Winter lawns - how often do mowers mow ?

[mvbird]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.

[wisbad1]

Once a month maybe.

[npwalters]

ours cuts every other week in the winter but they cut back shrubs , etc in the off weeks. In my opinion lawncare is a bargain in TV. The ONLY bargain I can think of.

[photo1902]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.

That’s the way it works

We have Zoysia, which goes dormant in the winter. There is nothing to cut, to speak of, during that time, but the company stops by. Sometimes they’ll do some edging, if needed. You pay your service monthly, regardless.

[chrisinva]

We had similar observations about our lawn care & asked our service, Logan's Lawncare, to only cut once in Nov. Then, assessing the Dec length, we asked them to not mow or edge in Dec & Jan, with re-start scheduled for Feb. They agreed. No bills in Dec & Jan. They are a smaller operation & very responsive to any request we have made. They do fine work also.
Can't find a phone # , but here's their email. loganlecompte777@gmail.com Grass doesn't grow here in the winter.

[njbchbum]

Our landscaper explained to us that he needs an annual/monthly income just as we do...so he sets an annual rate based on lot size, bills monthly, cuts weekly during the growing season and as needed during the dormant season. He also maintains the irrigation system year round as well as replaces siding than may suffer from trim line damage for no add'l cost. He will also trim the palm tree, crepe myrtle, Palatka holly and shrubs for a very modest cost.

[kcrazorbackfan]

That’s why I cut and trim my own; I don’t like paying money for nothing.

[photo1902]

That’s why I cut and trim my own; I don’t like paying money for nothing.

So you get groceries, gas, cable for free? What’s your secret :1rotfl:

[stanley]

During the rainy season I mow lawns every four days, winter maybe once a month........do the math...... yes I do love the break in the winter months.

[thelegges]

Durning growing season weekly, winter twice a month, other two weeks they start trimming all of our bushes, palms, and trees, and weed. Just the weeding alone is worth the every other week mow. All inclusive in our monthly bill

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

This is an argument I’ve heard everywhere I’ve lived in Florida, your monthly payment is averaged for the year , if you don’t like that get it by the cut and see how much that will cost you , the guys that do this aren’t getting rich because someone is always undercutting them, and usually doing a bad job of it There not getting a free ride in winter its a year contract, you can always cut it yourself which personally I think is stupid , but to each his own

[JimJohnson]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.

These mowing small business people should be paid 12 times per year. Yes the don’t have a lot to cut in the winter, but they don’t ask for more money in the summer. The cost for annual yard maintenance is far less than it is worth. The stimulus that retirees have received (that we do not need) will pay for your mowing for the next two years. Do the Christian thing and help your help.

[pvetrano1]

Stop already. The whole place is a bargain !

[J1ceasar]

Just like school teachers .

[tsmall22204]

Do you get this concerned when you landscaping guy is cutting you grass every week in the hot sun? Do you remember that they also edge your lawn and blow away debris. I think you need to look at the year as a whole not just a couple months.

[davephan]

Just think about your monthly lawn mowing service as a monthly charge that is averaged all year, the same way that your utility bill could be averaged.

If you could pay for lawn maintenance per mow, it would probably be much more expensive during the summertime than the wintertime. Plus, a per mow rate would probably cost much more than being on an annual mowing contract.

I thought about having my lawn maintenance done on a per time, vacation basis, and doing the mowing myself when I’m in Florida. But the cost differences just aren’t that much between a per mow basis, and having to mow and trim myself.

If you rarely left Florida in the summertime, and rarely took vacations or trips, you could do the mowing chores yourself. But it would be pretty miserable to do that work yourself, in the summertime heat and humidity in Florida, verses any cost savings. If your time is worth anything, that really washes away any savings. Most older retired people in Florida choose to have a lawn care service take care of their lawns and shrubs, and retire from the lawn and shrub maintenance chores.

[Lyn Wagner]

Here’s something else for you to chew on. We’re snowbirds and still have to pay for garbage pickup even tho were not here. How do you expect the employees and trucks to still be here when we come back if all the snowbirds stopped paying for the pickup? Just like the lawn guys they depend on that income to live on and maintain they business,

[davephan]

Here’s something else for you to chew on. We’re snowbirds and still have to pay for garbage pickup even tho were not here. How do you expect the employees and trucks to still be here when we come back if all the snowbirds stopped paying for the pickup? Just like the lawn guys they depend on that income to live on and maintain they business,

When we lived in Minnesota, and we took vacations or trips longer than two weeks, we put our garbage service on vacation. We then received credit, and our garbage service expiration date would then be extended. We also paid for a whole year of the garbage service in advance, and we were given an extra free month of the garbage service.

