For homeowners dreaming of a vibrant, green lawn, the aspiration is often clear, but the path to achieving it can be murky. A crucial step is establishing a consistent lawn maintenance and fertilizer schedule, applying the correct products at the optimal times throughout the year. The Best Lawn Care Programs simplify this process, offering user-friendly, pre-planned treatments delivered directly to your doorstep. These programs eliminate the guesswork, providing clear guidance on what to apply and when, often including options to enhance soil health, repair lawn damage, and manage pests. This guide explores the leading DIY lawn care subscription services, helping you identify the best lawn care programs tailored to your specific lawn needs.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Program | Cost | Shipment Frequency | Ingredient Type | Herbicide Type | Product Type | Pests Treated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Lawn Care | Starting at $109 per year | Seasonally | Natural, plant-derived | Post-emergent | Liquid | Ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders |
| DoMyOwn Turf Box | Varies by location | Monthly | Synthetic | Pre-emergent | Granular | Ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders, wasps, hornets |
| Lawnbright | Starting at $140 per year | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Natural, plant-derived | Pre-emergent | Liquid | Mosquitoes, ticks |
| Lawn Serv | Starting at $39 per month | Monthly | Natural, plant-derived; synthetic | Pre-emergent & Post-emergent | Liquid & Granular | Mosquitoes, ticks |
Our Top Picks
The DIY lawn care programs and subscription services highlighted below are distinguished by their comprehensive product offerings and nationwide shipping availability. Additional factors considered in our evaluation include packaging, commitment to sustainability, environmental impact, program costs, and the variety of supplementary products available.
Best Overall
Sunday Lawn Care
Pros
- Personalized lawn care plan based on detailed survey.
- Transparent sustainability and ethical business practices.
- Location-specific recommendations for plants and trees.
- Sustainable, A-LIST-approved grass seed options.
- Dedicated to environmental responsibility as a 1% for the Planet member.
Cons
- Product instructions could be more detailed.
Why It Made the Cut: Sunday Lawn Care leads the DIY lawn care industry due to its nationwide accessibility across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., comprehensive and user-friendly lawn care program, A-LIST certified grass seed, tailored plant suggestions, and strong commitment to sustainable practices, making it a top choice for the best lawn care programs.
Sunday Lawn Care provides a customized DIY approach to lawn maintenance, beginning with a detailed online survey assessing factors like your climate, geographic location, and the specifics of your lawn’s size and condition. Your initial shipment includes a soil test kit, crucial for Sunday to accurately determine your soil’s pH levels and formulate a truly personalized treatment plan. Recognizing the importance of healthy turf from the ground up, Sunday also offers high-quality grass seed, available for inclusion in your plan to facilitate overseeding and improve lawn density. Beyond lawn treatments, customers have the option to purchase region-appropriate plants—including perennials, trees, and shrubs—selected based on their USDA plant hardiness zone. Sunday ensures customer success by clearly labeling plants unsuitable for the local climate and ships plants at the ideal planting time for your specific region.
Sunday delivers subscription boxes seasonally, with the shipment frequency adjusted to match the local growing season’s length. Customers can expect between two to five shipments annually, from the season’s start to its conclusion. Starting a Sunday program mid-season is also possible, with product quantity and shipment frequency varying based on the chosen plan. Sunday’s offerings extend beyond basic fertilization, encompassing pest control, post-emergent weed treatments, solutions for pet damage repair, and treatments for lawns suffering from heat stress. This comprehensive approach ensures homeowners have access to everything needed for a thriving lawn. While Sunday’s product coverage is ample for most homeowners, accommodating lawns up to 13,500 square feet, larger properties might require alternative solutions. Some users have noted that the included product literature is somewhat minimal, which could pose a challenge for those seeking very detailed application instructions and potentially impact treatment effectiveness if misapplied.
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, Sunday Lawn Care stands out by prioritizing sustainability without compromising lawn aesthetics. Their products are formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients, and packaging incorporates 30 percent post-consumer recycled materials, accompanied by clear recycling guidelines. Sunday further demonstrates its commitment through an annual sustainability report detailing its eco-friendly initiatives. By using only grass seed from A-LIST, a non-profit promoting sustainable turfgrass varieties, and being a member of 1% for the Planet, Sunday underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship, appealing to eco-conscious consumers seeking the best lawn care programs.
