Choosing a lawn care company isn’t always an easy decision. I’ve spent years in the industry, and I can tell you that I still struggle to choose between the many options available from large to small companies.
TruGreen is a well-known and respected lawn care company that has been in business for over 50 years. It’s one of the most trusted companies in the United States because of its professional team and ability to handle different lawn care issues and customize a plan to meet your needs.
My TruGreen review aims to help ease the burden of hiring a lawn care company by showing you the best of the best from an unbiased standpoint.
4.9
Our Rating
My Review of TruGreen
Total Score: 98/100 points
TruGreen uses industry-leading equipment that helps get the job done quickly and efficiently. Plus, it offers nearly every service you could want, from fertilization to weed control and aeration. These positives won’t leave you searching the Internet for another company. You get everything you need in one place, by one highly trusted brand.
One of the main issues I see with TruGreen is a lack of personality and individual care for customers. You sometimes get the feeling that they’re just punching the clock and getting the job done as fast as possible. When you hire a large company like TruGreen, you come to expect this type of thing, but it’s one of the negatives of a large corporation compared to a small regional company that may pay more attention to you.
Regardless, TruGreen is still one of my most recommended lawn care services for a reason, so let’s break it down into some more specifics.
What I Like and Don’t Like About TruGreen
Now that you have an understanding of TruGreen’s overall score, I’ll dive into some different aspects of the company and how they stood up to my standards. I looked at factors like plans, add-on services, customer service, and company transparency to give you a better perspective.
Total Score: 36/36 points
TruGreen offers a variety of plan options that cover pretty much anything you’ll need done to your lawn. I also love the fact that it doesn’t live and die by its packaged plans.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or the plans don’t fit your needs, it has a free quote option for someone to come out and develop a unique package for your lawn.
Here are some of the specifics of TruGreen’s lawn packages:
- TruComplete — This comprehensive plan includes fertilization, weed control, aeration, and more. It’s designed to provide all necessary services to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn.
- TruHealth — This plan focuses on the health of your lawn by providing fertilization and weed control. It also includes a soil analysis and a customized plan to improve your lawn’s health.
- TruMaintenance — This plan is designed for customers who want basic lawn maintenance services, such as fertilization and weed control, without additional treatments.
- TruNatural — This plan is for customers who prefer an organic approach to lawn care. It uses natural fertilizers and other products to maintain a healthy lawn without synthetic chemicals.
Within these four packages, you should be able to find what you need to get the lawn you’ve always dreamed of.
Total Score: 11/11 points
In addition to basic lawn care services, TruGreen offers several other things that will help beautify your outdoor space and make it a more enjoyable place to hang out with friends and family.
Here are some of its additional options:
- TruCare Mosquito – This plan is designed to control mosquitoes and other outdoor pests. It includes monthly treatments to reduce mosquito populations and protect your family from mosquito-borne illnesses.
- TruShield Pest – This plan protects against common lawn pests like ants, fleas, ticks, and chinch bugs. It includes regular treatments to prevent infestations and keep your lawn healthy.
- Trees and Shrubs – The company provides tree and shrub maintenance (for an additional cost). The team will fertilize, trim, and protect your trees and shrubs from diseases and pests.
- Soil Amendment – TruGreen offers soil amendment services that promote healthy grass growth. This includes soil testing and the development of custom treatment plans to get your pH to the right level to foster growth.
TruGreen will also help with weed issues, lawn seeding, and disease control if something damages your lawn.
Total Score: 8/8 points
TruGreen is available across the country, and the best thing about this is that you’re likely getting trained professionals with experience in your specific location.
For example, lawn care in Texas differs greatly from that in North Dakota. The people working at your local branch will be experienced in treating lawns in your area and can likely provide better service and results.
Total Score: 25/25 points
There are quite a few differing opinions on TruGreen, but the biggest issues stem from a lack of communication. Some customers I talked with love their lawns, and they truly believe that TruGreen provides them with a high-quality service.
The only downside they experience is in the scheduling process. They state that TruGreen customer service will frequently change service times which can create conflicts in your lawn care schedule if a rep has to be let into a backyard, etc.
