Most homeowners use the terms “lawn care” and “landscaping” interchangeably, but they are in fact different types of services that strive towards different goals and carry out different methods. It’s important to know the difference between the two when considering which outdoor provider is best for you. Whether you want to maintain your lawn for a healthier appeal or you want to give your property an all-new look, understanding when to hire lawn care services and landscape professionals can save you both time, money, and effort.
Lawn Care Services: Your Grass’s Health and Maintenance
When it comes to the lawn, maintenance services have one thing in mind – to keep it in great shape. These services consist of mowing, fertilization, aeration, weed control, pest control and seasonal cleanups. Lawn care services are there to make sure your grass is and remains green, thick, and healthy throughout the year.
These services are usually scheduled visits and are part of continuing maintenance. Professionals conduct soil tests and consider types of grass and climate to generate customized care programs. It covers all the basic treatments and practices that promote lawn health from underground up. If all you care about is having a nice, healthy, green lawn with little to no weeds or pests, lawn care services are what you are looking for.
Landscaping Services: Your Vision and Aesthetic Enhancement
Landscaping, however, has everything to do with the visual design, setup, and appeal of your entire outdoor space. Landscaping services range from planting trees and shrubs to building a patio or walkway to installing garden beds and water features such as a fountain and koi pond, to designing outdoor living areas. These are frequently one-time jobs or larger projects that concentrate on overhauling the look of your yard.
Landscapers often combine hardscaping — paths, walls, decks and fencing — with plants, mulch and soil to design and build an attractive outdoor space. Where lawn care is about maintaining what you already have, landscaping is about changing or improving the form and function of the land. If you’re considering a redesign of your front yard or an installation of a backyard oasis, you’re going to want to call a landscaping company.
How Landscaping and Lawn Care Work Hand-in-Hand
Although not directly related but different in size lawn care and landscaping usually go hand in hand. Once a landscaping job is done, you’ll probably want someone to keep it looking good with lawn care services. If you’ve been mowing the lawn regularly but want to add some aesthetics, there are a lot of landscaping services in the area to help bring that concept to fruition for you.
Many companies provide both services all in one roof, making it simple for homeowners to tackle both routine maintenance and major projects with the same provider.
Selecting The Best Service For You
At the end of the day, it is your goals that determine whether lawn care or landscaping is best for you. Lawn care services are the solution if you have patchy grass, weeds, or soil problems. If you long for a back yard makeover or inviting front yard, go with a landscaping project. The reality is, a mix of both is often necessary to make your outdoor living area look great and to keep it healthy and sustainable.