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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 Washington. 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 safe space to enjoy outdoor activities. It’s the first thing guests and potential buyers see, and it suggests what the rest of the property looks like. Take advantage of one of the best lawn care companies in Washington to implement and maintain a year-round care plan.
Lawn care demands ongoing care throughout the year, and certain maintenance must recur regularly to ensure your grass and shrubs stay healthy. This can be especially tricky in Washington, where varying temperatures pose a risk to your lawn’s health.
Look for lawn care companies in Washington 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.
403 Prince Georges Blvd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
(301) 390-1800
www.trugreen.com/local-lawn-care/mary...5330 Port Royal Rd Suite A, Springfield, VA 22151
(571) 282-2500
www.savatree.com/tree-care-lawn-servi...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 maintain its growth and color. Some services will recur throughout the year, while others will only be needed annually. Here are the most typical services your lawn may need in each season:
To hire the ideal lawn care provider in Washington, read customer feedback online and seek referrals from people in your area. When vetting a company, weigh its skills, offerings, rates and credentials by considering the following.
What licenses a lawn care company needs depends on each state. Lawn and garden providers in DC aren't obligated to carry a special certification to perform upkeep. The state doesn't impose licensing rules for routine yardwork, though businesses must still register with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
For lawn care services requiring pesticides, lawn care professionals must have a Pesticide Operator or Applicator License through the DC Department of Energy & Environment. Companies that use pesticides and herbicides are also usually required to be licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ask about a provider's credentials, and confirm their adherence to local rules and ordinances.
Lawn care companies often have distinct areas of expertise. When examining local providers, inquire about the range of services offered. Certain companies primarily offer routine upkeep like mowing, while others specialize in services like landscape design. The materials used can also vary — some utilize chemical products, while others promote green options.
Lawn care companies offer a variety of different packages. Getting recurring maintenance, or signing a contract with one company for a full season or year, is often less expensive than purchasing one-off services. Think about your lawn's specific needs and which companies have suitable packages. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials some providers advertise.
If using particular chemicals gives you pause, many lawn care professionals can use green techniques instead. When comparing companies, ask if they offer natural substitutes and if their products are green-certified.
When vetting local lawn care options, ask prospective providers the following questions.
Each lawn differs in its size and condition. An expert can help you pick appropriate services for your lawn and craft an individualized maintenance plan.
Lawn care services differ in how often they need to be done. Routine maintenance appointments for services such as mowing will typically take place once a month, while fertilizing can occur annually to quarterly. Winterizing your lawn usually takes place once a year. The frequency of these services is based on your local climate and guidance from your lawn care professional.
The time it requires to service your lawn will be determined by the treatments you request, 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.
The time it takes to see results varies based on which lawn care services you get. Instant improvements happen after services like manual weed removal and snow removal. Services like fertilizing, aerating and seeding slowly improve your lawn's health over several days or weeks.
You don't need to be home when lawn services are completed. But, some companies want you to be there during the first visit to talk about the service plan. For later visits, you may be sent a text or email from the professional with photos showing completed lawn tasks.
Most lawn care is harmless for both children and animals, but if chemicals are applied, kids and pets should remain away from the lawn during treatment and a few hours afterward. The exact amount of time they need to stay off the lawn depends on the substances used and your lawn pro's guidance.
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.
We reviewed seven national lawn care service companies based on their services ranges, availability and costs. Read why TruGreen is our top full-service pick.
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