Specs
- Cost: Starting at $109 per year
- Shipment frequency: Seasonally
- Ingredient type: Natural, plant-derived
- Herbicide type: Post-emergent
- Product type: Liquid
- Pests treated: Ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders
Sunday Lawn Care proudly received BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation in 2024. The Home Improvement Heroes award recognizes exceptional companies offering outstanding services and solutions for homeowners. Our editorial team rigorously evaluates companies based on criteria including availability, expertise, service range, pricing, customer feedback, guarantees, refund policies, and customer support. We conduct independent reviews and have personally engaged some companies for our projects to ensure thorough assessment. The comprehensive list of honorees can be viewed here.
Best for Weeds and Disease
DoMyOwn Turf Box
Pros
- Specialized solutions for weed and lawn disease management.
- Extensive selection of additional lawn and garden products available for purchase.
- High coverage capacity, treating lawns up to 20,000 square feet.
- Subscribers receive a 10 percent discount on all other DoMyOwn products.
Cons
- Standard plan does not include fertilizer.
Why It Made the Cut: DoMyOwn Turf Box excels in providing affordable DIY solutions for prevalent lawn issues like fungus, weeds, and pests, with treatment coverage extending to 20,000 square feet, positioning it as a top choice among best lawn care programs for targeted treatments. Subscribers also benefit from a 10 percent discount on a vast array of supplementary lawn care products.
DoMyOwn Turf Box simplifies the process of diagnosing and resolving common lawn problems, particularly concerning weeds, diseases, and pests. Customers begin with a straightforward diagnostic test, specifying their location and grass type (understanding your grass type is essential for effective lawn care). Based on this information, DoMyOwn Turf Box develops a customized program, delivering products precisely when they should be applied, removing all guesswork from lawn care scheduling. Customers can select from plans focusing on DIY weed control, disease management, or a combination of both, ensuring they receive only the treatments their lawn genuinely requires. Homeowners with larger properties will appreciate DoMyOwn Turf Box’s capability to cover up to 20,000 square feet, a significant advantage in the DIY lawn care program market.
While DoMyOwn’s website offers a comprehensive range of fertilizers, pre-emergent herbicides, fungicides, and pest control solutions for issues like grubs, ants, ticks, and mosquitoes, these are not included in the standard subscription box. However, they can be purchased separately as needed, and subscription box customers enjoy a 10 percent discount on these additional lawn care products, making DoMyOwn a cost-effective option for comprehensive lawn management and one of the best lawn care programs for value.
Specs
- Cost: Varies by location
- Shipment frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient type: Synthetic
- Herbicide type: Pre-emergent
- Product type: Granular
- Pests treated: Ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders, wasps, hornets
Best Customer Support
Lawnbright
Pros
- Access to in-depth consultations with professional lawn care experts.
- Real-time lawn care guidance and instructions via text messaging.
- A portion of each sale is donated to an environmentally focused non-profit organization.
Cons
- Standard plans are not available for lawns exceeding 10,000 square feet.
Why It Made the Cut: Lawnbright stands out as an environmentally conscious service, delivering plant-based, user-friendly lawn care products devoid of harsh chemicals. Its exceptional customer support, featuring professional consultations and text message guidance, distinguishes it as a leader among the best lawn care programs for customer assistance.
Lawnbright provides DIY lawn treatments meticulously tailored to each customer’s specific lawn care requirements, considering location, lawn dimensions, and soil analysis. Their product range includes weed control, pet spot treatments, mosquito and tick management, fertilizers, soil enhancers, and more. Lawnbright’s “Ingredient Promise” guarantees that all products are formulated with natural components such as cedar oil, kelp, and corn gluten meal. This commitment ensures products are entirely free from harsh chemicals that can harm people and the environment. Customers can select from three plan tiers based on lawn size. It is important to note that standard plans are designed for lawns up to 10,000 square feet; larger properties will necessitate a custom quote, potentially involving higher costs. Treatments are scheduled for delivery every 6 to 8 weeks, with automatic pauses during regional dormant months, aligning with the seasonal needs of your lawn.
A significant advantage of Lawnbright is its exceptional customer support. Customers seeking personalized advice or assistance can utilize the company’s consultation service to connect with a Turf Team expert for tailored support. Lawnbright also offers complimentary Turf Alerts, delivering text messages with valuable information on weather conditions and lawn care tips, including lawn fertilization schedules and watering frequency. This proactive support is particularly beneficial for those new to DIY lawn care, providing added confidence and guidance. While specific details about these support services are somewhat limited online, interested customers are encouraged to contact Lawnbright directly for more information before subscribing, ensuring it meets their needs for support and guidance in best lawn care programs.
