Best 5 Lawn Care Companies in Santa Barbara, CA

Understanding Santa Barbara's Climate

Santa Barbara is in the Marine climate zone, enjoying long, warm summers but freezing winters. The area sees the most rain in January and the least in July, with an average of approximately 19 inches per year. Temperatures range from an average high of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

The local climate affects your lawn in several ways. Recent and upcoming weather affects when you should aerate, fertilize, and seed. Drier months necessitate more frequent watering to keep your lawn from getting dry and stunted. Wetter months encourage your grass to flourish but can deplete soil nutrients.

What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company

Consider these key factors when choosing the right lawn care service and treatment schedule for your home.

Services Offered

Full-service lawn care companies provide various services to maintain your lawn's health through the different seasons. These often include the following:

• Core aeration
• Fertilization
• Overseeding
• Pest control
• Soil amendment and pH control
• Controling weeds

Reputation and Experience

One of the most important things to do when researching lawn care service providers is look at real customer reviews. Sources where you can learn about a company's years of experience and reputation include Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Keep in mind that newer companies might be more difficult to evaluate due to having fewer reviews.

Environmental Practices

Another thing to consider is a lawn care company's environmental practices. Some companies brand themselves as using products with organic and natural ingredients, which have minimal environmental impact if used correctly. Others use harsh chemical herbicides and pesticides that can present a health hazard for your family and pets.

Pricing

The cost of Santa Barbara lawn care depends on whether you want an annual plan or a single visit. Annual plans include seasonal lawn maintenance and are a great hands-off option for keeping your lawn healthy all year. On the other hand, you may only need or want a single service visit, an option that's normally cheaper but doesn't include any follow-up.

Potential DIY Solutions

If you prefer handling lawn care yourself, you can buy grass seed and fertilizer from your local lawn and garden center. Many heavy-equipment rental shops rent out walk-behind aerators on a day-by-day basis. The downside of DIY lawn care is that it is a significant time commitment and must be done without professional guidance. Full-service lawn care costs more but includes professional evaluation and recommendations to help your lawn look its best. DIY subscription lawn care falls somewhere in the middle of the other two options. 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 Santa Barbara

The cost of lawn care varies based on the service you choose, but full-service lawn care is typically priced at $73–$165 on average in Santa Barbara. See the table below for average cost by service: