{"id":40928,"date":"2025-08-29T15:04:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=40928"},"modified":"2025-09-04T15:49:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T15:49:55","slug":"most-expensive-metro-areas-lawn-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/most-expensive-metro-areas-lawn-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Cities Where Lawn Care Services Cost the Most Green in 2025 \ud83d\udcb0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaves are piling up and budgets are feeling tighter with back-to-school season here and the holidays around the corner. So, where might expensive lawn care services drive homeowners to DIY their yard chores?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> looked at 6 metrics across 460 of the biggest U.S. cities to rank the Cities Where Lawn Care Services Cost the Most Green in 2025.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some highlights:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>On average, urban U.S. households spend <strong>0.56%<\/strong> of their <strong>annual household income<\/strong> on <strong>professional lawn and gardening services<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Annual spending ranges from <strong>$272.64<\/strong> in <strong>Flint, Michigan<\/strong> (No. 366) to <strong>$1,597.24<\/strong> in <strong>Newton, Massachusetts<\/strong> (No. 159), with a <strong>national average of $621.56<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Average<strong> peak lawn care season<\/strong> lasts <strong>250 days<\/strong>, with some cities like <strong>Houston<\/strong> (No. 135) and <strong>San Antonio<\/strong> (No. 46) lasting as long as <strong>277 days<\/strong> and places like <strong>Philadelphia<\/strong> (No. 289) as short as <strong>220 days<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explore our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"in-this-article\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#top-5\">5 most expensive cities for professional lawn care services<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#rankings\">City rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#state-stats\">State stat spotlight<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Expert take<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#from-the-editor\">Insights from our Editor-in-Chief, Sharon Sullivan<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Creative ways to lower lawn care costs<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-5\"><span id=\"5-most-expensive-cities-for-professional-lawn-care-services\">5 most expensive cities for professional lawn care services<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the slideshow below for insights on each of our 5 cities where lawn care services might stretch homeowners\u2019 budgets in 2025.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-36e8c443-4ea6-4b76-80e5-c5328aa8e580\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-36e8c443-4ea6-4b76-80e5-c5328aa8e580\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-36e8c443-4ea6-4b76-80e5-c5328aa8e580\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Notes:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-36e8c443-4ea6-4b76-80e5-c5328aa8e580\">  <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within all metrics and categories, a rank of <strong>1 = Most Expensive<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Mowing Frequency Index:<\/strong> Considers the local peak season length for lawn care, average mowing price per square foot, and average monthly precipitation.\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Lawn Watering Cost Index:<\/strong> From our <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/most-expensive-cities-lawn-irrigation\/\">Most Expensive Cities for Watering Your Lawn<\/a> study, which includes 10 metrics, including water requirements for the most common grass types in a region, the portion of household income spent on water, and drought susceptibility.\u00a0<\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px\" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_24f5d547-3785-4c6b-9f89-390b80622bd3\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Conroe-Texas-1.png\" alt=\"A small bright green front lawn in front of a brick house in Conroe, Texas\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>Conroe, Texas | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>49.74<br><br><strong>Portion of Household Income Spent on Professional Lawn Care: <\/strong>0.66% | Rank: 13<br><strong>Mowing Frequency Index: <\/strong>5.9 | Rank: 111<br><strong>Average Yard Acreage: <\/strong>0.45 acres | Rank: 13<br><strong>Lawn Watering Cost Index: <\/strong>37 | Rank: 33<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Population-Adjusted): <\/strong>1,144 | Rank: 5<br><br><strong>Lawn care tips:\u00a0<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-east-texas\/\">The Best Grass for East Texas Lawns<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-fertilize-lawn-east-texas\/\">When to Fertilize Your Lawn in East Texas<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/east-texas-weeds\/\">The Most Common East Texas Weeds<\/a><br><br>Lawn maintained by a Lawn Love pro in Conroe, TX. <br>Photo credit: Lawn Love<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Melbourne-Florida-1.png\" alt=\"A large, tidy, and green front lawn in Melbourne, Florida\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Melbourne, Florida | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>46.08<br><br><strong>Portion of Household Income Spent on Professional Lawn Care: <\/strong>0.62% | Rank: 45<br><strong>Mowing Frequency Index: <\/strong>6.55 | Rank: 80<br><strong>Average Yard Acreage: <\/strong>0.26 acres | Rank: 130<br><strong>Lawn Watering Cost Index: <\/strong>107 | Rank: 98<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Population-Adjusted): <\/strong>1,692 | Rank: 1<br><br><strong>Lawn care tips:\u00a0<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-seed-florida\/\">The Best Grasses for Florida Lawns<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-time-to-water-grass-florida\/\">The Best Time to Water Your Grass in Florida<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/native-plants-florida\/\">30 Best Native Plants for Florida<\/a><br><br>Lawn maintained by a Lawn Love pro in Melbourne, FL.