If you’re garbage service is tied to your HOA fee, or if putting the garbage service on vacation isn’t an option, then you’re stuck paying for the garbage service that you don’t use in Florida, when you’re “up north” during the summer months.

[JimJohnson]

Y’all have given me a warm and fuzzy with your kind posts.

[Deb-Ann]

Who do you use and what is their contact number? Thanks

[wrestle1]

That’s the way it works

We have Zoysia, which goes dormant in the winter. There is nothing to cut, to speak of, during that time, but the company stops by. Sometimes they’ll do some edging, if needed. You pay your service monthly, regardless.
Same

[ts12755]

To get the low monthly rate you have to agree to an annual contract. You didn't complain when they were cutting every week.

[Rsenholzi]

My landscaper comes 4/5 times a month from March through Oct/ November /Dec ( depends on the growth and whether it’s cold and not growing - this year it was the coldest so he stopped earlier than normal ) He comes 1 / 2 times monthly from when he stops through March . I pay $45 a month regardless of how many times he comes. Frankly my lawn looks great! Up north, I was paying $45 a week for similar size property. I was actually paying more than double if you figure out my weekly cost for 6 months. I am grateful that I found my landscaper and more than willing to pay all year

[mydavid]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months. The lawn people we have and have had for several years charge us half rate during the winter months. They still come every 15 days or so, sounds fair to me.

[fifilebon]

I have lived in FL for 32 years and this is the standard throughout the state. They work very hard during the hot weather then kick back a little in the “winter”. They still need their paycheck.

[banjobob]

That’s why I cut and trim my own; I don’t like paying money for nothing.

It is the scope of the job. 10 / 12 bucks a week is cheap when you must #1 buy the mower , trimmer, blower. #2 maintain said equipment and mow twice a week in the growing season #3 mow trim and clean up after mowing in the summer, frankly I would rather play golf lol

[Detbreakdown]

I was wondering the same thing a couple of years ago. Since I cut my own lawn I decided to do a little analysis, I tracked how many times I cut the lawn in a year. For two years it’s 28-30. You can do the math based on what your paying per month.

[Judy n Ron]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.
I mow my own lawn. Always have. The "professionals" are from what I see, not very proficient at it, especially edging and string trimming. True, they mow in the winter when it doesn't need it, and not enough in the summer. I mow about every 6 days from May to October. Every 2 weeks in March, April, November and December, and not at all January/February when the lawn is fully dormant. I get my gas mower and edger serviced yearly at Wildwood Mowers. They do a great job at a reasonable price. I do envy the senior communities that include lawn maintenance in their amenity fees. Everyone's lawn is done the same day in a neighborhood, instead of there being a gauntlet of trailers parked in the streets and mower noise all day every day. Good luck. Ron

[Baitoro@hotmail.com]

Even if the lawn doesn’t need mowing my guys edge and blow to neaten up the yard. Contract is for 12 months of payments even though the lawn goes dormant for awhile in winter...

[jbrown132]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.

I believe the agreement with most of these companies is a yearly agreement for which they bill monthly. Usually, at the beginning they tell you the frequency at which they will cut, trim hedges, etc. It is not unusual in the winter for them to cut every two to three weeks. I see my guy drive by the house in winter and if it needs cutting he stops if not he keeps on going. Sometimes he will stop and just trim. He trims all the hedges five times a year and maintains the sprinkler heads. Lastly he takes care of all the weeds in the beds. For the money he charges, I have no problem with the frequency as in the summer these guys work long days in extremely hot weather. It is a bargain for what they do.

[rabranca@aol.com]

Who is your landscaper?

[Bgsu4me]

Who do you use?

[Red Rose]

Some people complain about everything here.Financially, most of us have nothing to complain about. The landscapers have to live too. Do it yourself if you want to, but life is too short to waste it on complaining. When you get too old to do it yourself, then hire someone. It's plain and simple.

[OhioBuckeye]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.

