Understanding Portland's Climate
Portland is in the Marine climate zone, enjoying moderate summers but fairly cold winters. The city gets the most rain in December and the least in July, with an average of approximately 59 inches a year. Temperatures range from an average high of 58 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of roughly 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lawn health is connected to the local climate in multiple ways. Hotter, drier months increase the need for lawn watering to keep it from turning brown and stunted, whereas wetter months can deplete soil nutrients even as grass flourishes. Climate zone is a big determinant of your fertilization,, seeding, or aerating schedule throughout the year.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company
Consider these key factors when determining the right lawn care service and treatment schedule for you.
Services Offered
Your local full-service lawn care service providers offer a number of seasonal services to help keep your lawn green and healthy. These often include the following:
- Core aeration
- Fertilization
- Overseeding
- Pest control
- Soil amendment and pH control
- Weed control
Reputation and Experience
One of the first things you should do when researching lawn care companies is read real customer reviews. Sources where you can learn about a company's years of experience and reputation include the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot. Newer companies can be more difficult to evaluate if they have fewer reviews.
Environmental Practices
Another thing to think about 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 pesticides and herbicides that can pose health hazards to humans and animals.
Pricing
Pricing for Portland 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. Annual plans, on the other hand, include seasonal visits. You should choose this option if you're looking for hands-off treatments that will keep your lawn healthy all year.
Potential DIY Solutions
If you prefer handling lawn care yourself, you can buy fertilizer and grass seed from your local lawn and garden center. Many heavy-equipment rental shops rent out walk-behind aerators on a day-by-day basis. DIY lawn care is a large 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 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 Portland
On average, you can expect to pay around $76–$170 on full-service lawn care prices in Portland. However, your cost may be lower if you only need one service, such as lawn mowing. Here's the average cost of different lawn care services:
Lawn Care Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Lawn mowing | $113 - $169 |
Leaf removal | $70 - $472 |
Snow removal | $70 - $141 |
Core aeration | $80 - $118 |
Fertilization | $47 - $141 |
Overseeding | $660 - $944 |
Pest control | $94 - $1227 |
Weed control | $80 - $94 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Portland
Do I need to worry about my lawn getting too dry in Portland?
Do Portland lawn care companies offer landscaping services?
What grasses are common in Portland?
- Zoysia Grass
- Bermuda Grass
- Buffalo Grass
How often should I aerate my lawn?
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