Achieving a vibrant, healthy lawn is a common aspiration for homeowners. While the desire for a beautiful green space is widespread, realizing it requires more than just wishful thinking. A structured approach is essential, and that’s where a Do It Yourself Lawn Care Program comes into play. These programs eliminate the guesswork, providing homeowners with clear, step-by-step plans and the necessary products delivered directly to their doorstep. This guide will delve into the world of DIY lawn care, exploring the best subscription services available and equipping you with the knowledge to choose the perfect program for your lawn’s unique needs. We’ll explore how these programs simplify lawn maintenance, improve soil health, combat common lawn issues, and ultimately help you cultivate the lawn of your dreams.
DIY Lawn Care Program Comparison: Top Brands
| Brand | Starting Cost | Shipment Frequency | Ingredient Focus | Herbicide Type | Product Forms | Pest Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Lawn Care | $109/year | Seasonally | Natural, Plant-Derived | Post-Emergent | Liquid | Ants, Mosquitoes, Ticks, Grubs, Spiders |
| DoMyOwn Turf Box | Varies by Location | Monthly | Synthetic | Pre-Emergent | Granular | Ants, Mosquitoes, Ticks, Grubs, Spiders, Wasps, Hornets |
| Lawnbright | $140/year | Every 6-8 Weeks | Natural, Plant-Derived | Pre-Emergent | Liquid | Mosquitoes, Ticks |
| Lawn Serv | $39/month | Monthly | Natural & Synthetic | Pre & Post-Emergent | Liquid & Granular | Mosquitoes, Ticks |
Top DIY Lawn Care Programs: Detailed Reviews
Choosing the right do it yourself lawn care program can feel overwhelming with so many options available. We’ve evaluated leading programs based on product range, nationwide availability, sustainability efforts, program cost, and additional features to bring you the best choices.
Best Overall: Sunday Lawn Care
Why Sunday Lawn Care Stands Out: Sunday Lawn Care has established itself as a leader in the DIY lawn care market due to its comprehensive and user-friendly approach. Their commitment to sustainability, combined with a personalized lawn care plan, makes them our top overall pick for homeowners seeking a do it yourself lawn care program. Operating across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Sunday offers accessibility and convenience alongside effective lawn care solutions.
Personalized Lawn Plans: Sunday’s program begins with a detailed online survey that gathers crucial information about your lawn, including your location, climate, lawn size, and current lawn condition. This data-driven approach ensures your lawn care plan is truly customized. Your first shipment includes a soil test kit. Returning this kit allows Sunday to analyze your soil pH and nutrient levels, further refining your personalized treatment plan. This level of customization ensures your lawn receives exactly what it needs, when it needs it.
Sustainable and Eco-Conscious: For environmentally aware homeowners, Sunday’s commitment to sustainability is a significant advantage. Their products are formulated with natural and plant-based ingredients, minimizing the use of harsh chemicals. Sunday also utilizes 30% post-consumer recycled packaging and provides clear recycling guidelines, reinforcing their dedication to reducing environmental impact. As a “1% for the Planet” member, Sunday further demonstrates its commitment by contributing a portion of its revenue to environmental causes. They exclusively use A-LIST approved grass seed, promoting sustainable turfgrass varieties. Beyond lawn treatments, Sunday offers location-specific plant recommendations, including perennials, trees, and shrubs suited to your USDA growing zone, delivered at the optimal planting time.
Areas for Improvement: While Sunday excels in many areas, some users have noted that the product usage instructions could be more detailed. For those new to DIY lawn care, a slightly steeper learning curve might be present initially. Additionally, while the standard coverage of 13,500 square feet is sufficient for most homeowners, those with larger properties may find it insufficient.
Key Features:
- Cost: Starting at $109 per year
- Shipment Frequency: Seasonally adjusted
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived
- Herbicide Type: Post-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid solutions
- Pest Control: Targets ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, and spiders
- Sustainability: Strong focus on eco-friendly practices and ingredients
Sunday Lawn Care’s comprehensive approach, personalized plans, and dedication to sustainability make it a top choice for homeowners seeking an effective and environmentally responsible do it yourself lawn care program.
