Can You Make $1,000 a Month Lawn Mowing as a Side Hustle?

delihayat / Getty Images
delihayat / Getty Images

If you are looking to earn extra income, it might be time to start brainstorming some good side hustle ideas. On top of that list could include landscaping or grass-cutting services. Side hustle jobs are only supposed to subsidize your income part-time and keep the rest of your schedule free for other opportunities. If you find enough clients for your budding lawn care company it can even be possible to earn upwards of $1,000 a month.

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Lawn Services: Quick Take

Lawn mowing is a straightforward job — you cut grass or even provide other lawn services or maintenance services. You’ll need a lawn mower, of course, and possibly other tools like a trimmer or edger. Here are some key takeaways:

  • You can use your own equipment or invest in some if you’re serious about making side hustle income. However, when you are starting out, you can request your customers provide their own equipment which will save you a ton on overhead as well as transportation coordination.

  • To maximize your earning potential, consider factors such as where you live, the size of the lawns you’re mowing, the duration of each job and how much you decide to charge per hour or day.

  • Depending on where you live, there might be a lot of other people offering the same service. You’ll need to find a way to stand out, whether it’s through competitive pricing, excellent customer service or offering additional services like weed control or landscaping.

  • Expenses to consider include gas for your mower, maintenance costs and the occasional need for new equipment.

  • Generally, you can expect to earn anywhere from $20 to $50 per lawn, with larger properties commanding higher prices, or you can set an hourly rate or flat fee for all services included. For example, if you mow the lawn, trim the hedges and do some landscaping or gardening, you could charge $200 per job.

  • If you charge $50 per lawn and mow five lawns a week, that’s $250 a week. Multiply that by four weeks in a month, and you’ve got $1,000. Keep in mind that this would be before taxes or tips.

8 Ways To Make Money Mowing Lawns

It’s possible to make $1,000 a month mowing lawns as a side hustle, but it’s not necessarily easy. It requires hard work, dedication and the willingness to put in the hours. If you’re up for the challenge and enjoy spending time outdoors, it could be a rewarding way to boost your income.

Here are eight ways to turn your lawn-mowing skills into cash:

  1. Offer basic lawn mowing services

  2. Provide additional lawn care services

  3. Target specific customer demographics

  4. Partner with real estate agents

  5. Offer seasonal services

  6. Invest in quality equipment

  7. Advertise your services

  8. Provide reliable and excellent customer service

1. Offer Basic Lawn Mowing Services

The most straightforward way to make money mowing lawns is by offering basic lawn mowing services. You can start by finding clients and mowing neighbors’ lawns or advertising your services in your local community. Charge a reasonable rate based on the size of the lawn and the time it takes to complete the job.

2. Provide Additional Lawn Care Services

To attract more customers and increase your earnings, consider offering additional lawn care services. This could include edging, trimming bushes, weeding, and applying fertilizer or pesticides. By providing a full lawn care package, you can charge higher rates and attract customers who value convenience.

By expanding your services as your lawn mowing business grows, consider offering other landscaping solutions. This could include installing irrigation systems, designing garden beds or even offering hardscaping services such as building patios or pathways. By diversifying your offerings, you can appeal to a broader range of customers and increase your earning potential.

3. Target Specific Customer Demographics

Identify specific customer demographics that may have unique lawn care needs. For example, elderly homeowners or busy professionals may appreciate a reliable lawn mowing service. You can tailor your services to meet the needs of these demographics and charge premium rates for specialized care.

Word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful tool for growing your lawn-mowing business. Encourage satisfied customers to refer their friends, family and neighbors to your services by offering incentives such as discounts or free lawn treatments. Building a strong referral network can help you attract new clients without spending a lot on advertising.

4. Partner With Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents often need to ensure that properties look their best before listing them for sale. Partnering with local real estate agents can provide you with a steady stream of clients who need lawn mowing services to improve curb appeal. Establishing relationships with real estate professionals can lead to repeat business and referrals.

5. Offer Seasonal Services

In addition to regular lawn mowing, offer seasonal services to capitalize on peak demand. For example, you can offer leaf removal services in the fall or snow removal services in the winter. By diversifying your offerings throughout the year, you can maintain a steady income stream even during slower months.

6. Invest in Quality Equipment

Investing in quality lawn mowing equipment can help you work more efficiently and provide better results for your clients. Consider purchasing a reliable lawn mower, trimmer and other essential tools to streamline your operations. While the upfront cost may be significant, the long-term benefits in terms of productivity and customer satisfaction are worth it.

7. Advertise Your Services

Marketing plays a crucial role in attracting customers to your lawn mowing business. Utilize both online and offline channels to advertise your services, including social media, local newspapers and community bulletin boards. Offer promotions or discounts to new customers to incentivize them to try your services.

8. Provide Reliable and Excellent Customer Service

Building a reputation as a professional and reliable lawn care provider is essential for attracting and retaining customers. Show up on time for appointments, give free estimates of what your work will cost, communicate clearly with clients and always deliver high-quality work. By consistently exceeding customer expectations and dealing with any issues head-on, you can build trust and loyalty within your community.

Final Take To GO

Mowing lawns can be a profitable venture if approached strategically. By offering quality services, targeting specific demographics, providing excellent customer service and leveraging marketing techniques, you can build a successful lawn mowing business that generates a steady income. With dedication and hard work, you can turn your passion for lawn care into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time career.

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about how much money you can make mowing lawns as a side hustle.

  • How profitable is cutting grass?

    • Cutting grass can be a great way to earn some extra cash but here are a few expenses that could eat into your profit:

      • Price of gas for mower

      • Buying new equipment

      • Maintenance costs

  • How can I make a lot of money lawn mowing?

    • If you want to mow lawns part-time, you can make a decent passive income. For example, if you want to make $1,000 a month, you could charge $50 per lawn and mow five lawns a week, that's $250 a week. Multiply that by four weeks in a month, and you've got $1,000.

  • What are the best-paying side hustles?

    • Here are some of the best-paying side hustles where you can quickly earn some extra cash:

      • Freelance writer

      • Delivery driver

      • Personal shopper

      • Pet sitter

      • Dog walking

      • Online tutoring

      • Handyman services

      • Photographer

      • Babysitter

      • House cleaner

      • Transcriptionist

      • Social media manager

      • Complete online surveys

      • Landscaping or gardening

      • Rent out your space

      • Sell handmade crafts

      • Car washing or detailing

  • How long does it take to mow a lawn?

    • How long it takes to mow a lawn depends on the size of the lawn and the complexity of the landscape. For an average lawn and mower, it could take anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Can You Make $1,000 a Month Lawn Mowing as a Side Hustle?

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