TruGreen Lawn Care: Your Guide to a Lush, Healthy Yard

TruGreen Lawn Care: Your Guide to a Lush, Healthy Yard

Apr 01, 2025

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Tired of a lackluster lawn filled with weeds and brown patches? You're not alone. Many homeowners dream of having a beautiful, green space that enhances their home's curb appeal and provides a welcoming environment. However, the time and effort required for proper lawn care can be overwhelming. That's where professional lawn care services like TruGreen come in, offering a helping hand to achieve that coveted neighborhood-envy lawn. TruGreen boasts widespread availability across the contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., making it a convenient option for a vast majority of homeowners. But with various lawn care companies vying for your attention, how does TruGreen truly measure up? This comprehensive review dives deep into the services, plans, and customer experiences of TruGreen to help you decide if they are the right choice for your lawn care needs.


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TruGreen: An Overview of Services and Benefits

TruGreen presents itself as a comprehensive lawn care provider, offering a wide array of services designed to cater to almost every homeowner's needs. Their service portfolio includes a variety of lawn care plans, along with specialized treatments for pests, mosquitoes, and even trees and shrubs. This extensive range makes TruGreen an appealing option for those seeking a one-stop solution for their lawn and yard maintenance.


Pros of Choosing TruGreen:

  • Extensive Coverage: TruGreen's presence spans across 48 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring that most homeowners can access their services.
  • Diverse Service Plans: With multiple lawn care plans available, TruGreen offers options to suit various needs and budgets.
  • Convenient Online and Mobile Tools: TruGreen provides a user-friendly website for instant quotes, booking services, and online payments. Their mobile app further simplifies account management and scheduling.
  • Informative Resources: TruGreen offers a comprehensive online library of lawn care resources, providing valuable information to homeowners.


Cons to Consider Before Hiring TruGreen:

  • No Lawn Mowing Service: Unlike some competitors, TruGreen does not include lawn mowing in their service offerings.
  • Guarantee Details Could Be Clearer: Information regarding their satisfaction guarantee could be more readily accessible and detailed.
  • Online Cancellation Not Available: Canceling annual plans requires a phone call, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
  • Potential Pollinator Concerns: The ingredients in TruGreen's Mosquito Defense product may pose a risk to pollinators.
  • Mixed Customer Reviews: Online reviews for TruGreen are varied, with a significant number of negative experiences reported.


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TruGreen Services: Tailored Plans for Every Lawn

TruGreen understands that every lawn is unique, and they offer five distinct lawn care plans to address varying needs and preferences:

  • TruMaintenance: This foundational plan includes fertilization, healthy lawn analysis, and both pre-emergent and targeted weed control.
  • TruHealth: Building upon the TruMaintenance plan, TruHealth adds grub prevention and control for added protection.
  • TruComplete: As TruGreen's most popular option, TruComplete encompasses fertilization, healthy lawn analysis, pre-emergent and targeted weed control, grub prevention and control, overseeding, and aeration.
  • TruSignature: This comprehensive plan includes all the services of TruComplete, along with specialized tree and shrub care, offering complete yard maintenance (excluding mowing).
  • TruNatural: For environmentally conscious homeowners, TruNatural utilizes 100% natural fertilizers while still providing a healthy lawn analysis.


Beyond these comprehensive plans, TruGreen also offers a range of individual services for specific needs, including:

  • Lawn Overseeding and Aeration
  • Lawn Disease and Fertilization Services
  • TruGreen Mosquito Defense
  • Perimeter and Outdoor Nuisance Pest Control
  • Grub and Weed Control
  • Soil Amendment and Analysis
  • Tree and Shrub Care


It's important to note that TruGreen does not offer lawn mowing services, so homeowners will need to arrange for this separately.


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Understanding TruGreen's Approach to Lawn Care

TruGreen emphasizes a science-based approach to lawn care. They highlight their TruGreen PhD-certified specialists who undergo rigorous training through the TruExpert Certification Program. This program ensures that specialists are well-versed in agronomic, horticultural, and safety-related matters. Furthermore, TruGreen specialists are required to meet all state licensing standards for applying weed and pest control products.


