We all want a great looking lawn, but don't want to spend a fortune for it. In the days of generic medicine, food options, and other things, it seems only natural that lawn care can be one of those things you can get a generic version of. However, if you're determined on reducing your cost of lawn care, here are some dangerous tricks lawn care companies play to make you "think" you're purchasing a generic, but effective version.

• The Famous $29.99 Application - We've all seen this advertised by the national lawn care companies, and to be honest, it is a tremendous deal. However, the deal is only good for the first application, and then you're charged the normal rate (if not a little more) for the rest of your applications. And for those thinking that they can cancel after the first application, the $29.99 offer is only good after you prepay for the entire season.
   
• The All-Filler, No Fertilizer Application - We all know that fertilizer comes in many different formulations. Depending on the makeup of the blend and the amount of nitrogen and other nutrients, there is a certain amount of filler added to reach the packages total weight. So while there may be 50lbs in a bag, only 12lbs may be active ingredients. That's why it's important that besides looking at the price, you ask what the make-up of the actual fertilizer they are using is. Companies can often offer a low price because they are buying a bag to treat your lawn that is more "filler" than fertilizer.
   
• No Weed Control in Middle Application Rounds - Perhaps the oldest trick in the lawn care services book, is lowering your cost by eliminating weed control in the middle rounds of a lawn care package. Weed control should be used throughout the entire season, because weeds do not work on a schedule. The few extra dollars you spend on each application is worth keeping your lawn weed-free all season.
   
• No Personal Service - We all love a great deal, however cheap lawn care is much like those generic, for-a-buck stores that offer really good deals and no customer service or don't stand behind their products. We've all bought something from one of these stores, brought it home and had it break on us in a matter of minutes. When caring for the health of your lawn, you need ongoing support to get the most out of your investment. Your lawn is a living thing that takes personal attention to diagnose, treat, and maintain its appearance.  

With So Many Tricksters Out There, How Do You Find a Good Affordable Lawn Care Company?

Well that's a good question, now isn't it? Don't worry, we have you covered with our great guide on how you can find the best priced lawn care company that will actually provide you with the highest level of service too. We've pooled our collective minds and put together the questions you need to know when interviewing lawn care companies. With these questions you'll be able to get the most value for your money, and a lawn care company that will deliver great results. The guide is yours absolutely free by clicking on the link below to download. It's your first step in the hiring process!

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