Lawn mowing in Memphis typically runs $34 to $68 per visit for a standard yard, with most homeowners paying around $45 every week through the long Mississippi-River-valley growing season. Memphis sits among the most affordable major lawn markets in Tennessee, with rates roughly 10 percent below Nashville thanks to a more established labor pool and less rapid population growth.
Annual spend lands near $1,339 for a typical Memphis lot mowed about 35 times per year. The city's humid river-valley climate pushes Bermuda and St. Augustine into aggressive summer growth, and East Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville anchor the premium market with estate lots, detailed landscaping, and service expectations that add $15 to $30 per visit over the metro median.
Memphis Lawn Mowing Prices by Lawn Size
| Lawn Size | Weekly | Bi-weekly | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (<5,000 sq ft) | $29–$43 | $36–$54 | $813–$1352 |
| Standard (5K–10K sq ft) | $34–$68 | $43–$85 | $954–$2139 |
| Large (10K–20K sq ft) | $63–$122 | $79–$153 | $1767–$3837 |
| Extra Large (1+ acre) | $99–$238 | $124–$298 | $2777–$7485 |
Annual estimate assumes recurring service at the average visit rate. One-time cuts typically cost 50–100% more.
What Drives Mowing Costs in Memphis
Memphis sits in the lower Mississippi River valley where humidity and heat combine to push warm-season turf into nine months of active growth. Bermuda dominates, with St. Augustine common in shaded older neighborhoods like Central Gardens and Zoysia increasingly popular in newer subdivisions. A healthy Bermuda stand can add an inch of height in four days in July, which is why weekly service is the default from April through October.
The Memphis labor market is more affordable than Nashville. Experienced mowers earn $15 to $22 per hour, and established companies still turn healthy margins at $40 to $55 per visit. Small independent crews quote as low as $34 for basic suburban lots, while branded companies with office staff, insurance, and online booking sit in the $50 to $68 range.
River-valley humidity amplifies disease pressure. Brown patch and gray leaf spot hit St. Augustine hard from June through September, and crews routinely bundle fungicide applications into annual maintenance contracts. Chinch bug and armyworm damage are also common, which nudges total annual spend up even though per-visit mowing prices are relatively low.
East Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville anchor the premium suburban market. Estate lots in those communities often exceed half an acre with detailed plantings, and crews price $55 to $90 per visit. Older neighborhoods in Midtown have mature trees and tight access that can push visits toward the top of the standard range. Newer subdivisions in Cordova and Bartlett mow quickly and price near the low end.
Mowing Season and Annual Cost in Memphis
Memphis mowing season runs from early March through mid-November, with weekly service concentrated between mid-April and late October. Most annual contracts plan for 35 billable visits, with some stretching to 37 in wet years. Bi-weekly options are common in March and November.
At a typical $45 per visit, annual spend works out to around $1,339, about 7 percent below the national average of $1,440. The long Southern growing season roughly offsets the affordable per-visit rate. Larger estate lots in Germantown or Collierville regularly cross $2,500 to $3,500 annually once fungicide programs, pre-emergent, and fall cleanups are added.
What’s Included in a Memphis Lawn Mowing Service
A standard Memphis mowing visit includes mowing all turf, string-trimming along fences and beds, edging hardscape, and blowing clippings off paved surfaces. Mulching is the default, and most crews will bag on request for disease-management reasons at a small upcharge.
Paid extras include pre-emergent herbicide in February and September, brown patch and gray leaf spot fungicide programs, chinch bug and armyworm treatments, fall aeration for Bermuda and Zoysia, leaf removal in November, and bed weeding. Expect $300 to $700 per year on these extras for a typical lot, with St. Augustine lawns landing at the top because of heavier disease pressure.
How to Get the Best Mowing Price in Memphis
- Sign an annual contract by February. Memphis crews fill routes by late March, and homeowners who wait until April often pay 8 to 12 percent more or face a waitlist. February pricing typically locks in through the end of the calendar year.
- Bundle fungicide with your mowing contract. Most Memphis companies run in-house fungicide programs that cost 20 to 30 percent less than calling a separate pest-control company, and the same crew can spot early brown patch or gray leaf spot during weekly visits.
- Insist on sharp blades, especially for St. Augustine. River-valley humidity magnifies any tearing damage from dull blades, and the wounds invite disease. A crew that sharpens weekly may charge $2 to $3 more per visit, but fungicide savings more than cover it.
- Raise St. Augustine mowing height to 3.5 or 4 inches in summer. Taller turf shades soil, slows chinch bug damage, and resists brown patch. Default 2.5-inch cuts are common and destructive, so write the height directive into your contract.
- Get at least three quotes, weighing insurance heavily. Memphis has a meaningful uninsured-crew segment, and the savings rarely cover the cost of a single broken window or irrigation head. Licensed companies with general liability cost a few dollars more per visit and are worth it.
FAQs — Memphis Lawn Mowing Cost
How often should I mow in Memphis?
Weekly service from mid-April through late October is the norm for Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia lawns. Summer humidity and heat push warm-season turf into aggressive growth, and skipping a week usually leads to a scalping cut on the next visit. In March and November, bi-weekly service is fine for most yards. December through February, most lawns are dormant.
Are Memphis rates cheaper than Nashville?
Yes, by roughly 10 percent on average. A standard Nashville lot runs about $50 per visit while the same lot in Memphis runs about $45. The gap reflects Memphis's more affordable labor market and slower population growth over the past decade, not any meaningful difference in grass type or climate.
Is St. Augustine common in Memphis?
Yes, particularly in shaded older neighborhoods like Central Gardens, Chickasaw Gardens, and parts of East Memphis. Bermuda remains dominant in sunny suburban subdivisions, but St. Augustine's shade tolerance makes it the preferred choice under mature trees. Expect slightly higher maintenance costs because of fungicide and chinch bug programs.
Do Germantown and Collierville cost more than Memphis proper?
Yes, meaningfully. Estate lots in Germantown, Collierville, and East Memphis routinely run $55 to $90 per visit, roughly 25 to 50 percent above the Memphis median. The combination of larger properties, detailed plantings, and higher service expectations pushes full-service contracts toward $3,000 to $4,000 per year.
What add-ons do Memphis homeowners buy most often?
Pre-emergent herbicide in February and September tops the list, followed by brown patch fungicide for St. Augustine in summer, chinch bug treatment, fall aeration for Bermuda, and leaf removal in November. Many homeowners also add bed weeding. Budget $300 to $700 per year on these extras combined.