A Lawn Care Subscription Can Transform Your Yard—Here's How to Find the Right One for You

You want a yard that the neighbors will envy—but where do you start? When it comes to filling in patches, repelling unwanted pests, and killing off the weeds, there's just too many products on the store shelf to choose from. What's best suited for your particular area? When should you apply what? And how much do you even need?

If you're uncertain, then a lawn care subscription might be your best bet. Here, we dug into the pros and cons of these specialized services, from how you might benefit from them to what to consider before subscribing.

What Is a Lawn Care Subscription?

A lawn care subscription is a service that regularly sends lawn care products tailored to your specific needs. "It's a hassle-free way to maintain a healthy lawn without the need to visit a store or figure out which products to purchase," says Michael Clarke, a landscape architect and the founder of Yardwork. 

Examples include Ace Hardware's new subscription service, Ace YardRX, as well as Lowe's customizable subscription plan.

What It Offers 

Many lawn care subscriptions evaluate your lawn's requirements—such as grass type, soil quality, and climate—and create a personalized treatment plan. This plan typically includes fertilizers, soil amendments, and more. "Some professional subscription options will also include additional treatments, like aeration or overseeding," says Clarke. "Those are generally part of a premium plan." 

A consultation from lawn care experts is usually available to help resolve any issues that may arise; automated deliveries ensure you won't run out of supplies. Ace YardRx's subscription, for example, includes either two or three shipments per year, depending on your location. Based on your customized package, your box could include fertilizers, grass seed, weed control, and pest control, according to Kevin Casey, a product expert at Ace Hardware and a developer of the program.

Pros

• Instructions are included. A lawn care subscription service should provide clear guidance along with products, taking the guesswork out of your yard maintenance. 
• Treatment is timely. A good lawn care subscription service will send you exactly what your yard needs at the time it needs to be applied. 
• It's convenient. The lawn care products are delivered right to your door, saving you a trip to the store. 

Cons

• It could be costly. Some lawn care subscriptions can be pricey, depending on which brand you choose. 
• There might be little flexibility. If your lawn care subscription service is on a fixed delivery schedule, then it might not perfectly match what you need. 
• A bit of DIY is required. Most lawn care subscription services are made for homeowners to do themselves, although you can choose to hire someone separately for additional help.

How to Find the Right Subscription

Clarke recommends evaluating your lawn's needs before selecting a subscription. "Is your lawn overrun with weeds? Does it need nutrients or have bare patches?" he asks. "By looking at these different challenges, it will help you determine what you need the most help with—and if you feel comfortable giving it the care it requires on your own or need a professional to help." 

Some subscriptions help with that guesswork. “When you enter your address, Ace YardRx identifies your region to determine the best grass type and lawn care plan for your yard,” says Casey. “It also estimates your yard’s square footage to ensure you receive the right amount of product for optimal coverage.”

Other Considerations

Clarke suggests finding a flexible service that allows you to change products or plans as needed. For instance, having the ability to pause deliveries while on vacation or easily cancel if you no longer need the products. "Check for a trial period or money-back guarantee," he says. "It's a good way to test out the products and services to see if it’s a good fit for your lawn."