How to Price Commercial Lawn Care Jobs in 2025

TL;DR Pricing commercial lawn care jobs requires strategic planning beyond residential work—this comprehensive guide reveals how to calculate costs per acre, master competitive bidding, and secure profitable contracts worth $5,000-$75,000+ annually. Use proven formulas, advanced strategies, and FieldCamp’s tools to transform your lawn care business into a commercial powerhouse.

Breaking into commercial lawn care represents a quantum leap for any lawn care business. Unlike residential jobs that might net $50-$150 per visit, commercial contracts can generate $5,000 to $75,000+ annually per client. However, how to price commercial lawn care jobs demands a completely different approach than your typical lawn mowing jobs.

The commercial lawn care industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a market size sitting at $159 billion, representing a 3% increase over 2023. If this continues, we’re looking at a $163.8 billion industry in 2025, and landscaping jobs increasing 8% annually (IBIS World, April 2025).

Commercial clients are seeking lawn care companies that can deliver consistent results at scale, making proper pricing strategy the difference between profitable contracts and costly mistakes. Having access to a comprehensive service pricing guide and reliable service pricing calculator tools becomes essential for accurate bid preparation and maintaining competitive advantage.

This definitive guide covers everything from basic lawn care service pricing to advanced bidding strategies for commercial landscaping contracts. You’ll learn to calculate labor costs, factor overhead costs, and present winning proposals that commercial clients can’t refuse.

Let’s get started.

Understanding Commercial Lawn Care vs. Residential Jobs

The leap from residential lawn care to commercial contracts isn’t just about bigger properties—it’s a fundamental shift in how your lawn care business operates. Commercial lawn care services demand different equipment, crew management, and pricing strategies that can make or break your profitability.

Scale and Equipment Requirements

Aspect	Residential	Commercial
Equipment Cost	~$5,000 mower	$15,000–$50,000+ zero-turn mowers & specialized equipment
Equipment Type	Light-duty	Heavy-duty, high-performance
Crew Size	1–2 workers	3–6 workers
Job Duration	30–60 minutes	Several hours
Labor Complexity	Low	High (due to scale and coordination)
Scheduling Impact	Minimal	Significant (due to crew allocation and time blocks)

Financial Structure Differences

Aspect	Residential Clients	Commercial Clients
Billing Preference	Per-service / pay-per-visit	Predictable monthly billing via annual contracts
Cash Flow Impact	More flexible, pay-as-you-go	Requires accurate annual cost projections and cash flow planning
Margin Strategy	Higher margins (typically 30–40%)	Lower margins (typically 15–25%)
Volume Strategy	Lower volume, smaller jobs	Higher volume, larger jobs
Example Profit Comparison	$200 job × 40% = $80 profit	$2,000 job × 20% = $400 profit

Decision-Making Complexity

Aspect	Residential Clients	Commercial Clients
Stakeholders	Deal directly with homeowners	Involve property managers, facilities directors, and budget committees
Decision Process	Simple, fast approvals	Complex approval workflows with multiple layers of authorization
Relationship Focus	Personal relationship with homeowner	Ongoing relationship management across several stakeholders
Service Expectations	Flexible, based on homeowner preferences	High-performance standards tied to business image and operations
Impact of Poor Service	Inconvenience or complaints	Affects customer traffic, employee satisfaction, and overall business reputation

Essential Commercial Lawn Care Service Pricing Models

Successful lawn care companies use different pricing models depending on client preferences, property characteristics, and competitive positioning. Understanding when to apply each model maximizes your chances of winning profitable contracts.

1. Per Acre Pricing Model

How It Works: Charge a fixed rate per acre of maintained area, with pricing tiers based on total property size and service complexity.

Pricing Structure:

• Small commercial (1-5 acres): $75-$200 per acre per visit
• Medium commercial (5-15 acres): $50-$150 per acre per visit
• Large commercial (15+ acres): $35-$100 per acre per visit

Formula: Total Price = (Acres × Rate per Acre) + Additional Services

Example Calculation:

8-acre office complex with monthly mowing:

• Base mowing: 8 acres × $75/acre = $600/visit
• Monthly frequency: $600 × 4 visits = $2,400/month
• Annual contract value: $2,400 × 12 = $28,800

Best For: Standard office parks, retail centers, industrial facilities with relatively uniform terrain and maintenance requirements.

