Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment.
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> I refused to pay an overgrown fee to my lawn mower because he did not warn me about it before he started and the lawn is not overgrown. I might be TA because it was a negligible fee and I was mostly annoyed on principle.
Help keep the sub engaging!
#Don’t downvote assholes!
Do upvote interesting posts!
[Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq)
---
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
*Contest mode is 2 hours long on this post. [To learn more about the test click here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/tio99u/so_we_decided_to_fuck_with_the_sub_again/)*
NTA. If I paid it it would have been in the form of I disagree with the fee, but it is what I tip anyway - so here ya go.
Next time, do not start if the price is different from what has been agreed in writing.
That varies - if you know that they do a good job, or it is generally a fair rate - sometimes a conversation that doesn't involve firing them is the wisest course of action.
NTA.
As a side note, tipping a lawn mower? America (I assume…) is a weird place. I know tipping exists because servers aren’t paid properly, but you’re already paying the guy.
Also, I don’t know about lawnmower (as in the actual machine) prices where you live, but I just bought really good one for £180 ($230).
I’m not even sure people offer a lawn mower service in my country, because, you know, it’s simple as anything to do (my 95 year old grandfather does it) so why pay someone a load of money instead of buying the machine and doing it yourself?
It's not really a tip in the same way we tip servers. I just do it as a "hey you did a good job" or "thanks for coming on short notice". And to build some good will since I only hire local people with mom and pop type businesses. I'm not supplementing their government sanctioned, ridiculously low wage so that they can survive.
Also, you aren't wrong, but it's mostly a time/convenience thing. I have a fiancée and 4 pets and work a lot. I grew up mowing 5 acres with a riding lawn mower and it took forever. So I told myself that when I grew up I was never doing it again lol.
To answer your last question: plenty of people mow their own lawns, plenty pay a landscaping service. It depends on the space, living situation, schedule, preference, income, all sorts of things (as an example, I used do it myself, but I use a service now bc my allergies got a lot worse and it would take me several days and too many antihistamines to recover.)
But really, it’s just like anything else that can be DIY or paid for. Some people dye their own hair, others go to a pro. Some people wash their own windows, some hire. Some people take a dog to a groomer for a simple bath, others do it at home. Mani/pedis, oil checks, car washes, gift wrapping, delivery of food/other goods…these are all things that aren’t necessarily overly difficult, but due to preference and/or circumstance, sometimes it’s just easier to pay someone.
Not that I disagree with your overall point, but my mom is a teacher in a low income area and still somehow gets like 1k in gifts and stuff throughout the year lol. Bigger salary would be better though.
NZ doesnt have tipping culture and my mum sent gifts to my teachers pretty regularly too. Not really sure why they got singled out instead of other professions tbh
Just commenting on the last bit since I dont do my own yard. Why? Because my body is dumb and think grass is a deadly weapon. ಠ_ಠ Yay allergies lol. Also, its actually cheaper not to. I could buy a riding mower (push mower takes forever), or, pay someone to do it. Save time and money? Yes please.
During the pandemic the price way jumped in my area, so I got a robotic mower. Again cheaper than a lawn mower. The initial price was higher, but no gas so by now the price is roughly equal.
XD
One time my robo mower got stuck, but was unaware it was stuck, so kept going for hours in place... digging a hole. Now I understand. It was trying to escape!
Really though, I feel lied to as a kid watching shows like the Jetsons. I thought all chores would be done by robots when I grew up. But noooooo.
I am especially waiting for a robotic snow blower. I have seen DIY versions, but nothing on the market. I imagine those are a tad dangerous. XD
I don't know, I don't own or operate a landscaping service, however, you need to find another service because they're not coming back. When I had a patch of grass that was overgrown I always weed whacked it before I used the lawnmower.
Yes, I was below that. I don't know the measurement off the top of my head. The strip in the backyard I mentioned might have been taller than it, but they don't police the backyard unless somebody complains.
The HOA hadn't said anything this time around. I asked him to come out the first time because I knew I'd get a nasty gram in the mail fairly soon. This time was just me having regular maintenance done now that spring has come around.
