Tips on Choosing a Lawn Care Service

To take advantage of the economical, environmental and aesthetic benefits of a healthy lawn without sacrificing leisure time, many homeowners rely on the services of a lawn care professional. In addition to fertilizing, a professional can tackle the more difficult aspects of lawn care, such as identifying and controlling lawn problems, using the proper equipment and choosing the right product for your lawn.

Hiring the right lawn service takes a little effort, but the rewards of a thick healthy lawn are substantial. We offer these tips to help you select a professional lawn care service:

1. Determine what you want from a lawn service. Lawn care companies provide a range of services including mowing, maintenance, aeration, seeding, landscaping, fertilizer and pest control applications, and ornamental and small tree care.

2. Find out which companies provide service in your neighborhood. Before looking in the yellow pages or answering an ad, ask your neighbors for a recommendation. It's a great way to determine the reputation of a company and the quality service it provides.

3. Ask for a lawn inspection and a free estimate for service. Companies that quote a price without seeing your lawn are only guessing what your lawn might need.

4. Ask about the price system and what services are included. The lawn care company may offer a yearly contract or a simple verbal agreement giving the customer the right to discontinue service at any time. Find out what happens if you have a problem between applications. Will the service calls be free or is there a charge?

5. Consider annual cost as well as costs per application. Many companies allow you to pay after each treatment and may offer a discount if you pay the annual cost up front.

6. Have a complete understanding with the company before the work starts. Get an explanation of what the service can and cannot do. Find out what kind and amount of treatments are included in the proposed program, approximately when they will be applied, and what results can be expected.

7. Find out what is, and what is not, guaranteed. Some services may offer a guarantee of performance. Others may offer refunds if they fail to meet your expectations.

8. Make sure the lawn care service is licensed for the application of lawn care products as required by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy.

9. Professional membership. Be sure the company is affiliated with one or more professional lawn care associations and is active in the community. Professional organizations keep members informed on new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research and regulation. Most associations have a code of ethics for members to follow. Affiliation with a professional group indicates the company strives for quality in its work. Ask whether they carry the Symbol of Good Practice showing membership in the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, or the PLCAO symbol.