Maintaining a beautiful, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners. But achieving that perfect turf requires more than just wishful thinking. It demands a well-structured Home Lawn Care Program, incorporating the right treatments at the optimal times throughout the year. Fortunately, DIY lawn care programs have emerged as a game-changer, simplifying the process and delivering expert-backed plans right to your doorstep. These programs eliminate the guesswork, providing customized solutions to improve soil health, tackle damage, and manage pests effectively. Let’s delve into the world of home lawn care programs and discover the best options to transform your yard into a verdant oasis.
At-a-Glance Comparison of Top Home Lawn Care Programs
| Program Name | Starting Cost | Shipment Frequency | Ingredient Focus | Herbicide Type | Product Form | Common Pests Targeted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Lawn Care | $109/year | Seasonally | Natural, Plant-Derived | Post-Emergent | Liquid | Ants, Mosquitoes, Ticks, Grubs, Spiders |
| DoMyOwn Turf Box | Location-Based Pricing | Monthly | Synthetic | Pre-Emergent | Granular | Ants, Mosquitoes, Ticks, Grubs, Spiders, Wasps, Hornets |
| Lawnbright | $140/year | Every 6-8 Weeks | Natural, Plant-Derived | Pre-Emergent | Liquid | Mosquitoes, Ticks |
| Lawn Serv | $39/month | Monthly | Natural & Synthetic Options | Pre & Post-Emergent | Liquid & Granular | Mosquitoes, Ticks |
Top Picks for Your Home Lawn Care Needs
Our evaluation of various DIY lawn care programs focused on crucial aspects such as product range, nationwide availability, sustainable practices, environmental consciousness, program costs, and the diversity of supplementary offerings. Based on this comprehensive assessment, we’ve identified the leading home lawn care programs that stand out in the market.
Best Overall Home Lawn Care Program: Sunday Lawn Care
Pros:
- Personalized lawn care plan development
- Emphasis on sustainability and transparent business operations
- Location-specific plant and tree suggestions
- Sustainable, A-LIST approved grass seed options
- Commitment to environmental responsibility as a 1% for the Planet member
Cons:
- Limited detail in product usage instructions
Why Sunday Lawn Care is the Best Overall: Sunday Lawn Care distinguishes itself as a frontrunner in the home lawn care program industry due to its nationwide accessibility across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., its holistic and user-friendly approach to lawn maintenance, utilization of A-LIST approved grass seed, provision of plant recommendations tailored to specific locations, and unwavering dedication to sustainability.
Sunday Lawn Care delivers a tailored DIY lawn care experience by customizing plans based on a detailed survey encompassing factors like climate, geographic location, and the size and condition of your lawn. The initial shipment includes a soil test kit, a vital tool that assists Sunday in analyzing your soil’s pH levels and formulating a personalized treatment strategy. For homeowners looking to enhance their lawn density, Sunday also offers grass seed as an optional plan add-on for overseeding. Beyond lawn care products, customers can also purchase plants independently – including perennials, trees, and shrubs – selected based on their USDA plant hardiness zone. Plants unsuitable for the customer’s climate are clearly identified, while suitable plants are dispatched at the ideal planting time for their region.
Sunday’s subscription boxes are shipped seasonally, with the exact shipment frequency varying based on the duration of the growing season in your area. Customers might receive anywhere from two to five shipments throughout the season. Starting a Sunday program mid-season is also a viable option. The product quantity and shipment frequency are also plan-dependent. Beyond basic fertilization, Sunday provides a comprehensive suite of solutions including pest control, post-emergent weed treatments, pet damage repair, and treatments for lawns stressed by heat – addressing virtually every need a homeowner might encounter to achieve a pristine lawn. While Sunday’s product coverage is ample for most average-sized lawns, the 13,500 square foot coverage limit might be insufficient for larger properties. Some users have also noted that the accompanying instructions are somewhat basic. This is a point to consider, as unclear instructions could lead to application errors and impact treatment effectiveness.
Lawn maintenance isn’t always synonymous with eco-friendliness, yet Sunday Lawn Care empowers customers to feel environmentally responsible without compromising on lawn aesthetics. Sunday’s formulations are natural and plant-derived, packaging incorporates 30% post-consumer recycled materials, and recycling guidelines are transparently communicated. Sunday further underscores its commitment to sustainability by publishing an annual report detailing its environmental initiatives and exclusively using grass seed certified by A-LIST, a non-profit promoting sustainable turfgrass varieties and cultivation methods within the turfgrass industry. Sunday is also a proud member of 1% for the Planet, a global movement uniting businesses and individuals in support of environmental solutions through membership and everyday actions.
