Quick Cost Summary
- Small Lawn (under 200m²): $30-$80 per visit
- Medium Lawn (200-500m²): $50-$120 per visit
- Large Lawn (500m²+): $80-$200+ per visit
- Hourly Rate: $40-$90 per hour
- Per m² Rate: $0.15-$0.50 per m²
Lawn Mowing Cost Structure Australia
Lawn mowing costs in Australia vary based on lawn size, grass type, frequency, terrain difficulty, and additional services required. Understanding these factors helps you choose the most suitable lawn care service for your property.
Lawn Mowing Pricing Methods
| Pricing Method | Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Per Visit | $30-$200 per visit | Regular customers, standard lawns |
| Hourly Rate | $40-$90 per hour | Complex terrain, one-off jobs |
| Per Square Metre | $0.15-$0.50 per m² | Very large properties, accurate pricing |
| Monthly Package | $120-$600 per month | Regular service contracts |
Lawn Mowing Costs by Property Size
Property size is the primary factor determining lawn mowing costs:
Small Residential Properties
Small Lawn (under 200m²)
- Basic mowing: $30-$60
- Mow + edges: $40-$80
- Full service: $50-$100
- Time required: 30-60 minutes
Medium Lawn (200-500m²)
- Basic mowing: $50-$90
- Mow + edges: $60-$120
- Full service: $80-$150
- Time required: 45-90 minutes
Large Lawn (500-1000m²)
- Basic mowing: $80-$150
- Mow + edges: $100-$200
- Full service: $130-$250
- Time required: 1-2 hours
Very Large Lawn (1000m²+)
- Basic mowing: $150-$300+
- Mow + edges: $200-$400+
- Full service: $250-$500+
- Time required: 2-4+ hours
Commercial and Large Properties
Commercial Lawn Care Pricing
- Small Commercial (1000-3000m²): $200-$500 per visit
- Medium Commercial (3000-10000m²): $400-$1,200 per visit
- Large Commercial (10000m²+): $800-$3,000+ per visit
- Strata Complexes: $300-$1,500 per visit
- Council Parks: $0.10-$0.30 per m² (bulk rates)
Additional Lawn Care Services
Most lawn care providers offer comprehensive services beyond basic mowing:
Edging and Trimming Services
| Service | Pricing Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Edging | Per linear metre | $2-$6 per metre |
| Hedge Trimming | Per linear metre | $5-$25 per metre |
| Tree Pruning | Per tree/hour | $50-$300 per tree |
| Weed Control | Per m² | $0.50-$3 per m² |
| Fertilizing | Per m² | $0.80-$4 per m² |
Garden Maintenance Services
- Garden Bed Weeding: $40-$80 per hour
- Mulching: $8-$20 per m² (including materials)
- Plant Pruning: $30-$80 per hour
- Garden Cleanup: $50-$120 per hour
- Lawn Aeration: $150-$400 per property
- Overseeding: $200-$600 per property
Factors Affecting Lawn Mowing Costs
Terrain and Access Challenges
Cost Modifiers by Terrain
Standard Pricing
- Flat, open lawns
- Easy equipment access
- Minimal obstacles
- Standard grass types
Premium Pricing (+20-50%)
- Steep slopes (over 15°)
- Many trees and obstacles
- Poor access (narrow gates)
- Thick, overgrown grass
Grass Type and Condition
- Buffalo Grass: Standard rates (dense but manageable)
- Kikuyu Grass: Standard rates (fast growing)
- Couch Grass: Standard rates (fine texture)
- Zoysia: +10-20% (dense, tough to cut)
- Overgrown/Neglected: +50-100% first cut
- Wet Grass: +20-40% due to difficulty
Service Frequency and Packages
Regular service contracts often provide better value than one-off visits:
Service Frequency Options
Weekly Service
- Premium frequency option
- Best lawn health results
- Standard rates apply
- Ideal for show homes
Fortnightly Service
- Most popular frequency
- Good lawn health balance
- 5-10% discount available
- Suitable for most properties
Monthly Service
- Budget-conscious option
- Longer cuts required
- 10-15% discount available
- May affect lawn health
Seasonal Service
- Growing season only
- Spring to autumn service
- 15-20% discount available
- 8-10 visits per year
Annual Lawn Care Packages
Package Deal Examples
- Basic Annual (Medium Lawn): $1,200-$2,400 (fortnightly mowing)
- Premium Annual (Medium Lawn): $1,800-$3,600 (weekly mowing + extras)
- Full Service Annual: $2,400-$4,800 (all maintenance included)
- Savings: 10-25% compared to individual visit pricing
Regional Lawn Care Pricing Across Australia
Lawn mowing costs vary across Australian cities due to labour rates, competition, and seasonal growing conditions:
Sydney
- Small lawn: $40-$100
- Medium lawn: $70-$150
- Large lawn: $100-$250
- Highest rates due to living costs
Melbourne
- Small lawn: $35-$85
- Medium lawn: $60-$130
- Large lawn: $90-$220
- Strong competition keeps prices fair
Brisbane
- Small lawn: $30-$80
- Medium lawn: $50-$120
- Large lawn: $80-$200
- Year-round growing season
Perth & Adelaide
- Small lawn: $30-$75
- Medium lawn: $50-$110
- Large lawn: $80-$180
- Most competitive major city rates
Seasonal Lawn Care Considerations
Seasonal Service Variations
Seasonal Cost and Service Changes
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Peak growing season, standard rates, weekly/fortnightly service
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot weather premium (+10-20%), drought conditions possible
- Autumn (Mar-May): Leaf cleanup surcharge (+$20-$60), standard mowing
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Reduced frequency (monthly), 15-25% discount available
Weather-Related Service Adjustments
- Wet Weather: Service delays common, may require rescheduling
- Drought Conditions: Reduced mowing frequency, focus on maintenance
- Storm Cleanup: Additional charges $50-$200 for debris removal
- Extreme Heat: Earlier morning service, possible surcharge
Equipment and Labour Costs
Professional Equipment Used
Walk-Behind Equipment
- 21" push mowers: Small lawns
