Get matched with top lawn care pros in Madera, CA

Ticks prefer tall grass and seek out shady and moist areas. So, in some instances a no-mow lawn may increase tick population in your yard. This scenario is not ideal if you spend lots of time in your yard or if you have pets. If you spray pesticide then this can also harm the pollinators. However, you can make a DIY tick killer with more natural ingredients to avoid using toxic chemicals.

If you have a manageably-sized lawn and the ground is relatively even and free of debris, a reel mower can be very effective. That’s because reel mowers provide a cleaner, more precise cut compared to power rotary mowers. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to stay on top of your lawn maintenance: Reel mowers can’t handle grass that’s grown too tall or dense.

In most municipalities, lawn care and mowing companies require at least a business license to operate legally. However, requirements can vary by location, and some areas mandate that landscaping companies be licensed, insured, and bonded, or even hold a general contractor license. Before hiring any lawn service, confirm they are fully insured. This protects you from liability for injuries on your property and also protects the company's employees. You can use Angi's state license lookup tool to verify a company's licensing status in your area.

Mowing at least once a week during the growing season is a good general rule. However, every lawn is different, and factors like frequent rain and fertilizer use can cause grass to grow faster, potentially requiring mowing as often as every four days. When you mow, always follow the 'one-third rule': never cut more than one-third of the grass blade's height at once, as this can weaken it and prevent it from taking in proper nutrients. For most grass types, the ideal height is around 2 to 3 inches, though some warm-weather grasses do better when kept shorter at about 1.5 to 2 inches.