Texas bluebonnets are starting to bloom, and springtime is just around the corner. Whether your lawn needs a little touch-up or complete makeover, it’s important to find the right helping hands.
Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas advises people not to rush into hiring lawn help. It’s important to get clear, written expectations for what services the company or contractor will provide and agree on a fee before work begins.
Last year, BBB received more than 7,200 complaints against landscape and lawn maintenance businesses and contractors nationwide. More than 100 of those complaints were processed by your BBB.
Many complaints claimed dissatisfaction with the services provided and performance of the business. Other complaints reported problems with contracts and delivery.
To find a lawn care business you can trust, BBB offers the following advice:
- Know what you want from a lawn service. Lawn care businesses provide many services, so it’s important to decide what services and products are appropriate for your needs and budget.
- Find a trustworthy business. Go to bbb.org to check the company’s BBB Business Profile. Here you can find information on the business, such as how long they’ve been in business, contact information, complaint history and customer reviews.
- Check references. Ask the business for references and photos of previously completed projects. Contact references, and ask about their experience working with the business and if they were satisfied with the services provided.
- Don’t sign up for services on the spot. If a sales representative comes to your door, get their information or business card. Call the business directly or perform the transaction through the company’s website, and provide the name of the sales representative if you’re concerned about them getting credit for the sale. If you insist on signing up on the spot, carefully read all the documents you are signing, particularly if they are electronic. On tablets or laptops, scroll up and down to see the entire document you are signing.
- Ask for a lawn inspection and free estimate. Lawn care businesses that quote a price without seeing your lawn may not give you an accurate estimate. A business should be willing to visit your home to provide you with an agreed upon fee.
- Get a written agreement. A contract should clearly state the services you will receive, guarantees and refund policies, as well as how and when payment will be handled. If you are using a recurring service, the contract should also include how often the company will come out to work on your lawn, how to cancel the service and a schedule for when payments are due.
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