The 6 Best Lawn Care Services—2024 Guide

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A lush green lawn is a thing of beauty, but the reality is all that beauty takes work. Mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and irrigating (not to mention regular treatment for weeds and pests) can be time-consuming. For some, caring for a lawn can be a labor of love, but for many, hiring a lawn care company will save time and money and provide peace of mind.

Whether it’s weekly lawn maintenance or a seasonal cleanup, a lawn care company can keep a lawn healthy, weed-free, and full of curb appeal. For those considering hiring a professional and searching for “landscape maintenance near me,” this guide will help determine the best lawn care service for their needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: TruGreen
2. RUNNER-UP: Lawn Love
3. BEST FOR DIY: Sunday Lawn Care
4. FULL-SERVICE LANDSCAPING: The Grounds Guys
5. ECO-FRIENDLY PICK: Lawn Doctor
6. ALSO CONSIDER: LawnStarter

At-a-Glance Comparison

Our Top Picks

When evaluating the best lawn care services, we looked for parameters such as the number of locations or availability, range of services offered, ease of booking and scheduling, and what type of guarantees the company offered. For homeowners searching for “lawn maintenance near me,” here are some of the best options.

Best Overall

TruGreen

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Pros

• Wide coverage area spanning 48 states and Washington, D.C.
• Wide range of service plans available
• Straightforward instant quote, booking, and online payment systems
• Convenient scheduling via easy-to-use mobile app
• Comprehensive online library of lawn-care resources

Cons

• Unclear guarantee information
• Lawn mowing service not offered

This service is a 2024 recipient of BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation.

Home Improvement Heroes recognizes the best companies homeowners could call for a problem, project, or service. Our editorial team used a rigorous process to evaluate based on availability, skills, range of services, cost, customer reviews, guarantees, refund policy, customer support, and more. We then independently reviewed each company and hired some for our projects for consideration. See the full list of honorees.

Why It Made the Cut: TruGreen has a large service area, a range of service plans, and an easy-to-use scheduling and billing system to make the company a must-consider for lawn care services.

TruGreen is a lawn care company with locations in 48 states and Washington, D.C. It offers an array of lawn care services, including lawn aeration, overseeding, pest control, and soil amendment, although lawn mowing is not offered. Additional services beyond maintenance include mosquito control and prevention as well as tree and shrub care, fertilization, disease treatment, and insect control. TruGreen offers customers a variety of service plans to choose from, from the basic TruHealth package to the all-inclusive TruComplete option. This wide range of services means that customers can use TruGreen to tackle multiple outdoor needs.

While the company offers a satisfaction guarantee, the website is unclear about which services the guarantee applies to. However, customers considering TruGreen will appreciate the user-friendly quote system, which uses an aerial map to estimate the size of the customer’s lawn, resulting in a more accurate estimate. The scheduling process also includes a brief question-and-answer section for customers about their lawn care needs to help them find a tailored maintenance schedule. Booking and payments can be done online or through the easy-to-use mobile app with relative ease, and customers can also book services over the phone. The TruGreen website also features a robust library of lawn care information and resources to help customers feel more knowledgeable and confident. 

• Learn more with our TruGreen review.

Specs

• Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C.
• Scheduling: Online, phone, app
• Services offered: Lawn aeration, overseeding, pest control, soil amendment, tree and shrub
• Quotes: Instant online quote
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee

Runner-Up

Lawn Love

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Pros

• All service professionals are certified to be bonded and insured
• Straightforward instant quote, booking, and online payment
• Convenient scheduling via easy-to-use mobile app
• Transparent pricing guide available
• Generous bundling discount of up to 30 percent

Cons

• Relatively short 24-hour satisfaction guarantee

Why It Made the Cut: Lawn Love offers a transparent pricing guide and a generous bundling discount, and it also guarantees its lawn care professionals are bonded and insured so customers can feel secure in who they’re hiring.

Lawn Love is a site that will source vetted, local lawn care services. These professionals are certified to be bonded and insured so customers can have extra peace of mind that they are protected if a lawn care professional causes damage to their property during a job. Lawn Love offers mowing, fertilization, aeration, weed control, yard cleanup, and tree and shrub care. Customers can also book gardening services through the website as well as additional seasonal services such as gutter cleaning and leaf cleanup. 

