Summer is almost here, and along with summer comes the joy of spending lazy afternoons in the backyard, enjoying a lush, green lawn. Are you getting the most out of your lawn care service in the Lake Forest and Highland Park, IL, areas? Here’s what a great lawn service can do for you!
Related: What Are The Priorities Of Good Lawn Care Service This Time Of Year In Lake Forest, Il?
Did You Get a Consultation?
A reputable lawn care service will take the time to visit your home and discuss your needs, lawn care preferences, and assess any problems like weeds, pests, disease, or areas of the lawn that need special care. Then, the service will design a custom plan designed to promote optimal lawn health throughout the growing season.
Do They Offer All of the Services You Need?
Many “lawn care” services only offer basic mow-and-blow, which is the absolute bare-bones minimum of what a lawn actually needs. That may be enough, if you take care of the rest, including soil analysis, aeration and dethatching, fertilizing, weeding, and pest control. However, without those extra steps, your lawn won’t be as healthy as it could be. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to handle these aspects of lawn care yourself, then it’s best to work with a company that offers comprehensive lawn care.
Do They Do Season-Specific Tasks?
Spring tasks include removing any debris on the lawn to prepare it for the mowing season; soil testing and amendment; dethatching; fertilizing; application of pre-emergent herbicides; and overseeding and/or installation of sod.
In summer, heat and drought can stress the lawn. Aeration may be necessary in areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.
In fall, leaf removal (or mulching/spreading), fertilization, and aeration will help the lawn prepare to overwinter well.
Do They Mow to the Correct Height?
Many lawn care companies take a “one size fits all” approach to lawn mowing. But every lawn is not the same! A lawn that’s primarily in the shade will benefit from slightly lower mowing, to prevent too much moisture retention in the soil, which can lead to fungal infections. A lawn that’s primarily in the sun needs to be mowed higher to help shade the roots and retain moisture. Giving every lawn a “buzz cut” may look great initially after it’s mowed, but the effects will be very obvious as the season wears on!
Do They Use Safe Products?
Harsh chemicals may be effective, but if the homeowner prefers to use natural alternatives that are safer for pets, people, surrounding plants and the environment, does the lawn care company offer that alternative? And when the lawn care service applies any product, do they communicate this to the homeowner and post warnings on the lawn?
Do They Educate You?
If your lawn care service never talks to you about your watering habits (if they are causing stress to your lawn), they are doing you a disservice. We believe that a lawn care professional should educate their customers so that the customer and the lawn care company can work together for the health of their lawn. For example, if a homeowner is over- or under-watering, there’s only so much a lawn care service can do. But if they don’t mention anything, then the homeowner is not getting the most from their lawn care contract.
A knowledgeable and reputable lawn care service has the experience and knowledge necessary to address your lawn's unique requirements. They work to understand each home’s unique situation and challenges, and address them consistently throughout the year.
Related: Why A Lawn Care Service Is Essential Right Now In Highland Park, IL
