DIY vs. Professional Lawn Care: What Boise Homeowners Should Know
The question every homeowner faces at some point: should I take care of my own lawn, or hire someone to do it? There’s no universally right answer—it depends on your time, budget, and priorities.
Let’s break down both options honestly so you can make the best decision for your situation.
The DIY Route: Pros and Cons
Advantages of DIY Lawn Care
1. You’re in complete control
You decide exactly when to mow, how to fertilize, and what products to use. Some people genuinely enjoy this level of involvement with their property.
2. Potential cost savings
If you already own equipment and value your time at zero dollars, DIY is cheaper. (More on the real math below.)
3. Satisfaction of doing it yourself
There’s something to be said for the pride of maintaining your own lawn. If you enjoy outdoor work, lawn care can be a rewarding hobby.
4. Flexibility
You can mow at 7am on a Sunday if that’s what works for you (though your neighbors might have thoughts).
Disadvantages of DIY Lawn Care
1. Time commitment
Between mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, and equipment maintenance, lawn care easily consumes 50-80 hours per year. That’s a full work week, just on your lawn.
2. Equipment costs and hassles
A quality mower, trimmer, and blower set you back $600-1,000+. Then there’s maintenance, storage, and eventually replacement.
3. Learning curve
Knowing when to fertilize, how to identify lawn problems, and what products to use takes research and experience. Mistakes can damage your lawn.
4. Inconsistent results
Without professional equipment and training, it’s harder to achieve the manicured look that comes with weekly professional service.
5. It never stops
Vacations, busy weeks, bad weather—the lawn doesn’t care. It keeps growing whether you’re ready to deal with it or not.
The Professional Route: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Professional Lawn Care
1. Your time is yours
Those 50-80 hours per year? Spend them with family, on hobbies, or simply relaxing.
2. Consistent, professional results
Commercial equipment and trained crews deliver results that are hard to match with a push mower.
3. Expertise
Professionals know when to fertilize, how to treat problems, and what works best in local conditions. You benefit from years of experience.
4. Reliable scheduling
Same crew, same day, every week. You know exactly when service will happen.
5. No equipment hassles
No storage, no maintenance, no gas cans, no repairs.
6. Often more affordable than you think
When you factor in equipment, supplies, and time value, professional service is competitive with DIY.
Disadvantages of Professional Lawn Care
1. Recurring cost
You’re paying someone every month. For some budgets, this is a non-starter.
2. Less control
You’re trusting someone else with your property. If you’re particular about how things are done, this requires finding the right company.
3. Dependence on others
Bad weather delays, scheduling conflicts, and company issues are out of your control.
4. Variable quality across companies
Not all lawn care companies are equal. Some are unreliable, use different crews each visit, or deliver inconsistent quality.
The Real Cost Comparison
Let’s do the math for a typical Boise home with an average-sized lawn.
DIY Annual Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Equipment (amortized) | $100-150 |
| Gas and maintenance | $75-100 |
| Fertilizer and products | $150-250 |
| Sprinkler services (you still need these) | $150-200 |
| Subtotal (cash costs) | $475-700 |
| Your time (50+ hours @ $25/hr) | $1,250+ |
| True total cost | $1,725-1,950+ |
Professional Service Annual Costs
| Service Type | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Mowing only (à la carte) | $1,200-1,500 |
| Fertilization program | $400-600 |
| Sprinkler services | $150-200 |
| À la carte total | $1,750-2,300 |
| All-inclusive subscription | $2,100 |
The Verdict
When you honestly account for time, professional service costs about the same as DIY—sometimes less. The question isn’t really about money; it’s about how you want to spend your weekends.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Choose DIY if:
- You genuinely enjoy lawn work as a hobby or exercise
- You have significant free time on weekends
- You already own quality equipment
- You’re willing to learn about lawn care best practices
- Your lawn is small and simple
- Budget is extremely tight (and time is truly “free”)
Choose Professional Service if:
- You’d rather spend weekends doing other things
- You want consistent, professional results
- Your time has value (most people’s does)
- You don’t own equipment and don’t want to
- You travel frequently or have an unpredictable schedule
- You want someone else to handle problems and decisions
What to Look for in a Lawn Care Company
If you decide to go professional, choose carefully. Here’s what matters:
1. Consistency
Ask if you’ll have the same crew each week. Rotating crews means inconsistent service and no one who really knows your property.
2. Transparent pricing
Avoid companies with complex pricing or frequent upsells. Know what you’re paying and what’s included.
3. No long-term contracts
You shouldn’t be locked in. Good companies earn your business every month.
4. Local reputation
Look for companies with deep roots in the Treasure Valley. They understand local conditions and aren’t going anywhere.
5. Insurance and professionalism
Make sure they’re insured and their crew acts professionally on your property.
The Middle Ground
Some homeowners find a hybrid approach works well:
-
Mow yourself, hire for fertilization and sprinklers - This makes sense if you enjoy mowing but don’t want to deal with chemical applications or equipment.
-
Hire for summer, DIY in spring/fall - Reduces cost while covering the busiest season.
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Try professional service for a season - See if the time savings are worth it to you. With no-contract services, there’s no risk in testing.
Our Approach
At Lawn Master, we designed our subscription specifically for homeowners who want professional results without the hassle:
- $199/month covers mowing, fertilization, and sprinkler services
- Same crew every week who knows your property
- 12-month commitment, then month-to-month with 30-day cancellation notice
- Simple pricing - one number, everything included
If you’re on the fence, give us a try for a few months. You’ll quickly know whether professional service is worth it for your situation.
Questions about whether professional lawn care is right for you? Contact us or call (208) 504-0843 for an honest conversation about your options.