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 holds BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation for 2024. The Home Improvement Heroes award recognizes outstanding companies offering exceptional services to homeowners. Our editorial team rigorously evaluates companies based on criteria such as availability, expertise, service range, pricing, customer feedback, guarantees, refund policies, and customer support. We conduct independent reviews and even engage companies for our projects to ensure thorough assessment. For the complete list of honorees, please visit full list of honorees.
Best Home Lawn Care Program for Weed and Disease Control: DoMyOwn Turf Box
Pros:
- Comprehensive solutions for weed and lawn disease management
- Extensive selection of additional lawn and garden products
- Relatively large maximum coverage area of 20,000 sq ft
- Attractive 10% discount on supplementary DoMyOwn products
Cons:
- Fertilizer not included in the standard custom plan
Why DoMyOwn Turf Box Excels in Weed and Disease Control: DoMyOwn Turf Box provides cost-effective DIY solutions for prevalent lawn issues like fungal infections, weed infestations, and pest problems, with treatment capacities extending up to 20,000 square feet of lawn. Subscription holders also benefit from a 10% discount on a broad array of additional lawn care products.
DoMyOwn Turf Box simplifies the process of diagnosing and resolving common lawn problems such as weeds, diseases, and pests. Customers complete a straightforward diagnostic assessment, specifying their location and grass type (it’s helpful to know your grass type). DoMyOwn Turf Box then designs a customized program, dispatching products precisely when they should be applied, thereby removing any uncertainty from the lawn care process. Customers can opt for plans focusing on DIY weed control, disease management, or a combined weed and disease control package, ensuring they only receive treatments their lawn genuinely requires. Homeowners with expansive yards will appreciate DoMyOwn Turf Box’s substantial maximum coverage limit of 20,000 square feet, which is quite generous for a DIY lawn care program.
While DoMyOwn’s website offers fertilizers, pre-emergent herbicides, fungicides, and pest control solutions for grubs, ants, ticks, and mosquitoes, these are not part of the subscription box but are available for individual purchase. Subscribers to a lawn care box receive a 10% discount on these additional lawn care products.
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 in a Home Lawn Care Program: Lawnbright
Pros:
- Access to in-depth consultations with lawn care professionals
- Real-time lawn care guidance via text messaging
- A portion of each sale is donated to an environmental non-profit
Cons:
- Standard plans are not available for lawns exceeding 10,000 sq ft
Why Lawnbright Leads in Customer Support: Lawnbright is an environmentally-focused service that provides plant-based, user-friendly lawn care products devoid of harsh chemicals. It truly distinguishes itself through exceptional customer support, including expert consultations and text message-based instructions and alerts.
Lawnbright delivers DIY lawn treatments tailored to each customer’s unique lawn care requirements, considering location, lawn size, and soil analysis. Their product range includes weed control, pet spot treatments, mosquito and tick management, fertilizers, soil enhancers, and more. The company’s “Ingredient Promise” guarantees that all products are formulated with natural components like cedar oil, kelp, and corn gluten meal. This commitment ensures products are free from harsh chemicals that can harm people and the environment. Customers can select from three plan tiers based on lawn size. It’s important to note that standard plans are capped at 10,000 square feet; larger properties require custom quotes which may entail higher costs. Treatments are scheduled for delivery every 6 to 8 weeks, with automatic pauses during a region’s dormant months.
A significant advantage of Lawnbright is its outstanding customer support. Customers with specific inquiries or needing extra assistance can utilize the company’s consultation service to connect with a Turf Team expert for personalized support. Lawnbright also offers complimentary Turf Alerts, delivering text messages with valuable information about weather conditions and lawn care advice, including lawn fertilizing schedules and watering frequency. This support is especially beneficial for those new to DIY lawn care scheduling, providing reassurance and guidance. While specific details about these support services are somewhat limited online, interested customers should contact Lawnbright directly for more information before subscribing.
Lawnbright also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by donating a percentage of each sale to Non Toxic Communities, a non-profit aiding communities in reducing toxic chemicals in their air, water, and soil. Environmentally conscious homeowners may find Lawnbright particularly appealing due to its demonstrated values.
Specs:
- Cost: Starting at $140 per year
- Shipment Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid
- Pests Treated: Mosquitoes, Ticks
Also Consider: Lawn Serv for Weather-Optimized Home Lawn Care
Pros:
- Customized lawn care boxes adjusted monthly based on local weather conditions
- Availability of both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides
Cons:
- Limited product availability in the online store
- Some plans include synthetic products
Why Lawn Serv is a Strong Contender: Lawn Serv delivers monthly DIY lawn care boxes meticulously tailored to customers’ local weather and climate patterns. It also offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide options.