<br>Photo credit: Lawn Love<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Georgetown-Texas-1.png\" alt=\"A neighborhood of evenly mowed lawns in Georgetown, Texas\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Georgetown, Texas | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>45.1<br><br><strong>Portion of Household Income Spent on Professional Lawn Care: <\/strong>0.67% | Rank: 7<br><strong>Mowing Frequency Index: <\/strong>4.29 | Rank: 253<br><strong>Average Yard Acreage: <\/strong>0.33 acres | Rank: 57<br><strong>Lawn Watering Cost Index: <\/strong>47 | Rank: 43<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Population-Adjusted): <\/strong>926 | Rank: 13<br><br><strong>Lawn care tips:\u00a0<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-central-texas\/\">The Best Grass for Central Texas Lawns<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-fertilize-lawn-central-texas\/\">When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Central Texas<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/central-texas-weeds\/\">The Most Common Central Texas Weeds<\/a><br><br>Lawn maintained by a Lawn Love pro in Georgetown, TX.<br>Photo credit: Lawn Love<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Suffolk-Virginia-1.png\" alt=\"A gorgeously striped front lawn in Suffolk, Virginia\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Suffolk, Virginia | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>44.81<br><br><strong>Portion of Household Income Spent on Professional Lawn Care: <\/strong>0.62% | Rank: 44<br><strong>Mowing Frequency Index: <\/strong>4.71 | Rank: 212<br><strong>Average Yard Acreage: <\/strong>0.68 acres | Rank: 1<br><strong>Lawn Watering Cost Index: <\/strong>68 | Rank: 63<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Population-Adjusted): <\/strong>486 | Rank: 109<br><br><strong>Lawn care tips:\u00a0<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-to-grass-types\/\">An Ultimate Guide to Grass Types<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-greener-grass\/\">How to Get Greener Grass<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-time-to-water-grass\/\">When is the Best Time to Water Your Grass?<\/a><br><br>Lawn maintained by a Lawn Love pro in Suffolk, VA.<br>Photo credit: Lawn Love<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8618731268_13537abaaa_k-1.png\" alt=\"A bright yellow house with a unique front landscape in Mountain View, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Mountain View, California | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>42.72<br><br><strong>Portion of Household Income Spent on Professional Lawn Care: <\/strong>1% | Rank: 1<br><strong>Mowing Frequency Index: <\/strong>5.66 | Rank: 127<br><strong>Average Yard Acreage: <\/strong>0.09 acres | Rank: 433<br><strong>Lawn Watering Cost Index: <\/strong>357 | Rank: 332<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Population-Adjusted): <\/strong>158 | Rank: 386<br><br><strong>Lawn care tips:\u00a0<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/\">5 Best Grass Types for California Lawns<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-fertilize-lawn-california\/\">When to Fertilize Your Lawn in California<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-california-weeds\/\">The 19 Most Common Weeds in Your California Lawn<\/a><br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/moonlightbulb\/8618731268\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Selena N. B. H.<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\"><span id=\"city-rankings\">City rankings<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 77.83% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/cdbf1f18-7757-4776-9e9d-fdc9fe41bb9e?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"Copy: LL: Ranking Table - 2024's Most Expensive Metro Areas for Lawn Maintenance\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 80.38% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/8e6f205a-6c8d-4c0c-90f8-7df37a53ed19?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LL: 25 Cities Where Lawn Care Services Cost the Most Green in 2025\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key insights<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>37.5%<\/strong> of the 40 largest U.S. cities \u2014 including <strong>San Antonio<\/strong> (No. 46), <strong>Tucson, Arizona<\/strong> (No. 67), and <strong>Houston<\/strong> (No. 135) \u2014 land in the <strong>less affordable half<\/strong> of our ranking.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Residents of <strong>Kansas City, Missouri<\/strong> (No. 138), <strong>Indianapolis<\/strong> (No. 269), and <strong>Virginia Beach, Virginia<\/strong> (No. 294), allocate a <strong>higher share<\/strong> of their <strong>average household income<\/strong> to <strong>professional lawn and gardening<\/strong> services than the average percentage spent (0.56%) in our ranking.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Suburbs might be known for more expansive (aka expensive) yards, but some <strong>big cities<\/strong> with populations above 250,000, like <strong>North Carolina cities<\/strong> <strong>Winston-Salem<\/strong> (No. 213) and <strong>Greensboro<\/strong> (No. 214), as well as <strong>Nashville<\/strong> (No. 373), have <strong>larger-than-average yards<\/strong> to maintain.