Southwestern PA is no stranger to moisture, and that amount of water can make plants and grass grow very quickly. This is one of the reasons why, in Pittsburgh, lawn service is a task that many people need some help with from time to time. Keeping a lawn, especially a large one, under control can sometimes seem like an uphill battle (and in Iron City, "uphill" is no joke). If your household is straining to keep your yard looking its best, hiring someone to do weekly lawn maintenance might be well worth the cost.
Common Pittsburgh Lawn Care Tasks
While in the winter months, there may be relatively little to worry about, Pittsburgh lawn care is a pretty big job during the warmer seasons. Along with simply cutting the grass, your yard might also require fertilizing, weed and insect control, raking, hedge trimming, and even watering. If your lawn needs are large enough, this amount of work can keep you quite busy on your days off. Those who would rather spend their free time doing other things should consider bringing in a professional; companies that specialize in lawn care can do the job quickly and efficiently (often at a price comparable with what the kid down the street would charge).
Hiring a Lawn Service in Pittsburgh
With all the companies in the area that do lawn service, Pittsburgh residents might have a difficult time finding the one that's right for their situation. The best way to pick a company that's a good fit is to make a list of everything that you need done before you contact anybody. Most lawn services offer package deals, and once you've listed everything you need done, you'll have an easier time matching what you want with what they offer.
It is entirely possible that you won't need everything that is offered in a package, so make it a point to talk to several companies and see which is the most accommodating for your situation. If they can offer you a good deal on exactly what you want, then you've got a good thing going. If they won't work with you, you'll probably be better off with someone who will. It's also a good idea to ask around to see if anyone in your area uses a service that they are satisfied with.
One Time Lawn Service
If you enjoy doing your lawn yourself, but just want a bit of help doing a few specific things early in the season, many companies offer a one time lawn service. Pittsburgh's annual temperature changes make it a place where a certain amount of preparation is necessary in the early spring in order to have the best looking yard possible. Having an extra hand or two to get your grass and plants ready for warm weather can really make a difference.
Some people also make use of this one time service when they go away on vacation. Leaving your lawn unattended for a couple weeks can make a huge difference in its appearance. Hiring a professional to take care of your yard work while you are away can save you a lot of energy when you return.
Pittsburgh Lawn Maintenance Pricing
When doing price checks for lawn maintenance, Pittsburgh residents will find that it is generally pretty affordable. Prices will inevitably vary depending on the size of your yard and what taking care of it entails, but, in general, Pittsburgh lawn maintenance is around $20 or $30 a week for the basics, and goes up from there. An hourly rate is often offered for extra services or day-labor, and those looking for lawn service while they are away on vacation should expect a bill in the $300 range for a few weeks of maintenance. 
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.