With the nickname Titletown, Bostonians are accustomed to winning. Unfortunately, your soil has you trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth with its lack of nutrients and sandy texture. Will TruGreen do its best David Ortiz impersonation and lift your lawn to victory?
We did the research for you so you can make the best decision for your yard. In this TruGreen Boston review, we cover everything you need to know about your local branch. Though LawnStarter has an affiliate relationship with TruGreen, this TruGreen lawn care review is fair and unbiased.
If you’re fighting a losing battle with your lawn, TruGreen might have the solution. Equipped with more than 45 years of experience, TruGreen serves residential and commercial properties with science-based lawn care. Let’s take a closer look at what TruGreen Boston can do for your lawn’s health and curb appeal.
- Overview
- Treatment Plans
- How it Works
- Other Services
- How to Order
- Customer Reviews
- Benefits of Lawn Care Services
- Highlights
- Final Word on TruGreen Boston
- Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Lawn Care Company
- FAQ About Lawn Care
- DIY Lawn Care
TruGreen Boston At a Glance
Take a quick look at popular lawn services TruGreen performs and those it doesn’t.
| Basic Lawn Treatments | |
| Fertilization | ✓ |
| Soil amendments | ✓ |
| Weed control | ✓ |
| Aeration | ✓ |
| Overseeding | ✓ |
| Planting grass seed for a new lawn | ✗ |
| Sod installation | ✗ |
| Mulching | ✗ |
| Lawn mowing | ✗ |
| FAQ | |
| Does TruGreen offer eco-friendly options? | ✓ |
| Does TruGreen serve commercial properties? | ✓ |
| Does TruGreen give instant quotes online? | ✓ |
| Does TruGreen have an online portal for scheduling, billing, etc.? | ✓ |
TruGreen Lawn Care Plans
Lawn care isn’t a one-and-done process. TruGreen specializes in customized treatment plans to provide regular service when your lawn needs it most. Though the various plan options have different costs and application frequencies, all plans come with:
- Healthy Lawn Analysis: A TruGreen technician will evaluate lawn usage, climate, soil type, and grass type to customize the treatment plan to your lawn’s individual needs.
- Healthy Lawn Guarantee: Not satisfied with the treatment you just received? Call back, and TruGreen will resolve the problem at no extra charge.
- TruExpert Certified Specialists: TruGreen-certified specialists are trained to understand the science behind their work so they can care for your lawn with confidence.
We researched TruGreen’s lawn care plans in Boston by entering local addresses into the company’s online ordering system. TruGreen recommended the following plans for Boston lawns, and we’ve listed them below from most expensive to least expensive. Your first application will be 50% percent off, and you can choose to pay for the whole year at once or one treatment at a time.
- TruComplete Lawn Care Plan
- TruNatural Lawn Care Plan
- TruHealth Lawn Care Plan
- TruMaintenance Lawn Care Plan
Don’t see the treatment you’re looking for? Give TruGreen Boston a call for details.
TruComplete Lawn Care Plan
Are there soggy puddles on your lawn after every irrigation or rainfall? Does your turf have a thick layer of debris between it and the soil? It may be time to aerate your lawn to improve drainage and remove the debris layer (aka thatch).
The TruComplete Lawn Care Plan is the only TruGreen plan that covers aeration services. After the aeration treatment, your technician will determine whether your lawn would benefit from new grass seed.
- Aeration
- Overseeding
- Fertilization
- Grub prevention and control
- Pre-emergent and targeted weed control
TruNatural Lawn Care Plan
The TruNatural Lawn Care Plan is an eco-friendly solution that uses 100% natural fertilizer to thicken your lawn and encourage healthy growth. Conventional weed control is available upon request at no additional cost.
TruHealth Lawn Care Plan
Your soil may not need aeration, but it might still need some work. The TruHealth Lawn Care Plan prioritizes healthy soil through fertilization and grub prevention. It includes:
- Fertilization
- Grub prevention and control
- Pre-emergent and targeted weed control
TruMaintenance Lawn Care Plan
Want something simple? The TruMaintenance Lawn Care Plan provides the nutrients and weed protection your turf needs without extra bells or whistles. It’s also the most affordable TruGreen treatment plan.