- Self-propelled mowers: Medium lawns
- Line trimmers: Edge work
- Blowers: Cleanup work
Ride-On Equipment
- Zero-turn mowers: Large properties
- Tractor mowers: Very large areas
- Commercial walk-behinds: Efficiency
- Specialized tools: Professional results
Labour and Operating Costs
- Labour Rate: $25-$45 per hour (employee wages)
- Equipment Costs: $20-$40 per hour (depreciation, maintenance)
- Fuel Costs: $5-$15 per hour
- Insurance/Overheads: $8-$20 per hour
- Business Margin: 20-40% markup on costs
DIY vs Professional Lawn Care
Cost Comparison Analysis
| Aspect | DIY Approach | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Equipment Cost | $300-$2,000 | None |
| Annual Operating Cost | $200-$600 | $800-$3,000+ |
| Time Investment | 2-4 hours per session | None |
| Result Quality | Variable | Consistent professional finish |
| Convenience | Requires scheduling/effort | Completely hands-off |
When Professional Service Makes Sense
- Large Properties: Over 500m² becomes time-consuming
- Time Constraints: Busy professionals benefit from service
- Physical Limitations: Age, health, or mobility issues
- Quality Requirements: Perfect results for prestige properties
- Comprehensive Care: Full garden maintenance needed
- Equipment Storage: No space for lawn mowing equipment
Choosing the Right Lawn Care Service
Essential Service Qualifications
- Business License: Current ABN and appropriate licenses
- Insurance Coverage: Public liability and equipment coverage
- Equipment Quality: Well-maintained professional equipment
- Local Knowledge: Understanding of local grass types and conditions
- Reliability: Consistent service regardless of weather
Questions to Ask Potential Services
- Are you insured and licensed for lawn care services?
- What equipment do you use for properties like mine?
- Do you offer package deals for regular service?
- How do you handle wet weather and service delays?
- What additional services do you provide?
- Can you provide references from local customers?
- How far in advance do I need to book services?
- What is your payment structure and terms?
Service Quality and Reliability
Professional Service Standards
What to Expect from Quality Service
- Consistent Results: Same high standard every visit
- Reliable Scheduling: Service on agreed dates and times
- Clean Equipment: Well-maintained, sharp cutting blades
- Thorough Cleanup: All clippings and debris removed
- Communication: Updates on service status and lawn health
- Flexible Service: Adaptable to seasonal and weather conditions
Why Choose Mates Rates for Lawn Care Services?
0% Service Fees for Lawn Care Professionals
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our qualified lawn care providers keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value for your regular lawn maintenance.
Low 10% Fee Capped at $60
You'll only pay a 10% service fee capped at maximum $60, compared to Airtasker's uncapped fees that could add $8-$60+ to your lawn mowing bill.
Verified Lawn Care Professionals
All lawn care providers are verified, insured, and experienced with Australian grass types, seasonal conditions, and professional equipment.
Local Garden Expertise
Australian-owned platform connecting you with local professionals who understand your regional climate, grass species, and seasonal care requirements.
Cost-Saving Tips for Lawn Care
Budget Optimization Strategies
- Package Deals: Annual contracts save 10-25% over individual visits
- Off-Season Service: Reduced winter rates available
- Group Bookings: Neighbors bundling services for discounts
- Flexible Scheduling: Allow service provider to optimize routes
- Basic Service Only: Skip extras like fertilizing if budget-conscious
- Boundary Maintenance: Keep edges clear for easier access
Long-Term Value Considerations
- Property Value: Professional lawn care maintains curb appeal
- Time Savings: 2-4 hours per week freed up for other activities
- Equipment Costs: No initial investment or ongoing maintenance
- Consistent Results: Professional quality every time
- Lawn Health: Expert care extends lawn lifespan
Ready to Get Lawn Care Quotes?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does lawn mowing cost in Australia?
Lawn mowing costs $30-$80 for small lawns, $50-$120 for medium lawns, and $80-$200+ for large lawns per visit. Annual packages range from $1,200-$4,800 depending on frequency and services.
How often should I have my lawn mowed professionally?
Most Australian lawns benefit from fortnightly mowing during growing season (spring-autumn). Weekly mowing provides premium results, while monthly service is suitable for budget-conscious homeowners.
Is it cheaper to mow my own lawn or hire a professional?
DIY costs $200-$600 annually plus equipment ($300-$2,000), while professional service costs $800-$3,000+ annually. Consider your time value, property size, and desired quality when deciding.
What's included in a standard lawn mowing service?
Standard service includes mowing, edging, and cleanup. Additional services like fertilizing, weed control, hedge trimming, and garden bed maintenance are typically quoted separately.
How do I choose the right lawn care service?
Look for insured, licensed providers with professional equipment, local knowledge, and good references. Compare quotes, service inclusions, and reliability rather than just price.
How much can I save using Mates Rates instead of Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $8-$60+ per visit on an $80-$600 annual lawn care service by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.