Either way, the overall consensus is very positive with TruGreen, and most people go through the experience of planning and scheduling their service with no problem.
Total Score: 18/20 points
Overall, TruGreen has a strong reputation, and we need to take what we see online with a grain of salt. Most of the time, people will turn to the Internet when they have a complaint but won’t often do the same when they have a compliment.
Out of the hundreds of reviews I read, TruGreen has a strong four-star rating on Google and an A+ with the Better Business Bureau. I believe that these two benchmarks indicate that the majority of people who hire TruGreen are satisfied with their experience.
What Plans and Services Does TruGreen Offer?
Let’s take a deep dive into the TruGreen plan options to help you better understand what your choices are.
Plan/Service | Description | Price |
TruComplete Lawn Plan | A comprehensive plan including fertilization, weed control, aeration, and more. | $51.95 per standard visit, $154 per aeration and overseed visit |
TruHealth Lawn Plan | Focused on lawn health with fertilization, weed control, soil analysis, and customized plan. (Check out our article for a DIY soil testing guide). | $51.95 per visit |
TruSignature | Contains all of the features of the main packages, with tree and shrub care included. | Custom pricing based on property, number of trees, etc. |
TruMaintenance Lawn Plan | Basic lawn maintenance services, including fertilization and weed control. | $50.95 per visit |
TruCare Mosquito Defense | Monthly treatments to control mosquitoes and other outdoor pests. | Custom pricing based on property |
TruShield Lawn Pest Control | Protection against common lawn pests, including ants, fleas, ticks, and chinch bugs. | Custom pricing based on property |
TruNatural Lawn Plan | An organic approach to lawn care using natural fertilizers and products. | $106.75 per visit |
Tree and Shrub Care | Fertilization, disease, and insect control, and pruning to maintain the health and beauty of the landscaping. | Custom pricing based on property |
Lawn Aeration | Perforating soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of grass. | Included in TruComplete, or $154 as standalone service |
Soil Amendment | Customized treatment plans to improve soil condition and provide necessary nutrients for healthy grass growth. | Custom pricing based on property |
Disease and Pest Control | Control and prevention of damage caused by common lawn pests and diseases. | Custom pricing based on property |
Lawn Seeding | Services to establish or improve a lawn, including overseeding, slit-seeding, and customized treatment plans. | Custom pricing based on property |
Vegetation Control | Customized treatment plans to control unwanted vegetation in lawn or landscape. | Custom pricing based on property |
TruComplete Lawn Plan
The TruComplete Lawn Plan is TruGreen’s most comprehensive offering. This plan is best suited for homeowners who want a complete, all-in-one solution for their lawn care needs. Pricing for the TruComplete plan starts at $51.95 per standard visit, with aeration and overseeding visits costing $154.
It is the most popular package and contains almost everything you’ll want from a lawn care service. This includes:
- Fertilization
- Weed control
- Aeration
- Overseeding
- Soil amendment
- Disease control
- pH balancing
TruHealth Lawn Plan
The TruHealth Lawn Plan focuses on maintaining the health of your lawn through fertilization, weed control, and a customized plan based on soil analysis. This plan is ideal for homeowners who already have a relatively healthy lawn but want to ensure it stays that way. The TruHealth plan costs $51.95 per visit.
TruSignature Plan
The TruSignature Plan includes all the features of the TruComplete Lawn Plan, with the addition of tree and shrub care services such as disease and insect control, oil application, and root zone fertilization. This plan is perfect for homeowners who want comprehensive care for both their lawn and landscaping. Pricing for the TruSignature plan is customized based on the specific property and its needs.
TruMaintenance Lawn Plan
The TruMaintenance Lawn Plan provides basic lawn maintenance services, including fertilization and weed control. This plan is best for homeowners who want to maintain their lawn’s appearance without investing in more extensive services. The TruMaintenance plan costs $50.95 per visit.
TruCare Mosquito Defense
TruCare Mosquito Defense offers monthly treatments to control mosquitoes and other outdoor pests. This service is ideal for homeowners who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to minimize the presence of annoying and potentially dangerous pests. Pricing for TruCare Mosquito Defense is customized based on the property.