Yes, & I bet you’re still paying them. Some of the yards are so small I can’t believe the mowing service could charge more than $5. Yea, I know I’m dreaming with that figure. I mowed my own yard & it took me exactly 16 mins. to mow. I know some people can’t mow their yards. With yards dormant right now I’m surprised they mow any yard but I know the lawn service have got a good song & dance why you should. Your yard won’t die if you don’t no matter what they say!

[Lsepanske@aol.com]

what is your landscaper name?

[Kgcetm]

You are hiring a yearly service not a weekly cut.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

When we lived in Minnesota, and we took vacations or trips longer than two weeks, we put our garbage service on vacation. We then received credit, and our garbage service expiration date would then be extended. We also paid for a whole year of the garbage service in advance, and we were given an extra free month of the garbage service.

If you’re garbage service is tied to your HOA fee, or if putting the garbage service on vacation isn’t an option, then you’re stuck paying for the garbage service that you don’t use in Florida, when you’re “up north” during the summer months. but in the real world in most cities your thrash pickup is in your taxes. ,when I go away for winter I can’t call the city of Boston and get a credit for not being there and those small town thrash bills are usually higher then regular city thrash bills

[Laraine]

We've lived in Florida most of our lives and most companies average out over the year their fees. They mow more often in summer and less in winter. If you try to bargain a monthly charge, you may lose a good service as they don't make a huge amount maintaining lawns to begin with. If you think they are a fair and trustworthy company, I'd keep them. If you feel they are pulling a "quick" one, price out other companies to see if you have a fair arrangement.

[jimjamuser]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.
There are ONLY 2 choices - 1) mow it yourself - or 2 ) accept getting RIPPED OFF . Some people also use astro-turf or bring in tons of stones - depending on Village location and rules.

[Curtisbwp]

In the summer (grass grows quickly) once a week. In the winter twice a month. I ALWAYS pay three months in advance in cash.

[Robin Hardwick]

Who do you use? We get. O schrub trimming at all...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We have a guy who comes to deal with the fire ants and other nasties on the outside of the house. We bought a lawnmower after moving down here. With the money we saved by not paying someone to mow for us, the lawnmower was basically paid for, before our first year living here was over.

We got a hedge trimmer and a weed-whacker that works also as an edger, and hubby makes a few bucks every 4-6 weeks tidying up for a friend (the friend still pays someone to mow the lawn, but the lawnmower person doesn't do the hedges or weedwhack in the garden area).

Our yard is small, and the lawnmower is a self-propelled one, so the "work" is less taxing than playing 9 holes at an Executive and only takes around 15 minutes.

[DAVES]

Our landscapers have always told us they must be paid every month no matter the season. However, we've been there in February and seen our mower arrive twice a month, riding around with barely anything to cut. From year-rounders--- October, November, December, January, February, March--- does the grass grow every month ? And how often would you say your lawn needs to be mowed in those months.

Re: paying every month even in winter
That seems to be accepted normal. I don't recall the mane but one organization wanted to be paid in advance for a full year. When, neighbor objected he agreed to every six months.

We've had four different people in eight years. We are not at all difficult as customers.
We never make them wait to be paid. The first one, truth nice guy, wanted to stay north of us so he recommended a replacement. Nice young guy. Did a good job. I was impressed that he was injured in a motorcycle accident and he called. He got a friend to fill in. He was back mowing with his arm in a cast. We were impressed how trust worthy he was. Halfway through a month he disappeared not answering phone, e-mails etc.
Never did find out what happened. We did loose three weeks out of a paid in advance month.
Next guy. Great guy, honest. Not as good as the first but good enough. Same story.
After two plus years in the middle of the season where you really need a mowing service
he disappeared. I did find him. He did return the money he took.
We now have the fourth guy. Another nice guy. Truth in terms of quality of his work he is about the worst. Still acceptable to me. Hoping he will last.
Aside, as a kid I shoveled snow and mowed lawns to earn money. It was far cooler than mowing lawns in Florida. It is a tough way to make a living. I remember the lady who always gave me a cold soda. I also remember she was the one whose lawn was loaded with toads. Great fun scraping squashed toads off the bottom of a mower. Then there was the one who walked her dog in the back yard.

As to how often to mow. The suggestion is not to remove more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade. In the summer once a week is not often enough but it is all the pros will do. In the winter, once every two or three weeks is often enough. The villages-confession this is the first time in my life that I did not mow my own lawn. We do not have room to store a mower. I am eight years older than I was when we moved here. No toads, no dog
I still give the guy a cold soda when I see him.

