Photo: istockphoto.com
Dreaming of a vibrant, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood? Many homeowners aspire to have a perfect lawn, but achieving it requires more than just wishful thinking. A strategic lawn maintenance schedule, coupled with a well-planned lawn fertilizer schedule, is crucial. Knowing precisely what to apply and when can be challenging. This is where the best DIY lawn care programs step in, eliminating the guesswork. These programs offer easy-to-follow lawn care plans delivered directly to your doorstep, complete with treatment options to enhance soil health, repair damage, and manage pests. For homeowners eager to take control of their lawn care, we’ve explored the leading DIY lawn care subscription services to help you discover the ideal program for your lawn’s needs.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Cost | Shipment Frequency | Ingredient Type | Herbicide Type | Product Type | Pests Treated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Lawn Care | Starting at $109 per year | Seasonally | Natural, plant- derived | Post-emergent | Liquid |
| DoMyOwn Turf Box | Varies by location | Monthly | Synthetic | Pre-emergent | Granular |
| Lawnbright | Starting at $140 per year | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Natural, plant- derived | Pre-emergent | Liquid |
| Lawn Serv | Starting at $39 per month | Monthly | Natural, plant- derived; synthetic (depending on plan) | Pre-emergent and post-emergent | Liquid and granular |
Our Top Picks for DIY Lawn Care Programs
Our evaluation of DIY lawn care programs and lawn care product subscription services prioritized those offering a comprehensive product range with nationwide shipping. Additional factors considered included packaging, sustainability practices, environmental impact, program costs, and the availability of supplementary products.
Best Overall DIY Lawn Care Program: Sunday Lawn Care
Photo: getsunday.com
Pros
- Comprehensive and customized lawn care plan process
- Transparent sustainability and responsible business operations
- Location-specific suggestions for live plants and trees
- Sustainable and A-LIST-approved grass seed options
- Strong commitment to sustainable practices as a 1% for the Planet member
Cons
- Product usage instructions could be more detailed
Why It Made the Cut: Sunday Lawn Care stands out as an industry leader in DIY lawn care, offering nationwide service across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Their strengths lie in providing a comprehensive, user-friendly lawn care program, utilizing A-LIST approved grass seed, offering plant recommendations tailored to specific locations, and demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
Sunday Lawn Care delivers a DIY lawn care solution that’s highly personalized. It begins with a survey assessing crucial factors like your climate, geographic location, and the size and condition of your lawn. The initial shipment includes a soil test kit, a vital tool that helps Sunday analyze your soil pH and formulate a truly customized treatment plan. For those looking to enhance their lawn density, Sunday also offers grass seed, which can be integrated into your personalized plan for overseeding. Beyond lawn treatments, customers have the option to purchase plants separately, including perennials, trees, and shrubs, all recommended based on their USDA plant hardiness zone. To ensure gardening success, plants unsuitable for the customer’s climate are clearly identified, and those that are a good fit are shipped at the optimal planting time for their region.
Sunday subscription boxes are shipped seasonally, with the exact frequency varying based on the length of the local growing season. Customers can expect to receive between two and five shipments, spanning from the season’s start to its conclusion. Starting a Sunday program mid-season is also a viable option. The number of products and shipment frequency are also influenced by the chosen plan. Beyond basic fertilization, Sunday provides a range of specialized treatments including pest control, post-emergent weed solutions, pet damage repair, and treatments for heat-stressed lawns, ensuring homeowners have access to everything needed for a healthy lawn. While Sunday’s product coverage is generous, accommodating most average-sized lawns, the 13,500 square foot coverage limit might be insufficient for very large properties. Some users have also noted that the instructions included with the lawn care kits could be more comprehensive. This is worth considering, as unclear directions could lead to application errors, potentially affecting treatment effectiveness.
While lawn maintenance can sometimes be at odds with environmental concerns, Sunday Lawn Care allows customers to feel good about their lawn care practices without compromising on lawn aesthetics. Sunday’s products are formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients. They are committed to sustainable packaging, utilizing 30 percent post-consumer recycled materials and providing transparent recycling guidelines. Sunday further reinforces its commitment to the environment by publishing an annual sustainability report and exclusively using grass seed from A-LIST, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable turfgrass varieties and growth methods. As a member of 1% for the Planet, Sunday also directs a portion of its revenue to environmental solutions, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainability.
Specs
- Cost: Starting at $109 per year
- Shipment frequency: Seasonally
- Ingredient type: Natural, plant-derived
- Herbicide type: Post-emergent
- Product type: Liquid
- Pests treated: Ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders
Sunday Lawn Care has been recognized as a 2024 BobVila.com Home Improvement Hero. The Home Improvement Heroes designation is awarded to top-tier companies that homeowners can rely on for various home-related needs. Our editorial team employs a rigorous evaluation process based on factors like availability, expertise, service range, pricing, customer feedback, guarantees, refund policies, customer support, and more. We conduct independent reviews of each company and even hire some for our own projects for thorough assessment. The complete list of honorees can be found here.
Best DIY Lawn Care Program for Weed and Disease Control: DoMyOwn Turf Box
Photo: domyown.com
Pros
- Comprehensive solutions for weed and lawn disease issues
- Extensive selection of additional lawn and garden products available for purchase
- High maximum coverage area of up to 20,000 square feet
- Beneficial 10 percent discount on all additional DoMyOwn product purchases
Cons
- Fertilizer is not included as part of the standard custom plan
Why It Made the Cut: DoMyOwn Turf Box excels in providing cost-effective DIY solutions for prevalent lawn problems like fungus, weeds, and pests, with treatment coverage extending up to 20,000 square feet. Subscribers also benefit from a 10 percent discount on a wide array of supplementary lawn care products.
DoMyOwn Turf Box simplifies the process of diagnosing and resolving common lawn issues such as weeds, diseases, and pests. Customers begin with a straightforward diagnostic test, specifying their location and grass type (knowing your grass type is essential). Based on this information, DoMyOwn Turf Box develops a customized program with products shipped precisely when they should be applied, removing all guesswork from the process. Customers can choose plans focused on DIY lawn care weed control, disease control, or a combined package for both, ensuring they receive only the treatments their lawn truly requires. Owners of larger properties will appreciate DoMyOwn Turf Box’s substantial maximum coverage limit of 20,000 square feet, which is notably generous for a DIY lawn care program.
While DoMyOwn’s website offers a comprehensive range of fertilizers, pre-emergent herbicides, fungicides, and pest control solutions for issues like grubs, ants, ticks, and mosquitoes, these are not included in the subscription box and must be purchased separately as needed. However, lawn care subscription box subscribers receive a valuable 10 percent discount on these additional lawn care product purchases.
Specs
- Cost: Varies by location
- Shipment frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient type: Synthetic
- Herbicide type: Pre-emergent
- Product type: Granular
- Pests treated: Ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders, wasps, hornets
Best Customer Support in DIY Lawn Care: Lawnbright
Photo: getlawnbright.com
Pros
- Access to in-depth consultations with experienced lawn care professionals
- Real-time lawn care guidance and instructions via text messaging
- A portion of each sale is donated to an environmentally focused non-profit organization
Cons
- Standard plans are not available for lawns exceeding 10,000 square feet
Why It Made the Cut: Lawnbright distinguishes itself as an environmentally conscious service, offering plant-based, easy-to-apply lawn care products free from harsh chemicals. Its exceptional customer support, including professional consultations and text message-based instructions and alerts, truly sets it apart.
Lawnbright delivers DIY lawn treatments specifically tailored to each customer’s unique lawn care needs, considering location, lawn size, and soil test results. Their product range includes weed control, pet spot treatments, mosquito and tick management, fertilizers, soil enhancers, and more. Lawnbright’s “Ingredient Promise” guarantees that all products are formulated with natural ingredients like cedar oil, kelp, and corn gluten meal. This commitment ensures that their products are entirely free of harsh chemicals that can harm people and the environment. Customers can select from three plan options based on their lawn size. It’s important to note that standard plans are designed for lawns up to 10,000 square feet; larger properties will require a custom quote, potentially resulting in a higher price. Treatments are scheduled for delivery every 6 to 8 weeks and are automatically paused during a region’s dormant months.
