Understanding Berkeley's Climate
Berkeley is in the Marine climate zone, enjoying long, warm summers but freezing winters. The area has an average high temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of roughly 51 degrees Fahrenheit. It averages 17 inches of rain per year, with July as the driest month and December as the wettest.
The local climate affects your lawn in several ways. Seasonal weather trends will affect when you aerate, seed, and fertilize. Drier months necessitate more frequent lawn watering to keep your grass from growing dry and stunted. Wetter months help your grass flourish but may deplete soil nutrients.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company
Consider these important factors when selecting the right lawn care service and treatment schedule for you.
Services Offered
Full-service lawn care companies provide a number of services to maintain your lawn's health across different seasons. These services typically include the following:
- Core aeration
- Fertilization
- Overseeding
- Pest control
- Soil amendment and pH control
- Controling weeds
Reputation and Experience
One of the first details you should research about a lawn care company is its reputation and years of experience. Newer companies may be reputable but more difficult to evaluate due to having fewer reviews. Read customer reviews and ratings from third-party sources, such as Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews, to research the overall customer experience.
Environmental Practices
You may also care about a company's environmental practices. Some service providers use strong chemical herbicides and pesticides that can be bad for the environment and hazardous for people and pets. Others pride themselves on using natural and organic lawn care products. These can be environmentally friendly when used correctly.
Pricing
The cost of Berkeley lawn care varies depending on whether you purchase a one-time service or an annual plan. A one-time service will likely be cheaper but will not include follow-up visits. Annual plans include seasonal care. You should choose this option if you're looking for hands-off treatments that will keep your lawn healthy all year.
Potential DIY Solutions
Homeowners who prefer to handle lawn care themselves can purchase the necessary supplies and equipment at local retailers. Lawn and garden centers sell fertilizer and grass seed, and heavy-equipment rental shops often have walk-behind aerators that can be rented by the day. DIY lawn care is a large time commitment, however, and you won't get the specialized knowledge a professional lawn service can provide. Full-service lawn care companies can evaluate your lawn and soil health and prescribe the right treatment plan to restore your yard to its full potential. Some companies offer DIY subscription options depending on your lawn care needs, in which the company provides customized lawn care products that customers are responsible for applying to their lawns.
Lawn Care Service Costs in Berkeley
Full-service lawn care costs $76–$171 on average in Berkeley. However, your cost will vary based on the services you choose and the size of your lawn. See the table below for average cost by service:
| Lawn Care Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Lawn mowing | $114 - $171 |
| Leaf removal | $71 - $475 |
| Snow removal | $71 - $142 |
| Core aeration | $80 - $118 |
| Fertilization | $47 - $142 |
| Overseeding | $666 - $951 |
| Pest control | $95 - $1237 |
| Weed control | $80 - $95 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Berkeley
Do I need to worry about my lawn getting too dry in Berkeley?
Do Berkeley lawn care companies offer landscaping services?
What grasses are common in Berkeley?
- Bermuda Grass
- Zoysia Grass
- St. Augustine Grass
How often should I aerate my lawn?
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