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 use either a subscription company or one of Virginia Beach's full-service lawn care companies. While tackling the project by yourself may seem like the least expensive option, it leaves the possibility of expensive mistakes open. You also will be working without expert guidance from a lawn care professional.
A company like Sunday Lawn Care can help simplify the process. Companies like this will send you a subscription package of lawn care equipment and chemicals. They determine what your lawn needs and when, based on your location in Virginia and the time of year. However, you will still be the one doing the manual labor.
If you would prefer to have a company handle all parts of the process, hiring a full-service company like TruGreen is the way to go. Although these companies tend to be pricier than other options, they take the lead every step of the way, from determining what needs to be done to doing the actual work.
Types of Lawn Care Services in Virginia Beach, VA
Lawn care companies around Virginia Beach can provide many different types of services, such as:
- Weed Control: Weed control is the process of removing and preventing weeds and other bothersome plants. Weed control services involve processes like manually pulling up unwanted greenery and spraying chemicals that kill weeds and keep them gone. The majority of full-service and subscription lawn care companies — if not all of them — offer weed control services.
- Fertilization: Fertilization helps promote growth of grasses and plants through the application of certain chemicals and compounds at the right times throughout the year. Like weed control, the majority of — if not all — full-service and subscription lawn care companies offer fertilization services.
- Soil Care: Most full-service and subscription lawn care providers provide soil care services. Soil care involves balancing the chemistry and pH of your soil to facilitate lawn growth by increasing nutrient availability.
- Aeration: Aeration involves making small perforations in your lawn's soil. This allows air, nutrients, and water to more easily penetrate the soil. This, in turn, helps roots grow deeper, strengthening your lawn. Aeration services are offered by the majority of full-service lawn care companies.
- Seeding/Overseeding: Seeding and overseeding services are offered by most full-service lawn care companies and by many subscription companies. Seeding services involve putting seed down in bare spots. Overseeding involves adding additional seed to thin spots. Both services help improve the color and look of your lawn.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Many full-service lawn companies can do tree and shrub care. These providers will help clean up and provide care for shrubs and trees on your lawn to help keep your property looking its best.
- Mowing/Edging: Mowing and edging help improve the appearance of your lawn, and also help prevent overgrowth. You can find full-service lawn care companies that provide these services, and there are also many companies that specialize in edging and mowing.
- Pest Control: Many full-service lawn care companies will also eliminate insects or other pests that are damaging your lawn. They might trap animals or apply pesticides. Always ensure that your lawn control technician is properly licensed to apply pesticides through the Virginia Department of Agriculture.
- Leaf/Snow Removal: Concerned about snow or leaves sitting on and killing your lawn? There are some lawn care companies who will come out and clear everything away. You might rarely need snow removal services and occasionally require leaf removal services in Virginia Beach. If and when you do require these services, be sure to get in touch with a company to confirm that it is something they are able to do.
No matter what type of services you are looking to hire for, there is a Virginia Beach lawn care company for you. We strongly suggest looking into a couple of the companies on our list above to learn which one is best for you.
Virginia Beach Quick Facts
- Virginia Beach is in the Mixed-Humid climate zone.
- Virginia Beach receives around 3.8 inches of snow annually.
- The average high in Virginia Beach is about 62° F.
- Virginia Beach is in the 35% percentile in the country when it comes to tree coverage.
- Virginia Beach receives more rain than about 67.2% of places in the United States.
Choosing a Virginia Beach Lawn Care Company
When you're ready to hire a lawn care services company, you want to make sure they are reliable. Before they apply chemicals like pesticides to your lawn, a technician must be licensed through the Virginia Department of Agriculture. If you are hiring for landscaping services such as edging and mowing, you can look and see if a company meets all of Virginia's landscaper licensing requirements. You can also find out if a company is a member of an organization like the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Membership is not mandatory, but NALP helps landscaping professionals collaborate and share information about best practices. Last but not least, you can look up company reviews and check their website to learn about guarantees that they offer. "As a professional, you're never done learning and growing your skills. Our educational partnerships can help you continue to refine your abilities."
Next, you'll have to determine if a company offers all of the services you need. When you hire a Virginia Beach lawn services company, you may choose to go with one of their fixed plans or one of their "a la carte'' options that gives you the flexibility to pick and choose your services.
The next step is to get an inspection and quote. Even before they visit your property, some companies can give you an estimate with the help of GPS technology. This estimate will be based largely on the specific services you need and the size of your lawn.
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Homeowner Responsibilities
When you're planning to hire a lawn care company in Virginia Beach, you might be wondering what to expect. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Before Treatments: If you have selected a full-service company, you will need to ensure that, on the day they visit, they have access to your property (by opening gates, for example). You will want to also make sure that all pets are inside. You will not have to water or otherwise treat your lawn beforehand unless the company asks you to do so. If you have chosen a subscription company, you will want to make sure you have provided all necessary information and placed your order in advance.
- 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're using a full-service company like TruGreen, a lawn care professional will come to your home to perform services. Your company may ask that you be home the first time they come out. However, you usually will not need to be at home for lawn care treatment to take place. The company will inform you (either in writing or electronically) what services they performed and when.
- After and Between Treatments: Your lawn care company might ask you to water your lawn 24 hours following certain treatments. The company should also inform you when it is going to be safe for pets and family to be on the lawn again. Keep in mind that the effects of certain treatments, like overseeding and fertilization, may not be evident right away. If something goes wrong with your lawn care treatment, the majority of 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.
Selecting the right lawn care company in Virginia Beach will help you feel confident and in-the-know when it comes to all of the work to be done. It is a good idea to contact one of the companies on our list of Virginia Beach's best lawn care providers to discover which one is best for you.
