Hiring a Lawn Service Provider

It’s a saying of customer service that you can’t give someone what they want… if they don’t know what it is. Lawn care businesses  recommend various services. Are you looking for someone  to mow your lawn only? Does your grass need aeration or seeding? Are you requiring of landscaping, fertilization or tree care? What about pest control?

As summer revs up, here are some tips to consider:

• Ask for a lawn inspection and a free estimate for service. Companies that quote a price without seeing your lawn can’t be sure what your land might require.

• Be cautious  when taking into account services with a negative option. A negative option means the service routinely continues until you cancel it. Other options involve a yearly contract  or an arrangement giving you the right to discontinue at any time. What happens if you requireservice between contracts? Will there be a charge?

• Think about annual costs versus cost per application: Many companies allow  you to pay after each treatment and may suggest a discount if you pay the annual cost up front.

• Get a written agreement spelling out costs and services before you pay. Document the duration and estimated results  of the lawn service.

• Inquireabout guarantees and refund policies. Some services may offer a guarantee of performance. Others may offer refunds if they fail to meet your expectations.

• Look for professional membership in one or more lawn care associations and active partaking in the local neighborhood. Most associations have a code of ethics and keep members informed on the latest developments in methodology, safety and regulation.

Take into account, just because someone leaves a flyer on your door does not mean they are reliable or even legitimate. Check out businesses at www.bbb.org and the state’s Department of Labor & Industries. Ask neighbors or acquaintancesfor a recommendation. You can also make sure a businessis properly licensed to apply lawn chemicals with the state’s Department of Agriculture.