Is DIY lawn care truly costing you more than hiring a professional service like TruGreen? It’s a common question among homeowners striving for a lush, green lawn. Many perceive professional lawn care services as more convenient and potentially more cost-effective due to their efficient product application. However, delving deeper into the costs and benefits reveals a different story, especially when considering a program like the Scotts Do It Yourself Lawn Care Program. This guide aims to break down the expenses, advantages, and disadvantages of both DIY and professional lawn care, with a focus on how you can achieve professional-grade results at home using readily available programs and products.
The Perceived Cost of DIY Lawn Care
One of the primary reasons DIY lawn care might seem expensive initially is the upfront investment in products. Unlike professional services like TruGreen, which charge you for each application using only the necessary amount of product, DIY requires you to purchase products in larger quantities. This is particularly noticeable with concentrated weed controls or fertilizers that are often sold in sizes meant to last multiple seasons. The initial outlay can feel substantial, creating the perception that DIY is breaking the bank.
Consider selective herbicides as an example. Products like Blindside Herbicide, known for their effectiveness against a wide range of weeds, often come in professional sizes. While highly efficient, an 8-ounce bottle priced around $100 might seem daunting compared to a single application cost from a lawn care service. However, let’s break down the math to truly understand the cost-effectiveness over time.
For instance, Blindside Herbicide, with an application rate of 0.23 oz per 1000 sq ft, can cover approximately 34,780 sq ft from an 8-ounce bottle. If you have a 7,000 sq ft lawn, a single bottle could potentially last for almost five blanket spray applications. Considering that you typically need only one to two blanket sprays annually, that single investment could cover your weed control needs for several years.
Let’s calculate the cost per application. If an 8 oz bottle costs $103 and covers 34,780 sq ft, the cost per 1,000 sq ft is approximately $2.96 ($103 / 34.7). For a 7,000 sq ft lawn, each blanket spray would cost around $20.72. Understanding this per-application cost provides a clearer picture of the long-term value of DIY lawn care products.
It’s essential to measure your lawn to accurately calculate product needs and costs. Knowing your lawn size is the foundation of effective DIY lawn care budgeting and application.
Advantages of Professional Lawn Care Services
Professional lawn care services like TruGreen undeniably offer convenience. They handle product procurement, storage, and application, saving you time and effort. You pay for each service visit, covering only the product applied and the labor. This pay-as-you-go model can seem appealing, especially for those who prefer not to deal with product handling and application themselves.
However, this convenience comes at a premium. Professional services factor in not only the cost of materials but also labor, equipment maintenance, marketing, and profit margins. While you avoid the upfront investment of buying large product quantities, you pay more per application over time.
Disadvantages of Professional Lawn Care Services
Despite the convenience, hiring a professional lawn care service has its drawbacks. One significant disadvantage is the lack of daily oversight. As a homeowner, you observe your lawn daily and can identify and address issues like weed outbreaks or dry patches promptly. Professional services typically operate on a fixed schedule, often with visits spaced several weeks apart. This means potential problems might go unnoticed or unaddressed for longer periods, potentially impacting lawn health.
Furthermore, DIY lawn care allows for greater customization and responsiveness to your lawn’s specific needs. You can adjust application rates, product choices, and timing based on real-time observations and changing conditions. Professional services, while often knowledgeable, operate on standardized programs that may not perfectly match the unique requirements of every lawn.
DIY enthusiasts also tend to be more meticulous about fundamental lawn care practices, such as regular mowing with sharp blades and consistent irrigation. These basic practices, often overlooked by some professional services focused primarily on chemical applications, are crucial for long-term lawn health and aesthetics.
Cost Comparison: TruGreen vs. DIY Lawn Care Program
To provide a concrete cost comparison, let’s consider a hypothetical 7,000 sq ft lawn in Florida and compare TruGreen’s TruHealth plan with a comparable DIY approach, potentially leveraging elements of a Scotts Do It Yourself Lawn Care Program.
TruGreen’s TruHealth plan, as quoted online, costs approximately $645 annually for 10 service visits, or $64.50 per application. This plan includes fertilization, weed control, and insect control. However, the exact application rates, product types, and specific service schedules are not fully transparent from the online quote.
Now, let’s build a DIY program using readily available products, similar in scope to the TruGreen plan, and calculate the annual cost for a 7,000 sq ft lawn.
DIY Lawn Care Program Cost Breakdown:
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Granular Fertilizer (Milorganite):
- Product: Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
- Cost per bag: $12 (approximate)
- Application Rate: 10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
- Applications per year: 7
- Annual Fertilizer Cost: Approximately $168
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Post-Emergent Selective Weed Control (Blindside Herbicide):
- Product: Blindside Selective Herbicide
- Cost per bottle: $103 (8 oz)
- Application: Equivalent to two blanket sprays annually
- Annual Weed Control Cost: Approximately $41.44
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Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Prodiamine):
- Product: Prodiamine Granular Pre-Emergent
- Applications per year: 2
- Annual Pre-Emergent Cost: Approximately $37.10
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Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Pennant Magnum – Liquid for Nutsedge):
- Product: Pennant Magnum Liquid Concentrate
- Application: One annual application for nutsedge and other weeds
- Annual Specialized Pre-Emergent Cost: Approximately $11.55
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Insect Control (Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer):
- Product: Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer (hose-end sprayer)
- Applications per year: 2
- Annual Insect Control Cost: Approximately $26.32
Total Estimated DIY Program Cost: $168 + $41.44 + $37.10 + $11.55 + $26.32 = $284.41
TruGreen Plan Cost: $645.53
The cost comparison reveals a significant difference. The DIY program, even when using high-quality products, is estimated to be less than half the cost of the TruGreen TruHealth plan. This substantial saving highlights the potential for homeowners to manage their lawn care expenses effectively by adopting a DIY approach, possibly incorporating elements from programs like the Scotts Do It Yourself Lawn Care Program, which provides guidance and product recommendations.
It’s important to note that this DIY cost estimate is for product costs only and doesn’t include the value of your time and labor. However, for many homeowners, lawn care is a rewarding activity, and the cost savings can justify the effort. Moreover, the DIY approach offers greater control over product selection and application timing, allowing for a more tailored and potentially more effective lawn care strategy.
Conclusion: Empowering Yourself with DIY Lawn Care
While professional lawn care services offer convenience, DIY lawn care, especially with well-structured programs and readily available products, presents a compelling alternative. By understanding the costs of individual products and implementing a strategic plan, homeowners can achieve professional-quality results at a significantly lower price. Programs like the Scotts Do It Yourself Lawn Care Program can serve as excellent starting points, offering guidance on product selection and application schedules.
Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional lawn care depends on your priorities, budget, and willingness to invest time and effort. However, for those seeking cost-effectiveness and greater control over their lawn’s health and appearance, embracing a DIY approach, armed with the right knowledge and products, is a highly rewarding and financially sound decision.
By taking charge of your lawn care, you not only save money but also gain a deeper understanding of your lawn’s needs and develop the skills to nurture a thriving outdoor space. Embrace the DIY approach and unlock the potential of your lawn.
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