Understanding Oakland's Climate
Oakland is in the Marine climate zone, enjoying long, warm summers but freezing winters. Temperatures in the city range from an average high of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of roughly 51 degrees Fahrenheit. There are roughly 17 inches of rain a year, with December being the wettest month and July the driest.
Lawn health is closely tied to the local climate. Wetter months can encourage grass growth but deplete soil nutrients, whereas drier months can turn grass brown and stunted. Local weather patterns also influence when in your lawn care schedule you aerate, seed, and fertilize.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company
Consider these key factors when choosing the right Oakland lawn care company for you and working on a seasonal care schedule.
Services Offered
A full-service lawn care professional should offer a selection of seasonal services for improving and maintaining your lawn's health. These services typically include the following:
- Core aeration
- Fertilization
- Overseeding
- Pest control
- Soil amendment and pH control
- Weed control
Reputation and Experience
Ensure you know a lawn care provider's reputation and years of experience. You can use sources such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to read about real customer experiences. Keep in mind that newer companies might have fewer reviews and therefore be more difficult to evaluate.
Environmental Practices
Some homeowners prefer to use a lawn care company that has good environmental practices. Certain companies pride themselves on using products that are natural and organic, which have minimal environmental impact if used correctly. Others use strong chemical pesticides and herbicides that can pose safety risks to people and pets.
Pricing
The price of lawn care in Oakland changes depending on whether you need an annual plan or a single visit. Annual lawn care plans offer a year-round, hands-off approach to lawn care and include follow-up lawn maintenance. Alternatively, single visits might be less expensive, but don't include any follow-up care.
Potential DIY Solutions
Homeowners who prefer DIY lawn care can purchase the necessary equipment and supplies at local retailers. Lawn and garden centers sell grass seed and fertilizer, and heavy-equipment rental shops often rent walk-behind aerators by the day. The downside of DIY lawn care is that it is a heavy time commitment and must be done without professional guidance. Full-service lawn care is more expensive, but has the benefit of professional evaluation and recommendations to get your lawn into top shape. In between these two options is DIY subscription lawn care. A DIY subscription company will send you customized lawn care products unique to your lawn care needs, which you're responsible for applying to your lawn.
Lawn Care Service Costs in Oakland
Full-service lawn care costs $76–$171 on average in Oakland. However, your cost will vary based on the services you choose and your lawn size. 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 Oakland
Do I need to worry about my lawn getting too dry in Oakland?
Do Oakland lawn care companies offer landscaping services?
What grasses are common in Oakland?
- Bermuda Grass
- Zoysia Grass
- St. Augustine Grass
How frequently should I aerate my lawn?
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