- Fertilization
- Pre-emergent and targeted weed control
Overview
| Service | TruComplete | TruNatural | TruHealth | TruMaintenance |
| Healthy Lawn Guarantee | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Healthy Lawn Analysis | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| TruGreen Certified Specialist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fertilization | ✓ | ✓(Organic) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aeration | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Overseeding | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Grub Prevention and Control | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Weed Control | ✓ | ✓(Available upon request) | ✓ | ✓ |
Day of Lawn Care: What to Expect
Once you sign up for a lawn care plan with TruGreen, a technician will schedule your first service. You’ll receive notifications the day before and the day of the appointment through email, text, and push notifications if you have the mobile app. You’re not required to be home, but if you’d like to be, let TruGreen know ahead of time so the technician can schedule accordingly.
Before your first treatment:
- Download the TruGreen app to track the driver in real-time.
- Unlock your gates.
- Bring pets and children inside.
When the technician arrives, they will:
- Perform one or more treatments depending on the plan(s) you’re signed up for.
After the appointment is over:
- Your technician will leave a service summary at your door or send it via text or email. It’s also available on TruGreen’s website and mobile app.
- Your technician will plant a TruGreen sign on your lawn.
- Wait an hour or two for liquid treatments to dry before letting your family and pets into the treated area.
- Water your lawn with 1 inch of water within 48 hours of the treatment to deliver nutrients to the roots.
- Complete a survey on the website or app to give feedback on your service and service provider.
Other TruGreen Services
Your grass isn’t the only part of your yard. The soil, trees, shrubs, and critters living there are all part of the bigger picture. TruGreen has plans to cover your other outdoor concerns as well.
Keep in mind that TruGreen doesn’t offer lawn mowing. When you need someone to mow the lawn, turn to LawnStarter.
TruGreen recommended the following services for Boston homes when we entered local addresses into its online ordering system. Don’t see the service you’re looking for in the list below? Call your local TruGreen for further options.
Lawn Aeration Services
Is your soil compact, but you don’t want to commit to the TruComplete plan? TruGreen offers aeration services separately. This service is also a good fit if you perform your own lawn care but don’t want to buy (or rent) an aerator.
Does your patchy lawn need a pick-me-up? Your lawn can receive new grass seed after aeration when you select TruGreen’s lawn aeration and overseeding service.
Mosquito Control
Tired of slapping and scratching your arms every time you step into your backyard? A TruGreen technician will spray areas where mosquitoes hide and reduce their populations within 24 hours. TruGreen’s yearly plan includes monthly treatments during mosquito season. Keep people and pets out of treated areas for about an hour until the product dries.
Tree and Shrub Care
As you tend to your lawn, don’t let the surrounding trees and shrubs fall too low on your list. TruGreen’s tree and shrub care includes fertilization (for enhanced growth and color) and protection against diseases, insects, and mites.
Perimeter Pest Control
Eek! Are spiders and ants finding their way inside? A TruGreen expert can protect your home against common outdoor pests by applying liquid and granular treatments around your home and its common entry points.
TruGreen’s Perimeter Pest Control helps prevent the following pests from sneaking indoors:
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Centipedes
- Millipedes
- Earwigs
- Spiders
- Stink bugs
- Boxelder bugs
- Kudzu bugs
- Lady beetles
- Mud daubers
- Paper wasps
- Scorpions
- Sow bugs
Note: TruGreen Perimeter Pest Control does not control or prevent the following:
- Wood-destroying organisms (including termites)
- Bed bugs
- Bees
- Fleas
- German cockroaches
- Hornets
- Pharaoh ants
- Rodents
- Ticks
Soil Amendment and Analysis Services
Is your yellow turf not responding to fertilizer? There may be a problem with the soil’s pH level. A TruGreen specialist will return your soil to the proper pH balance by applying the appropriate soil amendment over the lawn. The amendments will help your grass roots to absorb nutrients and grow healthier.
