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Spring has officially arrived. Trees are greening, flowers are opening, dandelions are popping up, and the grass is growing. I’ve heard several mowers running for the past few days, but I know many homeowners who have not yet begun this chore in the current year. This brings up the question: Should you hire someone to cut your grass or do it yourself?

Hiring the average lawn mowed may cost $1,200 to $1,500 or more annually. Some pay more, and a few pay less. Some must mow an acre or even five or more acres. This definitely is costlier to hire mowed.

If a homeowner is thinking of doing it themselves this year—what’s the cost of that? A new push mower will cost over $300, plus gas and oil and some “sweat equity.” A riding mower that can turn on a dime will set you back over $2,000 on the low end and can be $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the model and brand. Plus, the gas, oil, and time involved. Mowers should, in most cases, still be operational and not worn out when the savings have paid for them for not hiring it.

But how much do you value your time? If you value your spare time at $100 an hour, obviously, you are going to be more inclined to hire someone else than if you earn $20 an hour and figure a similar charge for doing it yourself. If you’re not gainfully employed or never work overtime, the cost of your time may be free.

It’s not always about the money. You may hate the chore. Or you may find it a great way to wind down from your regular occupational work. If you love spending time outside, it may be therapy. Better to save on hiring the lawn mowed and not have to pay a therapist. Those who hate the chore may need some other stress relief—which could hurt the pocketbook or the health of a person. These things should probably be considered when deciding whether to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you.

Then there are the kids. They need chores to do, even if they disagree. Again, a family ought to consider all these things in making this decision for the season.

Are there other options? Consider turning a very small yard into another planted space that may be graveled, paved, or planted in something other than grass. Mulched shrubbery, graveled xeriscapes, low-growing groundcovers—these are options for eliminating the lawn so nobody has to mow it.

Some should let part of a large property revert to a wildflower meadow or woodland that does not require mowing. Others may wish to plow, till, garden, or farm a portion of their yard rather than mow it every week or so.

There is no correct or incorrect answer to offer the reader regarding the question of hiring the chore done or doing it yourself. But these thoughts and suggestions of things to properly consider before making your personal decision on this topic should help enable each of you to make an informed decision. Getting the facts and giving thought before calling a mowing company or buying a new mower is time and effort well spent.

The author has landscaped for years. Comments? Email: rockcastles@gmail.com