Mowing Program FAQs

Mowing Program FAQs

Can you explain the signup process?

First, browse the shop, add to cart, and then checkout via your preferred payment option. Once your order is placed our office is alerted and will begin processing your order. You'll receive a couple of onboarding emails shortly afterwards with instructions on how to access our client portal AND when to expect your first service. *If your order is placed outside of business orders it will be processed upon our return the next business day.

What's included with each Mowing Service?

Our crews will mow, trim, and edge all existing turf areas on the property. At the end of each service we use our backpack blowers to clear all non-turf areas of loose grass clippings. NOTE: Only existing turf areas are serviced during each visit (wooded areas and/or landscaping beds not included).

How does billing work?

12 Interest Free Monthly Payments: One flat annual rate split up over 12 monthly payments from signup date. This option allows for better budgeting since it’s a low set amount each month instead of large payments during the growing season. With this option, you’re set for 12 months from your signup date, and it autorenews until canceled by either party.

Prepay: If you pay for the entire year up front you’ll save 5%-10% per year. With this option, you’re set for 12 months from your signup date, and it autorenews until canceled by either party.

1 Month of Mowing: Due at signup

Pay Per Cut: Pay a one time fee at signup and then only be charged after each cut is completed.
Example: Pay $52 at signup and then $52 after each cut is completed (not including discounts). 

*We currently do not pro-rate if/when signing up in the middle of the season. Both mowing options are for 12 months from the signup date.
*Credit card or ACH on file required for annual programs

When does the season start/stop?

The mowing season starts anywhere from March 15th through the first or second week of April. Each season is different due to the weather.  We wrap up the mowing season between the last week of October and the last week of November. Each property is a little different and we'll make sure to cut accordingly. At this point we stop mowing and begin our fall cleanup and leaf removal for customers who want to prepare their property for the winter months.

How often/which day of the week do you mow?

During the springtime we mow every 7-10 days due to the fast growing conditions.  During the summer we slow to more of a 10-14 day cycle due to the heat. The turf begins to grow fast again during the Fall and we switch to more of a 7-10 day schedule before leading into November when we wrap up the season.  We've learned it's difficult to promise a day of the week due to the ever changing weather. We usually see 1-2 rainouts per week in our area so the mowing schedule can be very "fluid". 

How soon can you perform the first service? *In Season Only

Our goal is to get your first cut taken care of within 24-72 business hours of signing up.  Sometimes the weather holds us up for a day or so but we catch up really fast! Also, if you signup later in the week, your first mow could be carried over to Monday.  Don't worry though, we'll have you on a regular schedule after the first cut.

What times of the day do your crews typically start mowing?

We start our day at the A Cut Above offices in Sterling, VA around 6:30am and it's usually after 7:30am by the time we get to our first mowing locations. Most local laws require us to wait until after 7am due to noise ordinances.

Fairfax County Noise Ordinance
The law prohibits noises during specific hours, including: Operating power lawn equipment, including lawn mowers: (a) between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. when operating the equipment within 100 yards of a dwelling.

Loudoun County Noise Ordinance
Noise from lawnmowers and other lawn care equipment is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

How short do you cut the grass?

The ideal mowing height for cool season turf is between 2.5" -4”, depending upon weather conditions. We set our equipment to this range for several reasons. Cutting a lawn too short supports the possibility of scalping the turf. Also, cutting off more than one-third of the height of grass in any single mowing also is very stressful and damaging to lawns.  If you let your grass grow to about four inches and then mow it down to two, for example, you may open the door to disease or further weed growth—even if two inches is the proper height for the grass. At “A Cut Above” our Annual Mowing Program ensures that we'll constantly take care of your lawn all season.

Seasonal A Cut Above Mower Deck Heights
  1. March 15 - June 15th: 3 inches
  2. June 16th - Sept 1st: 3.5 inches
  3. Sept 2nd- Dec 1st: 3 inches

What type of mowers do you use to cut my lawn?

Our preferred mowers are made by Exmark and Scag, both industry leaders in professional lawn equipment. For most properties up to 1/2 acre in size we typically use a 36" (mower deck width) walk behind mower and a 52" walk behind mower. We use a 60" riding mower for larger properties that have wide open areas, including "Over 1/2 Acre" properties, HOA Communities, and Commercial Properties. The size/weight of the mowers do not damage the turf or underground irrigation systems. Note: We also have a few mowers of other sizes that are used if needed on a temporary basis, but they're all within a few inches of the previously mentioned sizes above.

How often should I water my grass?

Do you bag grass clippings?

We do not bag/remove grass clippings from the property. Our machines are equipped with "Mulching Blades" which are designed to chop the clippings into fine pieces and redistribute back into the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Due to the high costs involved with dump fees, A Cut Above can remove the clippings upon request starting at an additional charge of $149 per instance (larger properties may require a custom quote).

How do mowing notifications work?

We send an email about 24 hours before your expected weekly visit. You'll also receive a post service email notification upon the crew wrapping up the route for the day. Aside from the email notifications, you can use our client portal to view your past and upcoming job info.

Do I need to be home for the service?

You don't need to be home for the mowing service to be performed. That's what's great about the service notifications we have in place here at A Cut Above. You'll receive an email notification before and after we perform each service, so you'll know when we're coming.

Do I need to prepare the lawn before each mowing visit?

Please remove toys/hoses/etc. from the lawn before each visit (A Cut Above is not responsible for damage to any man made object left in the lawn prior to mowing service). Our crew leaders inspect the lawn before each visit but we really appreciate your help with this. Also, please unlock any gates on the property so our equipment can get through.


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