A recent study released on May 9 finds that do-it-yourself lawn care may not be as cost-effective or time-saving as many homeowners believe. The report outlines the hidden expenses, time commitments, and safety concerns associated with mowing one’s own lawn compared to hiring a professional service.
The findings matter for homeowners weighing whether to invest in their own equipment or outsource yard maintenance. The study suggests that while upfront costs may seem lower for those who mow their own lawns, the actual savings are less significant when considering all factors involved.
According to the research, Americans spend an average of 1,248 days—or roughly three and a half years—of their lives performing lawn care tasks. Equipment purchases can be costly; for example, buying a riding mower ($1,500), blower ($150), and weed eater ($100) adds up to $1,750 before factoring in ongoing maintenance and fuel. Based on mowing an average of 30 times per year, this results in about $36 per cut over seven years. In comparison, survey data from GreenPal shows that professional vendors charge approximately $45 per half acre per mow. This means homeowners save only around $270 annually by doing it themselves but would need nearly seven years just to recoup initial equipment investments.
Safety is another concern highlighted by the study. It cites data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission showing that about 80,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to injuries related to lawn equipment such as mowers and hedge clippers. Risks include exposure to sharp blades moving at high speeds and potential harm from flammable fuels or prolonged sun exposure.
The report also points out qualitative differences between professional services and personal efforts. Professional crews typically use higher-grade equipment designed for efficiency and consistency; they also bring experience in delivering uniform results across different types of lawns.
In conclusion, the study finds: “By uncovering the true costs of mowing the lawn—not just monetary–or of hiring a pro for the service, you can make your own informed decision on the debate at hand.” The analysis encourages readers to consider not only financial implications but also time investment and safety before deciding how best to manage their lawns.
