As tensions ease in the Strait of Hormuz, the price of a barrel of oil has started to retreat. That might sound like good news for consumers — but don’t expect immediate relief for everything tied to gas and diesel.
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In fact, if you live in South Florida, your next landscaping bill could be heading in the opposite direction.
“You’re on the money,” as the saying goes — but lately, you’re also paying more of it. Industry experts say the ripple effects of the war involving Iran are still being felt, especially in businesses that rely heavily on fuel and labor — like lawn care.
According to Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal — a platform often described as the “Uber of lawn care” — landscaping professionals are dealing with higher costs across the board. Fuel prices may be stabilizing, but they remain elevated, and the cost of essentials like fertilizer has also surged.
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The numbers back it up. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that inflation for gardening and lawn care services began climbing sharply in 2025, reaching nearly 9%. That’s significantly higher than the current overall U.S. inflation rate of about 2.5%.
And fuel isn’t the only factor driving prices up.
Labor shortages are tightening the market as well. Industry insiders point to a decline in available workers, partly due to deportations and self-deportations of undocumented laborers — historically a significant portion of the landscaping workforce. With fewer workers available, companies are charging more to meet demand.
So what can homeowners do to keep costs in check?
Caballero offers a few practical tips:
- Team up with neighbors to negotiate a group rate for services
- Avoid letting your lawn get overgrown — long grass can double the time and cost of a job
- Commit to regular, recurring service, which often comes with discounts
- And, as always, shop around for the best deal
Bottom line: Even if oil prices are cooling, the cost of keeping your lawn in shape may still be heating up.
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