A lot of lawn-owners opt to hire professional help in maintaining their lawn. services offer fertilizing, aerating, pest control, renovation and mowing. These services follow the lawn program that has been outlined for every owner.

But as an owner entrusting his lawn to somebody else, how do you make sure that the service you hire will provide these things you are paying for. You should start by asking these questions:

1. Does the service have a license?

Most states require services to have professional licenses. This means that they are qualified to conduct their services and that they are reputable and operate legally.

2. Do they have a good record?

Ask for testimonials from friends and neighbors as to what they've experienced from dealing with the company. You have the right to inquire whether they were satisfied with their performance. You can also call the local or state consumer office or the Better Business Bureau to make sure that they are listed in the phone book. Double check whether they have had complaints from their previous customers.

3. Are they affiliated with a professional association?

Affiliation means that they are well-informed on new developments in caring for the lawn.

4. Do they offer pest management programs? Do they apply pesticides on a schedule or only when needed? Do they follow integrated pest management?

A majority of services integrate pest management in order to respond to the public’s concern on pesticides. IPM or integrated pest management is a term often used by companies in order to describe activities involves in caring for the lawn. Know exactly what the company means when they use IPM.

5. Are they willing to help you understand the problems and the solutions concerning your lawn?

Lawn services apply pesticides and fertilizers but you are the one who waters and mows. If you are doing these wrong, then there may be disappointing results. The lawn service company must also inform you how to water and mow properly. They must advise you on these in order for your lawn to maintain its good shape.

6. Will the service inform you of which pesticide is suitable for your lawn and why?

As a paying customer, you have a right to know this. The service must be able to supply the fertilizer. Ask to see the labels and make sure that these bear a registration number from the EPA.

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