How to Get an Instant Quote and Order Service Online
Curious how much TruGreen’s services will cost you? Get a free quote and order services online by following these steps.
Step 1: Visit trugreen.com and click “see pricing” in the top right corner of the home page.
Step 2: Select all lawn, tree, shrub, and pest services you’re interested in.
Step 3: Enter your address so TruGreen can calculate your yard size. Enter your name, phone number, and email address. Remember that providing your contact information gives TruGreen permission to call and email you. After filling out your information, click “see my recommended plan.”
Step 4: TruGreen will display a page full of services it recommends for your location, lawn size, and needs. Scroll through the options and click the boxes on the left-hand side of the page to add plans and treatments to your cart.
Have a question about TruGreen’s available services? Contact a local TruGreen facility for details.
Lawn Care in Boston East
20 Raffaele Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508 747-6925)
Lawn Care in Boston North
16 Progress Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 685-4200
Lawn Care in Boston West
21 Forge Pk
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-6717
Step 5: Pay using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Note: If TruGreen can’t calculate your lawn size, it will prompt you to use an aerial tool to measure your lawn using satellite imaging. Follow the tutorial and then outline your front yard, back yard, and side yards to receive your quote. Only outline treatable areas.
TruGreen Boston Customer Reviews
Your Aunt in New York swears by TruGreen, but your cousin in Colorado warns against the lawn company. TruGreen has hundreds of branches across the country, so it’s best to hear what your neighbors have to say about your local TruGreen branch. That’s why we’ve collected the following customer reviews for TruGreen Boston:
Boston East
Positive Review: “TruGreen is affordable, reliable, and provides excellent service. Our company headquarters is located on a busy main road, so it’s important that our landscaping reflects the quality and care we offer our own customers. TruGreen completely transformed our office lawn from a weed/insect-infested disaster to a gorgeous, green carpet. They notify you before each visit and always leave a detailed report of services provided. Highly recommend it for anyone who wants a healthy, beautiful lawn.” — Stephanie P. (Google)
Positive Review: “I have used TruGreen on and off for the past few years. I find them to be responsive when I have concerns regarding my lawn. I recently signed up for mosquito treatments. With all of the rain, I feel like the mosquitos will be out in full force and I want my family protected. I’ve had one treatment and no mosquitos yet, so I think I made the right decision.” — Scott G. (Google)
Negative Review: “We prepaid for the season, over $1200, and haven’t seen anyone in months. I have reached out to TruGreen several times, but I’m never able to reach the Plymouth office directly. I was told we would receive a credit, which has not happened. Supposedly, according to the app, they came today to treat for mosquitoes, but no paperwork was left on the door and no activity was shown on our numerous cameras. I would never prepay for these services again, and I would not recommend this company.” — Beth L. (Google)
Boston North
Positive Review: “I used TruGreen for several years. Their professional services are much better than my amateur ones. My lawn has been improving year by year. The favorite part of their services is weed control. Most agents are polite and cover all areas thoroughly. There were two occasions that the agent said they did the service but they did not, but that rarely occurred. In general, the service is good and I highly recommend TruGreen.” — Zaipeng L. (Google)
Positive Review: “As a relatively new client of TruGreen, I like my service because TruGreen’s maintenance and treatment keeps my lawn and bushes in top form. The technicians are professional, conscientious, and friendly. TruGreen also responds quickly to customer requests to address lawn and bush issues, such as new weeds. With TruGreen’s notification and tracking system, a phone call is made to the client the day before service is provided, a paper report detailing the service is left for the client by the technician, and follow-up emails that detail the service provided are sent to the client after service. This provides an excellent service record for the client. These are the key qualities of service needed from a lawn care provider.TruGreen satisfies them all.” — Robert C. (Google)
Negative Review: “Very poor lawn service. They scheduled and canceled my lawn service five times in one month. A technician does not show up. Last year they billed me without performing a service. As a result, my lawn is not in good shape. I have contacted customer service multiple times and formally launched a complaint. I’ve been a customer for eight years, but the quality of service has gone down drastically.” — Raman S. (Google)