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"%f0%9f%92%b8-draining-your-wallet-%f0%9f%92%a7\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcb8 Draining your wallet \ud83d\udca7<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/most-expensive-cities-lawn-irrigation\/\">most expensive to water lawns<\/a> in <strong>Arizona<\/strong>, <strong>Texas<\/strong>, and <strong>Southern California<\/strong>. Homeowners who aren\u2019t willing to splurge on green grass can lower their water bills with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/xeriscape-ideas\/\">xeriscaping<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"%f0%9f%94%8d-seeking-pros-%f0%9f%91%80\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd0d Seeking pros \ud83d\udc40<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Demand for professional services<\/strong> is <strong>highest in Florida<\/strong> \u2014 particularly in <strong>Orlando<\/strong> (No. 30) and <strong>Fort Myers<\/strong> (No. 16).&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other side of the country, professional services are <strong>least sought after<\/strong> in <strong>California cities<\/strong>, particularly <strong>Chula Vista<\/strong> (No. 194), <strong>Glendale <\/strong>(No. 376), and <strong>Huntington Beach<\/strong> (No. 303).&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"%f0%9f%8f%a1-mowing-mayhem-%f0%9f%9a%9c\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udfe1 Mowing mayhem \ud83d\ude9c<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On average, about <strong>3%<\/strong> of Lawn Love customers across the cities in our ranking are charged <strong>long grass fees<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some cities with a <strong>high Mowing Frequency Index<\/strong> \u2014 such as <strong>New Jersey<\/strong> cities <strong>Paterson<\/strong> (No. 264) and <strong>Jersey City<\/strong> (No. 309), and <strong>New Bedford, Massachusetts<\/strong> (No. 337) \u2014 also have among the <strong>highest shares<\/strong> of mowing jobs with <strong>long grass fees<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some cities with the <strong>tidiest lawns<\/strong> include <strong>Savannah, Georgia<\/strong> (No. 93), <strong>Scottsdale, Arizona<\/strong> (No. 54), and <strong>Ann Arbor, Michigan<\/strong> (No. 444).<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"state-stats\"><span id=\"state-stat-spotlight\">State stat spotlight<\/span><\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>TX: <\/strong>Every major city in the <strong>Texas Triangle<\/strong> scores in the <strong>more expensive half<\/strong>, except for <strong>Dallas<\/strong> (No. 327). Among the state\u2019s 5 biggest cities, Dallas lawns are the <strong>most affordable to water,<\/strong> and residents have a <strong>lower rate of overgrown lawns<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>FL: <\/strong>Only <strong>5 Florida cities<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>Gainesville<\/strong> (No. 242), <strong>St. Petersburg<\/strong> (No. 247), <strong>Fort Lauderdale<\/strong> (No. 265), <strong>Daytona Beach<\/strong> (No. 322), and <strong>Miami Beach<\/strong> (No. 390) \u2014 land in the <strong>more affordable half<\/strong> of our ranking. These cities <strong>spend a smaller percentage of their income<\/strong> on professional <strong>lawn care services<\/strong> and have <strong>more affordable lawn watering<\/strong> requirements.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>NY, PA, NJ: <\/strong>All <strong>6 New York<\/strong>, <strong>7 Pennsylvania<\/strong>, and <strong>6 New Jersey<\/strong> cities score in the <strong>more affordable half<\/strong> of our ranking, with <strong>less costly lawn watering<\/strong> needs, <strong>smaller average yard sizes<\/strong>, and <strong>less spending on professional services<\/strong> \u2014 except for <strong>Pennsylvania <\/strong>cities <strong>Scranton<\/strong> (No. 301) and <strong>Erie<\/strong> (No. 344).<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>NC: <\/strong>Despite having some of the <strong>biggest yards<\/strong> on average among large cities, <strong>North Carolina<\/strong> cities <strong>Raleigh<\/strong> (No. 292), <strong>Durham<\/strong> (No. 333), and <strong>Charlotte<\/strong> (No. 411) finish in our more affordable half due to <strong>moderate mowing frequency<\/strong> rates, <strong>less expensive lawn watering<\/strong> costs, and <strong>lower spending<\/strong> on <strong>professional lawn care services<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><span id=\"\"><\/span><\/h2>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 id=\"expert-take\" class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Expert take<\/h2>    <p>Lawns have various needs, largely depending on the grass type and how it fares in the regional climate. Some grasses need mowing up to twice weekly during peak season, while others can be susceptible to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-treat-lawn-fungus\/\">fungus<\/a>, diseases, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-fall-lawn-pests\/\">pests<\/a>.<\/p> <p>We turned to a panel of experts to learn more about the challenges and expenses of maintaining a breathtaking lawn and landscape. Read their insights below.<\/p> <ol> <li>What are 3 of the biggest misconceptions about lawn care?<\/li> <li>What is 1 expensive lawn maintenance task that is always worth the cost? What\u2019s 1 that isn\u2019t?<\/li> <li>What are 3 of the most affordable lawn care services?<\/li> <li>What are 3 of the most expensive lawn care services that homeowners can easily DIY instead?