TruGreen is our top choice for lawn care due to its wide range of plans and strong customer service. Lawn Doctor is a solid alternative, especially for homeowners seeking a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Navigating the world of lawn care can be daunting, with numerous options varying in quality and offerings. While TruGreen and Lawn Doctor are reputable providers, they each have differences that suit specific needs.
We compared these companies against our list of the best lawn care companies. After evaluating factors like availability and service offerings, we recommend TruGreen for its comprehensive programs and customer focus. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is right for you.
Get a Quote From Lawn Professionals Near You
Compare quotes from local pros
Lime Soil Amendment
Lawn Fertilization
TruGreen vs. Lawn Doctor: Overview
TruGreen and Lawn Doctor have both been around for decades, building their reputations by solving lawn problems across the country. Here is how the two lawn care providers compare:
TruGreen has five annual plans, a greater variety than many competitors. The lawn care company also offers an array of a la carte services so that you can customize your plan. Its TruSignature℠ Lawn Care Plan even covers care for trees and shrubs.
TruGreen stands out because it is available in nearly every state, its specialists undergo rigorous, mandatory training programs, and the company offers extensive customer service through an online chat function and mobile app.
Lawn Doctor operates through locally owned franchises, combining regional expertise and national resources. The company offers an extensive range of services, including fertilization, lawn aeration, and pest control.
The lawn care company offers a more extensive guarantee than many of its competitors. Its 100% satisfaction guarantee offers a free re-application at no additional charge—or a full refund for your most recent service.
How Did We Rate TruGreen?
We rated TruGreen a 4.9 out of five stars using our ratings and review standards. This system assesses the quality and performance of each lawn care company based on factors homeowners find most important. A company earns points in each category up to a total of 100. This total is used to determine its star rating.
| Rating Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Plans Options | 4.8 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness | 5.0 / 5 |
| Additional Benefits | 5.0 / 5 |
| State Availability | 5.0 / 5 |
| Customer Service Rating | 4.3 / 5 |
Here is how TruGreen performed in its most important categories:
- Plan options (4.8 out of 5 stars): TruGreens’s diverse range of plans and services earned it nearly full points in this category. For example, it offers fertilization services in addition to pest control.
- Trustworthiness (5 out of 5 stars): We awarded TruGreen full points in this category due to its Better Business Bureau accreditation and performance guarantee.
- Customer service (4.3 out of 5 stars): TruGreen earned high points in this category for its availability, multiple customer service lines, and online customer support material.
How Did We Rate Lawn Doctor?
Lawn Doctor earned 4.3 out of 5 stars against our unbiased ratings and review standards.
| Rating Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Plans Options | 4.8 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness | 3.5 / 5 |
| Additional Benefits | 4.0 / 5 |
| State Availability | 4.5 / 5 |
| Customer Service Rating | 2.8 / 5 |
Here’s a breakdown of Lawn Doctor’s performance in key categories:
- Plan options (4.8 out of 5 stars): Lawn Doctor’s impressive selection of services and plans earned high points in this category.
- Trustworthiness (3.5 out of 5 stars): Lawn Doctor lost points in this category due to its lack of BBB accreditation.
- Customer service (2.8 out of 5 stars): We docked Lawn Doctor points in this category due to its unavailability on the weekends and limited customer communication options.
Provider | TruGreen | Lawn Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 97/100 | 83/100 |
| State Availability | 48 states | 38 states |
| Online chat | ✔ | ✘ |
| Mobile app | ✔ | ✘ |
Pros and Cons of TruGreen and Lawn Doctor
TruGreen Pros
- Offers a TruNatural plan for natural fertilizer and weed control upon request
- Features a mobile app and online chat for convenient customer service
- Provides a wide range of a la carte services and general plans
TruGreen Cons
- Offers limited phone line hours on weekends
- Has a difficult cancellation policy, according to customers
- Doesn’t offer certified organic products
Lawn Doctor Pros
- Offers a service guarantee that promises to reapply treatments or give a full refund
- Offers one-time treatment options without needing to sign up for a long-term plan
- Provides tree and shrub trimming services
Lawn Doctor Cons
- Only available in 40 states
- Doesn’t offer weekend customer service lines
- Doesn’t have mowing services
What Plans and Services Do TruGreen vs. Lawn Doctor Offer?
TruGreen and Lawn Doctor each offer annual plan options and a selection of a la carte services for your lawn’s needs.
TruGreen Plans
TruGreen offers a wide selection of services designed to enhance the health and appearance of your lawn. These services include lawn fertilization, lime and soil amendment, weed control, aeration, seeding, tree and shrub management, and various lawn-pest control options. In addition, TruGreen provides a service guarantee in case its treatments don’t yield a lush, green lawn.
The table below highlights the service offerings in each of TruGreen’s three core plans.
Plans | TruBasic Lawn Care Plan | TruHealth Lawn Care Plan | TruComplete Lawn Care Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilization | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lime soil amendment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-emergent and targeted weed control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aeration | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overseeding* | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tree and shrub services | – | – | ✓ |
*Overseeding is subject to availability and grass type.