Lawn Serv employs a science-driven methodology to provide personalized DIY lawn care packages. The company analyzes weather data from a customer’s location to pinpoint their lawn’s specific needs and curate each monthly shipment accordingly. Lawn Serv offers three plan options: Traditional (primarily synthetic products), Mostly Natural (synthetic weed control with predominantly natural products), and All Natural (exclusively natural products, no weed control). The Mostly Natural and All Natural Plans are slightly pricier than the Traditional plan, yet remain among the most affordable DIY lawn care services available. Lawn Serv packages are shipped monthly, and customers can easily pause, cancel, or customize their deliveries. Seasonal subscriptions are also available, and deliveries are paused during non-growing seasons based on geographic region.
Beyond subscription boxes, Lawn Serv features a range of products and tools for purchase on its website, though stock may be somewhat limited. Notably, Lawn Serv provides both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, enabling homeowners to effectively manage weeds throughout their lifecycle. This comprehensive approach allows customers to maintain weed-free lawns year-round.
Specs:
- Cost: Starting at $39 per month
- Shipment Frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived; Synthetic (plan-dependent)
- Herbicide Type: Pre and Post-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid and Granular
- Pests Treated: Mosquitoes, Ticks
Our Verdict on Home Lawn Care Programs
For a comprehensive DIY lawn treatment encompassing weed control, environmentally conscious chemicals, and extensive customization options, Sunday Lawn Care stands as our top recommendation for the best home lawn care subscription service. We awarded DoMyOwn Turf Box the “Best for Weeds and Disease” designation due to its effective DIY solutions for common lawn problems like pests, weeds, and diseases.
How We Selected the Best Home Lawn Care Programs
To identify the best home lawn care programs and subscription services, we evaluated numerous options that deliver top-tier lawn care products directly to consumers. Our evaluation considered various factors, including cost, product and plan variety, and shipment frequency. Environmental impact was a key consideration, examining both manufacturing and packaging processes, as well as product ingredients, with a preference for companies offering plant-based products for environmental and ethical reasons. We also assessed the availability of pest and disease control solutions and the offering of additional products like plants and grass seed.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Home Lawn Care Program
Before committing to a home lawn care program or subscription, several factors warrant careful consideration. Establishing a lawn care schedule is vital for a healthy lawn, but each program provides different solutions and add-ons. The composition of products—organic, plant-based, or animal-based—is also important. Customers should assess shipment frequency and packaging types. Cost is another key factor: While investing slightly more for desired products may be worthwhile, overpaying for subpar products is undesirable. Understanding these aspects upfront will help customers select the ideal program for their lawn.
Subscription Plan Details and Costs
To create the most effective lawn care schedule with DIY lawn care subscriptions, understanding product shipment frequency is crucial. Many DIY lawn care plans are seasonal, with product deliveries timed accordingly, while some services offer monthly shipments during the active growing season.
DIY lawn care product costs vary significantly based on plan type, included products, and payment structure (annual or monthly).
Ingredient and Product Specifications
DIY lawn treatment products exhibit considerable variation in ingredient lists. It’s essential for customers to understand product compositions to align with their needs and values.
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Plant-Derived vs. Animal-Derived Ingredients: Fertilizers can include both. Both provide essential nutrients, and many combine both types.
- Animal-based fertilizers contain bone meal, blood meal, fish meal, and animal waste like manure. These often have strong odors. Some, especially manure, can burn roots due to high nitrogen content. Animal waste-based ingredients are also high in salt, harming soil microbes, making them less eco-friendly. Animal rights concerns may also arise.
- Plant-based ingredients like corn gluten, soybean meal, and molasses have milder odors. They break down slowly, offering sustainable plant nutrition.
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Liquid vs. Granular Products: Your lawn fertilizer schedule depends on product type and whether you’re fertilizing new grass or established turf.
- Granular fertilizers are dry pellets or sand-like. Slow-release types gradually release nutrients, often requiring only one seasonal application. Quick-release options also exist.
- Liquid fertilizers are concentrates diluted with water. Mostly quick-release, they provide immediate nutrients but need reapplication.
-
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Herbicides: Herbicides control unwanted plants (weeds). Conventional herbicides are pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergents prevent weed growth by killing germinating seeds. Post-emergents kill existing weeds but don’t stop new seeds from germinating. Efficacy depends on lawn type and environmental conditions like sunlight and rain.
Lawn Disease Treatment and Prevention in Home Programs
While preventing lawn diseases is emphasized through healthy lawn care practices and proper nutrition, ensure your home lawn care program offers options to treat lawn fungus and diseases.