Best for Weed and Disease Control: DoMyOwn Turf Box
Why DoMyOwn Turf Box Excels in Problem Solving: DoMyOwn Turf Box is specifically designed for homeowners facing common lawn issues like weeds, diseases, and pests. This program provides targeted solutions and a wide array of additional lawn and garden products, making it our top pick for those needing robust weed and disease management within a do it yourself lawn care program.
Targeted Treatments: DoMyOwn Turf Box simplifies problem identification and treatment. Their diagnostic test helps you pinpoint your lawn’s specific challenges. By providing your location and grass type, DoMyOwn creates a custom program with products shipped precisely when needed. You can choose plans focused on weed control, disease control, or a combination of both, ensuring you only receive treatments your lawn requires. This targeted approach is both efficient and cost-effective.
Extensive Product Range and Coverage: DoMyOwn boasts a wide selection of additional lawn care products available for individual purchase, including fertilizers, pre-emergent herbicides, fungicides, and pest control for various insects. While fertilizer isn’t included in the core subscription box, the 10% discount for subscribers on these additional products is a valuable perk. With a generous maximum coverage of 20,000 square feet, DoMyOwn Turf Box can accommodate larger lawns, making it suitable for a broader range of properties seeking a do it yourself lawn care program.
Considerations: The primary focus of DoMyOwn Turf Box is problem-solving, particularly weed and disease control. Unlike some competitors, fertilizer is not automatically included in the subscription plan and must be purchased separately. Additionally, their ingredient focus is on synthetic solutions, which may not appeal to homeowners prioritizing natural or organic lawn care.
Key Features:
- Cost: Varies by location
- Shipment Frequency: Monthly deliveries
- Ingredient Type: Primarily Synthetic
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent
- Product Type: Granular formulas
- Pest Control: Wide range, including ants, mosquitoes, ticks, grubs, spiders, wasps, and hornets
- Additional Benefits: 10% discount on other DoMyOwn products
DoMyOwn Turf Box is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a do it yourself lawn care program focused on effectively tackling weeds, diseases, and pests, particularly with its comprehensive product range and targeted treatment plans.
Best Customer Support: Lawnbright
Why Lawnbright Prioritizes Support: Lawnbright distinguishes itself with exceptional customer support and environmentally conscious practices. Their plant-based, gentle yet effective products, combined with readily available expert guidance, make them our top pick for customer support in the realm of do it yourself lawn care programs.
Expert Consultations and Real-Time Guidance: Lawnbright understands that DIY lawn care can be daunting, especially for beginners. They offer in-depth consultations with lawn care professionals to address specific questions and provide personalized advice. Beyond consultations, Lawnbright provides real-time lawn care instructions and reminders via text message “Turf Alerts.” These alerts deliver timely tips on fertilization schedules, watering frequency, and weather-related lawn care advice, offering invaluable support throughout the growing season.
Natural and Gentle Ingredients: Lawnbright’s “Ingredient Promise” guarantees that all products are formulated with natural ingredients like cedar oil, kelp, and corn gluten meal. This commitment to plant-based ingredients means their treatments are free of harsh chemicals, making them a safer choice for families, pets, and the environment. Lawnbright offers various treatments, including weed control, pet spot treatment, mosquito and tick control, fertilizer, and soil savers, all aligned with their natural ingredient philosophy.
Considerations: Lawnbright’s standard plans are designed for lawns up to 10,000 square feet. Larger properties require custom quotes, which may result in a higher price point. While their customer support is outstanding, detailed information about the consultation service is somewhat limited, requiring potential customers to reach out for specifics before subscribing to their do it yourself lawn care program.
Key Features:
- Cost: Starting at $140 per year
- Shipment Frequency: Every 6 to 8 weeks
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid applications
- Pest Control: Mosquito and tick control
- Customer Support: In-depth consultations and real-time text message instructions
Lawnbright is an ideal do it yourself lawn care program for homeowners who value exceptional customer support and prefer natural, plant-based lawn care solutions, offering both guidance and gentle yet effective treatments.
