Pricing Guide & Calculator

If you’re wondering how much a lawn mowing service costs in Bloomington or Normal, IL, you’re not alone. Many homeowners want to know whether hiring a professional is worth it and how to get the best price for their lawn care needs. The cost of lawn mowing services varies based on factors such as yard size, mowing frequency, and any additional services included. In this guide, we’ll break down typical pricing, what influences costs, and how you can estimate your lawn care expenses with a simple cost calculator.
How Much Does Lawn Mowing Cost in Bloomington & Normal, IL?
Lawn Size | Weekly | Biweekly | One-time/overgrown |
---|---|---|---|
Small (Up to 5,000 sq ft) | $44 | $66 | $99 |
Medium (5,000 – 10,000 sq ft) | $52 | $78 | $117 |
Large (10,000 – 20,000 sq ft) | $60 | $90 | $135 |
X-Large (20,000 – 30,000 sq ft) | $75 | $112.50 | $170 |
Massive (30,000 sq ft – 1 acre) | $110 | $165 | $247.50 |
Estimate Your Lawn Mowing Cost
Now, let’s break it down by lawn size so you know exactly what to expect when it comes to pricing.
Small Lawns (5,000 sq ft or less)
If your yard falls into this category, weekly mowing will cost you anywhere from $38 to $44 per cut. If you prefer to go biweekly (every other week), the price increases to $66 per cut since the grass is longer and takes more effort to maintain. But if your lawn has gotten out of control—meaning the grass is over 5 inches tall and needs serious work—you’re looking at up to $99 to bring it back to a manageable state.
Medium Lawns (5,000 – 10,000 sq ft)
For a lawn of this size, weekly service runs $45 to $52 per cut, which keeps your yard in great shape with minimal effort on your part. If you stretch it out to biweekly mowing, expect to pay around $78 per cut since the grass will be thicker and require extra work. Overgrown yards? If your lawn has been neglected and is over 5 inches high, the price jumps to $117 to get it back in order.
Large Lawns (10,000 – 20,000 sq ft)
Got a bigger yard? Weekly mowing will typically run $55 to $60 per cut. If you decide to go biweekly, the cost rises to $90 per cut since taller grass takes more time and effort to mow. If your lawn is overgrown and needs extra work to bring it back to standard, expect to pay up to $135 for a one-time service.
Extra-Large Lawns (20,000 – 30,000 sq ft)
For those with extra-large properties, weekly mowing is $65 to $75 per cut. Skipping a week and going with biweekly service means you’ll pay around $112.50 per cut because the grass will take more time to trim and clean up. And if you’ve been putting it off for a while and now have an overgrown yard, the price jumps to $170 for a full cleanup cut.
Massive Lawns (30,000 sq ft – 1 acre)
If you’ve got a huge yard, expect weekly mowing to cost between $100 and $110 per cut. If you go biweekly, the price increases to $165 per cut since the job requires more effort. And if your lawn is way overgrown and needs extra work, it’ll cost $247.50 to get it back to a manageable level.
A Quick Note on Corner Lots
If you’re on a corner lot, you’ll likely be bumped up to the next size category. The extra sidewalk edging, trimming, and cleanup add more time to the job, so the price is adjusted accordingly.
Bottom Line:
If you want to keep your lawn looking its best while keeping costs down, weekly mowing is the most affordable option in the long run. Skipping a week or letting your grass grow out too long will cost more when it’s time to clean it up.
If you’re ready to lock in a price or have questions about your specific yard, get in touch—we’ll make sure you get the best service for your lawn!
Factors That Affect Lawn Mowing Prices
Not all lawns are created equal—some are quick and easy, while others take extra time and effort. The final cost of your lawn mowing service depends on a few key factors. Knowing what affects the price can help you budget smarter and choose the right plan for your lawn.
Lawn Size: Bigger yards mean more mowing, more trimming, and more time. A small, flat yard might take 20 minutes, while a sprawling lawn with multiple sections could take well over an hour. The larger the lawn, the higher the cost—it’s that simple.
