We’ve all been there. You are leaving your house to go to work and you notice that your front lawn is overgrown, and that its overall look seems “off." You try to pay no mind at first, thinking it’s not a big issue. But as you put on your bike helmet, or you fasten your seat belt, you can’t help but to glance back at the lawn once more. “I’ll deal with it when I get home” you say, but with a long day ahead of you, chances are you’ll leave any trimming or mowing for a day much later than that. “There has to be a better way”you say to yourself.
Thankfully, there is. This is where lawn care services come in. With the right tools, experts, and helpful services, lawn care companies aim to improve the health and aesthetics of your lawn and garden. Lawn care services are a big business, with more than 22 million households spending $14.6 billion on hiring lawn care and landscaping service professionals. Although there are cheaper alternatives out there, the professionalism, experience and available treatments always make up for it. But just like it’s important for you to choose a lawn care company that’s better than the average “mow and blow,” it’s also important to choose the lawn care company that fits you, your budget, and your lawn. In this article, I’ll be going through the 7 things you need to know before taking that step.
1- Services
Know what you want and what you need. First, take a good look at the areas you want to improve, whether it’s the front porch, lawn, backyard, or any other area where lawn care services can help. Knowing the services that you need, and any others you’d like in the future helps you pinpoint the best company that fits your needs. Remember that not all companies offer the same services, and some companies might charge additional fees for services other companies offer as standard. Taking your time to research will definitely help you in the long run. Standard lawn care services usually include: healthy lawn analysis, tree and shrub trimming, lawn seeding, aeration, pest and disease control, fertilizer services, soil testing, and total lawn renovation. Also be on the lookout for additional services, such as irrigation system installation and organic gardening.
2-Reputation and Reliability
A company’s reputation and its reliability are deciding factors when hiring a lawn care service. Online reviews, company testimonials, and even neighbor referrals give you a glimpse of the company’s work ethic and how it treats customers. Although negative reviews will always exist, a company that has tons of detailed, negative reviews concerning the same issue is definitely a red flag. Research their customer service and its work consistency through review sites such as BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the company you’re interested in for references. A reputable company will always provide the information you need to reach your decision. Look for companies that are technologically up-to-date and can be reached through email or social media, and that have apps or software for lawn care scheduling and billing. These services, though optional, show the company’s commitment towards a hassle-free experience.
3- Licenses and Certifications
Always check if the company has the necessary licenses and field certifications. Chemical licenses vary by state, and certifications awarded by organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), include horticultural, and interior/exterior technician certifications. Note that no state license is required if the company only offers lawn mowing, edging, etc., but companies that offer chemical fertilizers or pesticides need licenses from the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. Companies that have these documents prove they’re committed to following the standards of the lawn care industry.
4- Insurance
You should always choose a company that’s insured. Liability coverage, property insurance and worker compensation are pivotal when choosing a lawn care company, since they guarantee that you won’t be responsible if an accident or an emergency happens. It’s an important safeguard that guarantees you, the company and its employees relief in case your property is damaged or a worker is harmed.
5- Contracts and Pricing
Always ask companies for a lawn inspection and a free quote. Never trust companies that offer pricing without inspecting your lawn, since every lawn is different and prices will always vary. Ask if the company offers contract-free services, or if a contract is needed. Find out what payment plans are available and ask if they can adjust to your budget. A good company will always find a way to accommodate to your needs.
6- Equipment Care
It’s important that a company cares for its equipment, since having outdated or dull machinery hinders the quality of the company’s services. Lawn care companies should have up-to-date equipment, and they should sharpen or change blades every 1-2 days. Don’t be afraid to ask about their equipment care policies, and to be certain, ask them how many mowing hours their equipment goes through before their blades are changed/sharpened. If they answer no more than 8 hours, the company is on the right track.
7- 100% Guarantee
Some companies offer a 100% guarantee promise, where they’ll keep working on your lawn until you are completely satisfied. Although this shows that the company is committed to satisfying your needs, be wary of companies that guarantee a problem-free lawn. Try as they might, there are certain affecting factors, like the weather, that a company can’t control. Seasonal changes alter outside temperatures, and this can cause unforeseen situations. Thus, guaranteeing a problem-free lawn will set an impossible standard.
So there you have it! With this list, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the lawn care company that’s right for you. If you think you are already up to the challenge, check our Top Ten Lawn Care providers to begin your search.