Searching for a lawn service company can be stressful, especially on top of other new homeowner to-dos. Multiple services exist, but understanding your home and lawn needs and knowing what questions to ask can help save you a lot of time and stress in selecting the right company for your seasonal needs.
We’ve shared lawn care prep you should consider as we move into cooler months:
1. Give your lawn a cool cut.
Grass maintenance in the summer differs greatly from colder months. During the winter, growth is slower and keeping grass short is recommended to avoid disease like snow mold, a cold-weather fungus that grows once the snow and ice have melted. A mowing service can help keep your lawn healthy by prepping in the fall with regular mowing, edging and trimming to the perfect length.
2. Make your home holiday visitor-friendly.
To upkeep a picture-perfect lawn throughout the season, removing dead foliage, raking leaves and protecting outdoor plants is a must. Welcome your holiday guests by prepping the exterior of your home with a clean, trimmed look and plants that can outlast cold temps. A landscaping company can give your curb appeal a seasonal refresh.
3. Keep the warmth in and the pests out.
While some pests become inactive during the cooler months, others seek warmth and water from your home. Take proactive measures such as inspecting your home and shutting any small entryways to ensure these unwanted visitors stay out. Consider hiring a pest control professional to outline steps you can take to prevent infestations. Services they provide include extensively treating your specific problem to keep your home and outdoor spaces pest-free.
4. Prep for a new spring look.
It may seem a little early to talk about spring, but fall is the time to fertilize cool-season grasses to replace nutrients lost during summer months and prepare for healthy grass in the spring. Ask your lawn care service when the best time to apply is, but the general recommendation is October or November in regions where cool-season grasses grow.
Once you’ve decided which prep work and types of companies are right for you, don’t be afraid of to ask questions. Here are a few questions you might want to ask when talking to a professional:
- Are you a licensed and insured applicator?
- How long have you been in business?
- What will the treatment be and what do I need to know about it?
- How do you approach pest control? Is it an integrated solution?
- What professional or trade associations are you a member of?
- Is there a contract involved, and what does it include?
Purchasing a home for the first time is a big step, but learning and understanding the maintenance it requires and selecting the right service for your home and lawn takes it to a whole new level. Take a look at our previous Homeowner’s Guides for more tips.