Once the service has been completed, customers can contact Lawn Love if they’re not completely satisfied with the outcome, and the lawn pro will come back and make things right. Customers must contact Lawn Love within 24 hours of the service to take advantage of this satisfaction guarantee, which is a fairly short amount of time. However, Lawn Love follows up with each customer after every service, which gives customers the opportunity to share any complaints in a timely manner.

Managing and paying for services is easy using Lawn Love’s user-friendly website. Customers can request a quote and schedule an appointment online or by using the company’s mobile app. The website also features a transparent pricing guide, so customers know that pricing is consistent and can accurately budget for services. Lawn Love also offers up to a 30 percent discount for customers who bundle services, giving customers even more ways to save.

Specs

• Service area: 40 states and Washington, D.C.
• Scheduling: Online, app
• Services offered: Mowing, fertilization, aeration, weed control, yard cleanup, tree and shrub
• Quotes: Instant online quote
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee within 24 hours

Best for DIY

Sunday Lawn Care

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Pros

• Nationwide availability
• Streamlined yet comprehensive custom lawn plan process
• Relatively affordable pricing per season
• Location-based live plant and tree suggestions
• Eco-conscious product ingredients

Cons

• Minimal product usage instructions
• Maximum recommended coverage limit of 13,500 square feet

Why It Made the Cut: Sunday Lawn Care is a DIY subscription service that empowers homeowners to maintain their own lawn with conveniently delivered products tailored to their specific needs.

Sunday Lawn Care is a DIY option that’s available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so homeowners can purchase a subscription from any location in the country. The entire process is thorough yet streamlined, matching the right lawn care treatment to a homeowner’s specific lawn conditions. When a customer signs up for a subscription, they will receive a soil test kit so they can send the soil from their yard in for a diagnostic test to determine the best combination of products to use. Even before the soil test, Sunday can gauge the type of products a customer needs based on location data. This allows the company to deliver tailored lawn care products to customers, along with instructions on when to apply each product. Those with lawns larger than 13,500 square feet may find that Sunday’s products aren’t as effective, but customers with smaller lawns or who only want to treat a portion will likely find success with Sunday

Since Sunday is one of the best DIY lawn care programs, it has a relatively low cost compared with hiring professionals. Once a customer signs up for a subscription, they will receive their tailored products in four installments when it’s time to apply each product. That means customers won’t have unused products lying around for months, which is especially beneficial for those who are short on space. The easy-to-navigate online account helps guide those newer to lawn care through the process. The customer’s online account also has more thorough usage instructions than what’s included in each package, as the instructions provided can be on the minimal side.

Sunday aims to boost customers’ lawn health with affordable, convenient products made from eco-conscious, sustainable ingredients rather than chemicals. Sunday also sells an array of live plants and trees, which it suggests to customers based on climate and other factors. Personalized recommendations on trees, shrubs, and plants mean the customer won’t waste their time and money buying plants that are not intended for their geographic location.

• Learn more with our Sunday Lawn Care review.

Specs

• Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Scheduling: Online
• Services offered: Custom lawn plan, custom pest plan, lawn care, garden essentials, live plants, trees, shrubs and bushes, pest control
• Quotes: Instant online quote
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee

Full-Service Landscaping

The Grounds Guys

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Pros

• Wide range of lawn and yard care services available
• Licensed and certified lawn care professionals
• Work status and quality reports delivered to clients

Cons

• No option for online account management

Why It Made the Cut: The Grounds Guys is a full-service lawn care and landscaping company that offers a wide range of lawn and landscaping services, allowing homeowners to hire one business to take care of all of their outdoor needs.

The Grounds Guys, which has locations in 41 states, boasts a full range of services that include mowing, fertilization, aeration, sod installation, and reseeding. In addition to these basic lawn maintenance services, the company offers irrigation system installation and repairs, gutter cleaning, tree and shrub care, stump removal, pest control, hardscaping, and landscaping. During winter months, The Grounds Guys also offers snow and ice management, as well as holiday light installation. This wide variety of services means that customers can conveniently bundle almost all of their outdoor needs through a single company.