Mowing Frequency: The more often you mow, the lower the per-visit cost. Weekly service keeps the grass short and manageable, making it a quick job. But if you wait two weeks or more, the grass gets thicker, takes longer to cut, and requires more trimming—meaning you’ll pay more per cut. If your yard has turned into a mini jungle, expect an even bigger price jump to get it back under control.
Grass Condition: A well-maintained lawn is easier (and cheaper) to mow than one that’s been neglected. If your grass is over 5 inches tall, it takes longer to cut, may need multiple passes, and requires extra cleanup—driving up the cost. Think of it like a haircut: trimming up an already neat style is quick and easy, but chopping down a wild, overgrown mess? That takes time.
Obstacles & Terrain: A wide-open lawn is the easiest (and fastest) to mow. But if your yard has fences, flower beds, trees, steep slopes, or tight corners, it requires extra precision and more time-consuming trimming. Bumpy or uneven ground also slows things down, as mowing over rough terrain isn’t as simple as a straight shot across a flat lawn.
All of these factors play a role in how much you’ll pay for lawn care. If you’re looking to keep costs down, the best approach is regular mowing—it keeps the job simple, prevents overgrowth, and helps your lawn stay healthy.
Lawn Mowing Costs: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional—Which One Wins?
Let’s be real—mowing the lawn isn’t exactly the highlight of your weekend. But when it comes to keeping your yard looking sharp, you’ve got two choices: do it yourself or hire a pro. Before you break out the mower (or keep putting it off for “next weekend”), let’s talk numbers and what you’re really signing up for with each option.
DIY Lawn Mowing: More Work Than You Think
At first glance, cutting your own grass seems like the cheaper option, but is it really? Let’s break it down:
Lawn Mower: A decent push mower will set you back $250 – $500 (and that’s just for a basic model). A riding mower? You’re looking at well over $1,500 – $3,000.
Fuel & Maintenance: Every time you mow, you’re spending about $5 – $10 on gas, oil, and blade sharpening. And let’s not forget those unexpected repairs when your mower refuses to start after a long winter.
Time Investment: Mowing the lawn isn’t just a quick chore. Depending on your yard size, you could be out there for 30 minutes to 2 hours—and that’s if everything goes smoothly. Add in edging, trimming, and cleanup, and you’re looking at a whole afternoon gone.
The Hidden Cost: Your time. You could be relaxing, spending time with family, or actually enjoying your yard instead of sweating behind a mower.
Hiring a Professional: A Stress-Free Solution
Now, let’s talk about what you get when you bring in the pros:
Weekly mowing: Costs $44 – $110 per cut, depending on your yard size.
No equipment, no fuel, no stress: Forget mower maintenance, gas runs, or wondering if your old lawnmower will survive another season.
Consistent, high-quality results: Your lawn is cut evenly, edges are clean, and clippings are cleared—without you lifting a finger.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
If you love mowing the lawn and enjoy the workout, go for it. But if you’d rather spend your weekends relaxing instead of pushing a mower in the summer heat, hiring a pro is a no-brainer. You’re not just paying for a cut lawn—you’re buying back your time, energy, and peace of mind.
And let’s be honest—there’s nothing better than pulling into your driveway and seeing a perfectly manicured lawn without having to touch a single blade of grass yourself.
So, what’s it gonna be? A weekend spent sweating behind a mower, or an stress-free, beautifully cut lawn—handled for you?
Lawn Mowing Cost Calculator: Get the Best Price for Your Yard
Let’s be honest—lawn care pricing can feel a little all over the place. One company charges one price, another charges something totally different, and suddenly you’re stuck wondering, “Am I overpaying for this?” That’s where a lawn mowing cost calculator comes in handy. It gives you a quick, no-BS way to estimate your costs before you commit to anything.
But before you grab the first quote you see, do yourself a favor—compare prices from at least 2 to 3 companies. A good lawn care business uses data-driven pricing, not just random numbers they throw out. Checking multiple estimates helps you get the best deal without sacrificing quality.