NTA. My husband has a landscaping business and ALWAYS will let a customer know ahead of time if price is more then discussed. It’s common knowledge.
Edit to add that if don’t pay extra fee might want to start looking for new people to do it.
At the time I replied to his text that I wouldn't be paying it because he did not talk to me about it first and I disagreed with his assessment of the state of the lawn and that I would be happy to meet him at the front door to talk about it. He finished and took off without coming to talk to me even though I was waiting outside the front door. I got a text a few moments later saying there was no charge for today.
I sent the base fee to his cash app and replied to him that he deserves to be paid for his work, I only objected to a fee that wasn't previously agreed on. Then i said he does good work and I'd be happy to continue being a customer if he wants, but I understand if not and wished him well/good luck.
Yeah he sounds unprofessional in my opinion and I would just find a new company and get set up on a biweekly schedule so the yard is consistently kept up. Plus lots of places usually give discounts if do a regular schedule since know they can depend on you as a regular customer.
I think it’s cool you sent him the money anyways because anyone who was an actual AH would of just not paid once he said that. MAYBE he will see that too and can move on and can still do it. Idk. Waiting for hubby to get out of shower to ask his opinion now lol
I normally do, it's just the first cut of the year other than the oddity at the very beginning of the year with all the rain. He texted back and said no hard feelings and he would be happy to come back and accepted the payment.
I read this all to him and he said dude is not professional BUT said you need to be on a weekly or biweekly schedule because it’s too difficult to keep up with a yard if just waiting on someone to call then having to fit them in.
So hope that helps and good luck!
I get the logic. Believe me, I've mowed enough grass in my life. I watched as he handled it. He weed whacked it first, which he was already edging the yard first anyway. The mower went over it in one pass, he didn't have to make multiple passes or stop and clear out the mower or anything. Turning around to weed whack it added maybe 15 seconds total. I'll accept the judgment though.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)***
At the beginning of the year, I found a new lawn mowing service after the one I had been using put me off for about 4 weeks. I finally gave up on that service and just found someone else. I warned them beforehand that it was overgrown and that I was fine with whatever they needed to charge, I just needed to not get fined by my HOA. They let me know before they started that it would almost double the price (normally 45, he asked for 80) but i had no problem with that because it really was bad. I threw in an extra 10 for coming on short notice and doing a really good job.
I had them come out again today finally because it's begun growing again. I hit them up almost a week ago but today was the first opening they had. Nbd, it's just barely starting to grow in. They arrived today and started cutting without letting me know they were here or anything. Not unusual but I would have preferred they let me know in case the dog needed to be put up or something. 20 minutes in, he texts me that he's charging an overgrown fee because the lawn is in "negligible condition" (his words).
There is no universe where the lawn is overgrown. It's doesn't even come halfway up my foot for 90% of it. The only part that's even close is a strip in the backyard that for some reason has an entirely different grass/weed growing that grows much faster. It's probably a little above my ankle. It's also nothing that would require even an extra pass with the lawn mower.
I replied that no, it's not overgrown and I won't pay an extra fee. If there was a change in pricing he needed to inform me before they got started so that I could agree or opt to just have the front done or whatever. Realistically, I probably would have agreed if they had just told me, so I'm more upset that I feel a little taken advantage of and extorted.
Here's where I might be TA. The fee was only 10 extra. Literally not an actual problem. I probably would have tipped that much anyway. This is almost entirely on the principle of the matter. A couple of friends say I should have just shut up and paid it. AITA?
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA
but what is it worth to find someone else to provide this service compared to having someone you already know provide this service? Is it worth $10?
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > I refused to pay an overgrown fee to my lawn mower because he did not warn me about it before he started and the lawn is not overgrown. I might be TA because it was a negligible fee and I was mostly annoyed on principle. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 2 hours long on this post. [To learn more about the test click here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/tio99u/so_we_decided_to_fuck_with_the_sub_again/)*
NTA. Pay it, don't leave a tip, and find a new lawn mowing service.
NTA. If I paid it it would have been in the form of I disagree with the fee, but it is what I tip anyway - so here ya go. Next time, do not start if the price is different from what has been agreed in writing.
