Your total lawn care cost depends on several factors, including the type of service and lawn size. Our guide will cover what you can expect to pay for lawn care.
6 Lawn Care Questions to Ask for Lush, Green Grass
Dig in before scheduling lawn care services
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
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Lawn care is one of the most common home services people schedule, but without some background information, you may end up paying your local lawn care company for services that don’t give you the most bang for your buck. Ask and answer these six lawn care questions to ensure you’re giving your grass what it needs to thrive.
1. What Lawn Care Services Do You Want?
The first thing your professional will ask is what services you want for your property. Standard options include routine mowing and edging, but you can up the quality of care by adding on fall clean-ups, snow removal in the winter, and fertilizing, aeration, and mulching in the spring. Each additional service will increase your costs but will also help add to your lawn’s health and beauty.
2. How Often Do You Need Lawn Care?
Another critical question your pro will ask is what lawn maintenance schedule you’re looking for, which can depend on your local climate. One service every two weeks may be plenty for dry areas or homeowners looking to save money over time, while weekly services are necessary for maximizing curb appeal, especially in areas with frequent rainfall and heavy grass growth.
3. What Is Your Budget?
Lawn care costs an average of $300 per month, but prices range widely based on many factors. Your pro will need to know your initial budget to determine which upfront services will work—think spring or fall clean-ups, fertilization, and other one-off services—and your budget for ongoing services—such as weekly mowing and edging. They can create a service plan that fits your budget and includes all or most of the services you want.
4. Have You Had Soil Testing Done?
Soil testing can help your lawn care expert determine which fertilizers and other soil amendments will lead to the healthiest and best-looking grass. It can also help determine if you have drainage issues on your property or would benefit from an irrigation system. If you haven’t had soil testing done, your pro may recommend it as a one-off service.
5. How Big Is Your Yard?
The size of your yard is an important factor in determining the cost of upfront and ongoing lawn care. It will also help your professional determine how many crew members and what equipment they’ll need to complete the job in a timely manner. If you only want a portion of your property serviced, include the dimensions of that area when you discuss property size.
6. Do You Have Pets or Kids Who Frequently Spend Time on the Lawn?
Your professional will need to know if kids or pets will be on your lawn regularly. This information can help them determine which fertilizers, weed killers, and pest killers are safe. They may opt for more frequent treatments with a less harsh product to achieve the desired results.
The homeowners guide to lawn services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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