Everybody — well almost everybody — loves a green lawn. But keeping it neat and tidy, weed free and green is another story. Green lawns take work and not everyone enjoys time behind the mower or the fertilizer spreader.
To the rescue is a plethora of lawn-care services ranging from the kid down the block to national lawn-care companies.
If you’re one of the growing number of people opting out of yard work but who wants to keep your landscape in tip-top condition, your BBB suggests that you choose a reliable lawn service in the same manner as any other service professional: Do your research.
To make things easy, refer to this handy list of 10 questions to ask lawn care and lawn cutting companies and service professionals:
- What services does the business provide? Weekly mowing? Or a summerlong program that includes fertilization, weeding and dethatching and/or core aeration? Knowing what you want from a lawn-care professional will help ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.
- Does the lawn-care company’s concept of a well-maintained landscape mesh with yours?
- Ask neighbors, friends and family for referrals and then request free BBB Business Reliablity Reports at www.wynco.bbb.org.
- Is the company a member of a professional lawn-care association?
- Is it licensed to apply lawn chemicals? This is important because many states require a license for companies that apply any chemicals other than fertilizer.
- Ask the lawn-care service representative to visit your home and provide you with an evaluation of your lawn and written estimate of recommended services. Does the company individualize its services? Or is it one lawn fits all?
- Ask the lawn service if you have a choice in products used on your lawn. Can you get a lawn program that offers reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides?
- Ask about price. Most companies base their prices on a property’s total square footage of the turf area. Some providers may offer an annual contract, seasonal contract or be available on an on-call basis. What happens if you have an issue that arises between scheduled visits? Be sure to ask.
- Request a written contract from the lawn care company you hire. It should clearly state the services you will receive as well as how you will pay for it. Have a trusted friend or relative read over the contract if you’re unsure.
- Does the business belong to professional associations? And is it a BBB Accredited Business?
Start With Trust. For more consumer tips regarding your home, visit www.wynco.bbb.org or call us at 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371.