When you hire a lawn care company, most of the work happens while you're at work or asleep. A truck pulls up, a technician treats the lawn, and a flag goes in the yard. But a good visit involves more than a quick spray, and knowing what to expect helps you tell a great company from an average one.
This site celebrates local lawn care companies doing great work, and one of our first spotlights goes to GrassRoots Turf, a family-owned company headquartered in Acworth, Georgia, with service areas in six Southeast states.
GrassRoots sets a high bar for service visits. Their technicians ring the doorbell to talk with homeowners before and after treatment, pick up toys before treating, close gates behind them and record treatments on video, so you can see what was done.
Here's what every lawn care visit should include.
Before the treatment
A good technician starts with a walk of the lawn. They're looking for new weeds, thin areas, insect or disease damage and anything that has changed since the last visit. They should also check for things that affect the treatment: toys or pet bowls in the yard, open gates, a dog outside, or a lawn that was just watered.
During the treatment
Products should be measured and applied evenly, with care taken around flower beds, vegetable gardens, ponds and play areas. Granular products that land on driveways and sidewalks should be blown back into the lawn so they don't wash into storm drains.
After the treatment
You should get a clear record of the visit: what was applied, what the technician noticed, and anything you need to do, like watering or staying off the lawn until it dries. Many companies leave a printed note, send an email or text, or post the details to an online account.
Between visits
Lawns change between scheduled visits. Weeds pop up, a dry spell stresses the grass, or brown spots appear. A company that stands behind its work will come back between visits to re-treat problems, usually at no extra charge.
Signs of a company that takes service seriously
- The same trained technicians come back, so they know your lawn
- You can reach someone easily when you have a question
- You get a record of every visit
- They explain what they see and recommend, instead of just upselling
- They guarantee results, and honor that guarantee
Questions to ask before you sign up
- How will I know what was applied at each visit?
- Do I need to be home for treatments?
- What happens if weeds or problems come back between visits?
- Are your technicians trained and licensed?
- Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
Lawn care is a long-term relationship. The right company makes every visit easy to trust.