Q. We want to have a beautiful lawn this summer. There are many lawn care service companies; does BBB have tips on selecting a business we can trust to deliver as advertised?
A. Great question, and oftentimes, choosing a lawn service provider is difficult in that the services offered vary in the scope of work. But with the warmer spring weather, now is the time to address the jobs that go with it: grass growing, weeds and crabgrass popping up, flower beds to mulch and fertilizing to be done. Sometimes these are do-it-yourself projects for us, and other times, to avoid the hassle, we hire someone to do part or all of them.
As you consider and evaluate engaging a lawn care service, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. What do you want? Decide what you want from the lawn service and make a checklist of your must-haves. Don't be pressured into purchasing more than that. Are you looking for mowing, fertilizing, weeding or aerating your lawn? Do you want landscaping? Are you looking for someone to just mow your lawn, trim bushes and weed? Request a lawn inspection.
2. Ask around. Discuss with your friends, family and neighbors who they use and if they are satisfied with the service. Word of mouth is a great way to check out a company.
3. Request a quote. Make sure you have an estimate from the lawn service of everything you requested. For best results, get three quotes and compare. Make sure you understand the pricing. Is edging included in mowing? Do they mulch? What happens if it rains? Ask questions so you fully understand the service you will receive. The BBB website; www.chattanooga.bbb.org provides the option of requesting quotes from multiple BBB-accredited members.
4. Contracts. Before you sign a contract, find out if your contract automatically renews, and make sure you receive information about the cancellation policy. Know who will be doing the work. Ask if it will be employees of the company or subcontractors. Make sure the contract states what the company will be doing for the price that was quoted. Be sure to get a copy of the signed contract.
5. Warranties and guarantees. Find out what your options are if you are unhappy with the service or your lawn doesn't look as you anticipated. Know what recourse you have if dissatisfied.
6. Licensing. Make sure the company's license is current. Always ask for the licensing information and verify that the company is insured. You want to make sure that they are covered if something were to happen or go wrong while they are working on your property.
7. Inspections. Does the company do regular inspections of your lawn? Ask about soil tests. You must make sure they are treating your lawn properly and adjusting the treatment of your lawn if necessary. You also want to be sure you are not paying for treatments you do not need.
8. References. Ask the company for a list of references, and check them when provided. Drive by the properties and look at the lawn to see if the work meets your standards.
9. Other work. Ask the company for a list of large or small projects which were just completed. This is different than the list of references. Drive by these projects so you can see for yourself how they look and if you would be happy with the outcome.
10. Check with the Better Business Bureau for the company's business review. By taking the time to research the company, you will be sure your lawn will receive the best care possible.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau of Chattanooga.