DIY vs Professional Lawn Care - Which is Better?
Sometimes, you might want to handle lawn care yourself. For the times when you want professional assistance, you can pay for a subscription company, or employ one of Buffalo's full-service lawn care companies. While tackling the project by yourself may seem like the cheapest option, this leaves the possibility of expensive mistakes open. You also forgo the expert guidance of your local lawn care professionals.
Companies like Sunday Lawn Care are designed to assist with DIY lawn care. Companies like this offer subscription packages of lawn care chemicals and equipment that are mailed to you as needed. These packages are assembled based on your location in New York and the time of year. This takes some of the guesswork out of lawn care; however, you're still doing most of the manual work yourself.
If you'd rather have a company manage the whole process, hiring a full-service company like TruGreen is the solution you need. Although these companies tend to be pricier than other options, they take care of everything, from determining what your lawn needs to doing the actual work.
Types of Lawn Care Services in Buffalo, NY
There are many different services that local Buffalo lawn care companies can provide, including:
- Weed Control: Weed control involves both chemical application and manual labor to get rid of weeds and other unwanted plants, and the use of techniques to keep them from coming back. Essentially all full-service and subscription lawn care companies offer these services.
- Fertilization: Fertilization encourages growth of grasses and plants through the application of certain chemicals and compounds at the right times throughout the year. Similar to weed control, most if not all full-service and subscription lawn care companies provide fertilization services.
- Soil Care: Soil care improves your lawn growth by balancing the pH and chemistry of your soil to improve the availability of nutrients. The majority of full-service and subscription lawn care companies can provide this service.
- Aeration: Aeration services, which consist of making small perforations all over your lawn, are provided by many full-service lawn care companies. These services help loosen the soil, allowing nutrients, air, and water to flow more easily. This facilitates root growth and helps to strengthen your lawn.
- Seeding/Overseeding: Seeding and overseeding improve the appearance and color of your lawn and fill in bare spots. Seeding involves planting grass in places where there is none. Overseeding involves putting down more seed over existing grass, without removing any. These services are offered by most full-service lawn companies and many subscription companies.
- Leaf/Snow Removal: Your lawn can sustain damage as a result of debris and snow sitting on it. Being aware of your local companies that offer removal services can be very helpful should you ever require them in the future.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Many full-service lawn care companies offer services for trees and shrubs that are overgrowing, wilting, or simply need a little extra care. This service will result in large improvements in your lawn's appearance.
- Mowing/Edging: Some full-service lawn care companies offer mowing and edging, and some even specialize in these types of services. Edging and mowing help prevent overgrowth, and they quickly improve the overall appearance of your lawn.
- Pest Control: Many full-service lawn care companies can also help you deal with insects or other pests that are doing damage to your property. Your lawn professional might trap animals or apply pesticides — always make sure that your lawn control technician is properly licensed to apply pesticides through the New York Department of Agriculture.
No matter what kind of services you need, there is a Buffalo lawn care company for the job. We recommend looking into a couple of the companies listed above to determine which one is right for you.
Buffalo Quick Facts
- Buffalo is in the Cold climate zone.
- The average high temperature in Buffalo is about 54° F.
- In New York, the average lot size is around 4,900 square feet.
- In an average year, Buffalo receives around 89.2 inches of snow.
- Buffalo sees more rain than about 57.7% of places in the U.S.
Choosing a Buffalo Lawn Care Company
During Treatments: If you've opted for a subscription company, you will perform treatments yourself based on the instructions provided by the company. If you've hired a full-service company like TruGreen, a lawn care professional 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 at home for lawn care treatment to take place. The company will inform you (either in writing or electronically) which services they completed and when. "NALP members have access to industry-leading tools and training to keep you on the cutting edge."
The next step is to figure out which companies provide the specific services that you need. Many lawn care service companies in Buffalo offer both fixed plans and "a la carte" options, where you are able to pick and choose only those services that you want.
Once you've chosen a company or two, you'll want to go about getting an inspection and quote. With the help of GPS technology, some companies are even able to offer an estimate based on how big your lawn is before ever stepping foot on your property. Your estimate will rely mainly on the specific services you need and the size of your lawn.
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Homeowner Responsibilities
If you haven't hired a Buffalo lawn care company before — or even if you have — you might wonder what to expect. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Before Treatments: If you have selected a full-service company, make sure that, on the day they come out, they can access your property (for example, by opening gates). You should also make sure that all pets are inside. You do not need to water or otherwise treat your lawn beforehand unless asked to do so by the company. If you've opted for a subscription company, you will want to provide all your information and place your order in advance.
- During Treatments: If you are purchasing from a subscription company, then you will perform treatments yourself, following the instructions provided by the company. If you've elected to hire a full-service company like TruGreen, their technicians will come to your house to perform treatments. Generally, you won't be asked to be home for lawn care treatment. However, your company may prefer that you are home the first time they come out. Your technicians will communicate with you (in writing or electronically) to let you know what services they've completed and when.
- After and Between Treatments: Your lawn care company may suggest that you water your lawn 24 hours following certain treatments. Someone should also tell you when it will be safe for family and pets to be on the lawn again. Keep in mind that the effects of certain treatments, like weed control and fertilization, may not be evident right away. If you have issues with your lawn care treatment, most full-service and subscription companies back their products and services with a guarantee. Whichever type of company you use, in most cases services will continue on a regular basis unless you cancel.
If you use a capable Buffalo lawn care services company, they can help clarify all expectations and ensure that everything goes smoothly. When you choose a company from our list of the best lawn care providers in Buffalo, you ensure that everything gets taken care of the right way.
