Understanding Columbia's Climate
Columbia is in the Mixed-Humid climate zone, enjoying long, warm summers but freezing winters. The area gets an average of 52 inches of rain annually, with the most rain in December and the least in October. The average high temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low is 51 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lawn health is linked to your local climate in multiple ways. Hotter, drier months call for increased watering to keep your lawn from growing brown and stunted, whereas wetter months can help grass flourish but deplete soil nutrients. The climate zone will be a big determinant of your fertilization,, seeding, or aerating schedule throughout the year.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company
You should consider these factors when picking a lawn care company in Columbia and working with them on a plan for your lawn care needs.
Services Offered
Full-service lawn care companies offer a number of services to maintain your lawn's health across different seasons. These typically include the following:
- Core aeration
- Fertilization
- Overseeding
- Pest control
- Soil amendment and pH control
- Weed killing
Reputation and Experience
Ensure you know a lawn care provider's reputation and years of experience. You can use sources like Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to learn about real customer experiences. Keep in mind that newer companies may have fewer customer reviews and therefore be harder to evaluate.
Environmental Practices
A company's environmental practices may also be important to you. Some companies use strong chemical pesticides and herbicides that can be bad for the environment and hazardous for humans and animals. Others pride themselves on using natural and organic lawn care products. These can be environmentally friendly when used properly.
Pricing
The amount you spend on lawn care in Columbia will change depending on what plan you purchase. One-time services are generally cheaper but don't include follow-up lawn maintenance. On the other hand, annual plans are more expensive but allow you to be more hands-off. These plans include seasonal visits and are great for keeping your lawn healthy all year.
Potential DIY Solutions
Homeowners who prefer to handle lawn care themselves can buy the necessary equipment and supplies at local retailers. Lawn and garden centers sell grass seed and fertilizer, and heavy-equipment rental shops frequently rent walk-behind aerators by the day. However, DIY lawn care involves a significant time commitment and doesn't include the guidance of a professional. Hiring a full-service lawn care company means you get professional evaluation and help developing a treatment plan to get your lawn in top shape. If full-service lawn care is out of budget, you might opt for a DIY subscription plan, in which the company provides personalized lawn care products that you apply to the lawn yourself.
Lawn Care Service Costs in Columbia
Comprehensive lawn care costs $74–$167 on average in Columbia. However, your cost will vary based on the services you need and the size of your lawn. The table below breaks down cost by service:
Lawn Care Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Lawn mowing | $111 - $167 |
Leaf removal | $69 - $464 |
Snow removal | $69 - $139 |
Core aeration | $79 - $116 |
Fertilization | $46 - $139 |
Overseeding | $650 - $929 |
Pest control | $92 - $1208 |
Weed control | $79 - $92 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Columbia
Should I be concerned about my lawn becoming too dry in Columbia?
Are there Columbia lawn care companies that offer landscaping services?
What grasses are common in Columbia?
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Tall Fescue
- Fine Fescue
How often should I have my lawn aerated?
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