2. Hourly Rate Model

How It Works: Charge based on actual labor time invested, typically ranging from $45-$85 per man hour depending on your local market and service complexity.

Formula: Total Cost = (Workers × Hours × Hourly Rate) + Equipment Costs + Materials

Market Rate Analysis:

• Entry-level markets: $45-$60 per man hour
• Competitive markets: $60-$75 per man hour
• Premium markets: $75-$85 per man hour

Example Calculation:

Property requiring 3 workers for 6 hours:

• Labor: 3 workers × 6 hours × $65/hour = $1,170
• Equipment: 18 hours × $15/hour = $270
• Materials: $85
• Total: $1,525

Best For: Complex properties with varying terrain, specialized lawn maintenance services, new client relationships where work scope is uncertain.

3. Flat Rate Contract Model

How It Works: Annual or seasonal contracts with fixed monthly payments covering all specified lawn services regardless of actual time spent.

Seasonal Adjustment Strategy:

• Growing season (April-October): Full service rate
• Dormant season (November-March): Reduced rate (30-50% of peak)
• Year-round averaging: Spread total annual cost evenly across 12 months

Formula: Annual Contract = (Peak Season Cost × 7 months) + (Off-Season Cost × 5 months)

Example Calculation:

Large commercial property:

• Peak season: $4,500/month × 7 months = $31,500
• Off-season: $1,800/month × 5 months = $9,000
• Annual total: $40,500
• Monthly average: $3,375

Best For: Established commercial clients, full-service maintenance contracts, properties with predictable seasonal requirements.

How to Calculate True Costs for Commercial Jobs?

Accurate cost calculation forms the foundation of profitable commercial pricing. Many lawn care companies fail because they underestimate true costs, leading to contracts that generate revenue but destroy profitability.

#Step 1: Calculate Comprehensive Labor Costs

Base Labor Calculation: Labor costs extend far beyond basic hourly wages. Use this comprehensive formula:

Labor Cost = (Base Wage × Labor Burden Multiplier) × Hours × Workers

Labor Burden Components:

• Payroll taxes: 7.65% (Social Security + Medicare)
• Workers’ compensation: 2-8% (varies by state and industry)
• Unemployment insurance: 0.6-6.2% (varies by state)
• Health benefits: $200-$800 per employee per month
• Paid time off: 8-15% of wages
• Training costs: $500-$2,000 per employee annually

Example Labor Burden Calculation:

• Base wage: $18/hour
• Payroll taxes: $18 × 7.65% = $1.38
• Workers’ comp: $18 × 4% = $0.72
• Benefits allocation: $400/month ÷ 173 hours = $2.31
• Training allocation: $1,200/year ÷ 2,080 hours = $0.58
• Total loaded rate: $18 + $1.38 + $0.72 + $2.31 + $0.58 = $22.99/hour
• Labor burden multiplier: 1.28

#Step 2: Equipment Costs and Depreciation

Equipment Cost Categories:

• Purchase/lease payments: Spread across expected work hours
• Fuel consumption: Track actual usage per job type
• Maintenance and repairs: Budget 15-25% of equipment value annually
• Insurance: Commercial equipment coverage
• Storage and transportation: Truck costs, trailer maintenance

Equipment Rate Calculation:

Annual Equipment Costs:

• Zero turn mower: $35,000 ÷ 5 years = $7,000/year
• Maintenance budget: $3,500/year
• Fuel costs: $4,200/year
• Insurance allocation: $1,200/year
• Total: $15,900/year

Expected annual hours: 1,200
Equipment rate: $15,900 ÷ 1,200 = $13.25/hour

#Step 3: Account for Overhead Cost

Fixed Overhead Categories:

• Facility costs: Office rent, utilities, insurance
• Administrative salaries: Office staff, management time
• Technology: Field service management software, communication systems
• Marketing and sales: Website, advertising, lead generation
• Professional services: Accounting, legal, consulting
• Licensing and permits: Business licenses, pesticide certifications

Variable Overhead:

• Vehicle maintenance: Truck repairs, fuel for travel between jobs
• Small tools and supplies: Hand tools, safety equipment, uniforms
• Communication: Phone, internet, GPS systems

