by
Kelly Richardson, All About Lawns Columnist
There are several reasons why you might want to hire a professional lawn services. Perhaps you don't have the time to spend on the weekend. Or you don't have the right tools to complete the job. Or you just want that manicured look that only an expert can provide. Here's how to choose a grass service wisely.
Lawn Services: Interviewing and Fact Checking
Much of the work in selecting a reputable lawn service is done before they even show. Choosing a company based on a business card stuffed in your mailbox is a recipe for disaster. However, here are some tried-and-true credentials that you should consider before letting a landscaper come near your lawn:
- Referrals. If they're really good, other people may tell you about them. Ask friends, family members, and neighbors who they use. Chances are that those referrals are pretty solid.
- Bonded and Insured. Accidents happen, on your lawn and otherwise. Check that your landscaper is licensed, bonded, and insured in the state you live.
- Estimates. Get an estimate from potential landscapers and compare them with others. The cheapest might not always be the best, but it should give you a benchmark for comparison.
After the Lawn Service Job is Done
Take a walk around your property and make sure the job is done right. That means no lines of clippings lying around to choke out new growth. Also, look for small details that might easily be missed, such as edging around beds, walkways, and driveways. If you're satisfied, lock in a schedule and a price for future mowing. Good landscapers can be constantly booked, so cement your place in their schedule.
Source
Better Homes and Gardens
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Kelly Richardson has obsessive compulsive lawn disorder and is
afflicted with the need to share his knowledge with the world. Kelly
writes lawn columns for a variety of home and garden magazines and
e-zines.
