Often when confronted with choices, you'll hear the saying that "variety is the spice of life." For the most part this is completely true, however it does make things more difficult for those to narrow down the choices and ultimately choose the option that is best for them. Well when it comes to lawn care, the saying holds true, as there are many different options and a bevy of information. That's why in today's blog, will give you 3 tips to make you choice of a lawn care program a bit easier.

1. The Pros & Cons of Granular vs. Liquid Fertilizer - It's an age old battle in the lawn care industry whether granular or liquid fertilizer is better for your lawn. The honest answer is that BOTH are forms of nutrition for your lawn and are better than no care at all. However, it is important that you do know the pros and cons of each, and select the type of fertilizer that fits your lifestyle.
   
   Granular fertilizer is the most commonly used product in the lawn care industry and boasts such benefits as long life and slow-release options. However, you do see tiny little particles which can make a mess on your driveway (unless you choose a company that blows off your driveway and sidewalks like Weed Pro!). Granular fertilizer is a great product if you do want a long residual and are not on a regular watering program. It allows a little more room for homeowner care mistakes.
   
   Liquid fertilizer is a little less seen in the industry, but has some benefits to it, such as better weed control and quicker absorption into the grass plant itself. However with liquid fertilizer there is a greater chance of phytotoxicity, which simply put, is when the sun degrades the fertilizer product due to it not being watered in soon. A little less forgiving if not cared for properly, liquid fertilizer is an acceptable choice of fertilizer.
    
2. Don't Take The Gamble, Get The Grub Control - When choosing lawn care services, customers often choose the applications they want based on popular store brand programs. However, national big box stores do not take into account area needs for each individual market that they sell their products in.
   
   In Cleveland & Columbus, grubs are a constant problem during the summer months with Japanese Beetles constantly laying their eggs in your soil. Some experts in our area have even stated that it's a 50/50 chance that a lawn will get grubs. With the devastating results of grub damage, why would you want to take that risk? So think of grub control as a "lawn care insurance program" that will help protect your lawn from total destruction.
    
3. Make Sure Weed Control Happens on EVERY APPLICATION - You'll see it out there when comparing lawn care services, Company A has each application at $35, while Company B has each application at $40. Company A is the better deal, right? Do some investigating when comparing lawn care services and see what EACH application provides. The oldest trick in the lawn care company book is to provide a cheaper application price by using a product that is inferior, and not offer weed control with particular applications. So make sure you are receiving weed control product on each application, ensuring that you'll have weed control all season.

Free Guide To Help You Choose The Right Lawn Care Program & Company

The three tips we've outlined in this article will serve you well and help you determine the type of lawn care services/program you need to get your lawn looking great! Additionally, the great minds here at Weed Pro have gotten together and outlined a step-by-step guide for Hiring a Lawn Care Company! The best part of this guide is that it's yours absolutely free by clicking on the button below!

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