As a franchise business with over 200 branches, the customer experience can vary depending on the local franchise's service quality. TruGreen's service model involves regular visits, typically every 4 to 6 weeks, to apply treatments based on the chosen plan. Homeowners can communicate with their assigned specialist during these visits to discuss their lawn's progress and any concerns. TruGreen also offers between-visit service calls to address any immediate issues that may arise. After each visit, the specialist provides a service summary outlining the treatments performed and offering tips for maintaining a healthy lawn between TruGreen appointments.


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TruGreen Product Ingredients: What You Need to Know

While TruGreen doesn't explicitly list all the ingredients in their lawn care applications, they do provide some assurances regarding their product usage. TruGreen states that they use products registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for lawn and landscape care. They also claim their products are not known to irritate skin, cause allergic reactions, or contain carcinogens defined by reputable organizations. Additionally, TruGreen asserts that their products do not leach into groundwater when used according to instructions.

TruGreen further mentions that their products contain similar ingredients to those found in widely available consumer lawn care products. However, the lack of specific ingredient disclosure makes it challenging for homeowners to know exactly what is being applied to their lawns. Notably, for their TruGreen Mosquito Defense service, the company avoids treating flowering plants or areas where pollinators are present, suggesting a potential harm to these beneficial insects. Homeowners concerned about this aspect may want to inquire further with their local TruGreen branch.


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Getting a Quote and Scheduling Services with TruGreen

Obtaining a quote from TruGreen is a straightforward process. Homeowners have the option of getting an instant customized online quote through the TruGreen website. This involves answering questions about their lawn's condition and their specific lawn care goals. TruGreen's "Smart Lawn Measurement Tool" utilizes aerial imagery to estimate the property size, allowing for a more accurate quote. Customers can also specify which areas of their lawn they want included in the service plan.


Alternatively, homeowners can contact TruGreen via phone to receive a quote. The process is similar, with a representative gathering the necessary information. Once the quote is generated, it is typically sent to the customer's email for review.


Scheduling services after signing up for a TruGreen plan is convenient through phone, online portal, or the TruGreen mobile app. The app allows customers to view upcoming appointments, reschedule if needed (though changes might take up to 24 hours to process), and even track their specialist's arrival. Customers can also pre-schedule all their visits or adjust the schedule as required. While TruGreen strives to maintain scheduled appointments, occasional rescheduling may occur during peak seasons due to high demand.


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Understanding TruGreen Pricing

TruGreen does not publicly display specific pricing information online, as the cost of their services can vary based on factors such as lawn size, location, and specific service needs. The most accurate way to determine pricing is through the quote process. However, to provide a general idea of potential costs, the original article cited the following annual prices for an approximately 15,000-square-foot lawn in Dayton, Ohio (these are examples and may not reflect current or local pricing):

  • TruComplete: $1,517.68 (seven applications)
  • TruHealth: $812.18 (seven applications)
  • TruMaintenance: $687.23 (six applications)
  • TruNatural: $1,715.68 (six applications)
  • TruBasic: $555.80 (four applications)


Individual service costs were also mentioned:

  • Mosquito Defense: $449.78 (five applications)
  • Mosquito & Outdoor Nuisance Pest Control: $830.23 (six applications)
  • Tree and shrub services: $565.18 (seven applications)


Keep in mind that these are examples, and prices in areas with a higher cost of living may be significantly different. TruGreen offers various payment options, including prepaying for a discount, enrolling in automatic payments (EasyPay), or paying after each service visit. Payments can be made online, by phone, or through the TruGreen app.


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TruGreen Customer Service and Support

TruGreen provides multiple channels for customer service and support. Potential customers can reach out via phone or an online contact form. Existing customers can also use these methods, with the TruGreen app offering a live chat function for more immediate assistance. The mobile app serves as a central hub for managing accounts, viewing service history, scheduling, tracking technicians, paying bills, purchasing additional services, and accessing live chat support. Customers can also manage billing preferences and provide feedback on their service visits through the app.


It's important to note that canceling TruGreen service requires a direct phone call to the company for identity verification, as online or in-app cancellation is not currently available.


