Best 5 Lawn Care Companies in Columbia, SC

Understanding Columbia's Climate

Columbia is in the Mixed-Humid climate zone, enjoying long, warm summers but freezing winters. The area gets the most rain in July and the least in April, with an average of approximately 45 inches per year. Temperatures range from an average high of about 73 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Local climate greatly affects lawn health. Your grass might appear lush and green in wetter months, but too much rain can wash away soil nutrients. Drier months will require increased watering to keep your lawn from drying out and browning. The local climate will have a big influence on when you fertilize, seed, and aerate your lawn.

What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company

Consider these important factors when choosing the right Columbia lawn care company for you and working on a seasonal care schedule.

Services Offered

A full-service lawn care professional will provide a variety of services to help keep your lawn healthy through all seasons. These typically 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 about a lawn care company is its reputation and years of experience. Newer companies may be reputable but harder to evaluate due to having fewer customer reviews. You can read customer ratings and reviews from third-party sources, such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp, to research the overall customer experience.

Environmental Practices

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

Pricing

The cost of lawn care in Columbia changes depending on whether you want an annual plan or a single visit. Annual plans provide a hands-off, year-round approach to lawn care and include follow-up lawn maintenance. Alternatively, single visits may cost less but don't include any additional care afterward.

Potential DIY Solutions

If you prefer doing your own lawn care, you can obtain the supplies and equipment you need from local retailers. Lawn and garden shops sell fertilizer and grass seed, and you can often rent walk-behind aerators from heavy-equipment rental shops for a daily rate. However, DIY lawn care involves a large time commitment and lacks professional guidance. A full-service lawn care company provides professional evaluation and develops a treatment plan to get your lawn in top shape. If full-service lawn care is too costly, you might opt for a DIY subscription plan, in which the company provides personalized lawn care products that you're responsible for applying to your lawn.

Lawn Care Service Costs in Columbia

The cost of lawn care varies depending on the service you need, but comprehensive lawn care is typically priced at $72–$161 on average in Columbia. The table below breaks down cost by service: