Selecting a Lawn Care Company

The information that has been provided to this point is also relevant when selecting and developing a contract with a lawn maintenance service company. If you already have a lawn maintenance contractor, ask him/her to modify their maintenance practices based on the following recommendations and questions.

• Is your company a licensed pest control company? If not, do you subcontract with a Florida licensed pest control company to spray for weeds, insects and diseases?

  Make sure your lawn care company is licensed by the state, if they are providing pesticide applications.



• Do you assess a lawn for problems before applying herbicides and pesticides?

  Some companies spray for weeds and insects without determining the extent of the problem. If you do have a problem with weeds and pest insects, chemicals should be used sparingly, and only in areas that have problems, not on the whole property. Lawn care companies should monitor weeds and pests instead of spraying on a fixed schedule..



• What products do you use and what are the active ingredients in these products?

  Toxic chemicals should be limited, especially in areas where children and pets will play. Get a detailed breakdown of what products are applied and when before you sign up for the service.
  
  Companies are required to leave notice of what was applied at the time of service. Also, they should keep detailed application records at their office. You can request this information from the company, as needed.
  
  You can learn more about the health risks of different chemicals by contacting The National Pesticide Information Center (a toll-free, 24-hour information service that can be reached by calling 1-800-858-7378), or online at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/.



• Do you offer an Integrated Pest Management program or other alternative services?

  Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is designed to reduce pesticide use by using a combination of tactics to control pests.



• Have you taken a course based on the Florida Green Industries "Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources in Florida"?

  Your local county cooperative extension service often offers courses and workshops for lawn care companies.



• Do you use slow-release fertilizers and what is the percentage and ratios of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium)?

  See the above information about selecting fertilizers and its application.
  


• Carefully review the services provided before entering into a contract with a lawn care company. First, visit the University of Florida IFAS Extension website, Considerations for Developing a Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Contract.