Overhead Allocation Formula:

• Monthly overhead costs: $8,500
• Monthly billable hours: 520
• Overhead rate: $8,500 ÷ 520 = $16.35/hour

#Step 4: Material Costs and Markup

Direct Materials:

• Fuel for equipment: Track consumption per job type
• Fertilizers and chemicals: Calculate per square foot application rates
• Replacement parts: Mower blades, filters, spark plugs
• Seasonal materials: Grass seed, mulch, seasonal plantings

Material Markup Strategy:

• Standard materials: 10-20% markup to cover procurement costs
• Specialized products: 25-35% markup for expertise and availability
• Emergency supplies: 40-50% markup for immediate availability

#Step 5: Profit Margin Planning

Target Profit Margins by Service Type:

• Basic lawn mowing: 15-25%
• Full maintenance contracts: 20-30%
• Specialized services: 25-40%
• Seasonal projects: 30-45%

Complete Pricing Example:

Weekly mowing for 5-acre commercial property:

• Labor: 3 workers × 4 hours × $23/hour = $276
• Equipment: 12 hours × $13.25/hour = $159
• Overhead: 12 hours × $16.35/hour = $196
• Materials: $45
• Subtotal: $676
• Profit (25%): $169
• Total price: $845 per visit
• Monthly revenue: $845 × 4 = $3,380
• Annual contract: $40,560

Commercial Lawn Care Services: Pricing by Type

Different commercial lawn services require distinct pricing approaches based on complexity, frequency, and market demand. Understanding service-specific pricing helps you create comprehensive proposals that maximize revenue.

Basic Lawn Mowing and Edging Services

Frequency-Based Pricing:

• Weekly service: Premium rate, highest quality standards
• Bi-weekly service: 10-15% discount, acceptable for slower-growing grass
• Monthly service: 20-25% discount, suitable only for low-traffic areas

Pricing by Property Size:

Property Size	Weekly Rate	Bi-Weekly Rate	Monthly Rate
1-3 acres	$150-$400	$190-$500	$250-$650
3-8 acres	$300-$750	$380-$950	$500-$1,200
8-15 acres	$600-$1,200	$760-$1,500	$1,000-$1,950
15+ acres	$45-$75 per acre	$55-$95 per acre	$75-$120 per acre

Additional Mowing Considerations:

• Grass height penalties: Add 25-50% for overgrown grass requiring multiple passes
• Terrain complexity: Slopes and obstacles increase costs by 15-35%
• Cleanup requirements: Factor in time for blowing walkways and parking areas

Comprehensive Lawn Maintenance Services

Fertilization and Soil Management:

• Basic fertilization: $0.15-$0.25 per square foot annually
• Premium soil programs: $0.25-$0.40 per square foot annually
• Organic programs: $0.35-$0.55 per square foot annually

Weed Control Programs:

• Pre-emergent applications: $0.08-$0.15 per square foot
• Post-emergent treatments: $0.10-$0.20 per square foot
• Integrated weed management: $0.18-$0.30 per square foot annually

Pest Control Integration:

• Basic insect monitoring: $0.05-$0.10 per square foot
• Comprehensive pest control programs: $0.15-$0.25 per square foot
• Organic pest management: $0.20-$0.35 per square foot

Seasonal and Specialty Services

Spring Startup Services:

• Yard cleanup and debris removal: $0.12-$0.25 per square foot
• Lawn aeration: $150-$300 per acre
• Overseeding programs: $0.20-$0.45 per square foot
• Irrigation system activation: $200-$500 per system

Fall Preparation Services:

• Leaf removal programs: $0.15-$0.30 per square foot
• Winter fertilization: $0.10-$0.18 per square foot
• Irrigation winterization: $150-$350 per system

Landscape Enhancement Services:

• Shrub and tree trimming: $15-$45 per linear foot of hedges
• Mulch installation: $85-$150 per cubic yard installed
• Seasonal flower programs: $3-$8 per square foot of bed area
• Tree care services: $150-$800 per tree depending on size and complexity

Snow Removal and Winter Services

Seasonal Contract Pricing:

• Per-push pricing: $75-$200 per visit depending on lot size
• Seasonal contracts: $1,500-$8,000 for average commercial properties
• Per-inch pricing: $40-$80 per inch above trigger depth

Service Level Options:

• Basic snow clearing: Parking areas and main walkways only
• Premium service: All areas plus salting and ice management
• Emergency service: 24/7 response with premium pricing (25-50% surcharge)

Bidding Strategies for Commercial Landscaping Contracts

Successful commercial bidding requires a systematic approach that balances competitive pricing with profitable margins. Understanding the bidding process gives your lawn care business a significant advantage over competitors who rely on guesswork.

