DIY vs Professional Lawn Care - Which is Better?
Sometimes, you might want to handle lawn care yourself. For the times when you want some more help, you can use the services of a subscription company, or pay one of the full-service lawn care companies in North Charleston. While tackling the project by yourself may seem like the cheapest option, doing so leaves you open to expensive mistakes. You also forgo the expert guidance of your local lawn care professionals.
If you want to remove some of the guesswork from lawn care, you can use a company like Sunday Lawn Care. These companies put together subscription packages of lawn chemicals and tools, which are shipped to you regularly based on the time of year and where you live in South Carolina. They will take care of the research and planning for you, although you will still be the one doing the hard work.
Prefer hiring someone who will manage both the mental and physical aspects of the work? Consider hiring a full-service company like TruGreen. Although this will likely be your most expensive option, these companies offer the most comprehensive services, and the pros will handle the hard work so you don't have to.
Types of Lawn Care Services in North Charleston, SC
Your local North Charleston lawn care companies offer many different kinds of services, including:
- Weed Control: Weed control involves both chemical application and manual labor to get rid of weeds and other unwanted foliage, and various practices to keep them gone. This service is offered by most if not all full-service and subscription lawn care companies.
- Fertilization: Most (if not all) full-service and subscription lawn care companies offer fertilization services. Fertilization uses various compounds and chemicals to help promote the growth of grass and other plants in your yard.
- Seeding/Overseeding: Seeding services involve planting grass seed in places where your lawn is bare, while overseeding involves putting down new seed on existing grass. Both seeding and overseeding help fill in patchy or bare spots and improve the color and look of your lawn. Both services are offered by most full-service lawn companies, and by many subscription companies.
- Aeration: The aeration process involves making small punctures in your soil. This allows air, water, and nutrients to more easily move through the soil. This, in turn, allows roots to grow deeper, strengthening your lawn. Aeration services are provided by most full-service lawn care companies.
- Soil Care: Soil care involves balancing the chemistry and pH of your soil to increase the availability of nutrients and facilitate lawn growth. Many full-service and subscription lawn companies offer soil care services.
- Leaf/Snow Removal: Your lawn can be damaged by leaves piling up on it. Being aware of your local companies that offer removal services can be a big help 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 some TLC. These services can greatly improve the appearance of your property.
- Mowing/Edging: There are some full-service lawn care companies that offer mowing and edging, and there are even some companies that specialize in these kinds of services. Mowing and edging help prevent overgrowth and will quickly improve the overall appearance of your lawn.
- Pest Control: Are bugs or other pests making a mess of your lawn? Pest control involves the application of pesticides and other techniques to remove insects and animals that could do damage to your lawn. Many full-service lawn care companies offer pest control services. Always be sure that you are using a pest control applicator who is properly licensed for pesticide application through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
No matter your need, there is a lawn care services company in the North Charleston area that can fill it. It is in your best interest to get in touch with a couple of the companies from our above list to feel confident that you have the right one for you.
North Charleston Quick Facts
- In South Carolina, the average lot size is around 19,000 square feet.
- In terms of precipitation, North Charleston gets more, on average, than 86.4% of the country.
- North Charleston receives more sunlight than about 89.5% of the United States.
- The average high in North Charleston is approximately 74° F.
- In an average year, North Charleston receives approximately 0.1 inches of snow.
Choosing a North Charleston Lawn Care Company
During Treatments: If you're using a subscription company, you will handle all treatments yourself based on the provided instructions. If you've gone with 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 that you be home the first time they come to your house. However, you generally do not need to be present for your lawn care technician to do treatments. The company will inform you (either electronically or in writing) what services they performed and when. "NALP members have access to industry-leading tools and training to keep you on the cutting edge."
Next, you need to determine if a particular company offers the services you need. When hiring lawn care services in North Charleston, you may choose to go with one of the company's fixed plans or one of their "a la carte'' options that allows you to pick and choose services.
After you've determined which companies might be right for you, you can see about getting a free inspection and estimate. Using GPS technology, some companies are able to estimate the size of your yard and provide a quote over the phone. The price you pay will be based mainly on the specific services you need and the size of your lawn.
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Homeowner Responsibilities
There are a handful of things for a homeowner in North Charleston to keep in mind before, during, and after their lawn is treated. Some of those things are:
- Before Treatments: Any full-service company that you choose will ask you to be sure your lawn is accessible on the day of treatment. For example, you should make sure all gates remain open. Your technician will also ask that all pets be kept inside. If they need you to water or do any other care for your lawn in advance, they will ask you to do so. If you've picked a subscription company, don't forget to provide any needed information and order in advance.
- During Treatments: If you go with a subscription company, you will perform the lawn treatment, following the instructions provided. If you are using a full-service company like TruGreen, they come to your home to perform services. In most cases you will not need to be home when the technicians are there. However, your company might ask that you be home the first time they come out. The company will let you know, either in writing or electronically, which services were done and when.
- After and Between Treatments: Don't forget that some time may pass before you see the effects of treatments such as fertilization and overseeding. In the meantime, your lawn care services company may recommend that you water your lawn 24 hours following certain services. They will also inform you when it is safe for pets and family to be on the lawn. In the rare instance that there is an unexpected problem with your lawn care, many full-service and subscription companies have a guarantee to back their products and services. Most of the time, lawn care services of any type will continue regularly until you cancel.
When you choose a provider from our list of the best lawn care companies in North Charleston, you'll be in the hands of experts. Your North Charleston lawn care technician will make sure all expectations are clear and keep you in the loop throughout the process.