<\/li> <li>What are 3 key preventative lawn care services for maintaining healthy turf?<\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('barry-stewart-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Barry-Stewart.png\" alt=\"Barry Stewart\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Barry Stewart PhD <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Associate Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('manuel-chavarria-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Manuel-Chavarria.png\" alt=\"Manuel Chavarria\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Manuel Chavarria Ph.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor &amp; Extension in Turfgrass Physiology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('david-j-shetlar-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/David-Shetlar.png\" alt=\"David Shetlar\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">David J. Shetlar, Ph.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor Emeritus of Entomology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-barry-stewart-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'barry-stewart-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'barry-stewart-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('barry-stewart-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'barry-stewart-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'barry-stewart-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('barry-stewart-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Barry-Stewart.png\" alt=\"Barry Stewart\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'barry-stewart-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Barry Stewart PhD <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'barry-stewart-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'barry-stewart-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Mississippi State University, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'barry-stewart-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('barry-stewart-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'barry-stewart-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('barry-stewart-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Barry-Stewart.png\" alt=\"Barry Stewart\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Barry Stewart PhD <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Mississippi State University, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three of the biggest misconceptions about lawn care? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. That you can\u2019t do it yourself. You can, but if you don\u2019t enjoy it there are affordable services out there.<\/p> <p>2. That you have to spend a lot of time and money to have a great-looking lawn.<\/p> <p>3. That lawns are a source of pollution. If fertilizers and lawn protection chemicals are applied correctly lawns cause no pollution. In fact, they help filter our water and air.<\/p> <p><strong>What is 1 expensive lawn maintenance task that is always worth the cost? What\u2019s 1 that isn\u2019t?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Putting out a pre-emergent herbicide in spring and fall always pays for itself if done in a timely manner. Irrigation systems audits also usually pay for themselves.<\/p> <p>De-thatching is one that probably gets more bang for your buck with topdressing to control thatch and you get a smoother lawn.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three of the most affordable lawn care services?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Usually mowing, soil testing, and fertilizing.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three of the most expensive lawn care services that homeowners can easily DIY instead?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Mowing \u2014 home owner machines are more inexpensive and better than ever.<\/p> <p>2. Fertilizer applications. You now have access to professional products that are much easier to use.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three key preventative lawn care services for maintaining healthy turf?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Scouting for lawn weeds, insects, and diseases.<\/p> <p>2. Soil testing every couple of years.<\/p> <p>3. Irrigation audits.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-manuel-chavarria-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'manuel-chavarria-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'manuel-chavarria-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('manuel-chavarria-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'manuel-chavarria-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'manuel-chavarria-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('manuel-chavarria-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Manuel-Chavarria.png\" alt=\"Manuel Chavarria\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'manuel-chavarria-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Manuel Chavarria Ph.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'manuel-chavarria-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor &amp; Extension in Turfgrass Physiology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'manuel-chavarria-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Texas A&amp;M University, Soil and Crop Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'manuel-chavarria-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('manuel-chavarria-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'manuel-chavarria-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('manuel-chavarria-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Manuel-Chavarria.png\" alt=\"Manuel Chavarria\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Manuel Chavarria Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor &amp; Extension in Turfgrass Physiology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Texas A&amp;M University, Soil and Crop Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three of the biggest misconceptions about lawn care?