So, how do you figure out what your lawn should cost? Here’s a simple way to estimate:
Step 1: Measure Your Lawn’s Square Footage
If you don’t already know, you can check your property records or even use Google Maps to get a rough estimate. Most lawn care companies price based on square footage, so knowing your yard size puts you ahead of the game.
Step 2: Use a Pricing Tier to Estimate Your Cost
Once you know your lawn size, you can match it to a pricing category. Here’s an example:
Small Lawn (5,000 sq ft or less): Around $38 – $44 per week
Medium Lawn (5,000 – 10,000 sq ft): Around $52 per week or $78 biweekly
Large Lawn (10,000 – 20,000 sq ft): Around $60 per week or $90 biweekly
If your lawn falls in between sizes, expect to pay somewhere in the middle.
Step 3: Factor in Extras (Because They Add Up)
Basic mowing covers cutting the grass, edging, and cleanup—but what about the extras? Things like:
Leaf removal (especially in fall)
Seasonal fertilization (keeps your lawn healthy year-round)
Overgrown grass cleanup (if your yard hasn’t been mowed in a while)
These services add to the total cost, so keep them in mind when budgeting.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Look at Price—Look at Value
A cheap lawn care service that does a rushed, sloppy job isn’t saving you money—it’s just giving you headaches. Look for companies with transparent pricing, solid reviews, and competitive data-driven rates.
Bottom line? Use a cost calculator, compare quotes, and choose a company that gives you the best balance of fair pricing and quality service. Your lawn (and your wallet) will thank you.
How to Get the Best Price for Lawn Mowing Services
Everyone loves a great-looking lawn, but nobody wants to overpay for mowing. The good news? You don’t have to. Smart homeowners know a few tricks to keep their lawn looking sharp without spending more than necessary. Here’s how to get the best price on professional lawn care without sacrificing quality.
Prepay & Save: Want to cut costs without cutting corners? Many lawn care companies offer discounts for prepaid services. Paying for a month or even a whole season upfront can save you 10-20% compared to paying per visit. It’s like locking in a better deal before prices go up.
Stick to a Weekly Schedule: Think skipping a week will save you money? Not really. When grass grows too long, it takes longer to mow, which means biweekly service actually costs more per cut. Keeping up with weekly mowing is the most budget-friendly option in the long run.
Bundle & Save on Extras: Need more than just mowing? Bundling services like fertilization, aeration, or leaf cleanup can help you score a better price than booking them separately. Lawn care companies love repeat customers and often offer package deals to keep your business.
Compare Quotes (But Look at Value, Not Just Price): The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Get at least 2-3 quotes from reputable lawn care providers and look beyond just the price—do they have solid reviews? Transparent pricing? Are they using data-driven pricing, or just guessing what to charge? A fair price with quality service always beats a bargain that leaves your lawn looking rough.
At the end of the day, a great-looking yard doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By following these tips, you can get professional service at a fair price—and still have money left over for the fun stuff.
Final Thoughts: Is a Lawn Mowing Service Worth It?
Let’s be real: mowing your own lawn isn’t just about saving money—it’s about whether you actually want to spend your time doing it. Sure, you could wake up early on a Saturday, drag out the mower, and spend an hour sweating in the sun… or you could just step outside, sip your coffee, and enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn—without lifting a finger.
When you hire a professional lawn care service, you’re paying for more than just a cut. You’re paying for time, convenience, and peace of mind.
For homeowners in Bloomington and Normal, IL, Green Machines Lawn Care makes it easy to keep your yard looking its best. Whether you need weekly mowing, a one-time cut, or a full lawn maintenance package, we’ve got you covered with fair, data-driven pricing and top-quality service.
So the real question is: what’s your time worth? If you’re ready to ditch the mower and enjoy a flawless lawn without the hassle, we’re here to help. Got questions or ready to book your lawn service? Click here to get started!
Have questions about lawn care pricing or what’s best for your yard?
Drop a comment below, or send us a message!