Furthermore, Lawnbright demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility by donating a percentage of each sale to Non Toxic Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing toxic chemicals in communities’ air, water, and soil. Homeowners prioritizing sustainability will find alignment with Lawnbright’s values, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious lawn care.
Specs
- Cost: Starting at $140 per year
- Shipment frequency: Every 6 to 8 weeks
- Ingredient type: Natural, plant-derived
- Herbicide type: Pre-emergent
- Product type: Liquid
- Pests treated: Mosquitoes, ticks
Also Consider
Lawn Serv
Pros
- Customized lawn care boxes adjusted monthly based on local weather updates.
- Offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides for comprehensive weed control.
Cons
- Limited product availability in the online shop.
- Some plans include synthetic products, which may not suit all preferences.
Why It Made the Cut: Lawn Serv’s monthly DIY lawn care boxes are meticulously tailored using a science-driven approach, optimizing product selections based on real-time local weather and climate conditions. The inclusion of both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides further distinguishes Lawn Serv as a versatile option among the best lawn care programs.
Lawn Serv employs a scientific methodology to deliver personalized DIY lawn care packages. By analyzing up-to-date weather data from each customer’s specific location, Lawn Serv precisely determines the immediate needs of their lawn and customizes each monthly shipment accordingly. Lawn Serv offers three distinct plan options: Traditional (primarily synthetic products), Mostly Natural (synthetic weed control combined with natural products), and All Natural (exclusively natural products, without weed control). The Mostly Natural and All Natural plans are priced slightly higher than the Traditional plan, yet remain competitively priced within the DIY lawn care service sector. Lawn Serv packages are delivered monthly, providing flexibility for customers to pause, cancel, or modify their deliveries at any time. They also offer seasonal subscriptions, automatically suspending shipments during non-growing periods based on regional climate patterns, ensuring year-round lawn care relevance.
Beyond subscription boxes, Lawn Serv features a range of individual products and tools available for purchase on their website, although inventory may be somewhat limited. Notably, their offering of both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides provides homeowners with comprehensive weed management capabilities, addressing weeds at every stage of growth. This dual-action approach allows for consistent, year-round weed control, maintaining a pristine lawn.
Specs
- Cost: Starting at $39 per month
- Shipment frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient type: Natural, plant-derived; synthetic (depending on plan)
- Herbicide type: Pre-emergent and post-emergent
- Product type: Liquid and granular
- Pests treated: Mosquitoes, ticks
Our Verdict
For a comprehensive do-it-yourself lawn treatment experience that includes effective DIY weed control, environmentally conscious lawn care solutions, and extensive customizable options, Sunday Lawn Care emerges as the top recommendation for the best lawn care subscription service. DoMyOwn Turf Box earns the distinction of Best for Weeds and Disease, offering a wide range of highly effective DIY solutions specifically targeting common lawn problems such as pests, weeds, and diseases, making it a go-to for targeted lawn care interventions.
How We Chose the Best DIY Lawn Care Programs and Subscription Services
Selecting the best DIY lawn care programs and subscription services involved a comprehensive evaluation of numerous options, all offering some of the best lawn care products delivered directly to consumers. Our assessment considered a variety of key factors, including cost-effectiveness, the breadth of product and plan offerings, and shipment frequency. Environmental responsibility was a significant criterion, focusing on manufacturing processes, packaging sustainability, and product ingredients, with a preference for companies offering plant-based products for ethical and ecological reasons. We also evaluated the availability of pest and disease control solutions, and the presence of supplementary product offerings, such as plants and grass seed, to determine the most holistic and customer-centric best lawn care programs.
What to Consider When Choosing a DIY Lawn Care Program
Before committing to a DIY lawn care program or subscription service, several factors warrant careful consideration. Establishing a structured lawn care schedule is essential for achieving a healthy lawn, and each program offers unique solutions and add-ons. The composition of products—whether organic, plant-based, or animal-based—is also a crucial factor. Customers should evaluate shipment frequency and the environmental impact of product packaging. Cost is a significant consideration, balancing affordability with the desire for effective, high-quality products. Understanding these aspects of DIY lawn care programs upfront will empower customers to select the program best suited for their lawn’s specific needs and their personal preferences in best lawn care programs.