Also Consider: Lawn Serv
Why Lawn Serv Offers Dynamic Customization: Lawn Serv distinguishes itself through its highly customized, weather-responsive approach to DIY lawn care. Their monthly boxes are meticulously adjusted based on local weather conditions, and they offer both pre- and post-emergent herbicides, making them a strong contender in the do it yourself lawn care program market.
Weather-Based Customization: Lawn Serv utilizes a science-driven approach, analyzing local weather data to tailor each monthly shipment to your lawn’s immediate needs. This dynamic customization ensures your lawn receives the right treatments at the optimal time, adapting to changing weather patterns and seasonal shifts.
Flexible Plan Options and Herbicide Variety: Lawn Serv offers three plan options: Traditional (primarily synthetic products), Mostly Natural (synthetic weed control with natural products), and All Natural (entirely natural, no weed control). This variety allows homeowners to choose a plan that aligns with their preferences and budget. Importantly, Lawn Serv provides both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, enabling comprehensive weed management throughout the year.
Areas for Consideration: Lawn Serv’s online shop has a somewhat limited product stock compared to competitors. While their “Mostly Natural” and “All Natural” plans offer more natural options, their “Traditional” plan relies heavily on synthetic products, which may not appeal to all homeowners seeking a do it yourself lawn care program.
Key Features:
- Cost: Starting at $39 per month
- Shipment Frequency: Monthly deliveries
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived & Synthetic (plan dependent)
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent options
- Product Type: Liquid and granular options
- Pest Control: Mosquito and tick treatments
- Customization: Weather-based, monthly adjustments
Lawn Serv is a compelling option for homeowners seeking a highly adaptable do it yourself lawn care program that responds to local weather conditions and offers a choice between natural and synthetic approaches.
Our Verdict: Choosing the Best DIY Lawn Care Program
For the most comprehensive and customizable do it yourself lawn care program, including environmentally conscious options and effective weed control, Sunday Lawn Care remains our top overall recommendation. For homeowners primarily focused on tackling weeds and lawn diseases, DoMyOwn Turf Box provides targeted and powerful solutions.
Key Considerations When Selecting Your DIY Lawn Care Program
Before committing to a do it yourself lawn care program, carefully consider several factors to ensure you choose the best fit for your lawn and your needs.
Subscription Plan Details and Costs
Understand the shipment frequency and overall cost structure of each program. Seasonal programs may ship less frequently but cover the entire growing season, while monthly subscriptions offer a more consistent delivery schedule. Compare total annual costs and payment options (upfront vs. monthly) to find a program that aligns with your budget for your do it yourself lawn care program.
Ingredients and Product Types: Natural vs. Synthetic, Liquid vs. Granular
Examine the ingredient lists and product types offered.
- Ingredient Source: Decide if you prefer plant-derived, animal-derived, or synthetic ingredients. Plant-based options are generally considered more environmentally friendly and gentler. Animal-derived fertilizers can be effective but may have stronger odors and potential environmental drawbacks. Synthetic fertilizers offer precise nutrient ratios but may raise environmental concerns for some.
- Product Form: Consider the application method. Liquid fertilizers are typically quick-release and easy to apply with sprayers, offering fast results but may require more frequent applications. Granular fertilizers can be slow-release, providing sustained feeding, often requiring fewer applications per season.
- Herbicide Type: Determine if you need pre-emergent (weed prevention) or post-emergent (existing weed control) herbicides, or both, depending on your weed situation and lawn care goals within your do it yourself lawn care program.
Lawn Disease and Pest Control
Assess whether the program offers solutions for common lawn diseases and pests in your region. Consider if disease prevention and pest control are important factors for your lawn’s health and your outdoor enjoyment. Some programs offer integrated pest and disease control, while others may require add-on purchases.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
If environmental consciousness is a priority, research the company’s sustainability practices. Look for programs that utilize:
- Plant-based or organic ingredients
- Recycled and recyclable packaging
- Sustainable manufacturing and shipping practices
- Commitment to environmental initiatives
Choosing an eco-friendly do it yourself lawn care program can minimize your environmental footprint while still achieving a healthy lawn.