TruGreen offers homeowners five annual plans, beginning with its three core, popular programs: the TruBasic Lawn Care Plan, TruHealth Lawn Care Plan, and TruComplete Lawn Care Plan. Along with your first application, your lawn specialist will start with a Healthy Lawn Analysis to find out precisely what nutrients your soil needs for the healthiest grass.
The remaining two plans are the TruMaintenance Lawn Care Plan, which includes fertilization and pre-emergent and targeted weed control, and TruNatural Lawn Care Plan, which strictly includes natural fertilizer. All of TruGreen’s plans come with a Trugreen Healthy Lawn Guarantee, which promises to reservice your lawn between scheduled treatments if you are unhappy with their professional lawn care services.
TruGreen lawn care also provides the following add-on and a la carte services:
- Grub Control & Prevention
- Mosquito Control & Defense Treatment
- Soil Amendment & Analysis
- Outdoor Nuisance Pest Control
- Lawn Disease Service
Lawn Doctor Plans
Lawn Doctor provides lawn management, pest control, and soil amendment services divided into several plan options. Lawn Doctor offers annual lawn treatment plans, including the Fertilization and Weed Plan, Mosquito Control Plans, and Tick Control Plans.
The Fertilization & Weed Plan includes lawn fertilization, pre-emergent weed control, broadleaf weed killer, and crabgrass control. For its Mosquito Control Plans, which can be done either as a one-time treatment for special events or a series of applications, Lawn Doctor gives you the option to choose organic or conventional products. The Tick Control Plans involve regular applications of tick-eliminating sprays.
Lawn Doctor’s services include these options:
- Fertilization
- Power seeding
- Mosquito & tick control
- Core aeration
- Weed control
- Grub control
- PH balancing & lime
- Tree & shrub care
- Lawn insect control
- Perimeter pest control
- Fire ant control
Lawn Doctor’s lawn insect control protects against grubs, fire ants, armyworms, sod webworms, and chinch bugs. Perimeter pest control is more comprehensive, protecting against ants, fleas, centipedes, clover mites, boxelder bugs, crickets, earwigs, millipedes, silverfish, sowbugs, spiders, and ticks.
TruGreen vs. Lawn Doctor Cost
We researched costs for TruGreen and Lawn Doctor by requesting quotes and reading customer reviews. TruGreen plans range from roughly $400 a year to nearly $1,000 per year. While we were unable to confirm pricing data for Lawn Doctor, our research shows its services range from $300–$900 per year. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the costs for TruGreen and LawnDoctor.
TruGreen Cost
TruGreen can cost from $400–$1000 annually, depending on the size of your lawn and the plan you choose. We used a 2,000-square-foot home with a roughly 5,000-square-foot lawn in North Carolina when obtaining this cost data. The following table breaks down the cost of TruGreen’s services based on sample quotes we obtained:
| Plan | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| TruBasic | $398.76 |
| TruMaintenance | $462.82 |
| TruHealth | $534.02 |
| TruComplete | $731.15 |
| TruNatural | $956.82 |
| Mosquito Defense | $617.20 |
| Mosquito & Outdoor Nuisance Pest Control | $932.12 |
| Tree & Shrub Care | $462.82 |
| Preventative Grub Control | $71.20 |
| Fire Ant Control | $168.10 |
| Outdoor Nuisance Pest Control | $555.45 |
| Lime Soil Amendment | $71.20 |
Lawn Doctor Cost
Lawn Doctor can cost $300–$900 annually, depending on the plan you choose and the size of your yard. We were unable to get a sample quote from Lawn Doctor. After reading customer reviews from independent review sites and conducting further research on HomeGuide, we estimate Lawn Doctor services cost the following:
| Service | Per Treatment | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn fertilization | $45–$90 | $315–$630 |
| Seeding and aeration | $300–$900 | $300–$900 |
| Tree and shrub care | Varies | Varies |
| Mosquito, grub, and tick control | $60–$85 | $420–$595 |
| Perimeter pest control | $100–$150 | $400–$600 |
Where Are TruGreen vs. Lawn Doctor Available?
TruGreen is available in 48 states, all except for Alaska and Hawaii.
Lawn Doctor is available in 38 states, all except for:
Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Customer Reviews of TruGreen and Lawn Doctor
Both TruGreen and Lawn Doctor have multiple pages with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), each for different locations. For both companies, some pages are BBB-accredited while others are not, and ratings vary. TruGreen’s headquarters page is BBB-accredited and holds an A+ rating.
Below are some customer reviews of TruGreen:
“I have had a great experience with TruGreen. Everyone from the people who answer the phones to the technicians have been very helpful and polite. When I call with a problem, they are eager to do what needs to be done and respond quickly. They have been treating my lawn for buttonweed, which is very hard to get rid of. I have tried unsuccessfully for 10 years to do this on my own with help from garden center supplies, and it only got worse. I am pleased to say that after less than 5 months, they have almost completely eradicated these weeds from my lawn and when I find any coming up again, they send a technician to treat any new seedlings that arise. My lawn is really looking good and I recommend TruGreen for lawn service.”