Subscription Plan Details and Cost
When comparing DIY lawn care subscriptions to develop the most effective lawn care schedule, understanding product shipment frequency is key. Many DIY lawn treatment plans are season-based, with product deliveries timed accordingly. Some lawn care subscription services opt for monthly shipments during the active growing season, ensuring timely application and consistent lawn care throughout the peak growth periods within best lawn care programs.
The cost spectrum for DIY lawn care products is broad, influenced by plan type, included products, and payment structure—whether paying upfront for a full year or season, or opting for monthly installments. Evaluating these cost structures against the program’s offerings is essential for budget-conscious homeowners seeking the best lawn care programs.
Ingredient and Product Details
Ingredient compositions in DIY lawn treatment products can vary significantly. It’s vital for potential customers to scrutinize product ingredients to ensure alignment with their lawn care goals and personal values, particularly when seeking the best lawn care programs with specific ingredient preferences.
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Plant-derived vs. animal-derived ingredients: Fertilizers utilize both animal-derived and plant-derived ingredients to supply essential soil and plant nutrients. Many common fertilizers blend both types.
- Animal-based fertilizers incorporate components like bone meal, blood meal, and fish meal, as well as animal waste such as cow or chicken manure. These often have a strong odor, and some, especially manure, can harm plant roots due to high nitrogen content. Animal waste ingredients are also high in salt, which can negatively impact beneficial soil microbes. These factors contribute to animal-derived ingredients being considered less environmentally friendly than plant-based alternatives. Additionally, ethical concerns regarding animal rights may lead some to prefer plant-derived options when considering best lawn care programs.
- Plant-based ingredients, including corn gluten, soybean meal, and molasses, typically have less odor. They decompose gradually, offering a more sustainable nutrient source for plants. This slow-release characteristic is often favored in environmentally conscious best lawn care programs.
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Liquid vs. granular products: Your lawn fertilizer schedule is contingent on product type and whether you’re fertilizing new grass versus maintaining established turf.
- Granular fertilizers are dry, pellet-like or sand-textured. Many are slow-release, gradually distributing nutrients over time, though quick-release granular options exist. Slow-release types often require only one application per season, simplifying lawn care schedules within best lawn care programs.
- Liquid fertilizers are concentrates diluted with water for application. They can be liquid or soluble powders. Most liquid fertilizers are quick-release, providing immediate plant nutrients, necessitating more frequent reapplication but offering rapid results in best lawn care programs.
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Pre-emergent vs. post-emergent herbicides: Herbicides control unwanted vegetation, like weeds. Conventional herbicides are pre-emergent or post-emergent. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed growth by targeting germinating seeds. Post-emergent herbicides eliminate existing, sprouted weeds but do not prevent new seed germination. The choice depends on lawn needs and environmental conditions, with efficacy influenced by sunlight and rainfall, factors to consider when selecting best lawn care programs for weed control.
Lawn Disease Treatment and Prevention
While preventing lawn diseases is prioritized through healthy lawn care practices and proper lawn nutrition, ensuring your DIY lawn care program offers disease treatment options is wise. Lawn fungus and diseases arise from various factors, including improper mowing, overwatering, and incorrect fertilizer use. Even with diligent care, diseases may occur. Signs include brown or yellow patches, mushroom growth, or snow mold. Prompt treatment is crucial to avoid the cost of a new lawn, making disease management capabilities a key feature in best lawn care programs.
Pest Control Product Availability
Similar to diseases, turf pests are a common challenge. Therefore, assessing a lawn care subscription service’s pest control offerings is essential. Common turf pests include grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, and cutworms. Control of nuisance insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and ants may also be desired. Many lawn care subscriptions include pest control alongside standard lawn care, making pest management availability an important consideration when choosing best lawn care programs.
Product and Packaging Sustainability
DIY lawn care subscriptions offer convenience, but many products use single-use plastic packaging. Environmentally conscious customers should consider packaging sustainability. Is plastic recycled or sustainably sourced? Is it recyclable? Fertilizer manufacturing can produce greenhouse gases. Evaluating a company’s environmental policies regarding manufacturing, packaging, and shipping is important for those seeking sustainable best lawn care programs.
Additional Products Available
While core lawn care products are primary, supplemental product availability is a bonus, offering purchasing convenience from a single source. These might include lawn care equipment, hand tools, mowers, garden tools, and plants like perennials, trees, and shrubs. The availability of these extras can enhance the value proposition of best lawn care programs.
