How to Choose a Lawn Care Service
Provided by Mid-America Green Industry Council
References. Before looking in the yellow pages or answering an ad, ask neighbors for a recommendation. No sales pitch should be of as much value as a referral from a satisfied friend or neighbor.
Licensing. Each state has licensing requirements for companies that treat lawns for insects and weeds. The state also enforces insurance standards on licensed businesses. Request the company’s or individual’s state pesticide license number to be sure you are dealing with a legal operator.
Bids. Unless you know who you’re dealing with, get bids to compare prices and quality. Never hire a company that doesn’t first provide a detailed inspection and an
accurate measurement of your lawn. Low measurements are used by unprofessional operators to provide a cheap price. Such deliberately under-measured lawns will invariably receive substandard service and inadequate material.
Compare guarantees. Although a written guarantee is only as good as the company’s quality control program, it provides some assurance if you have a problem.
Service Agreements. Most companies have a continuous service agreement. When starting service you may be authorizing the company to provide service to your lawn from season to season, and year to year, until you notify them to stop. Be aware of what you are buying and read the correspondence your service provides.
Granular or liquid? Either granular or liquid delivery systems will produce a very good lawn. Avoid companies that promote one method by discrediting the other.
Organic products. Most companies have an organic line of products and make them available as an alternative to, or in combination with, traditional lawn care methods. These companies have a realistic view of what organic products can and cannot do for your lawn. Beware of scam artists that make exaggerated claims about any line of products.
Professional membership. Be sure the company is affiliated with one or more professional lawn care associations. Professional organizations keep members informed on new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research and regulation. Members agree to abide by a code of ethics. Affiliation with a professional group indicates the company strives for quality in its work.
Locate a member lawn care provider
