6 Tips for Finding the Right Lawn Care Contractor
Engaging professional lawn care services provides more benefits than DIY lawn maintenance.
For starters, lawn care technicians have technical know-how of what your lawn needs. They understand the right soil profile and pH that certain landscaping plants require to flourish.
Professionals also possess the skills needed to safely handle various lawn equipment. And contrary to popular misconception, working with a lawn care expert can prove cost-effective in the long run. These professionals save you money by providing long-lasting lawn maintenance services.
For many homeowners, the only challenge is honing in on the right lawn care contractor. And that’s where we come in.
Below are the top six tips for finding the best lawn care professional.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
1. Ask For Proof of License and Certification
Many people mistakenly regard landscaping as an unskilled occupation. However, professional landscapers often undergo months of rigorous training to become adept at the job. Most of the training programs culminate in certifications.
So, before hiring a lawn care contractor, ask for evidence of their qualifications. At the very least, ensure the company provides a valid Maintenance Gardener Pest Control certification.
More importantly, establish that the technician is duly licensed by relevant bodies. Many states require lawn care contractors to only possess a business license. However, some, such as California, impose additional licensing requirements.
Asking for proof of license is particularly important if you’re hiring a commercial lawn care contractor for a landscaping project involving sophisticated equipment and chemicals.
What if you’re looking for a landscaping technician on the internet? Well, there’s no need to fret. To check whether the entity possesses proper licenses and certifications, simply run its name against the provided license number on a public database.
2. Establish the Duration the Company Has Been Around
The duration a lawn care company has been plying its trade is critical in gauging its experience level. A landscaping firm that has been in operation for ten years is likely more experienced than a 3-month-old company.
The thumb rule is to opt for a lawn care business with at least five years of experience.
Head to the company’s “About Us” page for insights into its origin and history. And while you’re at it, establish the firm’s headquarters and service locations.
Local lawn care contractors tend to be reasonably more affordable than those from out of town.
3. Insist On Contractors With Diverse Experience
Lawn care doesn’t only entail mowing the grass. If that were the case, you’d probably offer the service as a side gig to your student neighbor next door.
There’s much more to do than cutting grass and trimming overgrown foliage. Therefore, it’s imperative to engage a company with diverse landscaping experience.
Establish that the technician can safely and efficiently undertake the following related lawn care tasks;
- Aeration
- Fertilization
- Mulching
- Seeding and overseeding
- Irrigation
- Hedging and fencing
- Leaf removal
- Weed control
- Pest control
Ideally, a lawn care contractor should clearly outline their core services on their official website. Check the company’s “Services” page to ensure they can undertake most (if not all) of the above maintenance tasks. You may also want to phone them for extra insurance.
4. Check Reviews and References
Most landscaping companies will happily claim to have catered to hundreds or thousands of clients. However, you’ll be naïve to take them at their word.
Go a step further and ask for references from previous clients, prioritizing those who had landscaping needs similar to yours. You can then contact the references for a sneak preview of the expected quality of services.
As you engage a lawn care technician’s reference, be sure to also check their reviews online.
Don’t rely exclusively on feedback published on the company’s official page or social media handles, as such could be doctored. Instead, insist on reviews on reputable third-party websites like Yelp and Trustpilot.
5. Remember That Cheap Is Expensive
How much does a lawn care contractor charge for their services? Do they promise the bargain of the century? If yes, looking the other way may be in your best interest.
Depending on the yard size and projected work scope, professional lawn mowing prices range from $36 to $105.
Note that these prices typically cover lawn mowing and other services, such as tree trimming. They exclude more rigorous tasks like leaf removal, which may cost between $165 and $485 per project.
You’ll need to be current on the prevailing market rates to recognize suspiciously cheap lawn care services.
6. Ask Some More Hard Questions
After hunkering down on what appears to be a qualified lawn care technician, do not hire them just yet. Not before you’ve asked a few more questions to gauge the contractor’s suitability for your project.
For instance, inquire about the equipment they work with. If the project requires leaf removal, the technician may require rakes and leaf blowers in addition to a standard lawn mower.
Here are other tough questions to prequalify a lawn care contractor;
- What will be the project’s turnaround?
- Do you envisage any challenges (property location, terrain, etc.)?
- Will you subcontract the project?
The Bottom Line
Finding the right lawn care contractor isn’t enough. The technician should also help you create a robust lawn maintenance plan that takes into account your property’s location, the prevalent weather, and seasonal changes.
Undertaking scheduled lawn maintenance is the surest way to keep your yard neat, pest-free, and aesthetically appealing.
