Cut your lawn.

In the UK, the mowing season typically runs from March to October. Hiring a professional ensures the use of high-end machinery and expert techniques, such as precision edging and striping, which are difficult to achieve with standard domestic equipment.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Checking for hazards like stones, hidden cables, pet waste, or garden toys that could damage blades.
• Debris Clearing: Removing fallen branches, leaves, and litter before the cut begins.
• Mowing: Cutting the grass to a uniform height, usually following the "one-third rule" to maintain plant health.
• Edging: Using a strimmer or shears to neaten borders, fence lines, and around garden features.
• Blow Down: Clearing clippings from paths, patios, and driveways to leave the site spotless.
• Waste Management: Bagging clippings for your green bin or transporting them to a commercial composting facility.

Typical Costs

Prices vary based on your location in the UK and the complexity of the terrain. Steep banks, narrow access for machinery, and the presence of many flower beds will generally increase the labour time and total cost.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Urban Garden: 30 to 45 minutes for a standard cut and edge.
• Average Suburban Garden: 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of obstacles.
• Large Rural Plot: 2 to 4 hours, typically using a ride-on mower or zero-turn machine.
• Overgrown Lawns: Can take double the standard time for an initial "knock-back" cut.

DIY or Professional?

While DIY mowing is common, many UK homeowners opt for professional services to save time and achieve a "bowling green" finish. Professionals use commercial-grade petrol or battery mowers with sharper blades that slice rather than tear the grass, reducing the risk of disease.

If a contractor takes your grass clippings away, they must legally hold a valid Waste Carrier Licence issued by the Environment Agency.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1m) to cover accidental damage to your property.
• Equipment Quality: Ask if they use roller mowers (for stripes) or mulching mowers (to return nutrients to the soil).
• Reliability: Look for reviews that mention punctuality, especially during the peak growing season when schedules are tight.

Questions to ask:

• Do you offer a discount for regular fortnightly or weekly bookings?
• Is green waste disposal included in the quote or extra?
• What is your policy for wet weather—do you reschedule or mow anyway?
• Do you sharpen your blades regularly to ensure a clean cut?

UK Regulations

• Noise Ordinances: Most local councils permit power tool use between 08:00 and 20:00 on weekdays and 09:00 and 17:00 on weekends.
• Waste Disposal: Under the Environmental Protection Act, garden waste produced by a business is "commercial waste" and cannot be put in domestic bins by the trader.
• Wildlife Protection: Contractors should check for nesting birds or hedgehogs before tackling long, overgrown grass.

Common Problems

• Scalping: Cutting the grass too short on uneven ground, which exposes the soil and encourages moss and weeds.
• Blunt Blades: Causes "white tipping," where the grass leaf shreds and turns brown, making the lawn look unhealthy.
• Mowing Wet Grass: Results in uneven cuts and soil compaction; a professional will usually advise waiting for a dry spell.
• Inconsistent Edging: Leaving long tufts around trees or fences ruins the aesthetic of an otherwise clean cut.

Frequently Asked Questions