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Watering daily is beneficial.<\/p> <p>2. The shorter the grass, the less often it needs to be cut.<\/p> <p>3. Winterizing.<\/p> <p><strong>What is 1 expensive lawn maintenance task that is always worth the cost? What\u2019s 1 that isn\u2019t?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Worth the cost: Aeration.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three of the most affordable lawn care services?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Basic mowing services.<\/p> <p>2. Seasonal cleanup.<\/p> <p>3. Grub control treatments.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three of the most expensive lawn care services that homeowners can easily DIY instead?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Dethatching.<\/p> <p>2. Fertilization.<\/p> <p>3. Weed control.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three key preventative lawn care services for maintaining healthy turf?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Soil testing.<\/p> <p>2. Pest and disease monitoring.<\/p> <p>3. Proper irrigation management.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-david-j-shetlar-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'david-j-shetlar-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'david-j-shetlar-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('david-j-shetlar-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'david-j-shetlar-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'david-j-shetlar-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('david-j-shetlar-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/David-Shetlar.png\" alt=\"David Shetlar\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'david-j-shetlar-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">David J. Shetlar, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'david-j-shetlar-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor Emeritus of Entomology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'david-j-shetlar-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Ohio State University, Department of Entomology<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'david-j-shetlar-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('david-j-shetlar-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'david-j-shetlar-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('david-j-shetlar-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/David-Shetlar.png\" alt=\"David Shetlar\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">David J. Shetlar, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor Emeritus of Entomology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Ohio State University, Department of Entomology<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three of the biggest misconceptions about lawn care?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Professionals are only applying products and formulations that homeowners use. In fact, they often use better formulations (like switching ester and amine broadleaf controls) and can spray or spread in a more uniform manner).<\/p> <p>2. Professionals are applying dangerous pesticides that aren\u2019t needed. In fact, most are using pesticides that do the job that they are intended, but there is room for not applying herbicides or insecticides where there is little risk of weed or insect issues.<\/p> <p>3. High turf maintenance creates a \u201cgreen desert\u201d that hurts our environment. Data indicate that the turfgrass ecosystem, even ones that have regular pesticide applications are extremely biodiverse. It\u2019s just that the \u201ccritters\u201d are all very small. Research by entomologists have regularly identified that a square meter of managed turf can have between 25K to over 50K arthropods.<\/p> <p>Even after an insecticide application, these populations rebound to pre-spray level after two to four weeks. Turfgrass isn\u2019t a stand of a single species and\/or cultivar like field crops, but a genetically diverse population of plants. The microbial populations are also just now being investigated, and the diversity is high.<\/p> <p><strong>What is 1 expensive lawn maintenance task that is always worth the cost? What\u2019s 1 that isn\u2019t?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I would say that periodic core aerification is a relatively expensive task, but worth the long-term investment.<\/p> <p>Regular applications of surface insect controls are generally a waste of money. Applications in neighborhoods that have a record of billbug or chinch bug activity would be warranted.<\/p> <p>Many cool-season lawns are being converted to turf-type tall fescues and these are highly resistant to chinch bugs, billbugs, sod webworms, and armyworms, but they can still get white grubs.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three of the most affordable lawn care services?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Regular fertilizer applications.<\/p> <p>2. Pre-emergent weed control.<\/p> <p>3. Broadleaf weed control if applied in the fall.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three of the most expensive lawn care services that homeowners can easily DIY instead?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I can\u2019t name any of the \u201cmost expensive\u201d as a DIY as these are most expensive because of the equipment and expertise needed (i.e., core aerification, or seeding).<\/p> <p><strong>What are three key preventative lawn care services for maintaining healthy turf?