Landscaping & Lawn Care in your area
Keeping your yard healthy and attractive takes time, tools, and know-how. Whether you just need basic mowing or a full landscape makeover, finding the right local landscaping and lawn care pro in your area can save you hours of work and help your property look its best year-round.
Home Services Scout can help you compare trusted local pros so you can choose the right fit for your yard, budget, and goals.
Routine Lawn Care vs. Full-Service Landscaping
Not every yard needs a full landscape overhaul. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right type of provider.
Routine Lawn Care
This focuses on keeping your existing lawn neat and healthy:
- Weekly or bi-weekly mowing
- Trimming along sidewalks, driveways, and fences
- Blowing grass clippings and debris off hard surfaces
- Basic weed control and fertilizing
This is a good fit if you like your current layout but don’t have time (or desire) to keep up with the work.
Full-Service Landscaping
This is more about design, construction, and long-term planning:
- New plant beds, trees, and shrubs
- Walkways, edging, and small hardscapes
- Grading and drainage improvements
- Sod installation or lawn renovation
- Outdoor lighting and garden features
Choose a full-service landscaper if you want to change how your yard looks or functions, not just maintain it.
Signs Your Yard Needs Professional Help
Some lawn and landscape problems are more than a quick DIY fix. Call a pro in your area if you notice:
- Large bare or thin patches in the grass
- Persistent weeds that keep coming back
- Standing water or soggy spots after rain
- Yellowing or dying shrubs, trees, or plants
- Uneven, bumpy, or compacted soil
- Overgrown hedges or trees close to your home or power lines
- Drainage issues near your foundation or patio
Catching these issues early can prevent bigger, more expensive problems later.
What to Expect When You Hire a Local Landscaper
Most landscaping and lawn care companies follow a similar process, especially for new customers.
Initial Contact and Estimate
You can usually request an estimate online or by phone. Be ready to share:
- Your property size (or general lot size)
- The services you’re interested in
- Any problem areas you’ve noticed
- Your preferred schedule and budget range
Many pros will visit your home to walk the yard, take measurements, and discuss options before giving a written estimate.
Service Plan and Schedule
For ongoing lawn care, you’ll typically choose:
- Weekly, bi-weekly, or as-needed mowing
- Seasonal services (aeration, overseeding, fertilizing)
- Optional add-ons like shrub trimming or mulch refresh
For landscaping projects, you’ll review a design or written plan, timeline, and payment schedule before work starts.
Day-of-Service Details
On service days, expect:
- A crew arriving within a set time window
- Noise from mowers, trimmers, and blowers
- Grass clippings either mulched into the lawn or bagged (depending on your preference and the company’s policy)
Most companies don’t need you to be home, but make sure gates are unlocked and pets are secured.
DIY vs. Hiring a Lawn Care Pro
You can handle some yard tasks yourself, but others are better left to professionals.
Good DIY Tasks
- Light weeding and spot-seeding
- Basic watering and adjusting sprinklers
- Small planting projects (flowers, small shrubs)
- Raking leaves and light debris
These are manageable for most homeowners with basic tools and a little time on weekends.
When to Call a Pro
- You have a large yard or steep slopes
- You’re dealing with heavy thatch, compacted soil, or major bare spots
- You see signs of lawn disease or pests
- You want to redesign beds, add hardscaping, or improve drainage
- You don’t have time or physical ability for regular yard work
Pros have commercial-grade equipment, bulk material access, and the experience to diagnose and fix problems quickly.
How to Choose the Right Landscaping Company in Your Area
Not all landscapers offer the same services or quality. Before you hire, compare a few local options.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- How long have you been serving this area?
- Are you licensed and insured for landscaping and lawn care?
- Do you offer both routine maintenance and project work?
- Who will be on my property (employees vs. subcontractors)?
- Can I see photos or references from recent jobs?
- How do you handle schedule changes or weather delays?
- Do you offer written estimates and service agreements?
Clear answers to these questions can help you avoid surprises later.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if a company:
- Only offers verbal estimates with no written breakdown
- Can’t provide proof of insurance
- Pressures you to sign on the spot
- Has poor or no online reviews
- Shows up without proper equipment or safety gear
A reliable pro will be transparent, professional, and willing to explain their recommendations.
Getting Your Yard Ready for Professional Service
A little preparation can make your first visit smoother and more efficient.
- Pick up toys, hoses, and lawn furniture from the yard
- Clean up pet waste in areas that will be mowed or worked on
- Unlock gates and make sure access is clear
- Mark any hidden obstacles (sprinkler heads, shallow cables, etc.)
- Share any special concerns (allergies, preferred products, quiet hours)
This helps your landscaper work safely and quickly, and it reduces the risk of damage to your property.
Seasonal Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners
Even with a pro, there are simple steps you can take between visits to keep your yard in top shape.
Spring
- Rake leftover leaves and debris so grass can breathe
- Check irrigation for leaks or misaligned heads
- Consider aeration and overseeding if your lawn looks thin
Summer
- Water deeply but infrequently (early morning is best)
- Raise mower blades slightly to avoid scalping the grass
- Watch for brown patches or pests and report them to your lawn care provider
Fall
- Keep leaves from piling up on the lawn
- Schedule fall fertilization and overseeding if recommended
- Cut back perennials and clean beds before winter
Small, consistent efforts make your landscaper’s work more effective and extend the life of your lawn and plants.
How Home Services Scout Helps You Find Local Pros
Instead of calling around blindly, you can use Home Services Scout to quickly compare landscaping and lawn care providers in your area.
You’ll be able to:
- Browse local companies that serve your neighborhood
- See the services they offer and typical project types
- Check ratings, reviews, and photos of past work
- Request quotes from multiple pros with one simple form
This makes it easier to find a landscaper who fits your budget, schedule, and style.
FAQ: Landscaping & Lawn Care Near You
How often should I have my lawn mowed?
Most lawns do well with weekly mowing during the growing season. In slower growth periods or cooler weather, bi-weekly service may be enough, but your local pro can adjust based on your grass type and climate.
Is professional lawn care worth the cost?
For many homeowners, yes. A pro can improve the health and appearance of your yard, catch issues early, and save you the cost of buying and maintaining equipment—not to mention the time and physical effort.
Do I need to be home when the landscaper comes?
Usually not. As long as gates are unlocked, pets are secured, and the crew has clear instructions, they can complete most services without you being there. Just make sure you’ve discussed any special requests in advance.
Can a landscaper help with drainage problems?
Many full-service landscapers can address basic drainage issues by regrading, adding drains, or adjusting landscaping. For serious water problems near your foundation, they may work alongside or refer you to a drainage or waterproofing specialist.
How far in advance should I book landscaping services?
For routine mowing, you can often start service within a week or two. For larger landscape projects, especially in peak seasons (spring and early summer), it’s smart to contact pros several weeks in advance to secure a spot on their schedule.