Available in all 50 states, TruGreen has been offering lawn care and maintenance services since 1974. Originally called ChemLawn until 1979, TruGreen is now headquartered in Memphis, TN. A franchise company with nearly 250 branches across the nation, TruGreen states that all their lawn care technicians have completed the “TruExpert Certification Program” and are “TruGreen PhD-certified” to have in-depth knowledge of horticulture and agronomics. TruGreen also provides pest and weed control products that are applied by state-licensed technicians. Below, we explore the details that make this lawn service provider stand out from the rest.
Does TruGreen Use Only Eco-Friendly Products?
According to the Forbes Home Advisor, TruGreen uses lawn and pest products registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They do not use products that are likely or known carcinogens as designated by the International Agency for Research in Cancer, the National Toxicology Program or the U.S. EPA.
TruGreen’s TruNatural Lawn program offers chemical-free and 100% natural fertilizer. The pesticides they use to eliminate ant, mosquito, tick, chigger and other insect infestations are non-toxic.
TruGreen Lawn Care Plans
To make it simple to access multiple services at once, TruGreen has created a series of service plans for customers to choose from, including those below.
TruHealth Lawn Plan Services
- Fertilization
- Weed control
- Pest control
- Soil analysis/treatment
- Once-a-year aeration of the lawn
- A total of eight service calls every four to six weeks before the plan needs to be renewed
- Lime soil amendment
- Option for shrub and tree maintenance
TruSignature Lawn Care Plan
- Fertilization
- Weed control
- Pest control
- Soil analysis/treatment
- Once-a-year aeration of the lawn
- Total of eight applications every four to six weeks before the plan needs to be renewed
- Lime soil amendment
- Shrub and tree maintenance
- 12 service calls per year
TruGreen Standard Plan
- Fertilization
- Weed control
- Seven service calls per year
Plans come with the Healthy Lawn Guarantee that ensures customers are satisfied with their service and plans. If a customer is unsatisfied, TruGreen promises to continue making changes until the customer is completely satisfied.
Overseeding services for fescue grass lawns are available only through the TruSignature Lawn Plan.
Purchasing a plan is not necessary to receive these services:
- Flea and tick control
- Grub prevention and control
- Soil analysis and amendment
- Lawn fertilization
- Mosquito control
- Preventative care treatments (winterizing or preparing a lawn for wet or dry seasons)
How Much Does TruGreen Charge for Lawn Care Services?
Although TruGreen does not provide prices on its website, customers can request quotes by calling their local TruGreen franchise or submitting an online form. When asking for a quote, TruGreen will need the following information:
- Customer’s address (TruGreen utilizes online maps to evaluate the size and shape of the lawn)
- If the lawn has been treated over the past five years
- What kind of problems are affecting the lawn (yellow grass, patches of dead grass, excess weeds)
- What kind of pests are damaging the lawn, if any
- What kind of plan the customer is interested in learning more about. If the quote is requested via phone, the representative will explain the services and options associated with lawn care plans.
Customers will receive a quote immediately on the phone or wait around 24 hours to receive a quote online. TruGreen frequently runs discounts and promotions on specific plans and services. If a discount or promotion applies to the plan or stand-alone service a customer purchases, TruGreen will apply that discount/promotion to the purchase price.
All lawn care plans must be paid in full at the time of purchase.
What Are the Pros of TruGreen Lawn Care?
Many of the benefits TruGreen offers have helped establish it as a top resource for lawn care. Examples of pros include the following:
- TruGreen franchises operate in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C.
- A mobile app is available to schedule lawn care appointments without contacting the company directly.
- TruGreen accepts payments online with its secure payment system.
- Instant or online quotes are available.
- TruGreen offers a comprehensive list of lawn and pest services, including tree and shrub maintenance.
What Are the Cons of TruGreen Lawn Care?
While TruGreen may be a reliable and popular source for lawn care services, it’s not without its faults. Some potential downsides to be aware of include the following:
- TruGreen does not offer lawn mowing services.
- Customers cannot cancel a lawn care plan online. You must call the business and speak to a representative to cancel a plan.
- Products used to treat mosquito or wasp infestations may harm bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Many negative reviews about TruGreen services can be found online, suggesting customers have mixed experiences with the company.
TruGreen Lawn Care Complaints
TruGreen became a member of the Better Business Bureau in 1993. Currently, TruGreen’s rating with the BBB is 1.09 out of 5. There have been over 3000 complaints against TruGreen since 2020 and over 990 complaints since 2022.
Some of the more recent customer reviews and complaints against TruGreen include the following:
“I tried TruGreen this year, and my backyard has never looked so bad. Weeds, bare spots, and no grass despite two seedings and four treatments. I have tried contacting a representative, but it’s impossible. I only get a national representative, not a local one, who can’t contact someone to assess my lawn and why it is in such bad shape. TruGreen just keeps sending out people to fertilize the weeds. Very disappointed.”
“I paid upfront for 12 treatments. Three weeks after the first treatment, the grass had not improved. In fact, the grass was getting much worse. I called, told them what was happening, and they scheduled another treatment. I received a text saying the technician had arrived, but he was not here! Then, I received another text saying the treatment was completed. I was on my front porch the whole time, and no one showed up. All I heard from the sales guy who talked me into buying a plan was—GUARANTEED green full lawn. I canceled my service.”
Most closed complaints have been resolved by TruGreen issuing the customer a refund. While negative reviews don’t necessarily mean a company is unable to provide services as promised, they may be worth noting.
Overall, whether TruGreen is the best choice for your lawn likely comes down to preferences, budget, and whether the range of services offered fits your needs. Contacting your local TruGreen is the next best step to take if you’re considering utilizing the company’s services.
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