The Badge Archive

General Safety Reminder: Always meet in a public place and during daylight hours when working for someone new. Let your parent or guardian know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and what time you expect to return. Never share personal information beyond your first name and a contact method like a phone number or email. Avoid giving out your home address, school name, or other identifying details.

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Lawn care is one of the most reliable ways for teens to earn money, especially during warmer months when families want help keeping up with weekly mowing or yard cleanup. You don’t need expensive gear or landscaping experience to begin. With a borrowed mower, rake, or help from a neighbor, you can start small and grow fast.

1. What Lawn Care Actually Includes at a Beginner Level

You’re not offering full landscaping — just the basics that most families need week to week. Common starter tasks include:

• Mowing grass (front and/or back yard)
• Edging sidewalks or driveways (optional if you have a trimmer)
• Raking leaves or clearing small yard debris
• Watering flowers or gardens
• Light weeding or sweeping hard surfaces

Stick to tasks you’re familiar with. Always ask for instructions first.

2. What Equipment Do You Need?

Most beginner teens start with borrowed or shared gear. Ask your parent or neighbor if you can use:

• Push mower or electric/battery mower
• Rake and broom
• Trash bags or yard bin
• Work gloves and sun protection

If you don’t own equipment, some families may let you use theirs while you work on their lawn, especially if they want to support you.

3. Set Realistic Rates Based on Yard Size and Effort

Families don’t expect a teen to charge professional rates. Here’s a fair starting guide:

Service Type	Estimated Rate
Small yard mow only (front or back)	$10–$15
Medium yard mow (front & back)	$20–$25
Large yard mow + light edging	$30–$40
Raking leaves or cleanup add-on	+$5–$10
Light weeding, watering, sweeping	+$5 per extra task

Offer discounts for regular weekly service (example: $20/week for a small yard). Raise rates after 5–10 successful jobs, especially if you upgrade your equipment or expand services.

4. How to Get Your First Customers

• Ask trusted neighbors first
• Leave flyers with basic info on front door handles (only with permission)
• Ask family or teachers if they know anyone nearby who might need help
• Post a message in community groups (with a parent’s help)

Sample message:

Hi! I’m a high school student offering lawn care in the neighborhood. I mow, rake, and help tidy up yards during weekends and school breaks. Rates are affordable ($10–$40 depending on yard size), and I always check in to make sure each job is done right. I bring my own gear or can use yours with permission. Let me know if you’d like help this week!

5. Keep Track of What You’ve Done

Use a basic notebook or spreadsheet to log:

• Date of each job
• What services you provided
• Payment received
• Notes from the homeowner (what they liked, what to improve)

This builds trust and helps you remember lawn preferences across clients.

6. Safety Tips and Weather Warnings

• Never mow wet grass — it’s slippery and clogs mowers
• Wear long socks or pants around weeds or bugs
• Hydrate, take breaks, and avoid peak heat hours (12–3 PM)
• Always ask for adult supervision when using power equipment or handling heavy tools

Sample Flyer

Local Lawn Care – Reliable Help from a High School Student

Need a quick yard cleanup or basic mowing service? I’m a responsible high school student offering affordable lawn care in the neighborhood. I focus on small to medium yards and bring hard work, attention to detail, and a friendly attitude to every job.

Services Offered:

• Lawn mowing (front or back yard)
• Basic edging (if tools are available)
• Raking leaves or light yard cleanup
• Watering flowers, sweeping patios, and bagging debris

Starter Rates:

• Small yard mow only: $10–$15
• Medium yard (front & back): $20–$25
• Large yard with edging: $30–$40
• Add-on tasks (raking, watering, cleanup): +$5–$10 each

Availability:

• Weekends, school breaks, and weekday afternoons
• I can use your mower or bring basic tools if needed
• Flexible scheduling and trial jobs welcome

About Me:

• Reliable and respectful with a strong work ethic
• Happy to meet beforehand to walk through the job
• Will keep a log of tasks done and notes from each session
• References available upon request

Contact Info:
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number or Email Address]
[Optional: Neighborhood name or general area]

Let me know what your yard needs. I’d be happy to help this week!

Sample Rates

Rates by Experience Level

Service Type	Beginner Teen (0–5 jobs)	Experienced Teen (1+ season)	Professional Company
Small yard mow (front or back)	$10–$15	$15–$20	$25–$40
Medium yard mow (front & back)	$20–$25	$25–$30	$40–$60
Large yard mow + edging	$30–$40	$35–$50	$60–$80+
Leaf raking or seasonal cleanup	+$5–$10	+$10–$15	$30–$60+
Watering, light weeding, or sweeping	+$5 per task	+$5–$10 per task	Often included in a full package or billed hourly

Notes:

• Beginner teens should start with small jobs and gradually increase pricing once they show reliability and consistency.
• Professional companies include business overhead, insurance, and full equipment—teens offer affordable help for families needing simple lawn care.
• Tips, referrals, and repeat business often boost teen earnings even without raising rates.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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