TruShield Lawn Pest Control
TruShield Lawn Pest Control provides protection against common lawn pests, such as ants, fleas, ticks, and chinch bugs. This service is recommended for homeowners who have noticed pest issues in their lawn or want to prevent potential problems. Pricing for TruShield Lawn Pest Control is customized based on the property.
TruNatural Lawn Plan
The TruNatural Lawn Plan offers an organic approach to lawn care, using natural fertilizers and products. This plan is perfect for homeowners who prefer eco-friendly solutions and want to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals on their lawn. The TruNatural plan costs $106.75 per visit.
Tree and Shrub Care
TruGreen’s Tree and Shrub Care service includes fertilization, disease and insect control, pruning, and other maintenance to keep your landscaping healthy and beautiful. This service is ideal for homeowners who want to ensure their trees and shrubs receive the same level of care as their lawn. Pricing for Tree and Shrub Care is customized based on your property.
Lawn Aeration
Lawn Aeration is the process of perforating the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of grass more easily. This service is included in the TruComplete plan but can also be purchased as a standalone treatment for $154.
Soil Amendment
Soil Amendment involves customized treatment plans to improve soil condition and provide necessary nutrients for healthy grass growth. This service is recommended for homeowners who have poor soil quality or want to optimize their lawn’s growing conditions. Pricing for Soil Amendment is customized based on the property.
Disease and Pest Control
Disease and Pest Control services help prevent and manage damage caused by common lawn pests and diseases. This service is ideal for homeowners who have noticed signs of pest or disease problems in their lawn. Pricing for Disease and Pest Control is customized based on the property.
Lawn Seeding
Lawn Seeding services help establish or improve a lawn through overseeding, slit-seeding, and customized treatment plans. This service is recommended for homeowners who have bare or patchy areas in their lawn or want to introduce new grass varieties. Pricing for Lawn Seeding is customized based on the property.
Vegetation Control
Vegetation Control involves customized treatment plans to manage unwanted vegetation in lawns or landscapes. This service is ideal for homeowners who have issues with weeds, invasive plants, or other undesirable growth. Pricing for Vegetation Control is customized based on the property.
How Much Does TruGreen Cost?
For my TruGreen review, I tried to get an accurate representation of what this service would cost based on my experience. On average, TruGreen costs between $50 to $100 per visit, depending on the specific plan and services you need.
While TruGreen’s prices may be slightly higher than some industry averages for lawn care, the company offers comprehensive plans and a wide range of services that can justify the cost for many homeowners. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for lawn care services ranges from $50 to $220 per visit, with most homeowners spending between $100 to $200 per visit.
Of course, this may vary dramatically based on your location and the individual services provided, but here is a rough idea of what you may expect to pay if you receive TruGreen’s services in Orlando, Florida.
Plan | Price |
TruComplete | $51.95 per standard visit$154 per aeration and overseed visit |
TruHealth | $51.95 per visit |
TruMaintenance | $50.95 per visit |
TruNatural | $106.75 per visit |
The specific amount you’ll pay for TruGreen’s services depends on various factors, including your property size and package choice. Now, it’s impossible to know exactly how much you’ll pay before you get a quote, so I recommend giving TruGreen’s team a call or requesting a quote online before choosing a plan.
For a more detailed breakdown of TruGreen’s pricing and factors that can affect your total cost, check out our article on TruGreen cost.
What Factors Can Save You Money With TruGreen?
If you want a premium lawn care service but aren’t sure how to pay for it, you can handle some of the work yourself. Jobs like mowing, watering, and fertilizing can be done on your own, and you can use TruGreen to fill in the blanks and consider its perspective and expert advice.
Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Water wisely — Proper watering is important for lawn health, but overwatering can be wasteful and costly. Follow TruGreen’s instructions for watering your lawn and avoid overwatering, which can lead to water puddling and unnecessary expenses.
