Cut N Polish - lawn & property services — Mowing in Semaphore

Professional lawn mowing services charge $50–$150 for a standard suburban block (up to 500m²). Larger properties are usually quoted by the hour at $50–$90/hr. Prices vary by city — Sydney and Melbourne are at the higher end. Many operators offer discounted rates for regular fortnightly or monthly service agreements.

During peak growing season (spring and summer), most Australian lawns need mowing every 1–2 weeks. In autumn and winter, growth slows and monthly mowing is usually sufficient. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut — this stresses the lawn and reduces root depth.

Warm-season grasses: couch 20–40mm, buffalo 40–60mm, kikuyu 30–50mm, zoysia 20–40mm. Cool-season grasses (fescue, ryegrass): 50–75mm. Cutting too short (scalping) stresses the lawn, allows weed invasion, and creates bare patches. Raise blade height in hot, dry conditions to protect roots from heat stress.

For blocks under 400m², professional mowing services are often more cost-effective than owning and maintaining equipment. For blocks over 1,000m², owning a ride-on mower makes financial sense. Consider the cost of a quality mower ($500–$5,000), fuel, maintenance, and your time when comparing to a monthly mowing service.

Scarifying (or dethatching) removes the layer of dead grass, stolons, and organic matter (thatch) that accumulates at soil level. Excessive thatch (over 10–15mm) prevents water and nutrients reaching roots. It's best done in spring for warm-season grasses. A lawn that feels 'spongy' underfoot likely has a thatch problem.