Here’s the biggest myth about small job landscaping near me in Houston: “Basic lawn work should only cost $15-20 per hour.” Wrong. You’ll pay $25.80-$43 per hour, and there’s a good reason why that’s actually fair.
The confusion comes from mixing up what landscapers earn versus what you pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, landscaping workers in Houston earn $17.20 per hour. But your rate includes business insurance, commercial-grade equipment, licensing, vehicle costs, and company overhead. That’s why the real cost jumps to $25.80-$43 per hour, averaging $34.40.
Let me break down exactly what landscaping costs in Houston, what to expect during the process, and how to avoid getting ripped off.
Understanding Lawn Service Hiring Near Me Costs
Houston’s humid subtropical climate means year-round growing seasons and specific challenges. Your clay soil, summer heat reaching 95°F+, and hurricane season all affect pricing and service frequency.
Here’s what you’ll actually pay for common services:
| Service Type | Small Property (<0.25 acre) | Medium Property (0.25-0.5 acre) | Large Property (0.5+ acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Mowing | $30-$45 | $45-$65 | $65-$85 |
| Mow + Edge + Blow | $45-$65 | $65-$85 | $85-$120 |
| Full Service + Weeding | $65-$95 | $95-$140 | $140-$200 |
Small jobs often cost more per hour because of setup time and minimum service charges. Most companies have $35-$50 minimums, even for 30-minute jobs.
Houston-Specific Factors:
- Summer stress: St. Augustine grass needs weekly cutting May through September
- Hurricane cleanup: Expect 50-100% surcharges after major storms
- Drainage issues: Properties in Meyerland or near Buffalo Bayou need specialized drainage work
- Fire ant treatment: Add $15-$25 per treatment, needed 3-4 times annually
Cost of Lawn Mowing and Maintenance Services
Let’s get specific about what drives pricing in different Houston neighborhoods.
Inner Loop (River Oaks, Montrose, Heights):
- Higher rates due to parking challenges and smaller crews
- Expect $40-$60 for basic mowing on standard lots
- Many require proof of insurance and bonding
Suburbs (Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands):
- Larger properties but easier access
- $50-$85 for typical suburban lots
- HOA requirements often specify service frequency
Outer Areas (Cypress, Humble, Pearland):
- Most competitive pricing
- $35-$55 for similar-sized properties
- Longer drive times may increase costs
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Cost Range | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing | Weekly (growing season) | $35-$85 | March-October |
| Edging & Trimming | Bi-weekly | $25-$45 | Year-round |
| Leaf Removal | As needed | $150-$400 | November-February |
| Fertilization | 4x yearly | $60-$120 per treatment | Feb, May, Aug, Nov |
Going Rate for Lawn Mowing: What’s Fair in Houston
The going rate for lawn mowing in Houston depends on several factors most homeowners don’t consider:
Terrain and Grass Type:
- Flat St. Augustine: $35-$50 for quarter-acre
- Sloped Bermuda: $45-$65 (requires different equipment)
- Mixed terrain with obstacles: $55-$75
Service Frequency:
- Weekly during peak growth: Standard rates
- Bi-weekly service: 20-30% upcharge due to thicker grass
- One-time cuts: 50-75% premium
Equipment Requirements:
- Standard rotary mower: Base rate
- Zero-turn required: 15-20% higher
- Hand-trimming needed: $10-$25 additional
Houston’s clay soil clogs mowers faster, requiring more maintenance. Reputable companies factor this into pricing, while cheap operators cut corners on equipment upkeep.
What to Expect During Landscaping Services
Here’s the realistic timeline and process for common projects:
Basic Lawn Service (30-60 minutes):
- Setup: Unload equipment, assess property conditions
- Mowing: Follow consistent pattern to avoid scalping
- Edging: Sidewalks, driveways, flower beds
- Cleanup: Blow clippings from hardscapes
- Final inspection: Check for missed spots or damage
Small Landscaping Projects (2-8 hours):
- Day 1: Site assessment, material delivery
- Day 2-3: Installation or planting
- Cleanup: Remove debris, final grading
- Follow-up: 7-14 days later for plant establishment
Expect delays during:
- Hurricane season (June-November)
- Extreme heat days over 100°F
- Heavy rain periods (equipment can’t operate on saturated soil)
Most Houston landscapers work Tuesday-Saturday, avoiding Monday and Sunday for equipment noise ordinances in residential areas.
How to Choose the Right Landscaping Professional
Houston has over 1,200 registered landscaping businesses. Here’s how to separate legitimate operators from fly-by-night crews:
Essential Credentials:
- Texas Department of Agriculture license (for pesticide application)
- City of Houston business permit
- General liability insurance ($500K minimum)
- Workers’ compensation coverage
Red Flags:
- Door-to-door solicitation after storms
- Cash-only payment requests
- No written contracts or estimates
- Prices significantly below $25/hour
Good Signs:
- Established Google/Yelp presence with recent reviews
- Written estimates within 24-48 hours
- Professional equipment in good condition
- References from your neighborhood
Interview Questions:
- “How do you handle Houston’s clay soil drainage issues?”