Customers can request a quote via email or over the phone, and they can schedule an appointment over the phone or through the Neighborly app. Although the company does not currently offer online account management, there is a 2-week satisfaction guarantee, and the company provides yard status and quality reports after each visit. This information can help customers understand exactly what type of work is being done to their yard so they can feel more informed and empowered. Finally, customers can trust that their lawn maintenance team is trustworthy and knowledgeable because The Grounds Guys team is licensed and certified by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) for lawn care services and by the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) for snow removal.

Specs

• Service area: 41 states
• Scheduling: Phone, app (via the Neighborly app)
• Services offered: Mowing, pest control, fertilization, snow management, irrigation, gutters, tree and shrub
• Quotes: Email or phone
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee within 14 days

Eco-Friendly Pick

Lawn Doctor

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Pros

• Preset or custom annual maintenance plans available
• Organic lawn treatments available
• Comprehensive lawn and perimeter pest control system

Cons

• Satisfaction guarantee not applicable for properties larger than 5,000 square feet
• Scheduling only available over the phone

Why It Made the Cut: Lawn Doctor offers a full range of lawn care services, including natural and organic lawn care treatment plans so homeowners can make more sustainable choices regarding yard maintenance.

With a presence in 40 states, Lawn Doctor offers customers a choice between preset or custom lawn care plans to suit their needs. Custom lawn care plans are designed to target specific concerns, like discolored or detached turf and bare spots, and the company provides pH balancing and power seeding services. Traditional lawn maintenance services include fertilization, seeding, and aeration. 

Lawn Doctor has a satisfaction guarantee with no specified time frame, though customers with larger yards will want to note that the guarantee doesn’t apply to properties over 5,000 square feet in size. However, those with small- or medium-size yards who are concerned with lawn chemicals will appreciate the availability of natural and organic lawn care services, which may be a safer choice for those with children or pets. Customers will need to schedule service over the phone, which may be unappealing to some. However, this method allows the customer to speak with a representative directly about their concerns, so they can ensure they schedule the right type of lawn care service to reach their lawn goals.

In addition to lawn care services, the company also offers pest control services targeting insect infestations in the lawn as well as perimeter pest control that prevents pests from entering the home. Pest control services include mosquito and tick control, lawn insect control, and fire ant control. Customers can also opt for general tree and shrub care through Lawn Doctor.

Specs

• Service area: 40 states
• Scheduling: Phone
• Services offered: Mowing, fertilization, seeding, aeration, pest control, tree and shrub
• Quotes: Email or phone
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee with no specified time frame

Also Consider

LawnStarter

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Pros

• Convenient scheduling via easy-to-use mobile app
• Wide range of additional services available

Cons

• Somewhat unclear one-time service guidelines
• Full service list is only visible once customer is in the booking process

Why It Made the Cut: LawnStarter lawn care service offers customers comprehensive lawn care services with local pros that they can schedule and manage through a convenient app.

LawnStarter is an aggregator website that connects customers with local professionals for all their lawn care needs. The list of services offered by LawnStarter’s partners is vast and includes mowing, aeration, fertilization, yard cleanup, leaf removal, and even pressure washing. The full list of available services isn’t clear from LawnStarter’s homepage, and customers will need to enter all their information to see what types of lawn services they can book. However, once they’re through the initial instant quote process on the website, customers will be able to see other available services, including fence installation and repair; sprinkler installation and repair; pool cleaning; patio, driveway, and walkway maintenance; and many other services.

Since LawnStarter doesn’t require customers to sign a contract, this can be a benefit for those looking for one-time services. However, the website is somewhat unclear on what types of services can be booked as one-time visits. If one-time services are available, they may be priced on a case-by-case basis, which can make budgeting for services harder. However, customers looking for lawn care pros will appreciate the convenience afforded by the company’s mobile app. They can use the LawnStarter app to schedule service, change service frequencies, update their payment information, and review the service they’ve received.

