DIY vs Professional Lawn Care - Which is Better?
When it comes to lawn care, if you don't want to do everything yourself you can employ the services of either a subscription company or one of the full-service lawn care companies operating in Chicago. Caring for your lawn on your own might help you save money at first. However, without the help and guidance of a lawn care professional, you could make mistakes that wind up being expensive in the future.
A company like Sunday Lawn Care can help simplify the process. These companies will send you a regular subscription package of lawn care equipment and chemicals. They determine what your lawn needs and when, depending on your location in Illinois and the time of year. However, you still need to handle the manual labor.
Prefer hiring someone who can manage both the mental and physical parts of the job? Consider hiring a full-service company like TruGreen. While this will likely be your most expensive option, you will receive the most comprehensive services, and the pros will do all the hard work so you don't have to.
Types of Lawn Care Services in Chicago, IL
There are a number of different services that local Chicago lawn care companies can provide, including:
- Weed Control: Your lawn care provider can get rid of and prevent weeds and other unwanted plants. This involves using chemicals to kill and keep away weeds; they also may manually pull up the unwanted plants. Most if not all full-service and subscription companies offer weed control services.
- Fertilization: The process of fertilization involves using chemicals and other compounds to promote the growth of grass and other plants. As with weed control, fertilization is offered by most if not all full-service and subscription lawn care companies.
- Seeding/Overseeding: Seeding and overseeding are offered by the majority of full-service lawn care companies and by many subscription companies. Seeding involves putting seed down in patchy or bare spots. Overseeding involves adding additional seed to thin spots. Both services help improve the look and color of your lawn.
- Soil Care: Soil care helps improve your lawn growth by balancing the chemistry and pH of your soil to increase nutrient availability. Normally, most full-service and subscription lawn care companies offer this service.
- Aeration: The aeration process involves making small holes in the soil. This allows water, air, and nutrients to move through the soil more easily. This, in turn, helps roots grow deeper, strengthening your lawn. Aeration services are provided by most full-service lawn care companies.
- Mowing/Edging: Some full-service lawn care companies offer mowing and edging, and there are even some companies that specialize in these types of services. Edging and mowing help prevent overgrowth and will quickly improve your lawn's look overall.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Do you have trees and shrubs that are overgrowing, wilting, or simply need a little more love? Many full-service lawn care companies offer tree and shrub care services to help keep your property looking its best.
- Pest Control: Do you have bugs or other pests wreaking havoc on your lawn? Pest control involves applying pesticides and using other techniques to remove animals and insects that may damage your lawn. Many full-service lawn care companies provide pest control services. Always ensure that you use a pest control professional who is properly licensed for pesticide application through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
- Leaf/Snow Removal: Concerned about snow or leaves sitting on your lawn and killing your grass? Certain lawn care companies will come out and clear everything away. You might commonly need snow removal services and infrequently require leaf removal services in Chicago. If and when you do need these services, be sure to talk to a company to verify that it is something they are able to do.
Regardless of what your needs are, there is a Chicago lawn care company that is able to meet them. We suggest reaching out to one or two of the companies on the above list to determine which one is right for you.
Chicago Quick Facts
- The average lot size in Illinois is around 3,500 square feet.
- Chicago receives more rain than about 46.7% of places in the country.
- The average low of 41° F in Chicago is lower than 62% of the country.
- Chicago has greater tree coverage than only 19% of the country.
- Prefer more moderate weather? The average high in Chicago is about 57° F.
Choosing a Chicago Lawn Care Company
During Treatments: If you're using a subscription company, you will be the one to treat your lawn based on the provided instructions. If you've gone with a full-service company like TruGreen, their technicians will come to your home to do any requested lawn care. Your company might ask you to be home the first time they visit. However, you generally do not need to be home for lawn care treatment. The company will inform you (either in writing or electronically) what services they performed and when. "We are committed to helping our members achieve success through education and training and increasing professionalism through certification and accreditation."
After you've determined the best companies near you, you'll need to determine which ones can provide the specific combination of services you want. Many lawn care companies in Chicago offer both fixed plans and "a la carte" options that allow you to make your own service package.
Once you've decided which companies you want to contact, you can obtain a free inspection and estimate. Via GPS technology, some companies are able to estimate your property size and offer a quote over the phone. The estimate will be based mainly on the size of your lawn and the specific services you need.
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Homeowner Responsibilities
There are a number of things a homeowner in Chicago should keep in mind before, during, and after their lawn is treated. Some of these are:
- Before Treatments: When you hire a full-service company, they'll request that you keep pets in the house when they visit. You should also ensure that your technician can fully access your lawn (for example, by keeping gates open). Your lawn care professional will tell you if you need to water or do anything else to your lawn in advance. If you've opted for a subscription company, you'll want to make sure that you provide all your information and place your order ahead of time.
- During Treatments: If you end up choosing a subscription company, you will be the one to treat your lawn based on the provided instructions. If you're using a full-service company like TruGreen, they will come to your home to treat your lawn. Your company might ask that you be home the first time they come to your house. However, you usually will not need to be present for your lawn care technician to do treatments. The company will inform you (either in writing or electronically) what treatments were done and when.
- After and Between Treatments: Whichever type of company you choose, lawn care services will typically continue on a regular basis unless you cancel. After each treatment (whether done by you or a professional), your company should tell you when family and pets can safely be on the lawn again. Your company may also tell you to water your lawn 24 hours following certain treatments. Remember that the effects of some treatments, like weed control and fertilization, will take some time to manifest. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your lawn care treatment, many companies back their products and services with a guarantee.
Picking the right Chicago lawn care company can help you be confident and knowledgeable regarding all of the work being done on your lawn. It is in your best interest to speak with one of the companies on our list of the best lawn care providers in Chicago to discover which one is best for you.
