Mow your lawn.

In the UK, the mowing season typically runs from March to October, though our changing climate often requires earlier starts or later finishes. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done with commercial-grade equipment that delivers a cleaner cut than standard domestic mowers.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Inspection: Checking the lawn for hazards such as stones, toys, or pet waste that could damage blades or cause injury.
• Precision Mowing: Cutting the grass to an agreed height using rotary mowers for general lawns or cylinder mowers for fine, ornamental turf.
• Edging and Strimming: Tidying border edges, fence lines, and around obstacles like trees or garden furniture for a sharp finish.
• Waste Management: Collecting clippings for disposal or using a mulching setting to return nutrients to the soil, depending on your preference.
• Hard Surface Clearance: Blowing or sweeping clippings off paths, patios, and driveways to leave the property tidy.
• Health Reporting: Advising the homeowner on issues like moss encroachment, leatherjacket infestations, or drainage problems.

Typical Costs

Lawn mowing costs are primarily driven by the size of the garden, the frequency of the visit, and your location in the UK. One-off "jungle" clearances for overgrown gardens will always command a significant premium compared to regular fortnightly maintenance.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Urban Garden: 20–40 minutes (mowing and basic edging).
• Average Semi-Detached (Front & Back): 1–1.5 hours including strimming and cleanup.
• Large Detached/Rural Property: 2–4 hours, often requiring ride-on equipment.
• Initial Clearance: 2–6 hours depending on the height of the grass and amount of debris.

DIY or Professional?

While many UK homeowners enjoy DIY mowing, it requires a significant investment in equipment, fuel, and maintenance. Professional gardeners use commercial petrol or high-end battery mowers that can handle damp UK grass much more effectively than domestic electric models.

Professional mowers often feature heavy rollers that create the classic "British stripe" finish, which is difficult to achieve with lightweight DIY rotary mowers.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance to cover any damage to windows or property from flying debris.
• Waste Licence: If they are taking clippings away, they must legally hold a Waste Carrier Licence.
• Equipment: Ask if they use mulch mowers or if they require access to your green waste bin.
• Questions to ask:
  • Do you include edging and strimming in your standard price?
  • What is your policy if it is raining on the scheduled day?
  • Do you offer a discount for regular fortnightly or weekly bookings?

UK Regulations

• Noise Nuisance: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local councils can restrict the use of noisy power tools to specific hours (usually 8 am – 8 pm).
• Waste Disposal: The "Duty of Care" legislation requires that any professional removing green waste from your property must dispose of it at a licensed commercial site.
• Wildlife Protection: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects nesting birds; care should be taken when strimming near hedges or long grass during nesting season.

Common Problems

• Scalping the Lawn: Cutting too short in dry weather can kill the grass; a pro will adjust the blade height based on the season.
• Blunt Blades: DIY mowers often have dull blades that tear the grass, leading to brown, frayed tips and disease.
• Mowing in the Wet: Cutting very wet grass can compact the soil and lead to an uneven finish; it is often better to postpone.
• Pet Waste: Failure to clear pet waste before the gardener arrives is a health hazard and can lead to the job being refused or an extra cleaning fee.

Frequently Asked Questions