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Michelle NatiHome improvement writer
Michelle Nati is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She has written about home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 lawn care companies that operate within 50 miles of Reading. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
A well-kept lawn boosts your home’s curb appeal and gives your family a comfortable space to enjoy outdoor activities. It’s the first thing guests and potential buyers see, and it signals what the rest of the property looks like. Take advantage of one of the best lawn care companies in Reading to implement and maintain a year-round lawn care plan.
Maintaining a lawn is challenging. Some services must be performed repeatedly throughout the year, as consistency is key to your lawn’s health. This can be especially tricky in Reading, where hot summers and cold winters pose a risk to your grass.
Look for lawn care companies in Reading with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
Below are additional lawn care companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Your lawn may require different services each season to keep it healthy and vibrant. Some services will recur throughout the year, while others will only be needed annually. Here are the most common services your lawn may need in each season:
To hire the ideal lawn care provider in Reading, review customer feedback online and seek referrals from people in your area. When vetting a company, weigh its offerings, credentials, skills and rates by considering the following.
What licenses a lawn care company needs depends on each state. Landscaping and lawn care professionals in Pennsylvania are not required to obtain a special permit to deliver services. The state does not mandate licensing for basic maintenance and upkeep. However, some cities or counties may also have their own specific licensing or registration requirements.
Only the use of pesticides is regulated by the state and requires a specific license. Lawn care providers must have a Commercial/Public Applicator License or Registered Technician Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry, Division of Health and Safety. Businesses that work with pesticides and herbicides also must be licensed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ask about a company’s licensing and make sure they follow state and local regulations.
Lawn care providers often have particular niches. When comparing companies in your area, inquire about their service offerings. Certain professionals focus on regular maintenance like mowing, while others specialize in services like aerating and fertilizing. The materials they use can vary too — some use chemical products, while some offer environmentally friendly options.
Businesses differ in the types of service packages that they provide. Signing a contract for recurring services may be less expensive than purchasing as you go, so consider how much work you need done and which companies offer appropriate packages. Keep an eye out for companies that offer specials on services at the beginning of each season.
If you’re uncomfortable with certain chemicals being used on your lawn, many lawn care businesses use organic methods instead. When researching companies, find out about natural alternatives in lawn care and if the products they use are green-certified.
When vetting local lawn care options, ask prospective professionals the following questions.
Every yard is different in its size and health. A professional can help you select the services you need and design a lawn care schedule that suits your needs.
The frequency of general lawn care services like mowing is once per month in warm seasons. However, winterizing a lawn and fertilizing are seasonal services that are performed annually to quarterly. The local climate and advice from your lawn professional should guide how often fertilizers or treatments are applied.
The time it requires to service your lawn will depend on the treatments you ask for, the condition of your lawn and the size of the area. For example, a mosquito treatment on a small yard may only take a few minutes, while hand-pulling weeds on a large property can take hours.
How fast lawn services show effects depends on what treatments are being used. Snow removal and manual weed pulling provide immediate results. But, enhancements from fertilizer, seeding and aeration take a few days to several weeks to take shape.
You do not have to be home to receive lawn care services, but some companies will require your presence during their first visit to discuss the service plan. In subsequent visits, the service professional may send you a text or email with photos to confirm that their lawn care tasks are finished.
Most lawn maintenance is generally safe. However, if chemicals are used, children and pets must stay away from the lawn during treatment and for at least a few hours afterward. The exact number of hours they should keep away depends on the treatments applied and what your lawn care professional recommends.
Experts Ready to Help
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national lawn care companies against our full lawn care methodology. We score lawn care companies based on service options, reputation and reviews, customer service and communication, and price.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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