Lawn mowing and cutting back

A professional "mow and edge" service goes beyond simple cutting; it ensures your garden remains healthy, prevents invasive weeds from taking hold, and saves you the significant physical labour of green waste disposal. Whether it is a fortnightly summer trim or a major seasonal cut-back, hiring a skilled gardener ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Lawn Mowing: Cutting grass to a height suited to the season and grass type, ensuring a clean finish without "scalping" the turf.
• Strimming and Edging: Tidying long grass around fence posts, trees, and flowerbed borders for a crisp, professional look.
• Shrub and Hedge Cutting: Pruning overgrown bushes and low-hanging tree branches to maintain shape and promote healthy new growth.
• Debris Clearance: Raking up grass clippings, fallen leaves, and twigs to prevent lawn rot and keep paths clear.
• Waste Management: Bagging green waste for your local council collection or transporting it to a licensed composting facility.
• Site Inspection: Checking for hazards like hidden stones, pet waste, or emerging pests before work begins.

Typical Costs

Prices for gardening services vary based on your location in the UK and the current state of the garden. Most gardeners charge either a flat rate for a standard mow or an hourly rate for more intensive "cut-back" work.

Note: Factors that increase the price include steep gradients, restricted access (e.g., carrying equipment through a terrace house), and the volume of green waste produced. Most professional gardeners have a minimum call-out fee of £40 to £60.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small suburban lawn: 30–45 minutes for a mow and strim.
• Medium garden with borders: 1.5–3 hours for mowing and light pruning.
• Large rural garden: 3–6 hours depending on the complexity of the landscape.
• Neglected/Overgrown garden: 1–2 full days to restore order and remove significant bulk.

DIY or Professional?

While mowing is a common DIY task, professional gardeners bring industrial-grade machinery that delivers a superior finish and handles damp UK grass more effectively. Professionals also understand "apical dominance" and pruning cycles, ensuring you don't accidentally kill a prized shrub by cutting it back at the wrong time of year.

Hiring a professional is highly recommended for overgrown sites where heavy-duty brush cutters and hedge trimmers are required, as these tools carry a high risk of injury to untrained users.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance to cover any accidental damage to your windows or property.
• Waste Licence: If they are taking clippings away, they must hold a valid Waste Carrier Licence from the Environment Agency.
• Equipment: Ask if they use petrol, battery, or electric tools and if they provide their own mower.
• Questions to Ask:
  • Do you charge by the hour or a fixed price for the whole job?
  • How do you handle green waste disposal?
  • Are you comfortable working around pets and children?
  • Can you provide a regular maintenance schedule (e.g., every 2 weeks)?

UK Regulations

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: It is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use. Major cut-backs should ideally happen outside the nesting season (March to August).
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): Even for "cutting back," check if any trees on your property are protected by your local council before significant pruning.
• Noise Ordinances: Most local authorities restrict the use of noisy power tools to reasonable daytime hours (usually 8 am – 6 pm).

Common Problems

• Scalping the Turf: Cutting grass too short during a heatwave can kill the roots and lead to brown patches.
• Blunt Blades: Using dull mower blades tears the grass rather than cutting it, leaving it vulnerable to disease.
• Hidden Hazards: Rocks, dog toys, or old wire hidden in long grass can destroy expensive machinery and cause flying debris.
• Poor Timing: Pruning flowering shrubs at the wrong time (e.g., spring-bloomers in late winter) can prevent them from flowering for an entire year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gardeners work in the rain?

Most gardeners will avoid mowing in heavy rain as it smears the soil, tears the grass, and clogs the mower. However, light drizzle typically won't stop them from pruning or general tidying.

How often should my lawn be mown?

During the peak growing season (April to September), once a week or once every fortnight is standard. In the winter, mowing is rarely required unless the weather is exceptionally mild.

Can I keep the grass clippings for my own compost?

Yes, and this is often the cheapest option. Just ensure your compost heap is balanced with "brown" materials like cardboard to prevent the grass from turning into a slimy, smelly mess.

Will a gardener bring their own tools?

Professional gardeners almost always bring their own professional-grade equipment. If you want them to use your mower, you should discuss this beforehand, though many prefer their own for safety and speed.

Why is my lawn full of moss after cutting?

Mowing doesn't cause moss, but it can reveal it. Moss usually indicates poor drainage or compacted soil; your gardener may suggest "scarifying" or "aerating" to fix the underlying issue.