Pre-Bid Research and Property Assessment

Comprehensive Site Evaluation: Never submit a commercial bid without conducting a thorough on-site evaluation. This assessment forms the foundation of accurate pricing and helps identify potential challenges that could impact profitability.

Essential Assessment Components:

• Accurate measurements: Use GPS tools or measuring wheels for precise square footage
• Terrain analysis: Document slopes, obstacles, and access challenges
• Current condition: Photo documentation of existing landscape quality
• Infrastructure evaluation: Irrigation systems, lighting, signage, and hardscape features
• Special requirements: Client preferences, organic-only policies, specific maintenance standards

Competitive Intelligence Gathering:

• Current service provider: Identify existing contractor if possible
• Service quality assessment: Observe current maintenance standards
• Timing opportunities: Determine contract renewal periods
• Budget indicators: Research similar properties to estimate budget ranges

Creating Winning Commercial Proposals

Professional Presentation Standards: Commercial clients expect detailed, professional proposals that demonstrate your lawn care company’s capabilities and attention to detail.

Proposal Structure:

• Executive Summary (1 page): Key benefits and total investment
• Company Overview (1-2 pages): Experience, credentials, insurance
• Scope of Work (2-3 pages): Detailed service descriptions and schedules
• Pricing Structure (1-2 pages): Clear, itemized costs with options
• Terms and Conditions (1 page): Contract duration, payment terms
• References and Portfolio (1-2 pages): Similar projects and client testimonials

Transparent Cost Breakdown – Monthly Commercial Lawn Care Package

Client: Acme Office Complex – 6 Acres

Category	Service	Cost
Core Maintenance	Weekly mowing and edging	$1,800/month
	Bi-weekly trimming and cleanup	$400/month
	Monthly fertilization (growing season)	$300/month
	Quarterly weed control	$200/month
Seasonal Services	Spring cleanup and preparation	$1,200 (one-time)
	Fall leaf removal program	$800 (one-time)
	Winter maintenance	$400/month (Dec–Feb)
Optional Enhancements	Irrigation system maintenance	$300/month
	Seasonal flower program	$600/month
	Emergency response	$150/month
Total Monthly Investment (Peak Season)		$2,700
Annual Contract Value		$29,400

Billing Models and Cash Flow Optimization

Monthly Subscription Model Benefits: 27.5% of lawn care companies use monthly billing to create predictable cash flow for both parties (GreenPal, 2024).

Subscription Pricing Strategies:

12-Month Averaging:

• Annual contract value: $36,000
• Monthly payment: $3,000
• Advantage: Consistent client budgeting
• Disadvantage: Cash flow mismatch during peak season

Seasonal Billing:

• Peak season (Apr-Oct): $4,200/month × 7 = $29,400
• Off-season (Nov-Mar): $1,320/month × 5 = $6,600
• Total: $36,000
• Advantage: Matches service delivery
• Disadvantage: Variable client payments

Hybrid Approach:

• Base service: $2,400/month × 12 = $28,800
• Seasonal premiums: $7,200 distributed across peak months
• Advantage: Balanced cash flow with service alignment

Payment Collection Strategies:

Automated Payment Systems:

• Credit card processing: Immediate payment with 2.5-3.5% processing fees
• ACH bank transfers: Lower fees (0.5-1.5%) with 1-3 day processing
• Payment portal integration: Client self-service through customer portal

Collection Policy Development:

• Day 1-15: Automatic payment processing and confirmation
• Day 16-30: Automated reminder emails and phone calls
• Day 31-45: Personal contact from account management
• Day 46+: Collection agency referral or legal action

Quality Control and Client Communication

Service Documentation and Accountability:

