Where to Start - Define Your Needs
The first step in selecting a lawn care service is to decide what you want from your lawn and set realistic expectations. It is possible to maintain a perfectly manicured, virtually pest-free lawn but getting it is not easy and may not be the most environmentally sensible approach to lawn care.
Organic lawn care services are specialized in providing a healthy and environmentally sound approach to lawn care. These services are sought by many consumers and their services are in high demand. Selecting and locating an organic lawn care service may take time and patience but it will be well worth the effort.
Finding An Organic Lawn Care Professional
We offer a free referral service on this website to assist you in finding professionals in your area. The listings on this site are from members of The Underground. You can also obtain referrals from your friends and neighbors. Don't hesitate to ask the owner of a property that you admire who they recommend. If you see an organic lawn care professional that is doing good work in your neighborhood write down their phone number.
Choosing An Organic Lawn Care Company
Maintaining an attractive, healthy lawn can be a time consuming job. Many people choose to hire a professional lawn care company to help maintain their lawn rather than do the work themselves. But, selecting a lawn care service that best suits your needs takes some effort. Here are some questions you can ask to help you make your choice.
Is the company licensed?
Various states have different requirements for licensing. Find out if your state requires licensing. Ask the professional if they will be applying any chemicals such as an herbicides or pesticides. If so, the professional must have a "Pesticide Applicator License". Most landscape products and services are taxable under state sales tax laws. Be suspicious of a company that does not charge sales tax. A federal identification number also helps to substantiate that a company is a real business.
Are they insured?
Ask to see proof of "Business Liability Insurance" and "Workers’ Compensation Coverage". Protect yourself and your investment. Property owners can find themselves liable if an uninsured professional causes damage or an uninsured employee gets injured on your property.
Do they have professional credentials or affiliations?
Have they received education or training from institutions, organizations or companies? Ask whether they have completed a certification program or have certified staff. In Massachusetts and other states, there are a many designations that are available. These designations are earned by individuals that can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and competency in their fields. Professional organizations keep their members informed about new developments in their industry. Many offer annual conferences, workshops and continuing education sessions to update their members on new technology in areas such as safety, pest management and turf culture.
What types of services does the company offer?
Lawn care companies offer a wide range of services including fertilizer application, liming, core aeration, over-seeding, mowing, trimming, weed control and insect control. These services can be purchased individually or combined in a lawn care program. A number of companies also offer "pesticide-free" programs and "organic" programs that are based on the use of organic fertilizers.
Final Considerations
Does the company use an integrated pest management approach?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses a combination of strategies to manage pest problems. An IPM program for a home lawn starts with preventing pest damage by using healthy lawn care practices such as proper fertilizing, mowing, watering and liming. The lawn is periodically inspected for the presence of pests such as weeds and insects. Pesticides may be used in an IPM program but only when inspection of the lawn reveals that there is a problem. If pesticides are used, they should only be applied to the area of the lawn which is being affected by the pest.
What is an "organic" lawn care program?
Usually when a company offers an "organic" lawn care program they are referring to a pesticide-free program in which organic fertilizers, soil amendments and cultural practices, such as core aeration, top-dressing and overseeding are used to help keep the lawn healthy and prevent pest damage. While these methods will go a long way to reducing weeds in the lawn - weeds may occasionally build up to levels that are unacceptable to the home owner and they will have to be pulled by hand.
Ask questions.
Ask the organic lawn care professional to explain their methods and procedures to you. Select the professional with a good track record and experience. Be wary of an exceptionally low price. You will save time and money in the long run by having your lawn completed the right way, the first time!
Ask for a list of references.
Take the time to contact these references. Ask if the lawn care professional maintained effective communication throughout the project. Did they provide a safe and neat landscape for your family members and pets? Did they clean up after themselves? Did they stand behind their work and respond promptly to service requests and questions? Don’t forget the age old question, “Would you hire this professional again?”
Check with consumer protection agencies.
See if any unresolved complaints have been made against the lawn care professional. Verify they have the appropriate registrations with your municipality, if needed.
Get a contract.
A reputable firm provides you with a contract specifying their services and payment schedules. The contract should include all warranties offered. What is covered and what isn't? What is the length of the warranty?
The Final Decision
You have done your due diligence. If you feel comfortable with the organic lawn care service you have selected, you should have a rewarding experience and a healthy and environmentally-friendly outdoor living space. Don’t forget to check our free referral service to find professional listings from members of The Underground. Good Luck!
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