Best 5 Lawn Care Companies in Ames, IA

Understanding Ames's Climate

Ames is in the Cold climate zone, enjoying moderate summers but fairly cold winters. The area gets the most rain in May and the least in January, with an average of approximately 34 inches per year. Temperatures range from an average high of 58 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lawn health is closely tied to your local climate. Wetter months can create lush green grass but deplete soil nutrients, whereas drier months can make grass appear brown and stunted. Local weather patterns greatly influence when in your lawn care schedule you aerate, seed, and fertilize.

What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company

You should consider these key factors when picking a lawn care company in Ames and working with them on a plan for your lawn care needs.

Services Offered

A full-service lawn care professional will provide a range of services to help keep your lawn healthy throughout every season. These services often include the following:

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

Reputation and Experience

One of the first things you should research when choosing a lawn care service provider is the company's reputation and years of experience. Newer companies may be reputable but more difficult to evaluate due to having fewer reviews. You can read customer reviews and ratings from third-party sources, such as Yelp, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau, to research the overall customer experience.

Environmental Practices

You may also consider a lawn care provider's environmental practices. Some companies pride themselves on using products with organic and natural ingredients. These products can be environmentally friendly when used correctly. Other companies use strong chemical herbicides and pesticides that can be hazardous to your family and pets.

Pricing

The cost of Ames lawn care will depend on whether you purchase an annual plan or a single visit. An annual plan provides seasonal maintenance and is a great hands-off option for keeping your lawn healthy all year. Alternatively, you might only want or need a single service visit, which can be cheaper but won't include any follow-up.

Potential DIY Solutions

Homeowners who prefer DIY lawn care can buy the necessary equipment and supplies at local retailers. Lawn and garden centers sell fertilizer and grass seed, and heavy-equipment rental shops often rent walk-behind aerators by the day. DIY lawn care is a tremendous time commitment, however, and you'll miss out on the specialized knowledge a professional lawn service can provide. Full-service lawn care companies can evaluate the health of your lawn and soil and prescribe the right treatment plan to make sure your yard reaches 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 Ames

On average, you may pay around $73–$164 on comprehensive lawn care prices in Ames. However, your cost may be lower if you only need one service, such as lawn mowing. The table below breaks down cost by service: