Top Questions to Ask Before Starting a Home Remodel
When it comes to your lawn, it’s easy to assume that any green-thumbed professional with a truck and a sprayer knows what they’re doing. But the reality is, not all lawn care providers are created equal—and
asking the right questions before a treatment can save you time, money, and even your lawn’s health.
Whether you're signing up for a one-time service or committing to a full-season plan, these critical questions can help you avoid unnecessary treatments, overbilling, chemical misuse, or damage to your yard.
1. What Kind of Treatment Are You Applying—And Why?
This is the most important question of all. Don’t just accept “fertilizer” or “weed control” as an answer. Ask them what specific product they’re using, what the active ingredients are, and what issue it's designed to address. A reputable professional should be able to tell you exactly what the treatment is and how it aligns with your lawn's current condition.
🔍 Pro Tip: If they can’t name the product, or say “It’s just the standard stuff,” that’s a red flag. Every lawn is different—and the treatment should reflect that.
2. Did You Assess My Lawn Before Applying Anything?
No professional should be applying treatments blindly. A good lawn care provider will walk the property, evaluate soil condition, turf density, weed pressure, and insect activity before recommending a product.
🚫 Be cautious of companies that skip straight to the spray—it’s a sign they’re on autopilot and may be treating symptoms, not causes.
3. Is This Treatment Safe for Pets, Kids, and the Environment?
It’s essential to know how long you should wait before letting pets or children play on the lawn after treatment. Some products require only a 1-hour wait, while others may require 24–48 hours of drying time. You should also ask how treatments affect pollinators like bees or nearby garden beds.
🌎 Many pros now offer eco-friendly or organic treatments, so ask if those are available—especially if you're concerned about runoff, groundwater, or neighborhood exposure.
4. What Results Should I Expect—And How Soon?
Not all lawn treatments offer instant results. Fertilizers may take 7–14 days to green up a lawn. Pre-emergent weed controls may not show any visible effect at all—because they’re preventing, not killing. Asking your provider what you should expect will help you set realistic expectations and hold them accountable.
⏳ Also ask how many treatments are typically needed to fully resolve the issue. Some companies may under promise to hook you, or overpromise to lock you into unnecessary long-term contracts.
5. Are You Licensed and Insured to Apply This Treatment?
Lawn care treatments—especially those involving herbicides or pesticides—often require a state-issued applicator’s license. This ensures the technician understands proper handling, safety protocols, and legal limits for application.
📋 If they’re not licensed or can’t show proof of insurance, you could be liable for any damages to property, pets, or neighboring lawns.
6. Will You Provide a Written Summary of the Treatment?
After the service, ask for a detailed report or summary. This should include:
Product name(s) and concentration
Application rate
Treatment areas
Weather conditions during treatment
Safety instructions or warnings
Next steps or follow-up recommendations
🧾 Having this information documented not only keeps your provider accountable but gives you a paper trail for future troubleshooting or warranty claims.
7. What Follow-Up or Maintenance Is Required?
Some treatments require additional care to be effective. For example, fertilizers often need to be watered in, while weed control products may require dry conditions to work best. Ask your pro if you need to adjust mowing frequency, watering schedules, or avoid certain activities on the lawn.
📅 This is also the best time to ask if they’ll schedule a follow-up—or if you’re expected to call them if problems persist.
✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Many homeowners hesitate to question their lawn care pros out of politeness or lack of knowledge. But the truth is: a trustworthy, experienced professional welcomes these questions. They’ll see your curiosity as a sign that you care—and they’ll be more likely to treat your property with care in return.
Live in the Lansing area and want peace of mind before your next lawn treatment?
Let us help you find a licensed, reputable lawn care pro who answers your questions, not avoids them.
👉 Fill out our quick form today and we’ll connect you with vetted experts who treat your lawn—and your concerns—seriously.