DIY vs Professional Lawn Care - Which is Better?
When there is lawn care to be done, 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 Chester. While doing everything yourself may seem like the most budget-friendly option, this leaves the possibility of expensive mistakes open. You also forgo the expert guidance of your local lawn care professionals.
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 decide what your lawn needs and when, depending on the season and where you live in Virginia. However, you still need to handle the manual labor.
Prefer hiring someone who can take care of both the mental and physical parts of the job? Consider hiring a full-service company like TruGreen. Although this will likely be the priciest option, companies like this can offer the most comprehensive range of services, and the pros will take care of the hard work so you don't have to.
Types of Lawn Care Services in Chester, VA
There are a number of different services that local Chester lawn care companies can provide, including:
- Weed Control: Weed control helps get rid of and keep away weeds and other unwanted plants. Weed control services involve processes like manually pulling up unwanted greenery and using chemicals to kill weeds and prevent more of them. Most if not all full-service and subscription lawn care companies offer weed control services.
- Fertilization: Fertilization involves the use of specific chemicals to promote the growth of grass and other plants. Like weed control, fertilization is offered by most if not all full-service and subscription lawn care companies.
- Seeding/Overseeding: Seeding and overseeding services are both offered by most full-service lawn care companies and many subscription companies. The seeding process involves putting down seed in bare or patchy spots, while overseeding involves laying down additional seed in thin spots. Both services help improve the color and look of your lawn.
- Aeration: Aeration services, which involve making small perforations all over your lawn, are provided by many full-service lawn care companies. Aeration services help loosen the soil, allowing nutrients, water, and air to flow more easily. This facilitates the growth of roots and helps to strengthen your lawn.
- Soil Care: Soil care improves the growth of your lawn by balancing the chemistry and pH of the soil to improve the availability of nutrients. Most full-service and subscription lawn care companies can provide this service.
- Mowing/Edging: Mowing and edging are two ways to quickly improve your lawn's appearance. Certain full-service lawn care companies can provide these services, or you may prefer to find a company specializing in mowing and edging.
- Leaf/Snow Removal: You may not need snow removal services very often in Chester, and you might sometimes be in the market for leaf removal. No matter your situation, it is a smart idea to know which companies near you offer these services. This will help you get the problem taken care of faster and prevent damage to your lawn.
- Pest Control: Bugs or other pests invading your lawn? Pest control involves the application of pesticides and other techniques to get rid of animals and insects that could harm your lawn. Many full-service lawn care companies offer pest control services. Always make sure to use a pest control technician who is properly licensed for pesticide application through the Virginia Department of Agriculture.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Many full-service lawn care companies offer services for shrubs and trees that are overgrowing, wilting, or simply need some extra love. These services can result in large improvements in your lawn's appearance.
No matter what services you are looking to hire for, there is a Chester lawn care company for you. We strongly suggest looking into a couple of the companies on our list above to find which one is best for you.
Chester Quick Facts
- Chester is part of the Mixed-Humid climate zone.
- Chester's average high temperature of 67° F is higher than 76.4% of the U.S.
- Chester gets more sunlight than around 67.7% of the U.S.
- In an average year, Chester sees about 6.6 inches of snow.
- The average lot size in Virginia is approximately 17,000 square feet.
Choosing a Chester Lawn Care Company
When you choose a lawn care services company, you want to know that they are reliable. In order to apply chemicals like pesticides to your lawn, a technician must be licensed through the Virginia Department of Agriculture. If you require landscaping services like mowing and edging, you can look and see if a company meets all of Virginia's landscaper licensing requirements. You can also learn whether a company belongs to an organization such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Lawn care professionals are not required to be members, but NALP allows landscaping professionals to collaborate and share information on best practices. Finally, you can read company reviews online and check their website to learn about guarantees that they offer. "NALP members have access to industry-leading tools and training to keep you on the cutting edge."
Next, you'll need to figure out which companies can perform the specific services you need. Many lawn care service companies in Chester have both fixed plans and "a la carte" options, which allow you to pick and choose which services you want.
After you've determined which companies to call, you can ask them for a free inspection and estimate. With GPS technology, some companies can estimate your property size and give you a quote over the phone. The price you pay will be based mainly on the size of your lawn and the specific services you need.
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Homeowner Responsibilities
If you haven't hired a lawn care company in Chester before (or even if you have) you may have some questions about what to expect. The following are some things to keep in mind:
- Before Treatments: A full-service company will ask you to bring all pets inside on the day of treatment. They will also tell you to make sure that your lawn is accessible, for example by opening any gates. You should not need to do any lawn preparation (such as watering) in advance unless your technician asks for it. If you've chosen a subscription company, make sure you provide any needed information and that you order in advance.
- During Treatments: If you are using a subscription company, then you will perform treatments yourself, following the instructions that the company provides. If you've decided to pay a full-service company like TruGreen, a lawn care professional will come to your house to treat your lawn. In most cases, you won't be asked to be home for lawn care treatment. However, your lawn care professional may require you to be home for their first visit. The company will communicate with you (in writing or electronically) about what services they've completed and when.
- After and Between Treatments: Your lawn care company may recommend that you water your lawn 24 hours following certain treatments. They will also tell you when family and pets can safely be on the lawn again. It is important to keep in mind that the effects of certain treatments, like overseeding and fertilization, may not be immediately apparent. If there is a problem with your lawn care treatment, the majority of full-service and subscription companies back up their products and services with guarantees. No matter what type of company you decide to use, services will likely continue on a regular basis unless you cancel.
When you choose a provider from our list of Chester's best lawn care companies, you guarantee that you're in the hands of experts. Your Chester lawn care professional can clarify all expectations and keep you in the loop throughout the process.