- Mow properly — Proper mowing techniques can help promote healthy growth and save you money on future lawn care expenses. However, mowing your lawn too short can damage your grass and lead to more rapid growth down the road. Follow TruGreen’s recommendations for mowing your lawn to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Fertilize correctly — Fertilization is important for maintaining a healthy and green lawn, but overfertilization can be costly and potentially harmful to your lawn. Follow TruGreen’s recommendations for fertilizing your lawn and use natural, organic fertilizers whenever possible to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Use the right grass seed — Using the right grass seed for your specific lawn type can help ensure the best success during the growing season and save you money on future lawn care expenses. TruGreen’s experts can help you choose the right products for your yard to optimize your investment.
What Products and Ingredients Does TruGreen Use?
Environmental friendliness is a serious concern for many homeowners. You want to ensure that your yard is safe for your pets, children, and wildlife. While the ingredients used by TruGreen will vary based on your yard, here are some of what is used to give your lawn that manicured look.
Fertilizers, Herbicides, and Insecticides
TruGreen uses various fertilizers, many of which are perfectly safe in your yard. Most of the fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some of the specific products TruGreen uses include:
- Fertilizers: TruGreen’s Healthy Lawn Analysis® Fertilizer, TruGreen’s Healthy Tree & Shrub Fertilizer
- Herbicides: TruGreen’s Weed Control (contains 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP), TruGreen’s Crabgrass Preventer
- Insecticides: TruShield Lawn Pest Control (contains bifenthrin), TruGreen’s Grub Control (contains imidacloprid)
The company also states that its lawn products have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for safe use in lawns and landscapes. However, it’s important to note that some of these products, particularly the herbicides and insecticides, can have negative environmental impacts if not used properly. For example, 2,4-D and Dicamba have been known to drift and damage non-target plants, while imidacloprid has been linked to bee population declines.
Are TruGreen Products Safe for Pets?
Most of TruGreen’s products are considered safe for pets when applied correctly and allowed to dry completely. However, it’s always best to exercise caution and follow proper guidelines to minimize any potential risks.
TruGreen technicians are trained to apply products in a manner that minimizes exposure to pets and humans. They will also inform you of any specific precautions you need to take after a treatment, such as keeping pets off the lawn for a certain period. If you have concerns about the safety of any products being used, don’t hesitate to ask your TruGreen technician for more information or consult the product labels.
To ensure your pet’s safety, it’s generally recommended to keep them off the treated area until the products have dried completely, which can take several hours, depending on weather conditions. Additionally, make sure to store any leftover products or materials in a secure location out of reach of pets and children.
That said, many of its mosquito-repelling products are believed to damage flowering plants and areas where pollinators are. I’ve seen issues like this in the past with many lawn care companies, so if this concerns you, you may not want to hire TruGreen for pest control services.
Which States Does TruGreen Serve?
TruGreen is available in the 48 continental states and Washington D.C.
It doesn’t provide services in Alaska or Hawaii, so you can consider a service such as Sunday or Lawnbright.
How Do Others Feel About TruGreen?
As I’ve mentioned, when you have a huge company like TruGreen, you’re likely to see a fair share of rough reviews online from disgruntled customers. I wouldn’t take everything you read as the best representation of this service. I sifted through hundreds of customer reviews to find some really subjective positive and negative testimonials. Here’s a snapshot of reviews on trusted sites:
Rating Site | Rating | Number |
BBB | A+ / 1.09 out of 5 stars | 1,481 |
Trustpilot | 1.5 out of 5 stars | 5,493 |
Consumer Affairs | 1.9 out of 5 stars | 6,500 |
3.8 out of 5 stars | 208 |
Positive Reviews of TruGreen
Many of the positive reviews of TruGreen are in reference to the services provided by its technicians. Of course, some locations might have technicians who are unable to perform the service properly due to lack of experience but the overall consensus is very positive. Here are some examples of this:
Negative Reviews of TruGreen
Most of the negative reviews are from frustrated customers who didn’t get what they expected or are dissatisfied with the services they received. Rightfully so, there are many cases where TruGreen is to blame for these bad reviews. Here are some of the most alarming ones:
TruGreen Vs. Other Lawn Care Services
When comparing TruGreen to other popular lawn care services like Sunday Lawn Care and Lawnbright, you need to consider factors such as the range of services offered, pricing, and overall customer experience. TruGreen stands out with its comprehensive plans, nationwide availability, and focus on providing excellent customer service.
