Local pros · Lawn and landscape
Landscapers and mower dealers
A riding mower is a five-figure decision for big lots and a four-figure one for most yards. The dealer you buy from matters as much as the model, because that's who does the setup, warranty work and annual service.
Hire right once: Buy from a dealer who services what they sell, close enough that you'll actually take it in. If you're selling the house within a season or two, a lawn service may be the better buy.
Before you hire, check:
- Whether the dealer is authorized for warranty service on that brand
- What setup and delivery include (deck leveling, first service)
- For lawn treatments, your state's pesticide applicator license
What they do for these products
- Mower dealers: sell and deliver lawn tractors, zero-turns and stand-on mowers, set the deck height and level, explain maintenance, and handle warranty repairs and tune-ups. Authorized dealers also stock the brand's parts.
- Landscapers and lawn services: mow, edge, aerate and seed, and refresh beds and mulch, which is often the faster path to good listing photos than buying a mower.
- Battery mower service: battery zero-turns need less engine maintenance, but you'll still want a dealer for blade, deck and battery warranty work.
Licensing
Mowing and basic landscaping usually need only a business license. Applying pesticides or herbicides for hire is regulated: states certify and license commercial applicators under the federal pesticide law framework, so ask for the license number if the service sprays.[1] Larger hardscape or drainage work may need a contractor license in some states.
Questions to ask
- Are you an authorized dealer for this brand, and do you do warranty work on site?
- What does delivery and setup include, and what's the first service interval?
- How long is the turnaround for repairs in peak season?
- For a lawn service: what's included per visit, and is there a contract term?
- If you apply treatments, what's your state applicator license number?
Typical costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Riding mower or lawn tractor tune-up | $150–$200[2] |
| Zero-turn mower tune-up | $200–$350[2] |
| Lawn mowing service | $60–$150 per acre[3] |
Related buying guides
Sources
- U.S. EPA, Pesticide Applicator Certification: epa.gov
- HomeGuide, Lawn Mower Tune-Up Cost (2026): homeguide.com
- HomeGuide, Lawn Mowing Cost (2026): homeguide.com