, platforms like GreenPal provide options.
