Hiring a landscaper without understanding the cost of landscaping per hour in San Antonio can drain your budget faster than our summer heat kills St. Augustine grass. I’ve seen homeowners pay $80 per hour for basic mowing that should cost $30, simply because they didn’t understand local pricing structures. Others hired the cheapest crew at $20 per hour, only to watch them destroy expensive plants by watering during peak sun or scalping their lawn with dull mower blades.
In San Antonio’s unique climate—where we battle everything from oak wilt to chinch bugs—choosing the wrong landscaper based on price alone can cost you thousands in plant replacement and lawn restoration. Here’s everything you need to know about landscaper pricing in the Alamo City.
Understanding TruGreen Pricing vs. Local Landscaper Rates
When comparing landscaping options, many San Antonio homeowners first research national chains like TruGreen. While TruGreen focuses primarily on lawn treatments and fertilization, local landscapers offer broader services at competitive rates.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, landscapers in San Antonio earn $17.39 per hour as employees. However, when you hire a landscaping company, you’ll pay $26.09 to $43.48 per hour, with an average of $34.78 per hour. This price difference covers essential business costs including:
- General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Commercial vehicle maintenance and fuel
- Professional-grade equipment and tool maintenance
- Texas state licensing and bonding requirements
- Administrative overhead and profit margins
TruGreen typically charges $50-80 per visit for basic lawn care, which breaks down to roughly $35-45 per hour for their service time. Local landscapers often provide more personalized service and flexibility in timing, especially important during San Antonio’s unpredictable weather patterns.
| Service Type | TruGreen Range | Local Landscaper Range | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Lawn Care | $50-80/visit | $30-50/hour | Local |
| Fertilization | $60-90/visit | $40-65/hour | Comparable |
| Weed Control | $45-75/visit | $35-55/hour | Local |
Breaking Down Cost of TruGreen Lawn Service vs. Full-Service Landscapers
The cost of TruGreen lawn service in San Antonio averages $400-600 annually for a typical quarter-acre lot with their basic plan. However, this only covers fertilization and weed control—no mowing, edging, or seasonal cleanups.
Full-service landscapers offer more comprehensive care for similar annual costs:
Annual Lawn Care Comparison (Quarter-Acre Lot):
- TruGreen Basic Plan: $400-600 (treatments only)
- Local Landscaper Full Service: $480-720 (includes mowing, edging, treatments)
- Premium Local Service: $800-1,200 (adds seasonal plantings, detailed maintenance)
In neighborhoods like Alamo Heights and Stone Oak, where property values demand pristine landscaping, many homeowners find full-service local providers offer better value. The ability to address San Antonio-specific challenges—like managing live oak root systems or dealing with our clay soil drainage issues—makes local expertise invaluable.
Lawn Care Cost Per Acre for Larger San Antonio Properties
For homeowners with larger properties, understanding lawn care cost per acre becomes crucial for budgeting. San Antonio’s sprawling developments in areas like Dominion and Fair Oaks Ranch often feature lots exceeding one acre.
Per-Acre Pricing Structure:
- First acre: $35-50 per hour (2-3 hours typical)
- Additional acreage: $25-40 per hour
- Slope surcharge: +$5-10 per hour
- Obstacle density (trees, beds): +$3-8 per hour
| Property Size | Weekly Mowing Cost | Monthly Full Service | Annual Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 acre | $75-120 | $200-320 | $1,800-3,000 |
| 2 acres | $120-180 | $350-500 | $3,200-4,800 |
| 3+ acres | $180-250 | $500-700 | $4,800-6,500 |
Large properties often require specialized equipment like zero-turn mowers and may need irrigation system management, which adds $15-25 per hour to base rates.
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work in San Antonio
Seasonal Contract Timing: Book your annual contract in January or February. Many landscapers offer 10-15% discounts during slow season. I’ve helped clients save $200-500 annually with this strategy alone.
Group Neighborhood Contracts: If you live in developments like Terrell Hills or Monte Vista, coordinate with neighbors. Landscapers often provide 5-10% discounts for multiple adjacent properties serviced on the same day.
Off-Peak Scheduling: Request service on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Monday and Friday premium charges can add $5-10 per hour to your rate.
Selective Service Packages: Instead of full-service contracts, hire landscapers for specialized tasks:
- Monthly deep maintenance: $150-250
- Seasonal cleanup only: $200-400 twice yearly
- Problem-solving visits: $75-125 per visit
DIY Hybrid Approach: Handle weekly mowing yourself, hire professionals monthly for edging, fertilization, and technical tasks. This typically cuts annual costs by 40-60%.
Emergency vs. Scheduled Service Pricing
San Antonio’s weather creates frequent landscaping emergencies. Understanding pricing differences helps avoid sticker shock.
