NJ Lawns Community

Alright folks, been lurking here for years and finally have something to contribute. I'm in Ridgewood, been doing my own lawn since 2019 - aerating twice a year, weekly mowing, the whole nine yards. Got a solid tall fescue/KBG mix going that I've been proud of. But here's the thing - I'm 52 now and my knees are shot. The edging alone on my quarter-acre lot was killing me, not to mention the spring aerating. My doctor basically said stop kneeling. So last month I caved and went with TruGreen. Expensive? Yeah, about $600/year for the premium package. But honestly? My lawn looks better than it has in years. They came last week and did the aeration properly - something I was rushing through anyway. Not saying anyone else should quit DIY, but wanted to share that sometimes it's okay to throw in the towel if your body can't do it anymore.

Respect for the honest post Steve, but I'm curious - did you look into any organic alternatives before going big corp? I manage a mostly organic lawn in Tenafly and while it takes more effort, I've avoided the major companies. There's a guy in Wyckoff - Organic Lawn Solutions - does organic aeration and fertilizing. Costs about what TruGreen charges but uses no synthetic stuff. Might be worth a look for next year if the chemicals bother you. Also: have you tried the stand-up edgers? Game changer for the knees. I got a Husqvarna one from Home Depot in Paramus and it's saved my back significantly.

I'll jump in as the industry perspective here - I actually run a lawn care business in Bergen County so take this as you will. Steve, nothing wrong with your decision. The reality is lawn care is physically demanding and not everyone can or should do it themselves. Your average homeowner doesn't have the equipment or time we pros have. That said, for folks on the fence - get AT LEAST 3 quotes. TruGreen isn't the only game. There's also[removed] and local guys like Mike's Lawn Service in Glen Rock who does excellent work. The big corps charge for their overhead - local operators often match quality for less.

Ooh controversial take in here! Lol. But seriously Steve I hear you - I'm all organic but I also acknowledge I'm weird and have way too much time for yard work. Not everyone has that luxury. Question though - has TruGreen said what products they're using? Some of their packages are surprisingly more conventional than you'd think. Worth asking specifically what's being sprayed on your lawn. They don't always volunteer that info.

Good questions @WeedWarrior - yeah I looked at the stand-up edger actually, used it at my buddy's place in Franklin Lakes. Helped but honestly still hurt my knees just standing that long on the slope I got near the driveway. @GrassGuru - totally fair point on getting quotes. Honestly I didn't shop around enough, I was in pain and just wanted it done. Probably should have done more legwork. @CompostQueen - good call. I asked and they said they use standard pre-emergent and a liquid fertilizer blend. Nothing crazy but yeah, not organic. That's a trade-off I'm making.

That's fair - trade-offs are part of life. And honestly, having a healthy lawn you can enjoy is better than killing yourself over it. For anyone else reading this thread in the same spot Steve was - there are options between full DIY and the big corps. Get some quotes, try the ergonomic equipment, consider cutting your lawn size with mulch beds. Don't feel guilty either way! Thanks for starting this discussion Steve, useful info for the community here.