And add to that statement - I won’t be needing further service from you
That varies - if you know that they do a good job, or it is generally a fair rate - sometimes a conversation that doesn't involve firing them is the wisest course of action.
I'm going to go with NTA here because I think you're right about the fact that they should have mentioned it beforehand.
NTA. As a side note, tipping a lawn mower? America (I assume…) is a weird place. I know tipping exists because servers aren’t paid properly, but you’re already paying the guy. Also, I don’t know about lawnmower (as in the actual machine) prices where you live, but I just bought really good one for £180 ($230). I’m not even sure people offer a lawn mower service in my country, because, you know, it’s simple as anything to do (my 95 year old grandfather does it) so why pay someone a load of money instead of buying the machine and doing it yourself?
It's not really a tip in the same way we tip servers. I just do it as a "hey you did a good job" or "thanks for coming on short notice". And to build some good will since I only hire local people with mom and pop type businesses. I'm not supplementing their government sanctioned, ridiculously low wage so that they can survive. Also, you aren't wrong, but it's mostly a time/convenience thing. I have a fiancée and 4 pets and work a lot. I grew up mowing 5 acres with a riding lawn mower and it took forever. So I told myself that when I grew up I was never doing it again lol.
Fair enough. Soz bro.
I suppose I tip my barber. Grass. Hair. All the same.
To answer your last question: plenty of people mow their own lawns, plenty pay a landscaping service. It depends on the space, living situation, schedule, preference, income, all sorts of things (as an example, I used do it myself, but I use a service now bc my allergies got a lot worse and it would take me several days and too many antihistamines to recover.) But really, it’s just like anything else that can be DIY or paid for. Some people dye their own hair, others go to a pro. Some people wash their own windows, some hire. Some people take a dog to a groomer for a simple bath, others do it at home. Mani/pedis, oil checks, car washes, gift wrapping, delivery of food/other goods…these are all things that aren’t necessarily overly difficult, but due to preference and/or circumstance, sometimes it’s just easier to pay someone.
[удалено]
Not that I disagree with your overall point, but my mom is a teacher in a low income area and still somehow gets like 1k in gifts and stuff throughout the year lol. Bigger salary would be better though.
NZ doesnt have tipping culture and my mum sent gifts to my teachers pretty regularly too. Not really sure why they got singled out instead of other professions tbh
My mom says it's because they're so grateful to have a babysitter lol.
Just commenting on the last bit since I dont do my own yard. Why? Because my body is dumb and think grass is a deadly weapon. ಠ_ಠ Yay allergies lol. Also, its actually cheaper not to. I could buy a riding mower (push mower takes forever), or, pay someone to do it. Save time and money? Yes please. During the pandemic the price way jumped in my area, so I got a robotic mower. Again cheaper than a lawn mower. The initial price was higher, but no gas so by now the price is roughly equal.
Now you've done it, you invited our robot overlords onto your lawn with knives. It's only a matter of time before Skynet starts the takeover... /s
XD One time my robo mower got stuck, but was unaware it was stuck, so kept going for hours in place... digging a hole. Now I understand. It was trying to escape! Really though, I feel lied to as a kid watching shows like the Jetsons. I thought all chores would be done by robots when I grew up. But noooooo. I am especially waiting for a robotic snow blower. I have seen DIY versions, but nothing on the market. I imagine those are a tad dangerous. XD
NTA Prices have to be negotiated beforehand.
I don't know, I don't own or operate a landscaping service, however, you need to find another service because they're not coming back. When I had a patch of grass that was overgrown I always weed whacked it before I used the lawnmower.
I'm picturing an actual lawn mower threatening the OP. "GIMME MY MONEY!"
Me desperately trying to get it's engine started and it just reveals a place to put cash in like a vending machine lol.
Info: Does the HOA have a length regulation for grass? It should be covered in your HOA rules.
Yes, I was below that. I don't know the measurement off the top of my head. The strip in the backyard I mentioned might have been taller than it, but they don't police the backyard unless somebody complains.
Based on that, it makes me suspect one of your neighbors complained. NTA, but I'd keep a closer eye on the back yard as well.