[Boston1945]

Here is something else to chew on. Let's say you have cable tv and you never watched tv for the entire month, do you call the cable company and tell them that you did not watch tv for that month and you should NOT BE BILLED.???

[davephan]

Here is something else to chew on. Let's say you have cable tv and you never watched tv for the entire month, do you call the cable company and tell them that you did not watch tv for that month and you should NOT BE BILLED.???

I've had cable TV service, and they had a problem for many hours over a couple of days. I called to report that problem to the cable company. The cable company actually gave me a credit for the days where the cable and Internet service wasn't available, due to a known problem with the cable company's system. However, if I didn't call them, like most people don't call them, then I wouldn't have received any credit at all. But if the service was available, and you didn't use it, then you'd still have to pay the full bill.

[eddie888]

I can’t understand why you said that. Paying money for nothing. I pay a monthly fee for my grass cutter. They have to support a family. Do you have any other activities except cutting grass. Lol

[rmd2]

Durning growing season weekly, winter twice a month, other two weeks they start trimming all of our bushes, palms, and trees, and weed. Just the weeding alone is worth the every other week mow. All inclusive in our monthly bill

The problem is that the mowing is not done or needed for 3 months and none of the lawn people I have had would do any kind of lawn service for those months. I wouldn't mind paying someone for the entire year if they actually did some work during those 3 months.

[Stu from NYC]

Our lawn guy works as a golf cart mechanic during the winter months and charges us per cut.

[rmd2]

The lawn people we have and have had for several years charge us half rate during the winter months. They still come every 15 days or so, sounds fair to me.

That would be a little more fair. Mine have always charged full rate. Once I asked about whether there was a discount for the months they don't come and before the owner answered the question he asked me where I lived. When I told him I lived in The Villages, he said we don't give any discounts for the winter months. What does that tell you? If you live in The Villages, screw you.

[kcrazorbackfan]

It is the scope of the job. 10 / 12 bucks a week is cheap when you must #1 buy the mower , trimmer, blower. #2 maintain said equipment and mow twice a week in the growing season #3 mow trim and clean up after mowing in the summer, frankly I would rather play golf lol

1. I've owned the mower, trimmer and blower long before I moved here.
2. Maintaining the equipment is once a season changing the oil in the mower, adding gas to the mower and blower, adding string to the trimmer occasionally and sharpening the mower blade.
3. Trimming (always first), mowing and cleanup is a piece of cake.

BTW, I also work 3 days a week and play golf 2-3 days a week in addition to working in my yard. It keeps me from looking pregnant like a lot of men in The Villages.

To each their own.......

[kcrazorbackfan]

I can’t understand why you said that. Paying money for nothing. I pay a monthly fee for my grass cutter. They have to support a family. Do you have any other activities except cutting grass. Lol

Sure. Read my above response.

[OhioBuckeye]

Once a month maybe.

That’s pretty good estimate! I mowed my lawn in TV about 4 times from Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. & maybe Mar. I just about bet you some didn’t get their lawns mowed 2 times in 4 or 5 months.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just like school teachers .
Careful......

[Bogie Shooter]

When we lived in Minnesota, and we took vacations or trips longer than two weeks, we put our garbage service on vacation. We then received credit, and our garbage service expiration date would then be extended. We also paid for a whole year of the garbage service in advance, and we were given an extra free month of the garbage service.

If you’re garbage service is tied to your HOA fee, or if putting the garbage service on vacation isn’t an option, then you’re stuck paying for the garbage service that you don’t use in Florida, when you’re “up north” during the summer months.
No HOA fees in The Villages. We do have an Amenity Fee.

[pokeefe45@aol.com]

My landscaper comes 4/5 times a month from March through Oct/ November /Dec ( depends on the growth and whether it’s cold and not growing - this year it was the coldest so he stopped earlier than normal ) He comes 1 / 2 times monthly from when he stops through March . I pay $45 a month regardless of how many times he comes. Frankly my lawn looks great! Up north, I was paying $45 a week for similar size property. I was actually paying more than double if you figure out my weekly cost for 6 months. I am grateful that I found my landscaper and more than willing to pay all year
Who is your landscaper please? Buying a Cottage home in Polo Ridge and need some recommendations for less expensive landscaping that is reliable-mostly grass, a few shrubs and a couple of palm trees- And what range should I be paying? $45 a month seems like a real bargain.