Lawn fungus and diseases arise from factors like improper mowing, overwatering, and incorrect fertilizer. Despite good routines, issues can occur. Signs include brown patches, yellowing, mushrooms, or snow mold (silvery surface substance). Prompt treatment is crucial to avoid the cost of a new lawn.
Pest Control Product Availability in DIY Programs
Turf pests are almost inevitable. Assess what pest control products a home lawn care subscription offers. Common turf pests damaging lawns include grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, and cutworms. Control of mosquitoes, ticks, and ants, while not lawn-damaging, may also be desired for outdoor enjoyment.
Many lawn care subscriptions integrate pest control. Knowing suitable pest control products are available may influence your program choice.
Sustainability of Products and Packaging
Home lawn care subscriptions offer convenience, but often use single-use plastics. Sustainability-conscious customers should consider packaging: Is it recycled or sustainably sourced? Is it recyclable?
Fertilizer manufacturing can produce greenhouse gases. Evaluate company policies on reducing environmental impact through manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.
Additional Products Offered by Home Lawn Care Services
While your primary focus may be lawn care products, supplemental product availability is a bonus. Conveniently purchasing multiple items from one source is advantageous. These might include lawn care equipment, hand tools, mowers, garden tools, as well as plants, perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Before You Start a Home Lawn Care Program
While the best DIY home lawn care programs simplify lawn maintenance, they aren’t for everyone. Time is a factor: Even with DIY programs, lawn care, including routine maintenance, requires regular time investment. This may be challenging due to time constraints or mobility issues. Hiring one of the best lawn care services may be a better solution. Many services include gardening tasks like weeding and hedge trimming, appealing to those with limited time or physical capabilities. Some services, not in DIY programs, are occasionally needed, like lawn aeration costs (average $140, annually recommended).
For some, achieving a prize-winning yard may seem impossible due to pests, diseases, heat damage, or neglect. Similar symptoms (brown spots, yellow spots, bare spots) make diagnosis and resolution difficult. Overseeding or complete reseeding (possibly with sod, considering cost of sod vs. seed) might be necessary. Hiring a lawn care specialist for major issues may be advisable.
Some gardeners prefer homemade fertilizer. As fertilizer is core to these subscriptions, a program might not be worthwhile if you prefer homemade options.
Cost-Effectiveness of Home Lawn Care Programs
The average cost of top home 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. Remember lawn care is seasonal; monthly services won’t ship during winter dormancy. A typical year covers spring, summer, and fall treatments.
DIY programs are generally more affordable than professional services. A national average lawn care service cost is around $124 per visit ($48-$206 range), varying by yard size and factors. Monthly services during growing season can cost $124/visit for 4-6 months. However, consider that services like Sunday Lawn Care vs. TruGreen can include maintenance (mowing, edging), which DIY programs require you to handle yourself.
Advantages of Using a Home Lawn Care Program
A lush, thriving lawn is a common homeowner aspiration and a source of pride and curb appeal. Here are advantages of using top home lawn care programs:
- No Guesswork: No more confusion in store aisles.
- Fewer Mistakes: Products are timed for application, reducing errors and lawn damage.
- Ingredient Control: DIY programs offer transparency and options like non-chloride or organic solutions.
- Cost Savings: DIY programs are typically cheaper than professional services.
- Fresh Air and Exercise: DIY lawn care involves outdoor time and physical activity.
FAQs About Home Lawn Care
Lawns have unique needs, but common questions arise about DIY home lawn care. Here are frequent inquiries:
Q. What is the best mowing pattern?
The spiral pattern is optimal: mow the border then spiral inwards. Long stripes are efficient and common: mow lengthwise, U-turn, and mow back, creating stripes.
Q. What is the 1/3 mowing rule?
Cut only one-third of the grass blade length. This maintains lawn health and avoids stunted growth from cutting too short.
Q. When should I test my soil?
Test soil well before the growing season. Early spring (after last frost) or fall (before first frost) is ideal. Lab tests usually take at least 3 weeks for results.
Q. Is it better to fertilize before or after mowing?
Fertilize after mowing and raking to help fertilizer reach the soil more easily.
Q. Should I water my lawn 2 or 3 times a week?
Water two to three times weekly to avoid overwatering. Adjust frequency during heavy rain or extreme heat.
Q. What is the best homemade fertilizer for lawns?
Compost tea, made from solid compost and sometimes liquid concentrates like fish fertilizer or seaweed, is a good homemade option.
Bob Vila and Recurrent Ventures prioritize conservation and sustainability. While solutions in this article are effective, not all are strictly organic or sustainable. We encourage informed choices about home and property maintenance, whether DIY or professional services. Our goal is to empower readers to choose solutions that minimize negative impacts on the planet and its inhabitants.
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