BBB Offers Tips for Hiring Lawn Services

It’s that time of year again, when the temperature rises and spring begins to bloom. Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT offers tips for homeowners who want a well-maintained yard but don’t have the ability or time.

In 2015, BBB received over 1.5 million inquiries and 2,458 complaints regarding landscaping contractors alone. Many of the complaints were about shoddy workmanship, a faulty contract, or billing and collection issues. Hiring a landscape contractor can provide homeowners with the professional help needed, but BBB warns to research a business before hiring lawn services.

“Before you hire a lawn care service, it’s important to get everything in writing and make sure all of the details are included in the contract,” said Paula Fleming, Vice President for the local BBB. “Read everything thoroughly before signing and never sign a contract that is partially blank.”

BBB recommends the following when hiring a lawn care maintenance service:

Hire a professional. Research businesses at bbb.org or find trusted services in BBB’s Accredited Business Directory. Be sure to ask for references.

Be wary of door-to-door solicitations. Every year, countless homeowners have tree trimming businesses knock on their door and offer to provide their services at a discount. In too many cases, the work performed is shoddy or only partially completed – and the company fails to return, as promised.

Request an onsite inspection. The inspection should include the entire yard, not just parts that appear to be in poor condition. Estimates should be given only after an onsite inspection and should include all labor, cleanup and disposal charges.

Get everything in writing. A contract should clearly state the services you will receive, as well as when the job is expected to be completed, payment terms and conditions, contact information for the business – phone number and address – as well as any refund or cancellation policies.

Verify insurance coverage. Confirm that the business has insurance that covers worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents.

Remember, you’re the customer. Don’t feel pressured to choose a business just because someone is standing on your doorstep. Always avoid paying in cash and never write a check out to an employee.

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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses and brands they can trust. In 2015, people turned to BBB more than 172 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses, all available for free at bbb.org.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as home to its national and international programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation. BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont was founded in 1920.