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Pre-emergent herbicides if the lawn is thin and weak. Thick lawns are at low risk of having annual grassy weeds.<\/p> <p>2. Broadleaf weed controls are rarely effective when homeowners use fertilizer granules with broadleaf herbicides (i.e., the \u201cweed and feed\u201d products). Professionals use sprays that are much more effective.<\/p> <p>3. Late-season fertility that most lawn care companies do but DIYs avoid as they don\u2019t see any reason to \u201cfeed\u201d a lawn when it is going into winter.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"from-the-editor\"><\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-463e3767-ebe0-4030-bb80-6085334b6b42\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-463e3767-ebe0-4030-bb80-6085334b6b42\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-463e3767-ebe0-4030-bb80-6085334b6b42\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Insights from our Editor-in-Chief, Sharon Sullivan<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-463e3767-ebe0-4030-bb80-6085334b6b42\">  <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What advice would you give homeowners looking to lower their lawn care costs?<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the main ways to cut on lawn care costs is to follow proper lawn care practices and be aware of what\u2019s going on with your lawn. Keeping your lawn too long, cutting it <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/signs-cutting-grass-too-short\/\">too short<\/a>, not dethatching, or watering too much invites pests and diseases that can be costly to eliminate.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was \u201ccutting costs\u201d so I stopped regular treatments on my <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/st-augustinegrass-guide\/\">St. Augustine<\/a> lawn. Big mistake. As soon as I stopped, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-chinch-bugs\/\">chinch bugs<\/a> took over. They can cause a lot of damage very quickly, so I had to have parts of my lawn resodded.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doing all the right things at the right time will save you money in the long run. It\u2019s like not getting regular car maintenance and you ignore all the lights coming on in your dashboard. Eventually, you\u2019ll be left stuck on the side of the road with costly repairs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another way to lower your lawn care costs is to DIY some lawn care tasks. If you have the time and know-how to overseed and spread fertilizer yourself, it\u2019s worth it.\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big one for me is equipment maintenance. I\u2019m not mechanically inclined, so changing filters and spark plugs is foreign to me. So at the beginning of spring, I have a local lawn equipment shop service my mowers. If I knew how to do all that myself, I wouldn\u2019t have to spend $500 on servicing my tractor and self-propelled mower.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And I\u2019m always looking for sales. Watch for sales on lawn equipment of supplies like seed and fertilizer. Saving a few hundred dollars throughout the year helps.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What surprised you the most about the results of this ranking?<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, I really thought people spent more than they do annually on lawn care. I would have guessed Americans spent at least 1% of their household income on their lawn care and maintenance.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m also surprised that California cities were at the bottom for hiring professional lawn care services. You always think of busy, working professionals who have the means would rather hire pros to take care of their lawns rather than do the work themselves.<\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\"><span id=\"behind-the-ranking\">Behind the ranking<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Cities Where Lawn Care Services Cost the Most Green in 2025. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 2 categories: Lawn Care Cost and Search for Service Providers. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table. We eliminated 40 cities lacking sufficient data in a single category, resulting in a final sample size of 460 cities.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cMost Expensive\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cLeast Expensive\u201d (No. 460).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notes:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 460 due to ties.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>The Mowing Frequency Index:<\/strong> Considers the local peak season length for lawn care, average mowing price per square foot, and average monthly precipitation.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>The Lawn Watering Cost Index:<\/strong> From our Most Expensive Cities for Watering Your Lawn study, which includes 10 metrics, including water requirements for the most common grass types in a region, the portion of household income spent on water, and drought susceptibility.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 69.88% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/c365e07c-f92e-4c7b-ae36-18e58ad970a2?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LL: Methodology Table - Cities Where Lawn Care Services Cost the Most Green in 2025\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <h3 id=\"sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Census Business Builder, Google Ads, U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, LawnStarter, and Other Lawn Love Studies<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><span id=\"creative-ways-to-lower-lawn-care-costs\">Creative ways to lower lawn care costs<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professional lawn mowing services cost between <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mowing-cost\/\">$48 and $207 per visit<\/a> on average, with costs differing due to yard size, grass height, and other factors like lawn health.