- “What’s your hurricane cleanup response time?”
- “Do you adjust mowing heights seasonally for St. Augustine grass?”
Local knowledge matters. A legitimate Houston landscaper knows that St. Augustine needs different care than Bermuda, and understands drainage challenges specific to our area.
Local Permits and Regulations
Most basic lawn care doesn’t require permits, but Houston has specific requirements for larger projects:
Permit Required:
- Tree removal over 6 inches diameter
- Irrigation system installation
- Retaining walls over 4 feet
- Drainage modifications affecting neighboring properties
HOA Considerations: Many Houston subdivisions require:
- Pre-approval for landscape changes
- Specific grass types (usually St. Augustine)
- Maintenance frequency minimums
- Professional service documentation
City Ordinances:
- Lawn height cannot exceed 12 inches
- Equipment noise restrictions: 7 AM - 9 PM weekdays, 8 AM - 8 PM weekends
- Chemical application notifications required for commercial treatments
Permit costs range from $25-$150 for most residential projects. Factor this into your budget for anything beyond basic maintenance.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Beyond the basics, ask these Houston-specific questions:
Service Details:
- “How do you handle fire ant treatment?”
- “What’s your policy for heat delays over 100°F?”
- “Do you have experience with Houston’s clay soil?”
- “How quickly can you respond after hurricane damage?”
Business Practices: 5. “Can you provide recent customer references in my neighborhood?” 6. “What happens if you damage my irrigation system?” 7. “Do you guarantee your work?” 8. “How do you handle payment - do you accept cards?”
Get everything in writing. Verbal agreements lead to disputes, especially with seasonal services that span months.
Maintenance to Prevent Future Costs
Houston’s climate creates specific maintenance needs that prevent expensive repairs:
Seasonal Prevention:
- Spring: Aerate clay soil before peak growing season
- Summer: Deep watering 2-3x weekly versus daily light watering
- Fall: Overseed thin areas before winter dormancy
- Winter: Continue mowing - grass grows year-round here
Cost-Saving Maintenance:
- Clean mower blades monthly: $15 DIY vs. $45 professional sharpening
- Proper watering prevents $200+ sod replacement
- Regular edging prevents root damage costing $300+ to repair
When to Call Professionals:
- Brown patch fungus (common in Houston humidity)
- Drainage issues after heavy rains
- Large tree limb removal after storms
Many issues that seem like landscaping problems actually need other specialists. Drainage problems might require a plumber services for main line issues, while outdoor electrical for lighting needs an electrician services. If your irrigation system connects to your home’s main water supply and has pressure issues, that’s also plumber territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TruGreen cost?
TruGreen’s Houston pricing runs $50-$120 per treatment for average-sized lawns, with 5-6 treatments annually totaling $300-$720. Their packages include fertilization, weed control, and grub prevention. However, many local Houston companies provide identical services for 20-30% less, often with better customer service and local knowledge of our specific grass types and soil conditions. TruGreen’s standardized approach doesn’t always account for Houston’s unique clay soil and drainage challenges.
How much does it cost to hire a landscaper?
Hiring a landscaper in Houston costs $25.80-$43 per hour for small jobs, with most charging $35-$50 minimums. Basic lawn mowing runs $35-$85 depending on property size and complexity. Larger projects like garden installation or hardscaping range from $50-$75 per hour plus materials. The wide range reflects Houston’s diverse neighborhoods - inner loop properties with access challenges cost more than suburban locations. Always get written estimates and verify insurance before hiring.
How much does it cost for a landscaper to design and install?
Design and installation projects in Houston typically cost $15-$35 per square foot for basic plantings, $25-$75 per square foot for hardscaping like patios or walkways. A typical front yard makeover runs $2,500-$8,000, while complete backyard transformations range from $8,000-$25,000+. Houston’s clay soil often requires additional drainage work, adding $10-$20 per square foot. Design fees run $500-$2,000 but are often credited toward installation costs on projects over $5,000.
How much does a professional landscaper cost for ongoing maintenance?
Professional maintenance in Houston averages $150-$400 monthly for full-service care including mowing, edging, trimming, and seasonal treatments. Basic mowing-only service runs $140-$280 monthly (weekly service March-October, bi-weekly November-February). Annual contracts often provide 10-15% discounts compared to per-service pricing. Houston’s year-round growing season means higher annual costs than northern climates, but you get consistent service and better lawn health with professional maintenance.
Regular small job landscaping near me searches in Houston should focus on licensed, insured professionals who understand our unique climate challenges. The investment in quality service prevents costly repairs and maintains your property value in our competitive real estate market.
For related home maintenance needs, consider scheduling your hvac technician services before peak summer months when your landscaping crew is working hardest to keep your lawn healthy.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.