Most homeowners dream of creating a manicured lawn full of flowers and high hedges. But not everyone knows how to do this DIY, and one might consider hiring a lawn care professional or company to get the job done. These professionals typically work in commercial, residential, or public spaces. But, different lawn care companies offer varying services, expertise, and pricing. So, proper research of various factors is necessary to find the right service provider.
Average lawn care cost
The cost of lawn maintenance and care varies depending on the services one requires. For instance, yard cleanup prices range from $174 to $436, mowing costs around $36 to $105, and overseeding may typically cost between $592 and $1,768. The cost of lawn care services may also depend on other factors, such as the size of the plot, the type of materials used, and any optional features, if any. Even the professional’s experience level may significantly impact the cost.
Common services offered by lawn care companies
Depending on their client’s individual needs and preferences, lawn care companies and professionals typically provide various common services.
- Mowing
- General spring cleanup
- Edging patios
- Planting
- Weeding flower beds
- Walkways and drives, and weed-eating
- Mulching
- Landscape design
A lawn care company or contractor may also offer additional services, such as aeration and seeding, tree and shrub trimming and care, and mosquito and pest control. Furthermore, some companies may assist with installing irrigation systems and applying fertilizer.
Tips to find the best lawn care expert
Given the numerous lawn care professionals available, it is important to evaluate all options carefully and choose the best provider that aligns with one’s needs.
1. Set the budget
Before hiring a lawn care professional, one must set a budget. Different lawn care companies have varying prices. So, by setting a budget beforehand, one can rule out the options that are too expensive. This step also helps one avoid signing up and overspending on additional services that are not needed. For instance, while a lawn care professional may recommend installing accessories like decorative lighting, one might not need it, which can keep costs in check.
2. Search online
To find a reliable lawn care company, one can look for relevant search terms, like “the best lawn company near me,” “top 5 lawn care companies nearby,” and “expert landscaping services in the area.” From the myriad results one gets, one can shortlist a few providers that offer services relevant to one’s lawn care needs.
3. Ask around
If one’s family members, friends, or colleagues have hired a lawn care expert to manage the backyard, one can ask for referrals from them. Since personal recommendations come from a trusted source, they may offer valuable insights into a particular company’s or professional’s service quality, pricing, and reliability.
4. Read the reviews
Most lawn care companies are listed on search engines. This enables users who have availed their services to post reviews and ratings. By examining them, one can learn about overall customer satisfaction and specific feedback on the company’s quality of work and professionalism. If there are negative reviews and ratings, one can check if the service provider took measures to address the issue.
5. Check the insurance
A lawn care professional usually has an insurance plan to cover each project. This is because many things could go south while a worker is on-site, especially when handling heavy machinery and tools. Having insurance will ensure the safety of lawn care professionals and cover the cost of any damage to the property, if any.
6. Ask for proof of work
While searching for a reliable lawn care expert, one must always ask for proof of work. If a professional has worked in landscaping for several years, they usually have videos and photos of previous projects that help prospective clients gauge their capabilities. Going through these images and videos will help one better understand whether the professional is right for the task.
7. Get an on-site estimate
Several lawn care professionals may quote a particular price for a job before visiting the site. But, one must ensure the expert visits the site and examines the area before drawing up a quote to ensure the costs are accurate. Also, if there are any added costs, it won’t deviate much from the original figure.
8. Gather multiple quotes
When shortlisting lawn care companies, it is advised to gather and compare quotes from multiple providers. While the price offered by a lawn care company may seem good, it won’t necessarily be the best. With a little research, one may come across another service that offers better quality materials at an even more affordable rate. So, one must gather at least three quotes from lawn care companies before selecting the best option that suits their budget while meeting their requirements.
9. Read the fine print
While the final contract drawn up by the lawn care company might have the key details highlighted on the front page, it is important to read the fine print. This includes going through the entire document and understanding each term. If any terms or conditions are unclear or don’t meet one’s expectations, one must speak to the company or professional before signing the contract. This will help avoid any misunderstandings once the project starts.