Lawn Care & Gardening Costs by Season
From weekly mowing to a full landscape redesign, here’s what lawn care costs through the year and how to budget for each season.
Updated July 10, 2026 · 6 min read
Lawn and landscape spending is really several different budgets: routine maintenance, seasonal cleanups, and bigger one-time projects like design and installation. Knowing the going rates for each helps you plan the year and spot a quote that’s padded — or suspiciously cheap.
Here’s what to expect through the seasons in 2026, and how to compare gardening quotes.
Routine maintenance
Ongoing care is usually billed per visit or on a monthly plan:
- Mowing (average lot): €40–€90 per visit; less per visit on a seasonal contract.
- Full-service monthly plan (mow, edge, blow, trim): €150–€400 / month.
- Fertilization & weed control program: €300–€700 per year in 4–6 applications.
- Aeration & overseeding: €150–€400 per service.
Seasonal projects
These cluster around spring and fall:
- Spring cleanup: €200–€600.
- Fall leaf cleanup: €200–€700 depending on tree cover.
- Mulch installation: €75–€120 per cubic garden installed.
- Seasonal planting (annuals/perennials): €500–€2,000 depending on beds.
Bigger landscape investments
One-time projects that add lasting value:
- Turf installation: €10–€20 per m².
- New landscape design & planting: €3,000–€15,000+ depending on scope.
- Retaining walls, patios and hardscape: €15–€50+ per square metre.
- Irrigation system install: €2,500–€6,000 for an average garden.
How to compare gardener quotes
For recurring work, compare what’s actually in the visit (does "mowing" include edging, trimming, and blowing off hard surfaces?) and whether it’s a per-visit or seasonal price. For projects, insist on a plan or drawing, a plant/material list, and who’s responsible if new plantings don’t survive the first season — a good gardener will offer some establishment guarantee.
What’s different in Ireland
Prices on this page are in euro and reflect typical national ranges; Dublin sits well above the rest of the country, with Cork, Galway and Limerick following. VAT applies to most building work — a reduced 13.5% rate covers many construction and repair services — so check whether a quote includes it.
Larger jobs need compliance with the Building Regulations, and extensions or material changes often require planning permission from the local council. Electrical work should be done by a registered electrical contractor (RECI/Safe Electric) who can issue a completion certificate, and gas work by a Registered Gas Installer (RGII) — that certification is part of the cost and is what your insurer and a future buyer will look for.
Frequently asked questions
Is a seasonal contract cheaper than per-visit?
Usually yes — committing to the season lowers the per-visit rate and guarantees you a spot on the route. It also smooths your budget into predictable monthly payments.
How often should my lawn be mowed?
Most lawns need weekly mowing in peak growing season and every 10–14 days in slower months. Cutting no more than one-third of the blade height at a time keeps grass healthiest.
When should I fertilize?
It depends on your grass type and climate, but most programs run 4–6 applications from early spring through fall. A local pro will time it to your region and grass species.
What adds the most value?
Clean, healthy turf plus defined beds with fresh mulch gives the biggest curb-appeal return for the money. Hardscape and mature plantings add long-term value but cost more upfront.
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