Choosing a lawn care service is a commitment, so it is worth knowing exactly what you are paying for before you sign up. The right company should be able to explain its program clearly, provide transparent pricing, and stand behind its work with a meaningful service guarantee.
Before you choose a provider, ask these seven questions. The answers can help you compare lawn care companies, understand what is included, and avoid unexpected costs or a program that does not address your lawn's actual needs.
The 7 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask a Lawn Care Service
1. What Exactly Is Included in Each Visit?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before signing up.
A good lawn care program should clearly explain what is applied during each visit, why it is applied at that particular time of year, and what you should expect the treatment to accomplish.
Ask about:
- Application type: Does each visit include fertilization, weed control, or both?
- Timing: Is the program based on your region's seasonal growing conditions?
- Products: Can the company explain what products are being used and why?
- Expected results: What should you expect to see after each application?
A lawn care program should be more than a series of scheduled visits. The timing and treatments should work together throughout the growing season.
TLC – The Lawn Company's Annual Service Program includes five seasonal visits (6 in Virginia) with fertilization, weed control, and surface feeding insect control (optional) applied at the appropriate time and levels for the lawn and region.
Learn more about TLC's lawn care service program.
2. How Many Visits Are Included, and What Is the Real Annual Cost?
A low advertised price per visit does not necessarily mean you are getting the best value.
When comparing lawn care companies, ask for the total annual cost and find out exactly how many visits are included.
Consider:
- Total visits: How many treatments will your lawn receive during the year?
- All-in pricing: Are there additional fees for services you expected to be included?
- Add-on costs: Which treatments require an additional charge?
- Price protection: Does the company offer a price-match or similar guarantee?
Knowing the full annual cost makes it much easier to compare programs fairly instead of comparing one company's advertised visit price with another company's complete program.
TLC offers a price-match guarantee, helping homeowners compare the value of their lawn care program with confidence.
3. Is There a Service Guarantee, and How Does It Actually Work?
A service guarantee is only valuable if you understand how it works.
Before signing up, ask what happens if weeds return between scheduled visits or a treatment does not produce the expected results.
Find out:
- Callback policy: Will a technician return if you are not satisfied with the results?
- Cost: Is a follow-up visit included, or will you be charged?
- Resolution: What happens if the issue continues after the follow-up?
- Terms: Are there conditions you need to meet before the guarantee applies?
A company that stands behind its work should be comfortable explaining its guarantee before you become a customer.
You can also check third-party sources when evaluating a lawn care company. The Better Business Bureau provides information about businesses, ratings, and complaint histories. TLC – The Lawn Company holds an A+ BBB rating.
4. Are Your Technicians Trained and Licensed?
Lawn care treatments involve products that must be applied correctly, and commercial pesticide applications are subject to state licensing requirements.
Ask whether the technicians working on your lawn:
- Hold the appropriate state pesticide applicator licenses
- Receive ongoing training
- Are supervised and trained on product applications
- Understand current product requirements and regulations
- Use an approach that targets specific lawn problems rather than applying unnecessary treatments
TLC – The Lawn Company uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as part of its approach, focusing on addressing specific lawn problems appropriately.
For additional information about pesticide applicator certification and training, the EPA's pesticide applicator resources are a useful starting point.
5. What Do You Do About My Specific Weed and Pest Problems?
Your lawn may need more than a generic treatment schedule.
Before signing up, ask how the company handles the specific problems affecting your lawn.
For example:
Crabgrass: Does the program include pre-emergent crabgrass control at the appropriate time in spring?
Broadleaf weeds: Does the program address weeds such as dandelions and clover throughout the growing season?
Grubs: Does the company offer preventive grub protection if your lawn has a history of grub damage?
Thin or patchy grass: Could compacted soil or low soil pH be contributing to the problem?
TLC – The Lawn Company offers optional services including Grub Proofing, Core Aeration, Core Aeration with Overseeding, and Lime Treatment for lawns that need additional care beyond the standard program.
Explore TLC's optional lawn care services.
