How to Read and Compare Lawn Care Proposals in Treasure Valley

Getting the Best Value from Lawn Care Services

When you request proposals from lawn care companies in Kuna, Meridian, Boise, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, you'll receive quotes that can vary significantly in format, pricing, and included services. Understanding how to read and compare these proposals ensures you select a provider that delivers genuine value rather than simply the lowest price or most impressive sales pitch.

This guide walks you through evaluating lawn care proposals like a professional, helping you ask the right questions and identify red flags before signing a contract.

Essential Information Every Proposal Should Include

Company Credentials

Before comparing services and prices, verify that you're dealing with legitimate, qualified providers:

• Business license: Should be registered in Idaho
• Insurance: General liability and workers' compensation
• Pesticide licensing: Required for weed control and fertilization services in Idaho
• Physical address: Avoid companies with only P.O. boxes
• Years in business: Established history suggests reliability
• References: Willingness to provide customer contacts

Property Specifications

Accurate proposals require accurate property assessment:

• Lawn square footage: Should be measured, not estimated
• Property boundaries: Clear understanding of service area
• Obstacles noted: Trees, beds, play equipment, etc.
• Current lawn condition: Assessment of existing problems
• Irrigation system status: Noted if relevant to services

Service Details

Every service should be clearly defined:

• Specific services included: Exactly what will be performed
• Frequency: How often each service occurs
• Timing: When services will be scheduled
• Products used: Fertilizer types, herbicides, seed varieties
• Exclusions: What is NOT included

Comparing Mowing Services

What Quality Mowing Includes

Basic lawn mowing service should always include:

• Mowing at proper height for grass type (2.5-3.5 inches for Idaho lawns)
• Trimming around obstacles, beds, and structures
• Edging along sidewalks and driveways
• Blowing clippings from hard surfaces
• Alternating mowing patterns to prevent wear

Mowing Proposal Red Flags

Be cautious of proposals that:

• Don't specify mowing height or leave it to operator discretion
• Charge extra for basic trimming and edging
• Offer extremely low prices that suggest rushed service
• Don't address clipping management (bagging, mulching, etc.)
• Lack clear scheduling (every week vs. as needed)

Mowing Price Comparison

Lawn Size	Budget Provider	Mid-Range Provider	Premium Provider
Under 5,000 sq ft	$25-35	$35-50	$50-65
5,000-10,000 sq ft	$35-50	$50-75	$75-100
10,000-15,000 sq ft	$50-70	$70-100	$100-150

Evaluating Fertilization and Weed Control Programs

Program Structure

Quality fertilization and weed control programs should specify:

• Number of applications: Typically 4-6 per year for Idaho lawns
• Application timing: Early spring, late spring, summer, fall, winterizer
• Product types: Granular vs. liquid, organic options if offered
• Analysis: NPK ratios appropriate for cool-season grass
• Pre-emergent: Critical spring application for crabgrass prevention
• Post-emergent: Spot treatment for breakthrough weeds

Questions to Ask

• Are products applied to the entire lawn or just problem areas?
• What happens if weeds appear between scheduled treatments?
• Are results guaranteed? What does the guarantee include?
• How long after application before the lawn is safe for pets and children?
• Are applications adjusted for seasonal conditions?

Understanding Aeration and Overseeding Proposals

Aeration Service Details

Quality core aeration proposals should address:

• Equipment type: Commercial core aerator vs. rental-grade
• Plug depth: 3-4 inches for effective compaction relief
• Coverage pattern: Overlapping passes for complete coverage
• Irrigation protection: Process for marking and avoiding heads
• Plug disposal: Left to decompose (recommended) or removed

Overseeding Service Details

Overseeding proposals should specify:

• Seed variety: Species and cultivar names
• Application rate: Pounds per 1,000 square feet
• Seed quality: Certified seed with germination rate
• Application method: Broadcast, slit-seeding, or other
• Aftercare instructions: Watering requirements for germination

Seasonal Service Proposals

Spring and Fall Cleanup

Spring and fall cleanup proposals should clearly define:

• What debris is included (leaves, branches, dead plants)
• Bed cleanup expectations
• Disposal method and any associated costs
• Whether multiple visits are included if needed

Sprinkler Winterization

Sprinkler blowout proposals should cover:

• Compressed air pressure used (should be appropriate for your system)
• All zones included in service
• Backflow preventer draining included
• Controller shut-off as part of service
• Scheduling window and timing guarantee before freeze

Contract Terms to Examine

Payment Terms

• Payment schedule: Per visit, monthly, or annual prepay
• Payment methods: Credit card, check, auto-pay options
• Late payment penalties: Fees for overdue balances
• Prepay discounts: Savings for annual payment

Cancellation Policies

• Notice required: How much advance notice for cancellation
• Cancellation fees: Penalties for early termination
• Refund policies: Treatment of prepaid amounts
• Service pause options: Flexibility for vacations or financial hardship

Service Guarantees

• Satisfaction guarantees: What happens if you're not happy
• Re-service policies: Free callbacks for service issues
• Damage responsibility: Liability for property damage
• Results guarantees: Weed-free or green-up guarantees

Comparing Proposals Side-by-Side

Create a Comparison Worksheet

For each proposal, document:

Criteria	Company A	Company B	Company C
Total annual cost
Number of mowing visits
Fertilizer applications
Weed control included?
Aeration included?
Cleanup services?
Cancellation terms
Guarantees offered
Online reviews/rating

Calculate True Cost Per Service

Divide total annual cost by total number of service visits to compare value accurately. A proposal that seems more expensive may include more visits or services.

Get Proposals You Can Trust

The best lawn care proposal is one that's transparent, detailed, and matched to your property's specific needs. Request proposals from multiple providers, ask questions, and use this guide to make apples-to-apples comparisons. The right provider will welcome your questions and provide clear, honest answers.

Ready for a detailed, transparent proposal for your property? Request your free quote from our team, or contact us with questions about lawn care services. We serve homeowners throughout Kuna, Meridian, Boise, Eagle, Star, and the Treasure Valley with professional, clearly-priced lawn care services.