A significant advantage of Lawnbright is their exceptional customer support. Customers with specific questions or needing extra assistance can utilize Lawnbright’s consultation service to speak directly with a Turf Team expert for personalized support. Lawnbright also provides complimentary Turf Alerts, delivering text messages with valuable information about weather conditions and lawn care tips, such as optimal lawn fertilizing schedules and watering frequency. For those new to DIY lawn care scheduling, this additional support can provide valuable reassurance. While specific details about these support services are somewhat limited online, interested customers should contact Lawnbright directly for more information before subscribing.
Lawnbright also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by donating a percentage of every sale to Non Toxic Communities, a non-profit organization supporting communities in their efforts to reduce toxic chemicals in their air, water, and soil. Homeowners who prioritize environmental responsibility will find comfort in choosing a company that shares these values.
Specs
- Cost: Starting at $140 per year
- Shipment frequency: Every 6 to 8 weeks
- Ingredient type: Natural, plant-derived
- Herbicide type: Pre-emergent
- Product type: Liquid
- Pests treated: Mosquitoes, ticks
Another Great DIY Lawn Care Option: Lawn Serv
Photo: lawnserv.com
Pros
- Customized lawn care boxes adjusted monthly based on local weather updates
- Offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides for comprehensive weed control
Cons
- Limited product availability in their online shop
- Some plans include synthetic products
Why It Made the Cut: Lawn Serv distinguishes itself with monthly DIY lawn care boxes meticulously optimized based on customers’ local weather and climate conditions. They also provide both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, offering a complete approach to weed management.
Lawn Serv employs a science-driven methodology to deliver personalized DIY lawn care packages. The company analyzes weather data from each customer’s location to precisely determine their lawn’s needs and select appropriate products for each monthly shipment. Lawn Serv offers three plan options: Traditional (primarily synthetic products), Mostly Natural (synthetic weed control with mostly natural products), and All Natural (entirely natural products, without weed control). The Mostly Natural and All Natural Plans are slightly more expensive than the Traditional plan, yet they remain among the most affordable DIY lawn care service plans available. Lawn Serv packages are shipped monthly, and customers have the flexibility to pause, cancel, or customize deliveries at any time. They also offer seasonal lawn care subscriptions, pausing deliveries during non-growing periods based on geographic region.
Beyond subscription boxes, Lawn Serv features a variety of individual products and tools for purchase on their website, though online stock may be somewhat limited. Notably, their offering of both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides allows homeowners to effectively manage weeds throughout their life cycle, ensuring year-round weed control.
Specs
- Cost: Starting at $39 per month
- Shipment frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient type: Natural, plant-derived; synthetic (depending on plan)
- Herbicide type: Pre-emergent and post-emergent
- Product type: Liquid and granular
- Pests treated: Mosquitoes, ticks
Our Verdict on DIY Lawn Care Programs
For a comprehensive do-it-yourself lawn treatment, encompassing DIY weed control, environmentally conscious DIY lawn care solutions, and a range of customizable add-ons, Sunday Lawn Care is our top recommendation for the best lawn care subscription service. DoMyOwn Turf Box earns our Best for Weeds and Disease designation, thanks to its highly effective DIY solutions targeting common lawn care challenges like pests, weeds, and diseases.
How We Chose the Best DIY Lawn Care Programs and Subscription Services
Selecting the best DIY lawn care programs and subscription services involved evaluating numerous options offering high-quality lawn care products delivered directly to consumers. Our evaluation considered a range of factors, including cost, the variety of products and plans offered, and shipment frequency. Environmental impact was another key consideration, examining both manufacturing and packaging practices, as well as product ingredients, with a preference for companies offering more plant-based products for environmental and ethical reasons. We also assessed whether companies provided pest control or disease management solutions and if they offered additional products like plants and grass seed.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Key Considerations When Choosing a DIY Lawn Care Program
Before committing to a DIY lawn care program or subscription service, several important factors deserve careful consideration. Establishing a consistent lawn care schedule is essential for a healthy lawn, but each program provides different solutions and add-on options. The type of ingredients—organic, plant-based, or animal-based—is also a significant factor. Customers should evaluate product shipment frequency and packaging sustainability. Cost is always a consideration; while investing slightly more for desired products might be worthwhile, overpaying for subpar products is undesirable. Understanding these DIY lawn care program aspects upfront will help you determine the best fit for your lawn.
