Winston-Salem lawn care business owner combats rising gas prices

May 14, 2026 - 11:15

A Winston-Salem lawn care business owner is feeling the squeeze as gas prices continue to climb, forcing him to make tough decisions to keep his company running. The owner, who has been in the industry for over a decade, says the rising cost of fuel has directly impacted his bottom line and his customer base.

Every morning, he fills up his trucks and equipment with gas that costs significantly more than it did just a year ago. He estimates that his weekly fuel expenses have jumped by nearly 40 percent. To compensate, he has had to raise his service rates, which has caused some longtime customers to cancel or reduce their lawn maintenance schedules. "People are cutting back on extras," he said. "They want their grass cut, but they don't want to pay the extra fees."

The owner also noted that he is spending more time planning efficient routes to avoid wasted miles. He now groups jobs by neighborhood and tries to service as many lawns as possible in a single trip. Even with these adjustments, profit margins are thinner than ever. He worries that if prices keep rising, he may have to let go of some part-time workers or stop offering certain services altogether.

Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his clients and his crew. He hopes that the summer season will bring more consistent work, but for now, he is taking it one tank of gas at a time.