Did you know that there are over 650,000 lawn care companies in the USA? Even more fascinating is that it is estimated that every household in the country spends an average of $503 on lawn care and landscaping services each year.
What these findings indicate is that homeowners in the USA value their lawns and backyards to the extent of setting aside money to maintain them. However, you might not be able to demonstrate the love you have for your lawn if you’re using a bad lawn care service.
Therefore, you should consider finding a better company before your lawn deteriorates, loses its greenery, and becomes infested with pests. But with the many service providers out there, how can you be sure you’re entrusting your lawn to the best among them?
Worry not because in this article, you’ll learn about five easy-to-follow steps you can use to switch from the current unreliable lawn care company to a better one without a hassle.
1. Evaluate Your Current Lawn Care Service
Do not be too quick to find a new lawn care company. It would be best to first assess your current service provider’s performance based on the stated parameters.
To get started, evaluate the quality of the service you have been getting from your company. Inspect your lawn. Is it inviting with a lush, green, and healthy appearance? Or does it contain brown patches all over with excessive weeds and pest infestations? A well-maintained lawn will appear beautiful and healthy without excessive weeds and pests, which is a reliable indicator of quality service.
Following an assessment of their service quality, proceed to check how dependable they have been. Reliability is typically a deal-breaker in the service industry, so if you’re stuck with a lawn care service that misses appointments or reschedules them without proper communication, do not hesitate to find a better lawn care company.
2. Research Potential Lawn Care Companies
Begin by asking your family, friends, and neighbors to recommend companies they have used before and were satisfied with the service offered. While speaking to family and friends may help you find a reliable local company, sometimes it’s more attractive to work with a bigger brand that has been in operation for a long time.
To find one such company, browse platforms like Yelp, Better Business Bureau, etc., where hundreds of clients have reviewed these companies’ reliability, quality of service, and customer satisfaction.
Moreover, verify credentials to ensure your preferred company holds all the requisite licenses and certifications. A lawn care company that is duly licensed and certified is likely to be professional and adhere to industry standards compared to a company with unverifiable credentials. Additionally, remember to ask whether they have insurance coverage to protect against potential damages or accidents.
Lastly, evaluate their service offerings, from comprehensive lawn care to isolated lawn care services such as fertilization, aeration, and pest control, against your specific needs and pick a company that matches them.
3. Ask for Detailed Estimates and Compare
Again, here, do not be too quick to hire a new company without comparing quotes from several options. Call each service provider in your shortlist, ask them to email you comprehensive estimates, and then sit down and study each.
Ensure that each company has clearly outlined all the lawn care services they offer and the frequency of doing so. If a company is not forward on what you stand to get by hiring them, remove it from your shortlist and move on to other options.
Next, look at how the services are priced and only consider a company based on the transparency of its pricing structure. As such, each service should be clearly quoted with no hidden or additional costs that may offset your lawn care budget.
While you may be excited to sign the contracts and commitments upon finding a transparent company, do not rush this step. Take your time and study the terms and conditions before putting your signature down on any contract.
You’re likely to come across two types of contracts: long-term and flexible noncommittal contracts. Choose what works best for you.
4. Communicate with Your Current Provider
Out of courtesy and for your benefit, do not terminate your current contract without informing the provider.
While at it, be sure to offer feedback on what made you quit. Point them to the reasons for your dissatisfaction so as to allow them to act on your feedback to improve their services.
Additionally, review your initial service agreement to acquaint yourself with the cancellation terms. Check for any obligations like notice periods and the fees you might be charged in case you do not adhere to the terms and conditions.
Finally, ask for a written confirmation of your cancellation to clear out any misunderstandings and stop automatic billing. This documentation serves as proof of cancellation and can prevent future disputes.
5. Transition to Your New Lawn Care Service
With the previous steps completed, you're ready to begin services with your chosen provider:
Schedule an Initial Assessment: Many companies offer a preliminary lawn evaluation to tailor their services to your lawn's specific needs. This assessment can identify underlying issues and create a customized care plan.
Set Clear Expectations: Discuss your goals and expectations upfront. Whether it's achieving a greener lawn, pest eradication, or regular maintenance, clear communication sets the foundation for a successful partnership. Ensure both parties understand the desired outcomes and timelines.
Monitor Progress: Regularly assess the health and appearance of your lawn. Open communication with your new provider ensures any concerns are promptly addressed. Providing feedback during the initial stages can help fine-tune the services to suit your lawn's needs better.
Conclusion
Switching to a better lawn care company doesn't have to be a hassle. By evaluating your current service, conducting thorough research, comparing estimates, communicating effectively, and managing the transition smoothly, you can enhance the health and beauty of your lawn with minimal disruption.
Remember, your lawn is an extension of your home; entrusting its care to the right professionals is a worthwhile investment.