Specs

• Service area: Not specified
• Scheduling: Online
• Services offered: Mowing, yard cleanup, aeration, fertilization, leaf removal, pressure washing
• Quotes: Instant online quote
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee with no specified time frame

Our Verdict

Because of its availability in nearly every state and its comprehensive range of services, TruGreen is the top pick for the best lawn services overall. Lawn Love is the runner-up for its transparent pricing and discounts for bundling services.

How We Chose the Best Lawn Care Services

We researched dozens of lawn service companies across the U.S. and focused on companies with a multi-state presence. The final list was selected after evaluating relevant factors for each lawn care service company, including the range of lawn care services, additional services, pricing, scheduling, account management, and satisfaction guarantees. Companies were given awards based on their strengths, and companies that didn’t meet our criteria were not included.

What to Consider When Choosing a Lawn Care Service

Before hiring any lawn care services, there are several factors for customers to consider. These include aspects of the customer experience, like scheduling and pricing, as well as the lawn’s needs. Homeowners searching for “yard care near me” will want to evaluate these aspects of lawn care services.

Service Area

When considering hiring a lawn care company, a customer will first want to determine if the company services their area. There’s no benefit for customers to look into a company if it’s not available to perform work in their area.

Scheduling

All companies require booking services in advance. Homeowners can call or email some companies to make an appointment. Other companies allow customers to manage their account, including scheduling, online. Before hiring a company for any recurring service, customers will want to find out how that company handles booking.

In addition, the time of year will factor into scheduling. Spring and fall typically require seasonal work, such as leaf cleanup and fertilizing. A lawn may grow faster in the late spring and summer and require more mowing. Ultimately, the frequency of lawn care services will be determined by the lawn’s needs and the homeowner’s budget.

It is also important to find out if a company makes one-time visits or only offers recurring services. Because many customers opt for recurring appointments, it can be difficult for lawn care services to schedule one-time appointments.

Services Offered

Many lawn care services offer mowing, feeding, aerating, reseeding, and basic pest control. Some companies offer additional services like tree and shrub care, landscaping, or snow removal. These additional services can be a bonus for a customer who prefers to bundle their yard maintenance into one visit or stick with one company for various seasonal outdoor maintenance work.

Homeowners may also want to consider whether they need lawn care services or should hire a dedicated landscaper. Marc Mayer, director of technical operations for TruGreen, explains that there are nuanced—yet important—differences between these two types of service providers. “Landscaping and lawn care services, though distinct, share the common ground of lawns,” he says. “Think of landscapers as those who mow the lawn, prune the trees and shrubs, apply mulch, and plant trees and flowers, amongst other things. Some landscapers also get involved in designing the landscape. In contrast, lawn care providers specialize in nourishing your lawn to foster growth, alongside weed management and pest control to prevent unwanted plants and crawlers that can interfere with healthy growth.”

Quotes and Pricing

As a customer, knowing what the costs are up front can be a deciding factor in whether or not to hire a service. Many lawn care professionals offer up-front pricing and free estimates or quotes. These quotes can be delivered instantly online or via phone or email.

In addition, companies that offer services outside of lawn maintenance may have different pricing tiers for a customer who bundles services or customers who have recurring services.

Mayer notes that many other factors can influence the total cost of lawn services as well. “The cost of lawn care services is often variable and contingent upon the specific services requested,” he says. “Several factors influence pricing, including the size of the lawn, the type of services (like aeration or grub control), the frequency of service, and more. The quality of the lawn care materials and equipment used can also impact the cost with more innovative approaches garnering a premium price, as they are able to deliver improved results.”

Guarantees

Customers want to know that a company stands by its work, so guarantees are important. Each lawn care service will have different criteria for its guarantee. For example, a company may stipulate that any complaint from the customer be filed within a 24-hour window after service, while another company may give the customer up to 2 weeks. In general, a satisfaction guarantee means that the service or professional will return to rectify whatever the issue is at no cost to the customer or offer a complete refund. Customers will want to remember that any satisfaction guarantee is given at the lawn care company’s discretion.

