Understanding Richmond's Climate
Richmond is in the Mixed-Humid climate zone, enjoying moderate summers but fairly cold winters. The area sees the most rain in July and the least in January, seeing an average of about 43 inches per year. Temperatures range from an average high of about 66 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of roughly 48 degrees Fahrenheit. The local climate greatly affects lawn health. Your grass may look greener and more lush in wetter months, but excessive rain can wash away soil nutrients. Drier months necessitate increased watering to keep your lawn from turning brown and dry. The local climate will have a big influence on when you aerate, fertilize, and seed.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Care Company
Consider these important factors when deciding which Richmond lawn care company aligns best with your home's needs.
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Services Offered
A full-service lawn care company will offer a selection of seasonal services for improving and maintaining your lawn's health. These often include the following:
- Core aeration
- Fertilization
- Overseeding
- Pest control
- Soil amendment and pH control
- Weed control
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Reputation and Experience
One of the first details you should research when choosing a lawn care provider is the company's reputation and industry experience. A newer company may be reputable but harder to evaluate due to having fewer customer reviews. Read customer reviews and ratings from third-party sources, such as Trustpilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp, to research the overall customer experience.
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Environmental Practices
Another thing to look into 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 properly. Others use harsh chemical herbicides and pesticides that can pose health hazards to humans and animals.
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Pricing
The price of Richmond lawn care changes depending on whether you purchase an annual plan or a single visit. Annual plans include seasonal maintenance and are a great hands-off option for keeping your lawn healthy year-round. Alternatively, you might only need a single service visit, an option that's normally cheaper but doesn't include any follow-up.
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Potential DIY Solutions
If you prefer doing your own lawn care, you can purchase the supplies and equipment you need from local retailers. Lawn and garden stores sell fertilizer and grass seed, and you can often rent walk-behind aerators from heavy-equipment rental shops on a day-by-day basis. DIY lawn care, however, is a significant time commitment and does not include expert guidance. Full-service lawn care comes with professional inspection, recommendations, and care to help your lawn look its best. If you're looking for more guidance than DIY lawn care but want to spend less than you would on a full service, you can try DIY subscription lawn care. DIY subscription companies send you customized lawn care products that you're responsible for applying to your lawn.
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Richmond Lawn Care FAQ
Should I worry about my lawn becoming too dry in Richmond?
Richmond sees about 43 inches of rain per year, and dry spells are not uncommon. You should have a lawn-watering or irrigation plan in place for prolonged dry spells.
Do Richmond lawn care companies offer landscaping services?
Some Richmond lawn care professionals offer weed eating, mowing, and other kinds of landscape maintenance. However, some companies may only offer fertilization and other lawn care treatments. You will need to speak with a company representative to confirm service availability.
What type of grass seed is used in Richmond?
Richmond yards may use several types of grass seed. Popular options include
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Tall Fescue
- Fine Fescue
How frequently should I aerate my lawn?
Core aeration for your lawn is generally recommended once annually to boost nutrient uptake and improve air circulation in the soil.
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