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to lawn care, some of the costliest expenses can be avoided with a little creativity and DIY magic. Check out our tips below.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"do-it-yourself\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do-it-yourself<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Learn how to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-when-and-how-to-aerate-your-lawn\/\">aerate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-dethatch-lawn\/\">dethatch<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-overseed-lawn\/\">overseed<\/a> your lawn.<\/li>    <li>Make your own <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/effective-homemade-fertilizers-for-your-lawn\/\">homemade fertilizer<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Learn some <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mowing-tips-and-tricks\/\">lawn mowing tips and tricks<\/a> before taking the mower out for a spin.<\/li>    <li>Equipment can be the most expensive part of DIY lawn care. Save money by borrowing from a local community tool shed, a close friend, or a neighbor.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Ready to drop some cash on a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-cost\/\">lawn mower<\/a> of your own? Read through our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-best-time-to-buy-lawn-mower\/\">the best time to buy a lawn mower<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"redesign-your-lawn-and-landscape\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Redesign your lawn and landscape<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Switch to a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/low-maintenance-grass-alternatives\/\">low-maintenance grass type<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Skip the weekly mow with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/blog-landscaping-grass-alternatives\/\">no-mow grass alternative<\/a>, like a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-ground-covers-for-foot-traffic\/\">ground cover<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Fill your property with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas\/\">low-maintenance landscaping<\/a>, like native plants or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/xeriscape-ideas\/\">xeriscaping<\/a>. Lawn Love has dozens of local guides to picking the best native plants \u2014 just search for your city or state on our blog.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Enhance curb appeal and lower lawn care needs with clever <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hardscaping-ideas-for-extra-curb-appeal\/\">hardscaping<\/a> projects.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Convert a section of your yard into a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/vegetable-garden-ideas\/\">veggie garden<\/a> and enjoy or sell the produce.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Opt for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas\/\">drought-tolerant landscaping<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/\">grass types<\/a> to lower your water bills.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"keep-your-lawn-healthy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep your lawn healthy<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Choose an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-to-grass-types\/\">ideal grass type<\/a> for your location and follow proper lawn care practices.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-time-to-water-grass\/\">Water your lawn at the right time<\/a> of day and avoid overwatering to prevent lawn diseases and pests.<\/li>    <li>Conduct a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-soil-test-your-lawn\/\">soil test for your lawn<\/a> and make amendments based on the results.<\/li>    <li>Maintain your lawn equipment and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades\/\">sharpen mower blades<\/a> 1-2 times per year.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Professional lawn care desn\u2019t have to break the bank. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\"><em>Use Lawn Love<\/em><\/a><em> to find an affordable lawn crew in your area.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/ll-ranking-table-2024s-most-expensive-metro-areas-for-lawn-maintenance-1h9j6q7v37zr54g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2024\u2019s Most Expensive Metro Areas for Lawn Maintenance ranking results<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main photo credit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/professional-landscaper-installing-new-grass-turfs-in-a-garden\/370958947\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tomasz Zajda<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where do Americans spend the most on professional lawn care? Read Cities Where Lawn Care Services Cost the Most Green in 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":40935,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[348],"class_list":["post-40928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AdobeStock_370958947-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40928"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41065,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40928\/revisions\/41065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}