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TruGreen Guarantee: Ensuring Customer Satisfaction

TruGreen offers a guarantee on their services, promising to revisit a customer's property as needed between scheduled visits to ensure satisfaction. This guarantee applies to most of their plans, including lawn care, tree and shrub care, perimeter pest control, and nuisance pest control. For mosquito control plans, TruGreen guarantees effective mosquito reduction within 24 hours, lasting up to 30 days per treatment, with free retreatment if customers are not satisfied. However, it's not explicitly stated whether this guarantee extends to all stand-alone services. Customers should confirm the guarantee coverage for specific services with their local TruGreen branch or a representative.


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Valuable Lawn Maintenance Resources from TruGreen

TruGreen goes beyond just providing services by offering a wealth of online resources to help homeowners better understand lawn care. Their website features a blog, a learning center, various lawn care guides, and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. These resources cover topics such as different grass types, common lawn diseases and pests, weed identification, and basic tree and shrub care. The learning center even allows users to input their ZIP code to find information relevant to their specific geographic area, making it a particularly useful tool. For example, a user in Dayton, Ohio, would find resources on overwatering, local lawn diseases and insect infestations, and common weeds in their region.


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Analyzing TruGreen Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for TruGreen are a mixed bag, with a general leaning towards negative feedback. This variability is likely due to the franchise nature of the business, leading to inconsistencies in service quality across different locations. While TruGreen's own website showcases overwhelmingly positive testimonials, reviews on independent platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Consumer Affairs paint a less flattering picture.


Common complaints on these platforms include a lack of noticeable results, specialists allegedly not performing services as claimed, and aggressive marketing tactics like excessive phone calls and text messages after requesting a quote. Conversely, some customers report excellent results, greener and thicker lawns, and knowledgeable specialists. Ratings for TruGreen on these platforms are generally low:

  • BBB: 1.09 out of 5
  • Trustpilot: 1.5 out of 5
  • Consumer Affairs: 1.9 out of 5


Prospective customers should take these reviews into consideration but also recognize that experiences can vary significantly. It's often recommended to seek out reviews specific to your local TruGreen franchise or even ask neighbors for their experiences.


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TruGreen vs. the Competition

TruGreen stands out with its user-friendly online quote tool and highly-rated mobile app, which allows for easy account management and scheduling – features not always offered by competitors. While TruGreen doesn't provide lawn mowing services, their bundled service packages allow customers to select the treatments they need without paying for each individually. Other major competitors, such as Lawn Doctor, also typically do not offer mowing.


TruGreen's extensive nationwide coverage is a significant advantage over many regional lawn care companies. Their commitment to online accessibility through their portal and app, which boasts high ratings on app stores, further positions them as a technologically forward option in the lawn care industry.


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Should You Choose TruGreen for Your Lawn Care?

So, is TruGreen the right choice for your lawn care needs? TruGreen offers a wide range of services, a convenient online quote system, and a well-regarded mobile app for easy account management. Homeowners who value online and mobile accessibility will likely appreciate these features. The company also provides a wealth of educational resources to help customers understand and maintain their lawns.


However, the mixed customer reviews and the franchise-based nature of the business suggest that experiences can vary. It's crucial for potential customers to research their local TruGreen branch specifically to gauge the service quality in their area.


TruGreen's comprehensive lawn care plans (excluding mowing) can be a great benefit for busy homeowners who prefer not to handle lawn care themselves or hire multiple contractors. Services like TruGreen can free up valuable time, allowing homeowners to focus on other priorities.


Overall, TruGreen is a viable option for homeowners seeking a national lawn care provider with a broad range of services. However, thorough research into local branch performance is strongly recommended to ensure a positive experience.


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Final Thoughts

TruGreen presents a compelling option for homeowners seeking professional lawn care services, thanks to its widespread availability, diverse service plans, and convenient online and mobile tools. The company's emphasis on trained specialists and a science-based approach offers a sense of expertise. However, potential customers should be aware of the lack of lawn mowing services, the need for clearer guarantee information, and the mixed customer reviews, which highlight the importance of researching local franchise performance.


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Key Takeaways:

  • TruGreen offers a wide range of lawn care services across 48 states and Washington, D.C.
  • They provide various lawn care plans to suit different needs and budgets, but do not offer lawn mowing.
  • TruGreen boasts a user-friendly online quote system and a highly-rated mobile app for account management.
  • Customer reviews are mixed, suggesting that the quality of service can vary depending on the local franchise.
  • Potential customers should research their local TruGreen branch and understand the terms of the service guarantee before signing up.