Pitch maintenance; in house or contracted out?

[bignose07]

I'm curious as to whether most clubs look after things pitch side themselves via volunteers or get somebody in to do it?

Appreciate it comes down to finances at the end of the day but what are peoples views on this part of running a club? It should be a priority but is it? What value / cost do we put on our playing surfaces? What do those involved see as the most crucial part of maintaining the pitch?

Assuming the start of the season isn't rained off we should see some lovely surfaces as it's certainly been healthy grass growing weather!