Dorothy R.
“1 star at best due to numerous scheduling problems, wrong treatment plans, and no substantive communication other than call center representatives.”
Mike R.
Read customer reviews of Lawn Doctor below:
“Awesome company, they really turned my lawn around! My lawn is so beautiful.”
Megan N.
“Great results. Sandor is a conscientious, well trained technician who strives to make the lawn as best as it can. Also good results from Yard Armour. I would recommend Lawn Doctor for a nice, green, weed free lawn.”
Eugene D.
“This company is a scam. Their products do not kill weeds. The representative is disrespectful, always puts blame on clients. I paid good money and got no results. My neighbors asked about their service and categorically replied to never use them.”
Ira R.
How To Choose the Best Lawn Care Company
While DIY lawn care can save you money, hiring a professional makes sense if you’re too busy or physically can’t perform lawn care yourself. Finding a lawn care service that you trust is perhaps the most important part of the process. Here are a few steps you can take to do so:
- Check for service guarantees: Opt for companies that offer satisfaction guarantees or warranties. These guarantees indicate that the provider knows what they’re doing. A service guarantee can also give you peace of mind in case their treatments don’t meet your expectations.
- Compare service plans and pricing: Review the available plans and pricing structures of different providers. Ensure the services included match your lawn care needs and fit within your budget.
- Consider local companies: A lawn care provider’s national reputation may not reflect its local services. By contacting local companies, you can ask questions about services, costs, scheduling, and more.
- Reach out to trained experts: Consider contacting an expert, such as a landscaper or horticulturist. They can give personalized advice on what works in your area.
- Read customer reviews: Learning about others’ experiences through news articles or customer reviews will help you understand how a company handles problems.
Is Professional Lawn Care Worth It?
Professional lawn care can be a worthwhile investment, depending on your needs and priorities. If you only need simple lawn care, hiring a lawn care company may be unnecessary. However, if you need help with a lawn maintenance plan, hiring a professional makes sense. Here are some factors to consider:
- Access to specialized equipment: Professionals use commercial-grade tools and products, which may be more effective than what’s available to homeowners.
- Consistent maintenance: Regular, scheduled services help maintain your lawn’s health year-round, preventing issues before they become costly problems.
- Cost considerations: While professional services may cost more than DIY lawn care, a pro knows how to prevent expensive repairs and replacements in the long run, which can save you money.
- Expert knowledge and experience: Professionals have the expertise to diagnose lawn issues accurately and apply effective treatments, leading to healthier lawns.
- Time and effort savings: Lawn care can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Hiring a professional can save you time and ensure your lawn looks great with minimal effort on your part.
Who Offers the Best Lawn Care, Lawn Doctor, or TruGreen?
After comparing each company side-by-side, TruGreen stands out with its comprehensive lawn care packages. It offers several annual plans in 48 states and adds several lawn treatments into each plan, saving you the trouble of selecting individual services. In contrast, Lawn Doctor offers individual services with less clarity on pricing and options, leaving customers potentially uncertain.
If budget is a concern, TruGreen’s status as the leading lawn care service should put your mind at ease about its value. Before signing up for a lawn care provider, we suggest getting quotes from three companies to compare services, guarantees, and costs.
FAQs About TruGreen vs. Lawn Doctor
How long does TruGreen take to work?
TruGreen’s work will become more apparent over time, but it takes an average of 10–14 days for TruGreen weed control to show results. Lawns that TruGreen fertilizes may begin to look more lush and green within a few days to a few weeks. However, how long TruGreen takes to work will depend on your lawn’s overall health, type of weeds, and variety of grass.
What can TruGreen lawn service do?
TruGreen services include a wide range of treatments, from smaller items like lawn fertilization to major treatments like treating a patchy lawn. While available services may vary by region, some of the most common TruGreen lawn services are these:
- Lawn aeration
- Lawn fertilization
- Lime soil amendment
- Lawn seeding
- Pest control, including grubs, mosquitoes, and ticks
- Tree and shrub services
- Weed control
Do TruGreen and Lawn Doctor offer service guarantees?
Yes, both TruGreen and Lawn Doctor offer service guarantees. Lawn Doctor’s guarantee promises that if you’re not 100% satisfied with your service, it will make it right or refund you. TruGreen’s Healthy Lawn Guarantee only applies to homeowners who have a recurring plan. It promises that TruGreen will return as many times as needed to fix the problem.
Is Lawn Doctor the same as TruGreen?
No, Lawn Doctor and TruGreen are not the same. While they both offer lawn care services, they are different companies. Lawn Doctor offers more a la carte services, while TruGreen offers more comprehensive annual plans.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Team backs up our lawn recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. We review lawn care plans and packages, navigate the provider website and speak with customer service representatives, request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. We then score the provider against our review standards for plan options, additional benefits and customizability, availability, trustworthiness, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