Regional resources such as Penn State Extension's turfgrass resources can also help homeowners understand common lawn problems and the treatments used to address them.
6. How Long Has the Company Been Operating in My Area?
Experience matters, particularly when lawn conditions vary from one region to another.
A company that has worked in your area for many years has had more opportunity to understand the local climate, soil conditions, grass types, weed pressure, and seasonal timing.
Ask:
- How long has the company been in business?
- How long has it served my area?
- Is the program adjusted for regional conditions?
- Can I find reviews from homeowners in my area?
TLC – The Lawn Company has more than 40 years of experience serving homeowners throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, and Ohio.
That regional experience helps TLC build lawn care programs around the conditions found across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic rather than relying on a single schedule for every market.
Check TLC's service areas to see if your town is covered.
7. Can I Cancel Anytime, or Am I Locked Into a Contract?
Always understand the cancellation policy before signing up.
Some lawn care companies use annual contracts, cancellation fees, or automatic renewal terms. Others may have different policies depending on the program you choose.
Ask:
- Contract length: Is the service month-to-month, seasonal, annual, or multi-year?
- Cancellation fees: Will you pay a fee if you stop service?
- Auto-renewal: Does the program automatically renew?
- Cancellation process: What do you need to do to stop future service?
A reputable company should be willing to explain its cancellation terms clearly before you commit.
Do not be afraid to ask for the cancellation policy in writing so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
When Should You Compare Lawn Care Companies
Once you have answers to these seven questions, you can compare companies based on more than just the advertised price.
Match the Program to Your Lawn's Needs
Start with the specific problems you want the lawn care company to address.
For example:
- Thin or patchy lawn: Consider core aeration and overseeding in the fall.
- History of grub damage: Ask about preventive Grub Proofing.
- Poor growth or yellowing: Ask whether soil pH may be affecting nutrient availability and whether Lime Treatment is appropriate.
- Heavy weed pressure: Make sure the program includes both preventive and targeted weed control when appropriate.
A good lawn care program should provide a strong foundation while allowing additional services to be added when your lawn needs them.
See TLC's full service program and seasonal lawn care services.
Look Beyond the Company's Own Testimonials
Company websites naturally highlight positive customer experiences, but it is also helpful to look at independent sources.
Consider:
BBB rating and complaint history- Google reviews
- Patterns in negative reviews
- How long the company has operated
- Whether the company has an established presence in your area
Do not focus only on the star rating. Look for patterns and pay attention to how the company responds when customers have concerns.
Compare Total Annual Value, Not Just Price Per Visit
The lowest price per visit is not necessarily the lowest overall cost.
When comparing programs, consider:
- How many visits are included?
- What treatments are included?
- Which services cost extra?
- What happens if weeds return between visits?
- Is there a service guarantee?
- Is the program designed around your region?
- What is the total annual price?
Looking at the complete program gives you a much better idea of the value you are receiving.
What Should You Know Before Signing Up?
The best lawn care company for your property should be able to explain what it does, when it does it, why the treatments are needed, what they cost, and what happens if you are not satisfied.
If you cannot get clear answers before becoming a customer, that may be a sign to keep comparing providers.
On the other hand, a company that clearly explains its program and pricing, provides a meaningful service guarantee, and has experience in your region gives you more information to make a confident decision.
What Choose A Lawn Care Company With Confidence
You do not have to be an expert in lawn care to choose the right lawn care service. You simply need to ask the right questions.
Before signing up, make sure you understand:
- What is included in every visit
- How many visits do you receive
- The total annual cost
- How the service guarantee works
- Whether technicians are properly trained and licensed
- How the company handles your specific lawn problems
- The company's experience in your area
- The cancellation and renewal policy
TLC – The Lawn Company has been serving homeowners across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic for more than 40 years, with an Annual Service Program built around seasonal fertilization, weed control, and surface feeding insect control.
TLC also offers optional services including Grub Proofing, Core Aeration, Core Aeration with Overseeding, and Lime Treatment when additional lawn care is needed.