DIY Lawn Care vs. Hiring a Professional: Which is Right for You
By Adrian Nita
You have two hands, a lawn mower, a hose, and maybe some leftover fertilizer from last year. Combine these with an hour here or there on the weekends, and you’ve got yourself a DIY lawn care regimen.
However, you’re also running a busy life with commitments to work, family, and maybe even some personal interests that go beyond pruning roses and aerating your grass. In those instances, handing off the task to lawn care pros might be the more appealing option.
What Does DIY Lawn Care Imply?
First off, let’s see what DIY lawn care truly involves:
Enjoying Gardening Activities
If your idea of relaxation involves getting your hands dirty, then taking care of your lawn yourself is likely a good fit. A trim here, a weed pull there, and spreading the fertilizer just right are all tasks that are therapeutic after a long weekend. WebMD even suggests that gardening can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Also, there’s that feeling of satisfaction while having a cold beverage and admiring your handiwork.
Saving Money
If you already have a lawn mower, a few basic gardening tools, and some free time on your hands, then a DIY approach will no doubt save you money. Professional lawn care can be fairly priced, but nothing beats the cost-effectiveness of DIY.
That kind of attentiveness you can provide as the homeowner can help you stay on top of things like weeds, pests, dry patches, and other lawn issues that might get missed out by a professional service until they become a more serious concern. This way, you can save money by preventing issues rather than solving them.
Flexibility
When following the DIY route, the time and methods used are entirely up to you. If mowing early in the morning gets your day started on the right foot, you can do that. If tending to your flowers after dinner calms you down for bed, go for it. You work at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Learning New Skills
The internet has thousands of articles and videos about pretty much every aspect of lawn care. From identifying types of grasses to dealing with pests and diseases to figuring out pruning seasons for trees, there’s an abundance of information waiting to guide you through your DIY journey.
You might find a hidden talent or uncover a new passion. Taking ownership of your lawn doesn’t only give a sense of achievement, it also grows with you as you learn more.
What About Hiring a Professional Team?
While there’s a lot to be said about the gratification and savings that come with DIY lawn care, professional services have their own enticing benefits.
You Save Time
Time is sometimes scarcer than money. Sure, you may have the skills to run a lawn mower or plant some shrubs, but finding the time between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and some much-needed rest…maybe not so much.
By hiring a pro, every minute you would have spent on your knees pulling weeds or staring menacingly at that bald spot you’ve just discovered can be spent on a long overdue date night, catching up with friends, or simply relaxing. Doesn’t that sound like time well used?
Expertise in the Field
What’s the difference between crabgrass and Bermudagrass? Which pests are invading your rosebushes? What’s the best way to deal with brown patches on your lawn in the summer? While Google can certainly give you a clue, lawn care pros can give definitive answers.
No! We’re not discounting any of your skills here, but honestly, you probably didn’t go to a horticulture school or haven’t been an apprentice under a groundskeeper for years. Some issues require technical knowledge well beyond any dedicated DIYer or a weekend of YouTube binging. If you’re uncomfortable handling chemicals or second-guessing your disease diagnosis, calling in the pros might be a good move.
Wide Range of Services
Okay, so we may agree that you know how to mow a lawn or trim hedges, but what about aerating your soil, stump grinding, or lawn pest control? Sure, you could probably learn how it’s done on DIY forums or watching some tutorials. However, these tasks require specific equipment that may not be worth purchasing for one-off jobs or infrequent use.
You need to understand the limits and dangers of DIY pest control or operating heavy machinery. Lawn care pros have been there, done that, and have the right gear and safety equipment to do it safely time and time again. Outsourcing these specialty tasks makes sense from a financial and safety perspective.
Consistent and Regular Maintenance
Lawn care maintenance doesn’t really work on a “when I have time” schedule like most other DIY projects. It doesn’t matter if you are drowning in work, fighting the flu, or simply not in the mood…grass still grows and weeds keep spreading.
Professional lawn care services can provide consistent maintenance to your lawn regardless of how busy your schedule may get. They can always ensure that your turf is neat, properly watered, pest-free, and cared for all year round.
Is DIY Lawn Care or Professional Treatment Right For You?
While this is ultimately your personal decision based on individual needs and lifestyles, here are a few pointers to guide you:
Choose DIY if:
- You enjoy gardening and outdoor work.
- There’s wiggle room in your schedule for regular lawn care.
- You’re open to learning new skills.
- Budgeting is an important concern and savings matter.
Choose professional service if:
- Most of your time is taken up by other commitments.
- Your outdoor space has specialized needs that require specific expertise or equipment you don’t have or can’t buy.
- Consistent and organized lawn care maintenance matters more than the costs involved.
What’s Next?
If DIY feels right to you, dust off those gloves and get out there. If leaning on pros seems more like your style, give them a call. Set up an appointment where they can assess your property and provide an estimate.
For those who are on the fence, why not take a mixed approach? Handle the tasks you enjoy and feel comfortable with, then delegate the more complex activities to a professional. Whatever path you choose, you’ll find comfort in knowing that you did what’s best for your lawn and your personal happiness.
Adrian is a former marine navigation officer turned writer with more than 3 years of experience in the field. He loves writing about anything and everything but specializes in covering smart technology and gardening. When he’s not writing, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family and friends or hiking in the great outdoors.
