How to Choose a Lawn Care Company

How to Choose a Lawn Care Company in Sherman, Texas

If you’ve searched “lawn care near me” in Sherman, you’ve seen a dizzying array of options: national franchises, local mowing crews, and high-end turf specialists. Most promise the same thing: "A green, weed-free lawn."

However, in North Texas, the difference between a great company and a mediocre one is the difference between a lawn that thrives in July and one that burns out by June. Here is the 5-point checklist to help you choose a partner that actually delivers.

1. Verification: Are They Licensed in Texas?

In the state of Texas, anyone applying herbicides or pesticides for hire must be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

• The Risk: Unlicensed "mowing crews" often buy retail-grade products and apply them without proper training. This leads to fertilizer burn and legal liability for the homeowner.
• The Pro Advantage: Licensed professionals have access to commercial-grade products that are safer and significantly more effective against tough Sherman weeds like Dallisgrass and Nutsedge.

2. Local Knowledge: Do They "Speak Clay"?

Sherman sits on a bed of heavy, compacted clay. A national franchise using a "one-size-fits-all" program designed for Ohio or Florida will fail here.

• The Question to Ask: "How do you adjust your program for Sherman’s heavy clay soil and high-alkaline pH?" * The Right Answer: They should mention core aeration, slow-release nitrogen, and soil conditioning.

3. Strategy: Proactive vs. Reactive

Avoid companies that only show up when you call to complain about weeds.

• The "Mow-Only" Mistake: If a company just mows and "spot treats" visible weeds, they are losing the battle.
• The Pro Strategy: Look for a company that offers a 7 or 8-step annual program. This focuses on pre-emergents—stopping weeds before they even sprout.

4. Transparency: The "Instant Results" Red Flag

If a salesperson tells you your lawn will look like a golf course after one visit, run.

• The Reality: Rebuilding a lawn in North Texas is a biological process. It takes time to exhaust the "weed seed bank" in the soil and thicken the turf.
• Expectation: A reputable company will tell you that real results take 30 to 60 days, with the best results seen after a full season.

5. Consistency: Do They Mowing and Treat?

While some companies do both, many specialists focus only on Weed Control & Fertilization.

• Why this matters: Specialized companies often have higher-grade equipment and more experienced technicians who don't spend their day rushing to the next mowing job. They take the time to actually diagnose your lawn's health.

Checklist: Comparison Guide

FeatureLow-Cost CrewProfessional Turf PartnerTDA LicensedOften NoAlways YesProduct GradeStore-Bought / DilutedCommercial / Restricted UseSoil FocusNoneAeration & ConditioningGuarantee"We'll spray it again"Satisfaction GuaranteePricingPer-visit (can add up)Predictable Monthly/Annual

FAQ: Hiring a Pro in Sherman

Is a local company better than a national chain?

In Sherman, usually yes. Local companies are more agile and can adjust treatment dates based on local weather patterns (like North Texas spring storms) rather than following a rigid corporate schedule from a different state.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

Most local pros offer "Service Agreements." You aren't locked into a 5-year deal, but the agreement allows the company to stay on the correct biological schedule for your grass.

What should I see after the first visit?

Within 7–10 days, you should see weeds "twisting" or turning yellow. You should also receive a report detailing exactly what was applied and any issues found with your irrigation or mowing height.