Subscription Plan Details and Cost Analysis
When comparing DIY lawn care subscriptions, understanding product shipment frequency is essential for creating the most effective lawn care schedule. Many DIY lawn care treatment plans are seasonally based, with product shipments aligned accordingly. Some lawn care subscription services deliver products monthly during the active growing season.
The cost of DIY lawn care products can vary widely depending on the plan type, included products, and payment structure (upfront annual/seasonal or monthly).
Ingredient and Product Specifics
Ingredient lists in DIY lawn treatment products can differ significantly. It’s crucial for potential customers to understand the composition of products they apply to their lawns to ensure alignment with their needs and values.
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Plant-derived vs. animal-derived ingredients: Fertilizers can utilize both animal and plant-derived ingredients, both providing essential nutrients for soil and plant health. Many common fertilizers combine both ingredient types.
- Animal-based fertilizers contain components like bone meal, blood meal, and fish meal, as well as animal waste products like cow or chicken manure. These often have a strong odor. Some, particularly manure, can cause root burn due to high nitrogen content. Animal waste-based ingredients are also high in salt, which can harm beneficial soil microbes, making them less environmentally friendly than plant-based alternatives. Ethical concerns regarding animal rights may also lead some to avoid animal-derived ingredients.
- Plant-based ingredients, such as corn gluten, soybean meal, and molasses, generally have less odor. They decompose slowly, providing a more sustained nutrient source for plants.
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Liquid vs. granular products: Any lawn fertilizer schedule depends on product type and whether you’re fertilizing new grass versus established turf.
- Granular fertilizers are dry, typically pellet or sand-like. Many are slow-release, gradually releasing nutrients into the soil over time. Quick-release granular options also exist. Slow-release types usually require only one application per season.
- Liquid fertilizers are concentrates diluted with water before application. They can be liquid or soluble powders. Most are quick-release, providing immediate nutrients, but require more frequent reapplication.
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Pre-emergent vs. post-emergent herbicides: Herbicides are plant-toxic substances used to eliminate unwanted vegetation, like weeds. Conventional herbicides are pre-emergent or post-emergent. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed growth by killing germinating weed seeds. Post-emergent herbicides kill existing, sprouted weeds but don’t prevent new seed germination. The best choice depends on lawn needs and environmental conditions like sunlight and rainfall.
Lawn Disease Treatment and Prevention Strategies
While preventing lawn diseases is best achieved through healthy lawn care practices and proper nutrition, it’s wise to ensure any DIY lawn care program offers options for treating lawn fungus and diseases.
Lawn fungus and diseases can arise from various factors, including improper mowing, overwatering, and incorrect fertilizer use. Even with good routine care, issues can occur. Common symptoms include brown or yellow patches, mushroom growth, or snow mold (a silvery surface substance). Prompt treatment is crucial to avoid the high cost of lawn replacement.
Pest Control Product Availability in DIY Programs
Just as lawn diseases are common, so are turf pests. Therefore, consider the pest control products offered by a lawn care subscription service. Common turf-damaging pests include grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, and cutworms. Control of nuisance insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and ants may also be desired.
Many lawn care subscriptions include pest control alongside basic lawn care. Knowing suitable pest control products are available can significantly influence your choice of a DIY lawn care program.
Product and Packaging Sustainability Considerations
While DIY lawn care subscriptions are convenient, many products are packaged in single-use plastic. Environmentally conscious customers should consider packaging types. Is recycled or sustainably sourced plastic used? Is the packaging recyclable?
Fertilizer manufacturing can generate greenhouse gases. Evaluate if companies have policies to reduce environmental impact in manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.