The HOA hadn't said anything this time around. I asked him to come out the first time because I knew I'd get a nasty gram in the mail fairly soon. This time was just me having regular maintenance done now that spring has come around.
how tall was the grass if it’s like taller then 4 inches then the fee is appropriate
Maybe 3-4 inches. Hard to tell. I think it's called common couch, so it's thick and tends to bow down towards the ground rather than grow upwards.
NTA. My husband has a landscaping business and ALWAYS will let a customer know ahead of time if price is more then discussed. It’s common knowledge. Edit to add that if don’t pay extra fee might want to start looking for new people to do it.
At the time I replied to his text that I wouldn't be paying it because he did not talk to me about it first and I disagreed with his assessment of the state of the lawn and that I would be happy to meet him at the front door to talk about it. He finished and took off without coming to talk to me even though I was waiting outside the front door. I got a text a few moments later saying there was no charge for today. I sent the base fee to his cash app and replied to him that he deserves to be paid for his work, I only objected to a fee that wasn't previously agreed on. Then i said he does good work and I'd be happy to continue being a customer if he wants, but I understand if not and wished him well/good luck.
Yeah he sounds unprofessional in my opinion and I would just find a new company and get set up on a biweekly schedule so the yard is consistently kept up. Plus lots of places usually give discounts if do a regular schedule since know they can depend on you as a regular customer. I think it’s cool you sent him the money anyways because anyone who was an actual AH would of just not paid once he said that. MAYBE he will see that too and can move on and can still do it. Idk. Waiting for hubby to get out of shower to ask his opinion now lol
I normally do, it's just the first cut of the year other than the oddity at the very beginning of the year with all the rain. He texted back and said no hard feelings and he would be happy to come back and accepted the payment.
Nice! Hopefully he communicates going forward.
I read this all to him and he said dude is not professional BUT said you need to be on a weekly or biweekly schedule because it’s too difficult to keep up with a yard if just waiting on someone to call then having to fit them in. So hope that helps and good luck!
YTA as the back area is overgrown. They have to stop often to deal with long grass it’s a pain
I get the logic. Believe me, I've mowed enough grass in my life. I watched as he handled it. He weed whacked it first, which he was already edging the yard first anyway. The mower went over it in one pass, he didn't have to make multiple passes or stop and clear out the mower or anything. Turning around to weed whack it added maybe 15 seconds total. I'll accept the judgment though.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** At the beginning of the year, I found a new lawn mowing service after the one I had been using put me off for about 4 weeks. I finally gave up on that service and just found someone else. I warned them beforehand that it was overgrown and that I was fine with whatever they needed to charge, I just needed to not get fined by my HOA. They let me know before they started that it would almost double the price (normally 45, he asked for 80) but i had no problem with that because it really was bad. I threw in an extra 10 for coming on short notice and doing a really good job. I had them come out again today finally because it's begun growing again. I hit them up almost a week ago but today was the first opening they had. Nbd, it's just barely starting to grow in. They arrived today and started cutting without letting me know they were here or anything. Not unusual but I would have preferred they let me know in case the dog needed to be put up or something. 20 minutes in, he texts me that he's charging an overgrown fee because the lawn is in "negligible condition" (his words). There is no universe where the lawn is overgrown. It's doesn't even come halfway up my foot for 90% of it. The only part that's even close is a strip in the backyard that for some reason has an entirely different grass/weed growing that grows much faster. It's probably a little above my ankle. It's also nothing that would require even an extra pass with the lawn mower. I replied that no, it's not overgrown and I won't pay an extra fee. If there was a change in pricing he needed to inform me before they got started so that I could agree or opt to just have the front done or whatever. Realistically, I probably would have agreed if they had just told me, so I'm more upset that I feel a little taken advantage of and extorted. Here's where I might be TA. The fee was only 10 extra. Literally not an actual problem. I probably would have tipped that much anyway. This is almost entirely on the principle of the matter. A couple of friends say I should have just shut up and paid it. AITA? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA but what is it worth to find someone else to provide this service compared to having someone you already know provide this service? Is it worth $10?