Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawn Care Service (2025)

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawn Care Service

Hiring a lawn care service should give you peace of mind, not headaches. The difference between a great provider and a nightmare comes down to asking the right questions upfront.

Before you commit, you need to know whether they're insured, how they handle pricing, who will actually show up at your door, and what happens when things go wrong. This guide covers the 10 questions that separate reliable lawn care professionals from the ones you'll regret hiring.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is the first question to ask any lawn care company. Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on your property.

What to ask for:

• General liability insurance (look for at least $2 million in coverage)

• Workers' compensation coverage for their employees

• A copy of their insurance certificate

Many smaller operations claim to have insurance but don't actually carry it. Ask to see proof. If a worker gets injured on your lawn and the company lacks workers' comp, you could be held liable.

Licensing requirements vary by state. Basic mowing typically doesn't require a special license. But if the company applies pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, they need a pesticide applicator license. According to the EPA's pesticide regulations, any commercial applicator must be licensed to apply these products legally.

A trustworthy provider won't hesitate to show you their credentials.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in lawn care. A company that's been operating for 10 or 20 years has likely satisfied enough customers to stay afloat. That track record tells you something.

Newer companies can still do good work, but you'll want to dig deeper into their training and qualifications.

Questions to ask:

• How many years have you been in business?

• Do you hold any certifications in turf management or landscaping?

• Are you a member of any professional industry organizations?

Membership in groups like the National Association of Landscape Professionals shows a commitment to industry standards. Companies that invest in ongoing training tend to stay current on pest issues, equipment, and best practices.

3. What Services Are Included?

Lawn care can mean different things to different companies. Some only mow and trim. Others offer comprehensive maintenance packages that include fertilization, weed control, aeration, and seasonal cleanups.

Get a detailed list of what's included before you sign anything.

Standard mowing service typically includes:

• Grass cutting to optimal height

• Weed-eating and trimming around edges

• Edging along sidewalks and driveways

• Cleanup of grass clippings from hard surfaces

Services that may cost extra:

• Fertilization and weed control

• Aeration and overseeding

• Leaf removal and fall cleanup

• Shrub and hedge trimming

• Mulch application

If you need multiple services, hiring one company that handles everything is usually easier than juggling several providers. Coordinating between a mowing company, a hedge trimmer, and a fertilizer service gets complicated fast.

Also ask whether they use subcontractors for any services. You want to know if you'll see the same team each visit or if outside parties might show up.

4. Will You Provide a Written Estimate?

Always get pricing in writing. Verbal quotes lead to misunderstandings and surprise charges.

A professional lawn care service will provide a detailed breakdown that includes:

• Cost per visit or monthly rate

• Frequency of service (weekly, bi-weekly)

• Duration of the agreement

• Any additional fees for extra services

Request a line-item quote that separates labor and materials for larger jobs. This lets you compare bids accurately between companies.

Ask about potential extra charges:

• Travel fees for properties outside their normal service area

• Overgrown grass surcharges (usually double the normal rate for grass over 10 inches)

• Disposal fees for clippings or debris

Transparent pricing protects you from unexpected costs. If a company seems reluctant to put details in writing, that's a red flag.

What Does Lawn Care Cost?

Pricing varies based on property size, location, and frequency. Here's what typical residential lawn care costs:

These ranges reflect standard residential lawns. Larger properties, difficult terrain, or premium services will cost more.

5. Do You Require a Contract?

Some lawn care companies operate on a contract basis. Others offer pay-as-you-go flexibility. Neither approach is inherently better, but you need to understand the terms before committing.

Key contract details to review:

• Length of the agreement (seasonal vs. year-round)

• Cancellation policy and notice requirements

• What happens if you're not satisfied

• Refund policy for prepaid services

Be cautious with contracts that lock you in without flexibility.

You don't want a company mowing dormant grass during a drought just because the contract says weekly service. A good provider uses judgment and adjusts to conditions.

The best arrangements allow cancellation with reasonable notice. If a company demands a rigid long-term commitment with no flexibility, consider it a warning sign.