Digital Work Orders:

• Pre-service photos: Document property condition before work
• Time stamps: Arrival, completion, and departure times
• Service verification: Checklist completion and quality confirmation
• Post-service photos: Visual proof of work completed

Client Communication Protocols:

• Service notifications: Automated alerts when crews arrive and complete work
• Weather updates: Proactive communication about schedule changes
• Issue reporting: Immediate notification of problems or additional needs
• Regular reviews: Quarterly business reviews and service assessment

Performance Monitoring Systems:

Tracking the right metrics isn’t just about accountability — it’s about growth, profitability, and delivering consistent value to your commercial clients.

Here are some essential KPIs you should be monitoring:

• Service completion rate – How often are you completing scheduled visits on time?
• Quality scores – Are clients satisfied? Are complaints decreasing?
• Crew efficiency – Compare estimated vs. actual time on-site.
• Revenue per client – Monitor monthly and annual revenue per account to spot upsell opportunities.

Client Satisfaction Management:

• Regular surveys: Quarterly satisfaction assessments
• Feedback integration: Rapid response to client concerns
• Continuous improvement: Service modifications based on client input
• Retention strategies: Proactive relationship management and service enhancement

Advanced Profit Strategies for Lawn Care Companies

Maximizing profitability in commercial lawn care requires sophisticated strategies that go beyond basic pricing. Successful lawn care companies implement systems that optimize every aspect of their operations while creating additional revenue opportunities.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimization

Route Optimization and Crew Productivity

Geographic Clustering Strategy:

• Service area concentration: Focus on specific commercial districts to minimize travel time
• Scheduling optimization: Group nearby properties on same days to reduce fuel costs
• Equipment positioning: Strategic staging of equipment to serve multiple properties

Crew Specialization Benefits:

• Commercial-focused teams: Dedicated crews with commercial experience and equipment
• Service specialization: Teams focused on specific services (mowing, landscaping, pest control)
• Cross-training investment: Multi-skilled workers who can handle various tasks efficiently

Technology Integration for Efficiency: Using field service automation can reduce administrative costs by 25-40% while improving service quality.

Automated Scheduling Benefits:

• Optimal route planning: AI-powered routing reduces travel time by 15-30%
• Weather-responsive scheduling: Automatic rescheduling based on weather conditions
• Resource allocation: Optimal crew and equipment assignment for maximum productivity

Technology Integration for Commercial Success

Modern commercial lawn care success depends heavily on technology integration that streamlines operations, improves client communication, and maximizes profitability. Leading lawn care companies leverage comprehensive field service management solutions to gain competitive advantages.

Field Service Management System Benefits

Comprehensive Operational Control:

Integrated Job Scheduling and Dispatch:

• AI-powered route optimization: Automatic crew and equipment assignment based on location, skills, and availability
• Real-time adjustments: Dynamic AI dispatch and rescheduling for weather, emergencies, or scope changes
• Multi-property coordination: Synchronized scheduling across multiple commercial locations

Advanced Client Management:

• Property-specific documentation: Detailed records for each commercial location including service history, special requirements, and client preferences
• Communication automation: Automated notifications for service arrivals, completions, and any issues
• Billing integration: Seamless conversion from service completion to invoicing

Mobile Workforce Empowerment:

Field Team Capabilities:

• Digital work orders: Complete job information accessible on mobile devices
• Photo documentation: Before/after photos with automatic client sharing
• Time tracking: Accurate labor cost capture for profitability analysis
• Inventory management: Real-time material usage tracking and ordering

Client Self-Service Portal Benefits:

• Service requests: Online booking for additional services
• Payment processing: Automated billing and payment collection
• Communication center: Direct messaging between clients and service teams
• Document access: Service reports, invoices, and contract information

Ready to transform your commercial pricing strategy?

Ready to transform your commercial pricing strategy? FieldCamp’s comprehensive field service optimization platform helps lawn care businesses streamline operations, optimize crew efficiency, and win more profitable contracts through professional proposal generation and automated client management.

Start your FieldCamp free trial today and discover how the right technology transforms commercial lawn care pricing from guesswork into strategic advantage—helping you build a profitable, scalable business that commercial clients trust and recommend.