What if I show up to cut a lawn and it's overgrown?
A lawn is considered overgrown when the grass consistently exceeds 6 inches in height across the majority of the property. Because these lawns require extra time and multiple passes to service properly, LawnGuru allows Providers to request an additional fee to compensate for the extra labor.
Overgrown Fee Guidelines
Not every long lawn requires an extra fee. Use your professional judgment to maintain a positive relationship with your year-round customers.
Requests may be denied if:
The customer has recurring weekly service with no skips.
Only a small portion of the property (e.g., a side ditch) is over 6 inches.
The service is late due to Provider scheduling delays.
The growth is "wispy" seed heads rather than thick, dense grass.
Pricing Tiers
Fees are calculated as a percentage increase of the standard Pro Take (your payout).
Grass Height | Fee Increase | Description |
6" – 12" | +50% | Standard overgrowth; usually requires two passes. |
12" – 24" | +100% | Heavy overgrowth; requires significant extra time. |
24"+ | Custom | Extreme overgrowth; Pro may request a custom rate. |
How to Submit a Request
To ensure your request is approved quickly, follow these steps in the LawnGuru app before you begin cutting:
Navigate to Service Options and select Request Overgrown Fee.
Select the Height Tier that accurately represents the majority of the lawn.
Submit Photos: You must provide clear visual evidence.
Context: Include the house or address in the frame so we can verify the location.
Scale: If possible, use a ruler or tool to show the height.
Avoid: Blurred images or extreme close-ups that don't show the property context.
[!IMPORTANT] Don't Wait: If you are working outside of standard business hours and an agent hasn't approved the request immediately, complete the service. Upload your "Before" photos to the request and your "After" photos to the job. Our team will review and apply approved fees the following business day.
Pro Tips for Success
Consistency is Key: Overgrowth is defined by the vast majority of the lawn being tall, not just a few patches.
Communication: Taking a great "Before" photo is the best way to prevent payment disputes.
Authorization: Only LawnGuru Agents can authorize an overgrown fee; please do not promise a specific price to the customer until it is confirmed in the app.