Understanding Amherst's Climate
Amherst is in the Cold climate zone, enjoying cool summers but fairly cold winters. The area sees an average high temperature of about 54 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It averages 41 inches of rain per year, with February as the driest month and September as the wettest.
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 grow brown and stunted. Local weather patterns will have a big influence on when in your lawn care schedule you seed, fertilize, and aerate.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company
Take into account the following factors when selecting a company and building a lawn care schedule.
Services Offered
A full-service lawn care company will offer a variety of seasonal services for improving and maintaining your lawn's health. These services often include the following:
- Core aeration
- Fertilization
- Overseeding
- Pest control
- Soil amendment and pH control
- Controling 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. A newer company may be reputable but more difficult to evaluate due to having fewer customer reviews. Read customer ratings and reviews from third-party sources, such as Yelp, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau, to research the overall customer experience.
Environmental Practices
Some homeowners prefer to use a lawn care company that has strong environmental practices. Certain companies pride themselves on using products that are organic and natural, which have minimal environmental impact if used properly. Others use strong chemical herbicides and pesticides that can pose a safety risk to your family and pets.
Pricing
Pricing for Amherst lawn care depends 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 for continued lawn maintenance. Annual plans include seasonal visits. You should choose this option if you're looking for hands-off treatments that will keep your lawn healthy year-round.
Potential DIY Solutions
Homeowners who prefer doing their own lawn care can find the necessary supplies and equipment at local retailers. Lawn and garden centers sell grass seed and fertilizer, and heavy-equipment rental shops frequently have walk-behind aerators that can be rented by the day. DIY lawn care is a tremendous time commitment, however, and you won't get the specialized knowledge of a professional lawn service. Full-service lawn care companies can evaluate your lawn and soil health and prescribe the right treatment to restore your yard to its full potential. Some companies have DIY subscription plans 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 Amherst
The cost of lawn care varies based on the service you need, but full-service lawn care is typically priced at $73–$163 on average in Amherst. The table below breaks down cost by service:
Lawn Care Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Lawn mowing | $108 - $163 |
Leaf removal | $67 - $453 |
Snow removal | $67 - $135 |
Core aeration | $77 - $113 |
Fertilization | $45 - $135 |
Overseeding | $634 - $906 |
Pest control | $90 - $1178 |
Weed control | $77 - $90 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Amherst
Do I need to worry about my lawn getting too dry in Amherst?
Are there Amherst lawn care companies that offer landscaping services?
What grasses are common in Amherst?
- Tall Fescue
- Fine Fescue
- Perennial Ryegrass
How frequently should I have my lawn aerated?
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