Boston West
Positive Review: “We’ve had several people praising the look and quality of our yard. TruGreen’s services are very high quality and effective — just as advertised — and the technicians are doing a meticulous job on every visit. The company also stopped the annoying robocalls, as well as the confused sales rep calls, which we highly appreciate.” — Victor R. (Google)
Positive Review: “I’ve had several different lawn services in the past, but they either applied too much or too little fertilizer, or the wrong type. The results were not good. This year, TruGreen has done an excellent job. They’re very focused and pay specific attention to the lawn, which has yielded significant improvement. When I speak with my lawn care specialist, he is easy to talk to, very knowledgeable, and looks at my lawn as a specific, unique situation, and not as just another lawn in a string of many.” — Steve J. (Google)
Negative Review: “First, they went to the wrong house. The next day, they didn’t show up. On the third day, the truck pulled up at 4:46. I got a text saying they arrived. Then, at 4:48, I got another text saying they could not do the application. I called to complain but got no help. I canceled the service and obviously would not recommend them.” — Joseph F. (Google)
Benefits of Lawn Care Services
Still on the fence about lawn care? Sometimes lawn care jargon like aeration and overseeding can sound like gibberish, but these treatments can have a big impact on your lawn’s health. Let’s take a look at how TruGreen’s services can boost your lawn.
Benefits of Fertilization
Fertilizer keeps your lawn healthy by supplementing soil with the essential nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When your soil is deficient in these nutrients, your turfgrass weakens and struggles to grow, causing it to become more susceptible to pests and disease damage.
Here’s what the three essential nutrients can do for your lawn’s health:
- Nitrogen gives your lawn its color and thickness
- Phosphorus aids in your lawn’s healthy root development
- Potassium strengthens the grass so it can resist stressors like heat and drought
Boston’s thin, rocky Paxton soil is nutrient poor, which means you won’t want to skip fertilization.
Benefits of Aeration
Over time, the sandy loam in your Beantown lawn compacts, making it difficult for your turf’s roots to receive water, air, and nutrients. Core aeration removes plugs of soil from the ground to relieve compaction and allow the good stuff to reach the roots.
Aeration also helps to:
- Improve root growth
- Reduce thatch, the buildup of organic matter over the soil. Too much thatch blocks air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil and invites pests and diseases.
- Improve drainage
- Prepare the soil for overseeding
Benefits of Soil Amendments
We’ve covered why nutrients are important for soil, but pH balance should also be top of mind. Why? Because when soil pH is too low or too high, the grass roots are unable to uptake available nutrients.
Soil amendments help improve the physical nature of the soil, such as lime (raises pH, reducing acidity) and sulfur (lowers pH, increases acidity). Boston’s soil is acidic. By returning the pH to a balanced level between 6.0 and 7.0, your turf will have a much better chance for healthy growth.
Benefits of Weed Control
Not only do weeds ruin your lawn’s appearance, but they can also choke out your grass and steal the water, sunlight, and nutrients your lawn needs to survive. Control weeds before they sprout and stomp out those that do — otherwise, the wind will spread their seeds in the blink of an eye.
Common weeds to look out for in Boston are crabgrass and spotted spurge.
Benefits of Overseeding
Overseeding thickens up thin, patchy lawns. If your grass has been stressed recently by drought, pests, or diseases, add more grass seed to bring it back to its former glory. Don’t forget to address the original problem first –– seeds can’t cure your lawn on their own.
TruGreen Highlights
There are plenty of outdoor service companies here in Boston that will serve your lawn. But what about TruGreen makes it stand out?
Decades of Experience
TruGreen was founded in 1973 under the name ChemLawn before changing to TruGreen in 1979. From there, it’s grown into a nationwide company serving homeowners and businesses. The company has had four decades to craft its lawn care plans and hone its science-based approach.
Recurring Plans
Are you the forgetful type who can’t remember what treatment you need to perform at what time of year? With TruGreen’s treatment plans, you won’t have to mark “fertilize lawn” or “aerate lawn” in your calendar. Choose a plan that covers everything you want, and TruGreen will get it done at the ideal time.
