When making any purchase, cost is always a key consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only factor driving your decision. With “how-to” videos only a click away and lawn care influencers making the process look easy, you might be tempted to take on lawn fertilization and care for yourself. After all, why pay for a service you could “easily” handle on your own? However, these short videos often underestimate the work, expertise, and ongoing maintenance required to keep your lawn truly green and weed-free. Before deciding to go the DIY route, there are several important factors beyond cost to consider.
The Pros of DIY Lawn Care:
- Saving Money (at first): Many homeowners choose DIY lawn care to save money. Initially, it may seem like doing applications yourself is cutting costs, but over time, it could end up costing you more. We’ll discuss these potential costs a bit later.
- Great Exercise: Lawn care can be a good way to get some exercise outdoors, and is one reason why some homeowners choose to do their own lawn care. Did you know that there is a science to the applications? To properly spread the product, you need to maintain a walking speed of 3mph and that can be challenging on a large lawn with uneven terrain.
- Taking Pride in DIY Work: For some, there’s a sense of accomplishment in doing their own lawn care. Many turf professionals often express pride in seeing the results of their hard work – whether it’s creating a beautiful lawn or getting the perfect aesthetic for their property. However, that pride can quickly fade if the results aren’t what you expected. Lawn care is a mix of many factors, including proper fertilization, watering, mowing, soil health, pest management, and sometimes even luck! Fertilizer and weed control are key pieces of the puzzle, but they don’t solve everything.
The Cons of DIY Lawn Care:
- Trouble With Timing: A successful lawn care program starts with the first application of the season, which includes pre-emergent for weeds like crabgrass and foxtail. However, determining the right time for this application can be tricky. Should you go by when the forsythias bloom, when soil temperatures reach 55°F, or follow the instructions on the product label? Different pre-emergent products have varying characteristics, making it even more important to know what to apply and when. Basing decisions solely on a calendar can lead to poor results, as weather conditions vary each year.
- The Fine Print: When applying products, it’s crucial to follow the label instructions carefully. Each product contains important details to ensure proper, safe, and legal use. Misapplying products can lead to legal issues and environmental damage. For example, some fertilizers with weed control must be applied when foliage is wet, such as early in the morning with dew or after irrigation. Missing these details can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
- Mediocre Results: Without access to commercial-grade products and professional expertise, DIY lawn care often leads to underwhelming results. Fertilizers and other turf products vary greatly in quality and effectiveness. Differences in release rates, particle size, organic content, and herbicide or pesticide coatings can all impact the outcome. While “big box store” products may seem convenient, they often lack the quality and precision needed for optimal lawn care. Professional-grade products, like slow-release fertilizers, ensure longer-lasting color and growth without the sudden surges and declines that lower-quality products can cause. Additionally, concentrated weed control products are far more effective than pre-mixed solutions, offering targeted treatment for specific weeds and ensuring thorough results.
- Hidden Lawn Care Costs: While DIY lawn care may offer some initial savings, there are often hidden costs that homeowners overlook. Without a trained professional to oversee the process, things can easily go wrong. While a few DIYers may manage successfully, most will eventually face costly problems they’re not equipped to handle. Two of the biggest surprises are the costs of equipment and products. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:
- Walk-behind fertilizer spreader ($50-$500): Basic plastic spreaders wear out quickly and struggle on uneven terrain, while commercial-grade spreaders with metal frames and pneumatic tires offer better coverage and durability but come at a higher cost.
- Blower ($30-$450): In order to reduce wastewater contamination, fertilizer granules must be blown off concrete back into the lawn. If this isn’t done, products can be washed into storm drains and pollute water sources. Deflector kits for spreaders help direct the product away from sidewalks and driveways.
- Cannister or Backpack Sprayer ($35-$150): Liquid herbicides are best for weed control, but sprayers can be cumbersome. Canister sprayers require constant pumping, while backpack sprayers are heavy and require frequent refills. A professional can quickly apply the right amount of product with calibrated equipment.
- Products: Costs for products vary based on lawn size and care frequency. DIYers may save by mixing concentrated herbicide, but they’ll need to store it and buy multiple products. The initial investment for a variety of weed control options is often over $100, and fertilizers from big-box stores can sometimes be pricier than professional services.
- Lawn Care is Time and Space Consuming: Lawn care often takes more time than expected. Multiple trips to the store, waiting for the right weather, and managing cleanup and storage can quickly add up. When a lawn care company services your lawn, they bring all the necessary equipment and supplies. You won’t have to store partial bags of fertilizer or worry about humidity ruining them. One of the main advantages of hiring professionals is not having to worry about storing or maintaining the tools and products required for effective lawn care.
Should I Hire a Lawn Care Company?
If you’re considering hiring a lawn care service, you should first weigh these pros and cons.
Pros of Hiring a Lawn Care Company:
- Better Results: Hiring a professional often means better results, with some companies offering guarantees on their work – something you won’t find with products from your local hardware store.
- Convenience: Lawn care might seem easy at first, but it quickly turns into a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Hiring a professional saves you from turning what was once a fun project into a burdensome chore.
- Solutions for Tricky Issues: A trained lawn care technician knows how to identify and solve problems effectively, potentially saving you time and money. DIYers often misdiagnose issues, spending money on ineffective products while the problem worsens.
- Increased Safety: Professional lawn care companies use advanced materials that are often safer and more effective than those available to homeowners. Their technicians are trained to follow approved practices, ensuring the safety of your family, pets, and the environment.
Cons of Hiring a Lawn Care Company:
- Cost (sometimes): The initial cost of hiring a lawn care service may seem steep. However, a DIY approach can sometimes end up being more expensive, especially if mistakes are made that require costly fixes. Professionals practice proactive care, preventing issues before they arise. In the long run, the cost of hiring a service is often only slightly more than doing it yourself and provides added value that goes beyond just dollars and cents.
- Making a Bad Choice: Choosing the wrong lawn care company can be a setback. If you hire a service that doesn’t practice proactive care, you may not see the benefits discussed earlier. Some companies only address problems as they occur or misdiagnose issues, which leads to a cycle of ineffective treatments and slow or no progress in improving your lawn’s health.
Additional Services for Your Lawn's Health:
While fertilization and weed control are essential, professional lawn care companies offer much more to keep your lawn in top shape. Services like aeration, hydroseeding, pest control, and tree and shrub care are vital to long-term lawn health.
- Aeration: Helps improve root development, increase nutrient uptake, and reduce soil compaction. Aeration is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn but requires special equipment that DIYers may not own or know how to use properly.
- Hydroseeding: This technique involves applying a mixture of seed, water, and fertilizer in a slurry. It’s a great way to establish a lush, green lawn, especially for large areas, but it requires the right equipment and application expertise for optimal results.
- Pest Control: DIY pest control can often be ineffective or harmful to your lawn if the wrong products or methods are used. Professionals have access to better materials and expertise to handle lawn pests safely and effectively.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Proper pruning, fertilization, and pest management are crucial for maintaining healthy trees and shrubs. Professional care ensures that these plants thrive and complement your lawn.
ULTRALawn is a Winning Decision!
When weighing the pros and cons, the benefits of hiring ULTRALawn far outweigh any potential drawbacks. While the cost may be one of your biggest concerns in hiring a professional, with the right company you can actually end up saving money and preventing costly mistakes.
The key is choosing the right company—and we know we are that company! To truly benefit from professional lawn care in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, it’s essential to work with a team that practices proactive care, uses the best commercial-grade products, and employs knowledgeable, skilled technicians. ULTRALawn has been meeting those standards for nearly 40 years. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate today!
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