Choosing A Lawn Care Service

Choosing A Lawn Care Service


Many people choose to hire a professional company to help
maintain their lawn. Lawn care companies offer a range of
services, from fertilizing and pest control to aerating,
mowing, and renovation.

Lawn care companies should follow the same healthy lawn
program outlined in this brochure. They should also follow the
same precautions for minimizing pesticide risks.

How can you be sure that a service will do these things?
Start by asking questions like these:

Q. Is the company licensed?

A. Nearly all states require lawn care companies to be
licensed. The qualifications for obtaining a license vary
from state to state, but having a license is one
indication that the company is reputable and operating
legally.

Q. Does the company have a good track record?

A. Ask neighbors and friends who have dealt with the company
if they were satisfied with the service they received.
Call the Better Business Bureau or the state or local
consumer protection office listed in your phone book; have
they received any complaints about the company? Determine
from the state pesticide regulatory agency if the company
has a history of violations.

Q. Is the company affiliated with a professional lawn care
association?

A. Affiliation with a professional association helps members
to stay informed of new developments in the lawn care
field.



Q. Does the company offer a variety of pest management
approaches? Does it apply pesticides on a set schedule or
only when they are really needed? Does it use integrated
pest management, or "IPM"--an approach that often reduces
pesticide use by combining it with other, non-chemical
methods of pest control?

A. More and more lawn companies are offering integrated pest
management (IPM) in response to public concern about
pesticides. Be aware that IPM is a general term and that
companies may use it to describe a wide range of
activities. Find out exactly what a company means if it
says it uses IPM.



Q. Is the company willing to help you understand your lawn's
problems and the solutions?

A. Lawn services generally apply fertilizers and pesticides.
But you may be the one who mows and waters--and poor
watering and mowing practices can lead to disappointing
results. The company should tell you how it plans to take
care of your lawn, and advise you about the work you need
to do to keep your lawn in good shape.

Q. Will the company tell you what pesticides it applies to
your lawn and why, and what health and environmental risks
may be presented by their use?

A. You have a right to this information. If asked, the
company should readily supply it. All pesticides sold
legally in the United States are registered by EPA, but
such registration is not a guarantee of safety. Ask to see
a copy of pesticide labels to make sure they bear an EPA
registration number, and to review the directions that
should be followed. If the company can't answer your
questions about the chemicals it uses, call NPTN
(1-800-858-7378) for more information.