6. Who Will Work on My Property?

Your lawn care crew will spend time on your property regularly. It's fair to ask who they are and how they were hired.

Questions to ask:

• Will your employees do the work, or do you use subcontractors?

• How do you train your crew?

• Do you conduct background checks on employees?

Reputable companies invest in training and hire carefully. Some companies will hire anyone they can find off Craigslist. That's not the kind of crew you want around your home.

Ask if you'll have the same team each visit. Consistency matters. A crew that knows your property will do better work than a rotating cast of strangers.

Through years of connecting homeowners with lawn care professionals, we've learned that vetting matters. At GreenPal, every provider goes through equipment inspections, reference checks, and in-person meetings before they can accept jobs on our platform.

7. What Equipment Do You Use?

The condition of a company's equipment directly affects your lawn's health.

Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This leaves frayed, brown tips that are more susceptible to disease. According to lawn care research, mower blades should be sharpened every 8–10 hours of use.

Ask these questions:

• How often do you sharpen mower blades?

• Do you maintain a service schedule for your equipment?

• Do you have backup equipment if something breaks down?

A company that never sharpens blades will leave your lawn looking stressed and brown. Proper equipment maintenance shows professionalism.

Also consider whether their equipment matches your property. A heavy ride-on mower on a small, delicate lawn can cause ruts and damage. The right company uses appropriate tools for the job.

8. How Do You Handle Scheduling and Weather?

Lawn care is weather-dependent. Rain, extreme heat, and drought all affect the schedule.

Ask about their policies:

• What day of the week will you typically come?

• What happens if it rains on my scheduled day?

• Will you skip mowing during drought conditions?

A reliable company has a clear plan for weather delays. Maybe they mow the next dry day. Maybe they reschedule to the following week. Either way, you should know what to expect.

Good providers also adjust for seasonal conditions. Mowing dormant grass during a heatwave damages the turf. You want a company that prioritizes your lawn's health over rigidly following a schedule.

Communication matters here. Will they notify you if service is delayed? Do they send confirmation after each visit? The best providers keep you informed without requiring you to chase them down.

9. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Check the company's reputation before hiring.

Ask for references from current customers, especially those with similar properties or service needs. A quality company will gladly connect you with satisfied clients.

Also research online:

• Google reviews

• Yelp ratings

• Facebook recommendations

• Better Business Bureau complaints

Look for patterns in the feedback. If multiple reviewers mention no-shows, poor communication, or sloppy work, take that seriously. Consistent positive comments about reliability and quality are encouraging signs.

Don't skip this step. A company that can't produce references or has no online presence is a gamble.

10. How Do You Handle Problems?

Things occasionally go wrong. What matters is how the company responds.

Ask about their policies:

• Who should I contact if there's an issue?

• Will you fix problems at no extra charge?

• Do you offer any satisfaction guarantee?

A confident company stands behind their work. They'll address complaints promptly, whether that means re-mowing missed spots or fixing accidental damage.

Also ask how they protect your property during service. Professional crews close gates behind them, avoid flower beds, move furniture when mowing, and clean up after each visit. They take responsibility if they break a sprinkler head or knock over a planter.

Pay attention to their responsiveness during the hiring process. If they're slow to return calls or answer questions now, expect the same treatment as a customer.

Quick Reference: Questions to Ask Any Lawn Care Service

Find a Lawn Care Provider You Can Trust

Hiring a lawn care service doesn't have to be a gamble. Ask these questions upfront, verify the answers, and trust your instincts. A reputable company will welcome your questions and provide clear, honest answers.

If you're tired of calling around and vetting providers yourself, GreenPal simplifies the process. Enter your address, receive quotes from pre-vetted local professionals, compare ratings and reviews, and book service in minutes. Every provider on the platform has passed equipment inspections, reference checks, and background verification. And with photo proof of completed work, you'll know the job was done right before payment is processed.

Get free quotes from vetted lawn care pros in your area →