Lawn Care in Austin, TX
Austin lawns fight an uphill battle. Alkaline soil, water restrictions, 100°+ summers and chinch bugs. A solid lawn care program — the right mowing height, proper fertilization and smart watering — makes the difference between a green yard and a brown one. Here's what it costs and what to expect.
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Lawn Care Costs in Austin
Austin lawn care costs run above the national average — higher labor costs and the specialized knowledge needed for Central Texas conditions. Here's the breakdown:
| Service | Austin Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly Mowing (small yard) | $30–$45/visit |
| Weekly Mowing (standard) | $45–$75/visit |
| Weekly Mowing (large) | $75–$150/visit |
| Bi-Weekly Mowing | $40–$90/visit |
| Fertilization (per app) | $50–$150 |
| Weed Control | $50–$125/treatment |
| Aeration | $75–$200 |
| Overseeding | $100–$300 |
| Sod Installation | $1.50–$3.50/sq ft |
| Leaf Cleanup (fall) | $100–$400 |
What's Included in Professional Lawn Care
Weekly Mowing Package
The standard service: mow, edge along sidewalks and driveways, string trim around obstacles, blow off all hard surfaces. Most companies include all four tasks in one price. Expected during peak season (April–October). Switch to bi-weekly November–March when growth slows.
Fertilization Program
4–6 applications per year timed to Austin's growing season. Includes slow-release nitrogen, iron supplements (addresses Austin's alkaline soil) and pre/post-emergent weed control. Programs run $200–$600/year. Some companies bundle fertilization with mowing at a discount.
Seasonal Services
Core aeration in September/October ($75–$200) relieves soil compaction. Overseeding in fall patches thin spots. Live oak leaf cleanup in March–April (Austin's live oaks drop leaves in spring, not fall). These aren't weekly — they're scheduled 1–2 times per year.
Austin Grass Guide
| Grass Type | Sun | Water Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Full sun | Medium | High traffic, sports |
| Zoysia | Full to partial | Medium | Manicured look, shade |
| Buffalo | Full sun | Very low | Drought, low maintenance |
| St. Augustine | Full to partial | High | Shade, established yards |
For new lawns in Austin, Bermuda or Buffalo grass are the smartest picks. Both handle the heat, tolerate Austin's water restrictions and bounce back from drought. St. Augustine is everywhere in older Austin neighborhoods but its high water needs make it a liability during Stage 2+ restrictions.
Lawn Care Questions — Austin, TX
What lawn care schedule works best for Austin?
March: first fertilizer application + pre-emergent weed control. April–October: weekly mowing at 2.5–3 inches for Bermuda, 3–4 inches for St. Augustine. June: second fertilizer app. September: fall fertilizer + core aeration. October: overseed thin spots. November–February: mow every 2–3 weeks as needed. Water according to Austin Water restrictions year-round.
Which grass type should I choose for Austin?
Bermuda is the workhorse — handles full sun, heavy traffic and Austin heat. Zoysia looks more manicured and tolerates some shade but costs more. Buffalo grass is the drought champion — needs almost no supplemental watering. St. Augustine is common in older Austin neighborhoods but struggles with drought restrictions and chinch bugs. For new lawns, Bermuda or Buffalo grass are the smartest bets.
Why is my Austin lawn turning brown in summer?
Three possible causes: (1) Not enough water — Austin restrictions limit sprinklers to once per week. Bermuda needs 1 inch/week minimum. (2) Chinch bugs — common in St. Augustine lawns during July–August. Check for orange-brown patches that spread. (3) Dormancy — some grasses go dormant in extreme heat as a survival mechanism. They'll green up when temps moderate. A lawn care pro can diagnose which one you're dealing with.
Is it worth hiring a lawn service vs. doing it myself?
Math: A quality push mower costs $300–$500. Gas, blades, oil and maintenance add $100–$200/year. Your time is worth something too — 1–2 hours per mow, 40+ mows per year. A professional service at $45–$75/visit ($180–$300/month) saves you 80+ hours per year and delivers a more consistent result. Most Austin homeowners find the time savings alone justify the cost.
Do I need to fertilize my Austin lawn?
Yes. Austin soil is typically alkaline and low in nitrogen. Bermuda and Zoysia need 3–4 fertilizer applications per year (spring, early summer, late summer, fall). Use slow-release nitrogen formulas — fast-release burns in Austin heat. Organic options (milorganite, compost topdressing) work well and don't risk chemical burn. Budget $200–$600/year for a professional fertilization program.
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