Is an Annual Lawn Care Contract Worth It?

Is an Annual Lawn Care Contract Worth It in Sherman, Texas?

If you’ve searched for "lawn care near me" in Sherman, you’ve likely seen companies offering annual contracts. Some homeowners swear by them as the only way to keep their yard green, while others worry about being "locked in" to a service they don't fully understand.

In North Texas, a lawn isn't a "set it and forget it" asset. Between the heavy clay soil and the 10-month weed cycle, the real question isn't whether you need a contract—it's whether you want to be reactive or proactive. Here is the breakdown of the value an annual agreement provides.

The Cost of "One-Time" vs. "Annual" Care

Many homeowners choose one-time treatments to save money, but the math often works in favor of the annual contract.

FeatureOne-Time TreatmentAnnual ContractInitial Cost$65 – $95 (per visit)$55 – $75 (per visit/budgeted)StrategyReactive (Killing visible weeds)Proactive (Prevention & Soil Health)Long-term Results"Rollercoaster" (Green, then brown)Consistent GreenerySchedulingYou have to call and waitAutomated & Timed for the Season

Why Sherman Lawns Benefit from Annual Programs

Sherman’s environment is uniquely suited for a contract-based approach for three reasons:

1. The Pre-Emergent Window

In Sherman, if you miss your spring pre-emergent window by even 10 days, you could be fighting Crabgrass for the next 6 months. An annual contract ensures the technician is there the moment the soil temperature hits the "danger zone."

2. Soil "Gumbo" Conditioning

Our clay soil doesn't change overnight. It takes a series of treatments over 12 months to break up compaction and rebalance the pH. A one-time fertilizer application on hard clay is mostly a waste of money.

3. The "Seed Bank" Exhaustion

Weeds keep coming back because their seeds are deep in your soil. An annual program slowly "exhausts" this seed bank by preventing new growth and killing off survivors before they can drop new seeds.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Sign a Contract?

A contract is worth it if:

• You have a newly sodded lawn you want to protect.
• You are tired of "playing tag" with a lawn company every time the weeds pop up.
• You want a predictable monthly budget for home maintenance.

A contract might NOT be worth it if:

• You enjoy the DIY process and have the equipment to calibrate your own spreaders.
• You only need a one-time "cleanup" before selling the home.
• Your lawn is already 100% weeds and you aren't ready to invest in a full restoration.

FAQ: Annual Agreements

Do I have to pay for the whole year upfront?

Most professional companies in Sherman offer monthly billing. This turns your lawn care into a predictable utility bill rather than a large, one-time expense.

What if I'm not happy with the results?

Reputable local providers typically offer a satisfaction guarantee. If weeds break through between scheduled visits, a contract usually includes "service calls" at no extra charge to spot-treat the problem.

Is mowing included?

Usually, no. Most annual contracts in Sherman focus on Weed Control & Fertilization. Mowing is often a separate service, though some full-service companies may bundle them.