Industry Tips
Hiring a Landscaper
A thick, emerald green lawn is a very appealing part of a home. It's not only beautiful, but can also reduce noise pollution, prevent erosion of the soil and maybe increase the value of a home. However, if your lawn is plagued with weeds and pests, you may decide to turn to a professional lawn service. The Better Business Bureau suggests the following when selecting a lawn care service.
Get several estimates. Remember the least expensive is not necessarily the best choice. On the other hand, don't pay for services you don't really want or need. Look closely at what the various companies suggest for your lawn. What did they base their estimates on? Will the company offer a soil test and lawn analysis before beginning service?
Find out if the company is a member of a trade association with a professional code of ethics. Contact state or local authorities to find out if licensing is required for lawn care companies. If so, ask if the company you're considering fulfills this requirement. Also, get customer references and check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.
Ask about the qualifications of the lawn care professionals. Some companies only hire those with advanced training in the field. Regardless of their background, is the staff able to answer all of your questions?
The company should tell you what products they will use on your lawn and explain the purpose of each application. If you're concerned about the safety of the products, contact your local county extension office, which can often provide information on what products should be used and under what conditions.
The application of certain chemicals may depend on the weather. For instance, rain may be ideal for some products, while others require a dry environment. Liquid sprays cannot be applied on windy days since there is a danger they will drift. To be safe, keep yourself, your family and pets off the lawn during an application and until the turf is dry.
Some companies automatically renew the service year after year on the basis of a phone call. If so, ask the company to confirm the agreement to renew the service in writing. Also, find out if the company has increased its service charges from the previous year.
If there is a problem with a lawn care services company and no response is received, contact the BBB at 508-652-4800 or on the bbb.org to initiate the complaint process.
