Cheap is a word often used as a negative adjective (I know because my wife constantly uses it when describing me). However, cheap isn't always bad. Walmart has built an empire offering products at cheaper prices than their competition, helping consumers on a tight budget afford more. While there are a lot of cheap lawn care services out there, you'll want to get the best service for the money you do spend. We'll take a look at what you need to be on the lookout for when comparing the best lawn care prices.

1. Compare Total Price, not Application Price - When shopping for lawn care, you'll often here companies quote you prices by application. While you may think that this is a good way to compare prices, it's not. Lawn care companies differ in the number of applications they offer, and the treatments that come with each application.
   
   For example, let's say that Company A and Company B both quote you $40 an application.  Without digging into the quote, both seem pretty comparable, right? However, upon further examination, Company A provides you fertilizer for each application, while Company B provides you fertilizer, weed control, surface insect protection, and a vitamin treatment. On the price alone, both companies are comparable, however you get more for your money with Company B.
    
2. Do Your Homework First & Measure Your Lawn - All lawn care pricing is based on the square footage of your lawn. Knowing how big your lawn can save you some serious cash with a company that estimates based on lot size. How? Let's say that your lot size according to the county is 15,000 square feet. However after removing your home, driveway and landscaping, you could only have a lawn that is 5,000 square feet. By measuring your lawn only, you could save sometimes 50% or more.
   
   There are plenty of great tools for measuring on the internet. Using satellites, you're able to zoom in on your property and accurately measure just your lawn. Two great resources on the net are Task Easy, and Go iLawn. 
    
3. Know What You're Getting For The Price - As we discussed above, lawn care companies often lower their costs by giving you less treatments during each application. Additionally, they may use inferior products, cutting down on costs to control pricing. When comparing costs, don't be afraid to ask for a list of the products being used.
   
   Depending on where you're located at, you'll want to make sure that you receive the following:
• Fertilizer & Weed Control (on every application)
• Grub Control
• Surface Insect Control
• Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Preventer
• Post-Emergent Crabgrass Control (if needed) 

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Shaun Kanary has been a part of the Green Industry for the past 15 years. As the Director of Marketing for Weed Pro Lawn Care, a Cleveland and Columbus Lawn Care Service Provider, Shaun is a regular contributor to the Weed Pro Blog, and other industry magazine and blogs.  Shaun on Google+     Shaun on LinkedIn     Shaun on Twitter