Additional Products and Support
Explore any additional products offered, such as grass seed, specialized treatments, or lawn care tools. Consider the level of customer support provided. Do they offer expert consultations, online resources, or responsive customer service? Strong support can be particularly valuable for those new to DIY lawn care or facing specific lawn challenges within their do it yourself lawn care program.
Is a DIY Lawn Care Program Right For You?
While do it yourself lawn care programs offer convenience and effectiveness, they are not universally suitable.
DIY Lawn Care Might Be Ideal If:
- You enjoy hands-on lawn care: If you find satisfaction in tending to your lawn and garden, a DIY program empowers you to take control.
- You want to save money: DIY programs are generally more cost-effective than hiring professional lawn care services.
- You want control over ingredients: DIY programs allow you to choose programs with specific ingredient preferences, like organic or natural options.
- You have the time and physical ability: Applying treatments and performing basic lawn maintenance requires time and physical exertion.
Consider Professional Lawn Care If:
- Time is limited: If you have a busy schedule, professional services free up your time.
- You prefer hands-off lawn care: If you’d rather not deal with lawn maintenance, professionals handle everything.
- You have mobility limitations: Professional services eliminate the physical demands of lawn care.
- Your lawn has complex issues: Severe pest infestations, diseases, or soil problems may require expert diagnosis and treatment from professionals.
- You desire additional services: Professional services often include mowing, edging, aeration, and other maintenance beyond basic treatments.
Cost Savings of DIY Lawn Care Programs
Do it yourself lawn care programs are typically significantly more affordable than professional lawn care services. While professional lawn care visits can average $124 per visit (and require multiple visits per season), DIY programs often cost a fraction of that amount annually. The savings can be substantial, especially over the long term. However, remember that DIY programs require your time and effort for application and ongoing lawn maintenance.
Advantages of Choosing a DIY Lawn Care Program
Opting for a do it yourself lawn care program offers numerous benefits:
- Eliminate Guesswork: No more confusion in store aisles – programs provide pre-selected products delivered on schedule.
- Reduce Errors: Timely deliveries and clear instructions minimize the risk of applying the wrong product at the wrong time.
- Ingredient Control: Choose programs with preferred ingredients (organic, natural, etc.), offering transparency and control.
- Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than professional lawn care services.
- Outdoor Activity: Enjoy fresh air and exercise while tending to your lawn.
- Pride of Ownership: Achieve a beautiful lawn through your own efforts, enhancing curb appeal and personal satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Lawn Care Programs
Q: What’s the best mowing pattern for lawn health?
A: Alternating mowing patterns, such as stripes one week and a spiral pattern the next, promotes even grass growth and prevents soil compaction.
Q: What is the 1/3 rule of mowing?
A: Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade length in a single mowing. This prevents stress, promotes healthy growth, and reduces weed proliferation.
Q: When is the optimal time to test my lawn’s soil?
A: Test soil in early spring or fall, well before the active growing season. This allows time for soil amendment recommendations to take effect.
Q: Should I fertilize before or after mowing the lawn?
A: Fertilize after mowing and raking. Mowing removes clippings that can block fertilizer from reaching the soil, and raking further clears the way.
Q: How often should I water my lawn each week?
A: Water deeply and less frequently – about 2-3 times per week, providing approximately 1 inch of water total. Deep watering encourages deep root growth and drought tolerance. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
Q: What are good homemade fertilizer options for lawns?
A: Compost tea is an excellent homemade liquid fertilizer. Grass clippings (used as mulch, not fertilizer directly) and diluted urine are also DIY options, though compost tea is generally more balanced and user-friendly.
Q: Are DIY lawn care programs environmentally friendly?
A: It depends on the program. Look for programs emphasizing natural ingredients, sustainable packaging, and responsible environmental practices. Some DIY programs are more eco-conscious than others.
By understanding the nuances of do it yourself lawn care programs and carefully considering your lawn’s needs and your own preferences, you can confidently select a program that empowers you to achieve a lush, healthy lawn you can be proud of. Remember to prioritize user experience, product quality, and your personal values when making your choice.