One of TruGreen’s strengths is its wide range of services, which include everything from basic fertilization and weed control to more specialized offerings like aeration, seeding, and tree and shrub care. In comparison, Sunday Lawn Care focuses primarily on providing customized, DIY lawn care products, while Lawnbright specializes in organic lawn treatments. If you’re looking for a full-service lawn care provider that can handle all your needs, TruGreen is likely the best choice.
However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach or are specifically interested in organic lawn care, Sunday Lawn Care or Lawnbright may be better suited to your preferences. Sunday Lawn Care’s DIY model can be more affordable, while Lawnbright’s commitment to organic treatments appeals to environmentally conscious homeowners. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific lawn care needs, budget, and personal preferences.
Company | Superlative | Plans | Cost | States Covered |
TruGreen | Best Customer Service | 5 | ~$2,000/yr | 48 |
Sunday Lawn Care | Best DIY Lawn Service | 4 | $100–500/yr | 50 |
Lawnbright | Best Organic Lawn Treatments | N/A | $180–500/yr | 50 |
How to Get Started With TruGreen Lawn Care
One reason why many people turn to TruGreen is because of how easy it is to get started. All you need to do is fill out a form to get a free quote from TruGreen.
If you want to do the process online, you can go to its products and services page and start there.
- Choose your package.
- Click “buy online.”
- Answer a few questions about issues you have with your yard.
- Fill out property details and a representative will call you.
FAQs About TruGreen
How long does it take to see results from TruGreen?
It can take around 10–14 days to see results from TruGreen depending on the services you choose.
Can you cancel TruGreen at any time?
You generally agree to a contract with TruGreen because the company needs to ensure it has enough time to get you the desired results. However, you can cancel it at any time.
Does TruGreen offer mowing services?
No, TruGreen doesn’t offer mowing services.
Is TruGreen Worth It?
After careful consideration and analysis, I believe that TruGreen is indeed worth it for most homeowners. The company offers a comprehensive range of lawn care services, customizable plans, and a team of experienced professionals who can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn.
While TruGreen's prices may be slightly higher than some competitors, the value provided by its extensive services, nationwide availability, and commitment to customer satisfaction justifies the cost. The convenience of having a one-stop solution for all your lawn care needs, coupled with TruGreen's expertise and proven results, makes the investment worthwhile for homeowners who prioritize a well-maintained lawn without the hassle of doing it themselves. However, if you have a small lawn or are working with a tight budget, DIY lawn care or a more affordable local provider may be a better fit for your needs.
Methodology: How We Rank Lawn Care Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our lawn company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — a wide range of useful products with reliable service and impressive results.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping via phone and internet, customer-review analysis, and discussions with lawn and landscaping specialists.
Each company can earn up to 100 points divided across five categories. We assess those point scores, then convert them to a five-star scale to determine rankings. We researched popular lawn care companies across the country to develop the following category breakdown:
- Plan Options (36 points): Lawn care companies earn the most points in this category if they offer a wide range of plans to fit various homeowner needs. Companies providing services like fertilization, aeration, seeding, and tree/shrub care will earn more points than providers with base-level plans.
- Additional Offerings (11 points): We score this category by evaluating additional offerings that enhance a company’s overall service selection. Companies that provide pest control services, organic lawn care products, and a la carte options score the highest in this category.
- Customer Service (25 points): We considered how far each company goes to ensure customers have convenient, intuitive access to products and services with contact forms, online chat features, and additional learning resources.
- State Availability (8 points): We factored each company’s state availability into its overall score. Companies with more locations and wider service areas score higher than those with limited availability.
- Trustworthiness (20 points): We score each company’s trustworthiness based on its Better Business Bureau accreditation and score, number of years in business, and Google Star ratings.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.