A velvety lawn instead of an empty yard is the dream of every homeowner. Kids running amok on the grass, a relaxing evening stroll, and a patch of colourful blooms in a corner or a small kitchen garden are some of the rewards that you can get from a luscious green lawn. Although the rewards are tempting, people often shy away from the maintenance jobs involved in owning such a showpiece of pride. And this is where lawn service providers step in to assist homeowners in maintaining their precious turf.
But like every other business, there remain certain service aspects of lawn maintenance that have to be understood by probing or reading between the lines. Now, what are these fine points that a lawn services provider is not telling you? Let us take a look.
1. Inexperienced and untrained people as your service crew
Entry barriers into the lawn services business are minimal, meaning it does not require any specific training to start a company in the sector. How does this affect you? Your prized turf is at the mercy of an inexperienced and untrained crew who would probably inflict irreparable damage to your lawn. So before hiring, check credentials, years of experience in the trade, ask for recommendations or client testimonials, and check the business licenses.
2. Promises galore, but at what cost?
Lawn service companies may try to offer a bunch of services at a discounted price to enlist you as their customer. These introductory offers can be sneaky, piling on service items that you do not need in reality. Ask your lawn services for a clear outline of budgetary estimates with an upper ceiling to accommodate possible expanding expectations.
3. More begets more
A service provider taking care of mowing your lawn while you relax – what is not to love? Did you know that your Sir Walter buffalo turf grass needs mowing once a month only, and not every week? This is something your lawn services would not tell you. Beware! Too much mowing not only stresses your lawn but also promotes weed growth.
4. Fertiliser top-up? But your turf needs none!
Your lawn services may be offering to apply fertiliser to your lawn frequently. When in reality, your turfgrass requires very less which in fact, can be added by leaving the mowed grass clippings on the lawn itself. Your turfgrass would absorb its nutrition from the left-over grass clippings, all the while inhibiting weed growth.
5. You can get your soil tested
You can dig up your lawn and send a sample of the soil for testing at your local agricultural agency. The report could tell you what kind of treatment the soil needs. Accordingly, you can ask your lawn services to provide you with the necessary services.
6. Organic lawn care means pesticides are the last resort
You may be elated with the thought of paying for organic lawn care products. But in reality, the service provider is actually planning to resort to pesticides when things get out of hand without using natural means to correct the weed and pest issues at the onset.
7. The hidden costs are raising your bill
Too much mowing leads to weed issues and a burnt lawn. Tackling these problems means adding up to your bill. These are the hidden costs that you are probably shelling out in excess, unknowingly. Check with your neighbours about their experience in hiring lawn services, the services they are receiving against the amount they are paying. Compare their experience and figures with yours to ensure that you do not get scammed.
8. Hands-on gardening can add value
If your service provider is also offering you landscaping services, it will pay in the long run to be a hands-on client. You can ask the crew to design your yard space as per your design aesthetics, plant as per your choice. Additionally, shopping for plants and gardening accessories with the service provider can get you more discounts as nurseries offer special rates to them.
Ultimately, lawn services are a boon for those who don’t have the time or the inclination to work on their lawn. But, only when you make an informed choice that you stand to gain from such an arrangement. Or else, you would likely spend a ton for services that don’t add up to much.