Emergency Service Premiums:
- Same-day service: +50-75% hourly rate
- Weekend/holiday service: +25-50%
- Storm damage cleanup: +40-60%
- After-hours irrigation repairs: +75-100%
Common Emergency Scenarios:
- Tree limb removal after storms: $150-400 per incident
- Irrigation break repairs: $125-300 depending on complexity
- Pest infestation treatment: $200-500 for immediate response
- Sprinkler system winterization (last-minute): $100-200 vs. $75-125 scheduled
Schedule preventive maintenance in spring and fall to avoid emergency premiums. Most landscapers offer maintenance agreements that include priority emergency response at standard rates.
Common San Antonio Landscaping Problems and Associated Costs
Oak Wilt Management: This fungal disease devastates live oaks throughout San Antonio. Professional treatment runs $300-800 per tree, but prevention through proper pruning timing costs only $75-150 annually per tree.
Chinch Bug Infestations: Common in St. Augustine grass during hot summers. Treatment costs $150-300 for average yards, but prevention programs run $80-120 annually.
Clay Soil Drainage Issues: Particularly problematic in areas like Schertz and Cibolo. Soil amendment and drainage solutions cost $8-15 per square foot but prevent thousands in plant replacement costs.
Irrigation System Inefficiency: San Antonio’s water restrictions make efficient irrigation crucial. System audits cost $75-150 but often identify $200-400 in annual water savings.
| Problem | Prevention Cost | Treatment Cost | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Wilt | $75-150/tree | $300-800/tree | $1,500-5,000/tree |
| Chinch Bugs | $80-120/yard | $150-300/yard | $2-4/sq ft (sod) |
| Poor Drainage | $3-6/sq ft | $8-15/sq ft | $5-12/sq ft (replant) |
| Irrigation Issues | $75-150/audit | $200-500/repair | $3,000-8,000/system |
Quality Indicators and Warning Signs
Green Flags (Quality Landscapers):
- Texas Department of Agriculture licenses displayed
- Specific plant knowledge (knows difference between Texas Red Oak and Live Oak care)
- Discusses San Antonio water restrictions and compliance
- Provides written estimates with material specifications
- References from established neighborhoods like King William or Mahncke Park
Red Flags (Avoid These Providers):
- Door-to-door solicitation with “leftover materials”
- Cash-only payment requirements
- No local business address or phone number
- Cannot explain difference between warm and cool-season grasses
- Quotes significantly below $26/hour (likely unlicensed)
- Pressures for immediate decisions or large upfront payments
Insurance Verification: Always confirm general liability coverage. In San Antonio’s litigious environment, uninsured contractors can expose you to significant liability if workers are injured or property is damaged.
How to Get and Compare Multiple Landscaping Quotes
Request quotes from at least three providers: Include one national chain, one established local company, and one smaller operator. This gives you pricing perspective across different business models.
Provide identical information to each: Property square footage, specific services needed, timing preferences, and any special requirements (pet-safe treatments, organic preferences).
Quote Comparison Checklist:
- Hourly rate vs. project pricing clarity
- Material costs itemized separately
- Timeline and scheduling flexibility
- Insurance certificate and license verification
- References from similar-sized properties
- Guarantee or warranty terms
Red Flag Quote Patterns:
- Verbal estimates only (legitimate businesses provide written quotes)
- Significant price variations without explanation (quotes should be within 20-30% of each other)
- Pressure tactics or limited-time offers
- No site visit for complex projects
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscaper cost in San Antonio?
Landscaper costs in San Antonio range from $26.09 to $43.48 per hour, with an average rate of $34.78 per hour. Basic lawn maintenance typically runs $30-45 per visit for quarter-acre lots, while comprehensive landscaping projects can cost $50-75 per hour. Emergency services and weekend work carry premium rates of 25-75% above standard pricing. Annual contracts often provide 10-15% savings compared to per-visit pricing, making them cost-effective for regular maintenance needs.
What factors affect landscaper prices?
Several factors influence landscaper pricing in San Antonio: property size and complexity, service timing (emergency vs. scheduled), seasonal demand, and specialized equipment requirements. Clay soil conditions common in San Antonio can increase labor time by 20-30%. Properties with extensive live oak trees require specialized knowledge and careful timing, affecting pricing. Irrigation system complexity, slope challenges, and accessibility also impact costs. Licensed, insured providers charge more than unlicensed operators but offer legal protection and professional expertise.
Is it worth hiring TruGreen versus local landscapers in San Antonio?
TruGreen offers standardized lawn treatment services at $50-80 per visit, focusing primarily on fertilization and weed control. Local landscapers provide more comprehensive services including mowing, edging, and seasonal maintenance at comparable or lower annual costs. For San Antonio’s specific challenges like oak wilt prevention and chinch bug management, local providers often offer superior expertise and flexibility. TruGreen works well for homeowners wanting minimal involvement, while local services better suit those needing customized care for unique property conditions.
When is the best time to hire landscapers in San Antonio?
The optimal hiring period in San Antonio is January through February when landscapers offer 10-15% discounts during slow season. Spring preparation work (March-April) ensures readiness for growing season but comes at premium rates due to high demand. Fall maintenance (October-November) prepares landscapes for winter and typically offers moderate pricing. Avoid hiring during peak summer months (July-August) when emergency rates apply due to extreme heat conditions and high service demand throughout the city.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.