Availability of Additional Lawn and Garden Products
While primary interest may be lawn care products, access to supplemental products is a bonus. Purchasing from a single source is convenient. These may include lawn care equipment, hand tools, mowers, garden tools, and plants like perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Before Committing to a DIY Lawn Care Program
While DIY lawn care programs aim to simplify lawn care and empower homeowners, they aren’t for everyone. Time commitment is a factor. Even with subscriptions designed to minimize effort, regular lawn maintenance takes time, which may be a constraint due to various reasons, including mobility. Hiring professional lawn care services might be a better solution for some. Many services offer basic gardening, like weeding and hedge trimming, appealing to those with time or physical limitations. Some services not included in DIY programs, like lawn aeration (averaging $140 annually), may still be necessary.
Achieving a prize-winning lawn can seem impossible due to pests, diseases, heat damage, or neglect. Similar symptoms across many lawn problems—brown spots, yellow spots, bare spots—can make diagnosis and resolution difficult. Overseeding or complete lawn replacement (sod or seed, considering cost differences) might be necessary. Hiring a lawn care specialist may be needed for significant issues.
Some gardeners prefer homemade fertilizers. Since fertilizer is central to these subscriptions, such programs may not be worthwhile for those who prefer DIY fertilizer.
Cost-Effectiveness of DIY Lawn Care Programs
The average cost of top DIY lawn care programs ranges from $39 per month to $140 per year. Prices can increase considerably with add-ons like grass seed and herbicides, reaching $200+ per year. Remember lawn care is seasonal; monthly subscriptions won’t ship in winter dormancy. A typical year covers spring, summer, and fall, with programs including spring growth boosters, active season treatments, and fall follow-ups.
DIY lawn care is generally more affordable than professional services. Average professional lawn care service visits cost around $124 (range $48-$206), depending on yard size and factors. Monthly service during the growing season can average $124 per visit for 4-6 months. However, consider that professional services may include maintenance like mowing and edging, which DIY programs don’t. Choosing between DIY (like Sunday Lawn Care) and professional services (like TruGreen) requires considering service inclusions and your needs.
Advantages of Choosing a DIY Lawn Care Program
Achieving a lush, thriving lawn is a common homeowner aspiration, a source of pride and curb appeal. Beyond aesthetics, DIY lawn care programs offer several benefits:
- Eliminates Guesswork: No more confusion in home improvement store aisles about what to buy.
- Reduces Mistakes: Timed product delivery minimizes incorrect application and grass damage.
- Ingredient Control: DIY subscriptions offer transparency about product ingredients, including organic and non-chloride options not always available from services.
- Cost Savings: DIY programs are typically significantly cheaper than professional lawn care services.
- Fresh Air and Exercise: DIY lawn care provides outdoor time and physical activity.
FAQs About DIY Lawn Care
Lawns have unique needs, but common questions arise regarding DIY lawn care. Here are some frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the best mowing pattern?
The spiral pattern is ideal: mow the border first, then spiral inwards to the center. Long stripes are efficient and common: mow the long edge, U-turn, and mow back, creating stripes.
Q. What is the 1/3 mowing rule?
Only cut one-third of the grass blade length. This maintains lawn health and avoids stunting growth from overly short mowing.
Q. When should I test my soil?
Test soil well before the growing season. Early spring after the last frost or fall before the first frost is ideal. Lab soil tests usually take at least 3 weeks for results.
Q. Is it better to fertilize before or after mowing?
Fertilize after mowing and raking. This helps fertilizer reach the soil more easily.
Q. Should I water my lawn 2 or 3 times a week?
Water two or three times weekly to avoid overwatering. Adjust frequency based on rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Q. What is the best homemade fertilizer for lawns?
Compost tea is a good homemade lawn fertilizer. It’s a liquid made from solid compost and sometimes includes liquid concentrates like fish fertilizer or seaweed.
Bob Vila and Recurrent Ventures prioritize conservation and sustainability. While these DIY lawn care solutions are effective, not all are strictly organic or sustainable. We encourage informed choices about home and property maintenance, whether DIY or professional, favoring solutions that minimize harm to the planet and its inhabitants.
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