Before You Use a DIY Lawn Care Program
While the best DIY lawn care programs aim to simplify lawn care and empower homeowners, DIY isn’t for everyone. Time commitment is a factor; despite program efficiencies, lawn care requires regular time investment, which may be challenging due to time constraints or mobility issues. For some, hiring professional best lawn care services is a better solution, especially as many services include gardening tasks like weeding and hedge trimming. Additionally, some services, like lawn aeration (averaging $140 annually), may be needed but aren’t typically included in DIY programs.
Achieving a prize-winning yard can seem unattainable due to pests, diseases, heat damage, or neglect. Diagnosing lawn problems can be difficult due to similar symptoms (brown spots, yellow spots, bare patches), hindering effective solutions. In severe cases, overseeding or total lawn replacement (sod or seed, considering cost of sod vs. seed) might be necessary, potentially requiring professional lawn care specialists.
Furthermore, some gardeners prefer homemade fertilizer. As fertilizer is central to these subscription services, DIY programs might not be ideal for those with this preference. Carefully consider these factors to determine if DIY or professional services, or perhaps homemade solutions, best align with your needs and lawn care philosophy when seeking best lawn care programs.
Cost of Using a DIY Lawn Care Program
The average cost for the best DIY lawn care programs ranges from $39 per month to $140 per year, potentially increasing to $200+ annually with add-ons like grass seed and herbicides. Lawn care is seasonal, so monthly subscriptions typically pause in winter. A year’s program usually covers spring, summer, and fall, including treatments for spring growth, active growing season maintenance, and fall preparation within best lawn care programs.
DIY programs are generally more affordable than professional lawn care services. The national average cost for a lawn care service visit is about $124 (range: $48-$206), varying by yard size and service scope. Monthly professional service during the growing season can average $124 per visit for 4-6 months. When comparing Sunday Lawn Care vs. TruGreen, note that professional services may include mowing and edging, while DIY programs require homeowners to handle all maintenance themselves. Evaluate cost against service scope to determine the most economical and convenient approach to lawn care from the best lawn care programs available.
The Advantages of Using a DIY Lawn Care Program
A lush, thriving lawn is a common homeowner aspiration and a source of pride, significantly enhancing curb appeal. Beyond aesthetics, using one of the best DIY lawn care programs offers several advantages:
- Eliminates Guesswork: No more confusion in store aisles about which products to buy.
- Reduces Mistakes: Timely product delivery minimizes incorrect application risks, preventing lawn damage.
- Ingredient Control: DIY subscriptions allow precise control over product ingredients, including organic and non-chloride options, offering transparency not always available with lawn care services within best lawn care programs.
- Cost Savings: DIY programs are typically much cheaper than professional lawn care services.
- Outdoor Activity & Exercise: DIY lawn care provides fresh air and physical activity for homeowners.
FAQs
Lawn care needs vary, but common questions arise regarding DIY lawn care and best lawn care programs. Here are some frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the best mowing pattern?
The spiral pattern is optimal: mow the border first, then spiral inwards. Long stripes are also effective and commonly used; mow lengthwise, U-turn, and mow back, creating stripes.
Q. What is the 1/3 mowing rule?
The 1/3 rule advises cutting only one-third of the grass blade length to maintain lawn health and avoid stunting growth from excessively short mowing.
Q. When should I test my soil?
The University of Maine recommends testing soil well before the growing season, ideally in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first frost. Lab results typically take about 3 weeks.
Q. Is it better to fertilize before or after mowing?
For best lawn fertilizers and schedules, fertilize after mowing and raking to ensure fertilizer reaches the soil more easily for optimal nutrient absorption.
Q. Should I water my lawn 2 or 3 times a week?
Watering two to three times weekly is generally sufficient, adjusting frequency based on rainfall and extreme temperatures to avoid overwatering.
Q. What is the best homemade fertilizer for lawns?
Compost tea is excellent homemade lawn fertilizer, made from solid compost and sometimes liquid concentrates like fish fertilizer or seaweed, offering a natural approach within best lawn care programs.
Bob Vila and Recurrent Ventures prioritize conservation and sustainability. While the discussed solutions are effective, not all are strictly organic or sustainable. BobVila.com encourages informed choices about home and property maintenance, whether DIY or professional, advocating for solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote long-term ecological health.
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