Five Questions To Ask When Hiring A Lawn Care Company

Are you one of those folks who want a lovely lawn but just don't have the time to care for it yourself? The answer for you could be a lawn care company. However, how do you know whom to choose? Below are five questions you should have answers to before hiring a lawn care company.

Price is something that should be looked at when hiring a lawn care company, but remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for?� Some companies may give you a lower rate but do they scrimp on materials or use low quality products? They also may be able to charge lower prices because they are not training their staff adequately. Ask your neighbors and friends whom they use. A company with a good reputation will be promoted widely by word of mouth. Look at their lawns and ask them if they are happy with the lawn they have. Are they satisfied and well treated? Lower price can sometimes mean lower quality. Get a price quote and a quote for anything extra that may come up or is not already provided by their company. Check out several lawn care companies before you decide. Walk around your lawn and see what their suggestions are and if they sound genuinely interested in making your lawn the best it can be.

Look for companies that are professional and belong to lawn care organizations such as the Professional Lawn Care Association of America as well as state lawn care organizations. Lawn companies that are involved in these organizations usually are staying current with the latest in technology, safety regulations and have a professional pride in their business.

Ask what pesticide programs they provide. Are they organic or natural and those words won't always mean pesticide free. Ask detailed questions about the pesticides they use, are they allowable in the area where you live and ask if there are any environmental or health risks. Ask what products they use. A good company will be able to give you the names and product labels of all their seed blends, fertilizers and pest control products.

Another question to ask prospective lawn care companies is; what techniques do you use to improve the health of the soil and grass. This is an important part of any lawn care program and not all companies provide these services. Services should include over seeding, topdressing, aeration, and hand weeding. Yes, some work still needs to be done by hand. Be sure to ask if these are extras or part of the service. If they don't do these extras, then ask for information so you can do them on your own to keep your lawn healthy. If these services are not offered, then be sure that their charges reflect what they are doing.

Is mowing a part of the service? What height do they cut the grass; do they leave clippings on the lawn, bag, or mulch? Will they adjust their mowing schedule according to the weather? More in the spring and less in the summer when it is needed less. Do they bag clippings and take them with them or do they leave them for the waste disposal people to pick up? Will you be responsible for providing bags for clippings? Will they rake or mulch leaves in the fall? What about anything extra that might come up such as storm damage? Will they be available to help with that? You never know when a natural disaster will occur and you need the help to clear out the debris of limbs from your yard.

These questions are all important ones for you to consider when choosing a lawn care company. Your lawn and garden program will be effective if you have a partnership between you and your lawn care company. You should know what services your lawn care company provides. They should know what your expectations are for your lawn and what you should do between visits to maintain your lawn properly. Between visits, it is up to you to watch out for insects and disease. If you are mowing, you need to do it on a regular schedule and water the lawn properly according to their instructions. Your lawn will look its best if you and your lawn care company understand each other and are both aware of what is expected from each side.