Out of many lawn maintenance to-do tasks, lawn mowing is the most important thing. This is how and when you mow that determines the quality of your grass. You should keep this task in your hand only when you have the skills to mow the garden. Other than this, if you can’t afford to hire a professional, consider the DIY work. The good thing about DIY lawn mowing in Melbourne is that it puts the risk of critical diseases at bay. It also boosts mental health, giving you a sense of satisfaction. In this article, we will help you know the best lawn care between DIY work and a professional service.
Should I Mow My Own Lawn?
Most homeowners have the view that they need to cut their lawns on their own in order to save money. They normally feel that it is a costly affair to hire a professional. They can avoid it by learning better lawn mowing skills. Plus, it is a relaxing routine in the summer season. It allows them to show their creative skills. They also hold full control over their outdoor space. Do you love to walk into a quiet place? The smell of fresh grass in the morning will fill your mind with peace.
Pros
– Saving money and time
– Not coordinating with any other service
– Enjoy outdoor activity
– Frequent mowing at zero cost
Cons
– It can be more time-consuming when not done right
– Need to spend $2000 on equipment, such as a riding mower, a leaf blower, wood eater
– Expenses on maintaining and repairing the equipment in the long run.
– Mowers need regular upkeep of spark plugs and blades
– Gasoline and oil costs are also included
Why Should I Prefer Professional Lawn Mowing?
Professional lawn mowing service providers often charge more for a large lawn. If you compare a pro service with DIY work, it is only a little more than mowing on your own. However, there are many professional lawn mowing benefits in Melbourne. It helps you save money in the long run. It also enables you to travel to the office, leave your kids at school or go on vacations comfortably. On the whole, it makes you find peace of mind since you are certain that someone is taking care of your lawn.
Pros
– Come prepared with commercial-grade equipment and tools
– Understand grass types and soil needs better
– Use their expertise when applying seasonal mowing strategies
– Save you time and energy
– Ensure top-quality results
– Specialised services
– Enhance curb appeal
Cons
– Costs accumulate due to weekly visits for garden care
– Overall prices increase with additional services like edging, hedge trimming, etc.
– Less flexibility in scheduling the services.
Hire vs. Buy Lawn Equipment: What’s Better for You?
When considering lawn care, it is natural to face a dilemma between professional lawn care and investing in commercial-grade equipment. Before you move ahead with the DIY work, take a look at the following cost breakdown of all the equipment you would need to pay for:
| Item | Cost |
| Riding Mower | $1750 |
| Leaf Blower | $150 |
| Weed Eater | $100 |
| Total Amount | $2000 |
However, homeowners believe that the benefits of mowing on your own will outweigh the equipment cost. Remember, this is not the only cost that you need to consider. A little issue with the equipment can make you spend hundreds of dollars in the long run. Besides this, the upkeep of the mower is also expensive. It requires you to spend big chunks of money on the oil change and the sharpening of blades. Additionally, there always remains the risk of accidental damage to your mower. If it happens, its repair cost will range between $200-$300.
Let’s compare it with the professional mowing service. You will not need to make the initial investment. Skilled workers will come to your location with advanced tools and equipment. For the basic lawn mowing service of ½ acre of the yard, you need to pay $45. Besides this, you will get the assurance of your lawn’s long-term health as well as aesthetic appearance.
Let’s understand the difference between hiring a professional and buying equipment. Take a look at the following table to make a well-informed decision.
| Factors | Hiring a Professional | Buying Equipment |
| Initial Cost | $0 | $2000 |
| Annual cost | $1350 | $1050 |
| Time Spent | 0 hours | 65+ hours |
| Hassle-Free | Yes | No |
DIY Lawn Mowing Tips
Here are the following lawn mowing tips in a simplified manner:
Cut Grass High (2 to 4 Inches): Most lawn grasses should be cut in the range of $2 to $4 inches. Otherwise, you may encounter the following issues, like:
– More weeds invasion
– Less resistant to fungal diseases
– More frequent mowing
– Need more water
– Need more fertilisers
Cut Frequently: The next tip on the list is to cut the grass more frequently. Practice a ⅓ rule, which means that you should not cut more than ⅓ of the grass height at a single cutting. Hence, make sure to mow the land every 3-4 days in the summer or spring season. This is because these seasons boost the grass growth.
Keep Your Blades Sharp: Do you want to give your lawn a clean look? All you need to sharpen your blades to get a manicured look. Conversely, dull blades can make the shapes of grass leaves ugly. Also, it starts consuming more water and escalates the risk of fungal diseases.
Let the Grass Clippings Fall: Do not collect grass clippings and throw them anywhere else. Keep in mind that clippings are a source of nutrients that are quickly absorbed by the grass leaves. So, use them as an efficient fertiliser.
Is DIY Lawn Mowing Right for You?
Consider your skill, efficiency, budget, time, and lawn care goals. You may opt for a hybrid approach. This means that you can handle regular grass maintenance yourself, and for specialised care services, you can hire a professional. This will give you a perfect balance to get the desired results.
Are you seeking an expert lawn care service that will give you long-term results? Contact us today for a FREE quote at 0435 699 655. We will give you a non-obligation estimate. So, choose our tailored solutions and get optimal results.
FAQs
What would you wear when you mow the lawn?
When mowing the garden, you are advised to use protection equipment.
I am finished spraying the lawn; should I trim the lawn before or after the mowing?
The grass should be trimmed on the sides after the mowing so as to get better results.
Does mowing the lawn give peace of mind?
The answer is yes. The lawn mowing on your own boosts your mental health and reduces the risk of anxiety, stress, depression, etc.
