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.

Unfortunately, no. Grass seeds need a lot of moisture until they become sprouts, so this is an especially sensitive time. While they'll dry out if they get dehydrated, over-watering creates other problems. The grass seeds don't recover because they can just wash away or even rot, making for low germination rates. The ones that do germinate after being pushed under the soil may start to sprout only to die from lack of sunlight.

Hiring a professional lawn care service is generally worth the cost, especially if you have limited free time. Lawn care professionals can ensure your lawn receives the vital nutrients it needs to grow and thrive, guaranteeing a healthy, beautiful, and well-maintained yard with professional-looking results. While some homeowners enjoy doing the work themselves, hiring a company frees up your schedule. The decision also depends on your budget and whether you already own the necessary lawn equipment, as doing the maintenance yourself can reduce monthly costs. Additionally, many lawn care companies offer other services like snow and leaf removal to keep your property in top shape year-round.

Like most plants, the seeds need water, optimal temperature, sunlight, and oxygen. Each variety of grass seed will have slightly different needs—higher or lower temperatures, for instance—so pick one that syncs up with your home’s climate and the time you wish to plant. Take a look at the 10-day forecast to ensure there won’t be a major rainstorm.