Before You Hire a Lawn Care Service

Before searching for “best lawn care service near me” or “lawn mowing near me,” it’s important for customers to know what to expect when hiring. These companies offer a specialized service with a focus on lawn care. A homeowner may be looking for landscaping, which involves more planting and construction. In that case, they will want to verify that a lawn care service offers landscaping, or they will need to hire a separate company. Homeowners with extensive gardens may want to speak with a lawn care company before hiring their services to ensure their plants are safe.

Customers who are considering a DIY lawn care approach will want to consult a month-by-month lawn care calendar to ensure they apply the correct products at the right time. DIY yard care often means planning ahead. They can also look into what products they can buy to make yard work easier, though that may end up costing more than it would to hire a professional lawn care service.

The Cost of Hiring a Lawn Care Service

Lawn care costs can vary depending on several factors, including the health of the existing lawn, the type of treatments needed, the lawn’s size, and any additional services beyond routine mowing and fertilizing. In addition, geographic location can affect the overall price due to variations in the cost of living and minimum wage.

Homeowners can expect to pay around $130 for lawn maintenance, with a range from $50 to $210. This is typically the cost per visit, and the majority of services during the growing season (spring and summer) are at least biweekly. While some lawn care professionals charge a flat service rate for regular service, others charge by the hour. Per lawn care pro, the rate per hour ranges from $25 to $60. Lawn aeration costs and lawn mowing costs are roughly $130 each. Customers looking to install a yard full of new sod can anticipate paying between $400 and $4,500 for new lawn costs.

The Advantages of a Lawn Care Service

Professional lawn care services ensure a lawn is kept on a schedule that maintains its appearance and health. From routine mowing and feeding to aeration and irrigation, a lawn care service provides the specialized care that grass requires. Lawn care services can also help tackle problems like a heat-stressed lawn or patches in the grass.

Mayer notes that hiring a lawn care service may be especially appealing to homeowners who may not have the know-how or equipment to properly maintain their lawn all year round. “Working with a professional helps take the guesswork out of lawn maintenance,” he says. “Notably, companies like TruGreen can help homeowners save time and money by providing the necessary materials and equipment, and performing the required tasks to create homeowners’ dreamy, green lawn. They’ll also take time to educate homeowners about proper maintenance practices to uphold this standard. Turning to a seasoned pro can ensure your outdoor living space receives the appropriate care and attention it deserves.”

If a homeowner prefers to do some lawn care, such as mowing, but they aren’t sure how and when to fertilize, they can work with a lawn care service for a plan that suits their specific needs. Many homeowners may like to hire a lawn care service seasonally as well.

Some other benefits of using a lawn care service include:

• Treating lawn issues effectively and safely.
• Saving homeowners time and energy.
• Using preventive measures to avoid future lawn problems.

FAQs

Every lawn has different needs. But there are some common questions that many customers searching for “yard maintenance near me” or “lawn care near me” have before hiring a new lawn care service.

Q. When should I use a lawn care service?

One of the best landscaping companies or best lawn care services can be used for routine maintenance, such as fertilizing, weed control, and mowing, with the option of weekly, biweekly, or monthly visits. You may want to hire a lawn care company for seasonal cleanup in the fall or spring. You may also need to hire a lawn care specialist to restore diseased or unhealthy grass.

Q. How much does a lawn care service cost on average?

The average national cost for lawn care services is around $130 per visit, though the exact cost will vary from company to company and will be based on the specific services the customer requests.

Q. Does a lawn care service come with its own tools?

Yes. A lawn care service will provide everything needed to do the job, so customers won’t need to worry about supplying any tools or equipment.

Q. Do I need to book a lawn care service in advance?

Yes. Customers will need to book services in advance. They may be able to do so on the lawn care company’s website, or they may be required to call to schedule service.

Q. Can I pay in advance for a lawn care service?

It depends; every service has a different policy. Some will request a deposit, others bill after service is complete, and some might have a flat rate per month. Customers can do research (such as comparing TruGreen and Lawn Doctor) to determine the specific requirements for each lawn care service.

 

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