Mobile App
You already have apps for movies, banking, food, and pets on your phone. Why not add another for your lawn? With TruGreen’s app, you can:
- Manage account details
- Access billing
- Manage service requests
- Receive live service notifications
Trained Experts
Each TruGreen specialist completes the company’s rigorous TruExpert Certification Program to deliver tailored, science-based lawn care. The training program requires TruGreen specialists to receive annual recertification so that they can remain up-to-date on industry standards.
Final Word on TruGreen Boston
Boston’s cold, snowy winters can damage your yard, making lawn care frustrating and time-consuming, but it doesn’t need to be. TruGreen Boston offers various local plans tailored to your yard’s needs, along with pest control services, aeration, overseeding, fertilization, weed control, and grub prevention.
And if you need mowing, edging, and trimming taken off your plate, LawnStarter connects you with pros who will handle the job.
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Lawn Care Company
Everyone has their criteria for picking service companies to work with. If you’re struggling to decide on a company, here are some factors to consider.
Services Offered
Have you ever returned from the grocery store and realized you forgot a crucial ingredient? Don’t let that happen for lawn care services. Create a shopping list of everything your lawn needs and check which companies in your area provide them all.
Price
Good lawn care doesn’t have to break the bank. Companies like TruGreen offer treatments at various price points, but even then, you can shop around for the best deals. But buyer beware: the lowest price won’t always be the best (nor will the most expensive). Weigh both reviews and cost to get the most bang for your buck.
Company Size
Big companies usually have a wide range of services and service areas. Their large employee base means more availability and little to no customer waiting lists. However, some customers don’t like talking to a different representative every time they call or not recognizing the service worker treating their yard.
A small business may suit you better if you want a more personal touch. You can be proud of supporting a local lawn care company while getting to know someone else in the community–you might even know them already! Remember that the smaller the business, the more limited its resources likely are. They might not be able to cover all the services you need or schedule you immediately.
FAQ About Lawn Care
When Should I Fertilize My Lawn?
It depends on your grass type, but fertilizer works best when your grass is actively growing. Submit a soil sample to your local cooperative extension to see which nutrients your lawn is missing and how often you should fertilize.
Fertilize warm-season grasses after they green up in mid-spring or early summer. Cool-season grasses benefit most from fertilizer in fall.
Do I Need to Bag My Grass Clippings After I Mow?
It depends. Grass clippings have nutrients, and allowing them to stay on your lawn lets your lawn receive those healthy nutrients. You’ll also save time by leaving the clippings on your lawn since you won’t have to bag them.
On the other hand, if you notice any signs of lawn disease, you should bag those clippings so the disease doesn’t spread. You can also bag grass clippings if you simply don’t like how they look on your lawn.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Healthy Lawn?
Having a healthy lawn can have personal and environmental benefits. Some customers feel a sense of accomplishment while enjoying their dense lawn, which contributes to less stress and a boosted immune system. In addition, healthy lawns can reduce erosion and runoff, have a cooling effect, and increase oxygen generation.
How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
Most established lawns require 1 inch of water per week. Water your lawn once or twice a week, but no more. Here’s why:
Watering less often and for long periods encourages a deep and healthy root system. Watering too often and for short periods promotes a shallow and weak root system.
DIY Lawn Care
Mower? Check. Weed eater and edger? Check. Irrigation system or sprinkler? Check. Lawns require a significant commitment of time and energy. During the active growing season, a lawn will need a weekly mow plus ensuring adequate water. That only touches the basics, though.
You may want to invest in a spreader to evenly distribute fertilizer, new grass seed, or granular weed killer. A tool to aerate your lawn might be a good investment, too.
Remember: Be careful with your DIY lawn care because overfertilizing and overwatering could make your lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases. Oh no!
Is DIY lawn maintenance starting to sound like a big mountain to climb? Sometimes, hiring a pro is the best way to go, especially if you want to catch the latest sporting event in the City of Champions. When your ailing lawn needs a health boost, call up a TruGreen specialist. When your lawn needs trimming, edging, and mowing, turn to the LawnStarter pros.
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