Lawns provide a space to relax, play games, and spend quality time with family and friends. A well-kept lawn can also beautify the property and increase its value. That said, managing and maintaining a lawn is no easy task. If one does not have the time and energy to look after the lawn, hiring a professional lawn service is a good idea. But before bringing in someone, it is important to consider a few things.
1. Figure out the type of service needed
Lawn care companies offer different types of services to cater to the requirements of different customers. Some may want their lawn to be mowed, while others may want to repair dry patches of grass. Homeowners should choose a company based on what service they require. Most companies offer three common services.
Mowing
If the grass looks green and strong, a homeowner might only want a basic lawn mower service. This service can be requested on a one-time basis, like when one is out of town or too busy to mow the lawn themselves. It can also be requested on a regular basis, such as once every month. Most lawn care services offer both one-time and long-term contracts. One-time contracts are generally more expensive than long-term services. Homeowners should keep this in mind when choosing a lawn service nearby.
Troubleshooting
Some lawn care solutions are tailored to troubleshoot common problems that develop in lawns. For example, if a patch of grass appears discolored, professionals can come in to troubleshoot the issue. They can perform a soil test to figure out what’s causing the grass to lose its lush green appearance.
Remediation
Here, professionals assess the yard to check its condition and suggest ways to improve growth. For instance, the expert may suggest aerating the lawn if the soil appears dry. Aeration involves making tiny holes to allow water, oxygen, and fertilizer to reach the roots and ensure the soil is not too compacted. Similarly, the expert may recommend dethatching if they find a large layer of decaying and dead roots and grass between the live grass and the soil.
Other common services include the elimination of lawn pests, weed control, hydroseeding, and fertilization. One can assess their lawn to see what kind of service they require before contacting an expert.
2. Read reviews and get recommendations
Those wanting a lawn service can look for contractors online. The internet is a good place to find names of local lawn companies. That said, it’s important to read reviews before finalizing a contractor. Reviews can help one gauge whether a service is reliable and has a large customer base. If a company has many customers, it means their work is good, and people are repeatedly going back to them for lawn services.
When reading reviews of different companies, one should also check how clients have rated their customer service. Choosing a contractor that provides good customer service is important in case one has queries regarding the lawn care project. Most reputable companies have a customer representative who people can contact if they have questions.
Besides checking online, one should get recommendations from neighbors, friends, and family members who have used the services of a lawn care company before.
3. Get a cost estimate
Before hiring the services of a lawn company, one should get a written quote from them. Doing so can help one understand how expensive the service is compared to other companies. It ensures one is not overspending or spending too little and not getting quality services. The average price for lawn services ranges between $50 and $210, depending on the size of the yard. The cost can differ depending on whether one chooses a one-time service or a long-term contract. One may save up to 25% if a long-term contract is signed.
The other factors that can affect the price are the location, expertise of the professionals, and inclusion of special services, such as dethatching, aeration, and weed and leaf removal.
4. Check the licenses and insurance
The chosen lawn care company must have the necessary licenses and insurance. If a company has a license, it is a sign that they are well-trained and follow industry standard practices and safety protocols. Similarly, insurance is important as it indicates that the customer is not liable for mishaps or damages at the site. Before signing a contract, one should ask the company for a copy of their licenses and insurance.
5. Inquire about the maintenance of equipment
One should ask the service provider how they maintain their lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment. Ideally, the company should have service logs of the equipment used for various purposes. If they do not have service logs, there is a high possibility of unexpected breakdowns happening in the middle of a service, which can disrupt schedules and affect the quality of the work.