It used to be all you needed to provide lawn mowing services was a lawnmower and a rake. Today, lawn mowing services are big business. Americans—especially baby boomers— want manicured, landscaped and healthy lawns and are willing to spend billions of dollars to get them.

Selecting the right lawn mowing services business is a two-step process. First you have to decide on what lawn mowing services you or your company needs. Next you have to search for the lawn mowing services provider that specializes in those areas. To help in your decision-making you should:

1. Prepare a lawn mowing services list of those services that are necessary for your business.

2. Locate lawn mowing services providers that offer those services.

3. Compare lawn mowing services in your area to get the best value.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which lawn mowing services are 'must-haves' for your business

Taking care of your lawn involves more than cutting the grass and trimming hedges. Landscaping, fertilizing and maintaining a healthy looking lawn all are equally important.

I recommend: TrueGreen Lawn Care is a nationally renowned landscaping service. With locations all across the country, finding one near you is a mere mouse click away. The company also boasts having expertise in golf course maintenance and tree care. US Lawns is a full-service national franchise operation that offers professional lawn services. Or, utilize a lawn mowing services directory with 1-800-Contractor.com. They offer contact information for numerous services and include company profiles, the services they provide and customer reviews.

Do your homework before selecting a lawn mowing services provider

Read consumer reviews, consult with local university extension services or look for lawn mowing services information online that offers customer reviews of a variety of lawn mowing services before signing a work agreement.

I recommend: Consumer Reports reviews some of the top residential lawn mowing services in the country. Clemson Extension, a home and garden information center, offers guidelines for consumers to follow when choosing a lawn mowing services provider. The EPA has suggestions for saving natural resources, by following some guidelines for going green. You'll also save money on your landscape maintenance bill.

Find lawn mowing services for your office building or home

Landscaping is expensive to install, so it makes good business sense to use professional lawn mowing services that do more than just mow and edge; but will notice any problems with your landscaping or sprinkler system before a tree or shrubs die from an infestation or lack of water.

I recommend: All About Lawns helps locate lawn mowing services by state just by entering a zip code. 1-800-Contractor.com offers the same service and includes company profiles, the services they provide and customer reviews. including Lawn Doctor, Scotts, USLawns and All About Lawns.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Confirm that the lawn mowing services provider you selected has the required workers' compensation and general liability insurances.