When maintaining a beautiful lawn, weed control stands as one of the most crucial yet challenging tasks for homeowners. Professional services like TruGreen offer specialized solutions, but understanding the TruGreen weed control cost is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about TruGreen’s pricing structure, the factors that influence costs, and what you can expect from their weed control services.
TruGreen is one of the largest professional lawn care companies in the United States, offering a range of services from fertilization and weed control to insect and disease management. Their approach to weed control is typically part of a broader lawn care program, which means the cost is often bundled with other services. However, you can also purchase standalone weed control treatments. The national average for TruGreen weed control cost ranges from $50 to $90 per application for a standard-sized lawn (approximately 5,000 square feet). For larger properties or more comprehensive plans, costs can range from $400 to $900 annually, depending on the frequency of visits and the specific services included.
Several key factors directly influence the final TruGreen weed control cost you’ll pay. Understanding these variables can help you get a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.
- Property Size: This is the most significant factor. TruGreen typically charges based on the square footage of your lawn. Larger lawns require more product and labor, increasing the overall cost.
- Lawn Condition and Weed Type: The severity of your weed problem matters. A lawn with a minor, common weed issue will cost less to treat than one overrun with stubborn, invasive species like nutsedge or ground ivy, which may require specialized herbicides.
- Geographic Location: Prices can vary based on your region’s cost of living, local competition, and even climate, which affects the types of weeds and the required treatment strategy.
- Service Frequency and Plan Type: Are you signing up for a single treatment or a full-season program? TruGreen offers various plans, and committing to multiple visits per year (e.g., a 6- or 7-visit plan) often provides a better per-application cost compared to a one-off service.
- Add-on Services: The base weed control cost can increase if you add services like grub control, aeration, or mosquito prevention.
TruGreen structures its services into several tiered plans, each with a different focus and price point. The weed control cost is integrated into these plans. It’s rare to find a plan that does not include weed control, as it’s a fundamental part of lawn health.
- Weed Control & Fertilization Plan: This is the most basic plan, focusing on the essentials. It includes pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control, along with standardized fertilization. This plan is designed to prevent weed seeds from germinating and to eliminate existing weeds while promoting turf growth. The cost for this plan typically starts around $50-$70 per application.
- Lawn Guarantee Plan: A step up, this plan includes everything in the basic plan but often adds services like grub control and targeted disease control. Some plans under this tier may also come with a guarantee, promising follow-up treatments if weeds break through between scheduled visits. Expect costs to be in the range of $60-$85 per application.
- Premium Plan / Ultimate Plan: This is TruGreen’s most comprehensive offering. In addition to robust weed and feed programs, it includes aeration, soil amendment (like lime applications), and overseeding. These services work together to create a thicker, healthier lawn that is naturally more resistant to weeds. The premium plan is the most expensive, with per-application costs often exceeding $90, but it provides the most value for severely damaged or high-maintenance lawns.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at some estimated cost scenarios. These are ballpark figures and can vary based on the factors previously discussed.
- Small Lawn (under 5,000 sq. ft.): For a single weed control application, you might pay between $45 and $65. An annual plan with 5-7 visits could cost between $350 and $550.
- Medium Lawn (5,000 – 10,000 sq. ft.): A single application may cost $60 to $85. An annual plan for a lawn of this size is commonly priced between $450 and $700.
- Large Lawn (over 10,000 sq. ft.): Pricing becomes more customized. A single treatment could be $90 or more, and annual plans can easily range from $700 to $1,200+.
Beyond the base service fee, it’s important to be aware of potential additional costs. Many customers are offered add-ons during the estimate process. These can include perimeter pest control, tree and shrub care, or soil analysis. Some plans may also have an initial setup or first-time service fee. Always ask for a detailed, written quote that breaks down all costs to avoid surprises.
When evaluating the TruGreen weed control cost, it’s helpful to compare it to the DIY approach and other professional services. A DIY weed control regimen involves purchasing herbicides, fertilizers, and application equipment. While the upfront cost for a single treatment might be lower ($20-$40), it requires your time, knowledge, and effort. Mistakes in application or product choice can lead to poor results and, ultimately, more expense. Other national lawn care companies, such as Lawn Doctor and Spring-Green, have comparable pricing, often within a 10-15% range of TruGreen’s rates. The key differentiator is often the service guarantee and the specific product formulations used.
Before you commit, there are several steps you can take to ensure you get the best value. First, always get a free, in-person estimate from TruGreen. This allows a professional to assess your lawn’s specific needs and provide an accurate quote. Second, don’t hesitate to ask about any current promotions or discounts for new customers, bundling services, or paying for a full year upfront. Finally, read the service agreement carefully. Understand what is and isn’t covered, the schedule of visits, and the terms of any satisfaction guarantee.
Investing in professional weed control from a company like TruGreen offers significant benefits. It saves you time and labor, ensures correct product application for maximum effectiveness and safety, and provides a systematic approach to long-term lawn health. While the TruGreen weed control cost is a meaningful investment, for many homeowners, the result—a lush, green, weed-free lawn—is well worth the price. By understanding the pricing factors and plan options, you can choose the service level that best fits your lawn’s needs and your budget.