Do you dream of a vibrant, green lawn but feel overwhelmed by lawn care? Achieving a healthy lawn doesn’t have to be complicated or require professional services. The Best Do It Yourself Lawn Care Programs are designed to simplify lawn maintenance, delivering customized treatment plans and products directly to your doorstep. These programs eliminate guesswork by providing clear schedules and the right products at the right time, empowering homeowners to take control of their lawn care. Whether you’re looking to improve soil health, tackle weeds, or prevent pests, a DIY lawn care subscription can be the ideal solution for a beautiful lawn.
Top DIY Lawn Care Program Options
Choosing the right DIY lawn care program depends on your specific lawn needs and preferences. We’ve evaluated several leading DIY lawn care subscription services based on product effectiveness, ease of use, environmental impact, cost, and customer support to bring you our top recommendations.
Best Overall: Sunday Lawn Care
Why We Chose It: Sunday Lawn Care stands out as the best do it yourself lawn care program overall due to its comprehensive and customized approach, commitment to sustainability, and user-friendly experience. Serving all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Sunday provides tailored lawn care plans based on your location, climate, and lawn conditions.
Pros:
- Personalized Lawn Plans: Sunday creates custom lawn care plans based on a detailed survey about your lawn’s specific needs, including soil type, climate, and lawn size. They start with a soil test to accurately assess your lawn’s pH and nutrient levels, ensuring targeted treatment.
- Sustainable Practices: Committed to environmental responsibility, Sunday uses natural, plant-derived ingredients in their products. Their packaging includes 30% post-consumer recycled materials, and they provide clear recycling guidelines. Sunday is also a member of “1% for the Planet,” further demonstrating their dedication to sustainability.
- A-LIST Approved Grass Seed: Sunday offers high-quality, sustainable grass seed approved by A-LIST, ensuring you’re using environmentally conscious and effective seed varieties.
- Location-Specific Plant Recommendations: Beyond lawn care, Sunday provides personalized recommendations for perennials, trees, and shrubs that thrive in your USDA growing zone, taking the guesswork out of landscaping.
- Transparent Business Practices: Sunday publishes an annual sustainability report, offering transparency about their environmental efforts and business practices.
Cons:
- Limited Instructions: Some users have noted that product instructions could be more detailed.
Sunday Lawn Care delivers seasonal boxes with the necessary treatments for your lawn. The number of shipments varies depending on your growing season, typically ranging from two to five per year. They offer solutions for pest control, weed management, pet damage repair, and heat-stressed lawns, providing comprehensive care. While their standard coverage is 13,500 square feet, it might be insufficient for very large properties.
Specs:
- Cost: Starting at $109 per year
- Shipment Frequency: Seasonally
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived
- Herbicide Type: Post-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid
- Pests Treated: Ants, Mosquitoes, Ticks, Grubs, Spiders
Best for Weeds and Disease: DoMyOwn Turf Box
Why We Chose It: DoMyOwn Turf Box is the best do it yourself lawn care program for homeowners specifically battling weeds and lawn diseases. They offer targeted solutions and a wide array of additional lawn and garden products.
Pros:
- Targeted Weed and Disease Solutions: DoMyOwn Turf Box excels in providing solutions for common lawn problems like weeds, fungus, and pests. Their diagnostic test helps create a customized program to address your lawn’s specific issues.
- Comprehensive Product Range: Beyond the subscription box, DoMyOwn offers a vast selection of lawn and garden products, allowing you to address any lawn care need in one place.
- Large Coverage Area: DoMyOwn Turf Box provides coverage for lawns up to 20,000 square feet, accommodating larger properties.
- Discount on Additional Products: Subscribers receive a 10% discount on all other DoMyOwn products, providing added value.
Cons:
- Fertilizer Not Included: The custom plan does not include fertilizer, which must be purchased separately.
DoMyOwn Turf Box simplifies diagnosing and treating lawn problems. After a diagnostic test identifying your location and grass type, they create a personalized program with products shipped at the optimal application times. You can choose plans focusing on weed control, disease control, or both, ensuring you receive only the treatments your lawn requires. While fertilizer isn’t part of the subscription, DoMyOwn offers a wide range of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pest control products available for purchase.
Specs:
- Cost: Varies by location
- Shipment Frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient Type: Synthetic
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent
- Product Type: Granular
- Pests Treated: Ants, Mosquitoes, Ticks, Grubs, Spiders, Wasps, Hornets
Best Customer Support: Lawnbright
Why We Chose It: Lawnbright is the best do it yourself lawn care program for those who value excellent customer support. They combine plant-based products with readily available expert advice and guidance.
Pros:
- Expert Consultations: Lawnbright provides in-depth consultations with lawn care professionals, offering personalized support and advice.
- Real-Time Text Instructions: Receive lawn care instructions and reminders via text message, ensuring you stay on track with your lawn care schedule.
- Natural Ingredient Promise: Lawnbright uses natural ingredients like cedar oil, kelp, and corn gluten meal, avoiding harsh chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
- Eco-Friendly Commitment: A percentage of each Lawnbright sale is donated to Non Toxic Communities, reflecting their dedication to environmental responsibility.
Cons:
- Limited Coverage for Standard Plans: Standard plans are not available for lawns exceeding 10,000 square feet, requiring custom quotes for larger properties.
Lawnbright tailors DIY lawn treatments based on your location, lawn size, and soil tests. Their product range includes weed control, pet spot treatment, mosquito and tick control, fertilizer, and soil savers. Treatments are shipped every 6 to 8 weeks and automatically pause during inactive months. Lawnbright’s standout feature is its customer support, offering consultations with their “Turf Team” and free “Turf Alerts” via text message, providing timely tips and weather-related lawn care advice.
Specs:
- Cost: Starting at $140 per year
- Shipment Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid
- Pests Treated: Mosquitoes, Ticks
Also Consider: Lawn Serv
Why We Chose It: Lawn Serv is a strong contender as a best do it yourself lawn care program due to its science-based approach and monthly adjustments based on local weather conditions.
Pros:
- Weather-Based Customization: Lawn Serv analyzes local weather data to customize monthly boxes, ensuring your lawn receives precisely what it needs based on current conditions.
- Pre- and Post-Emergent Herbicides: Lawn Serv offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, providing comprehensive weed control throughout the year.
Cons:
- Limited Online Shop Stock: The online store has a somewhat limited inventory of additional products.
- Synthetic Options in Some Plans: While offering natural options, some Lawn Serv plans include synthetic products.
Lawn Serv delivers monthly DIY lawn care packages tailored to your location’s weather. They offer three plans: Traditional (mostly synthetic), Mostly Natural (synthetic weed control, natural otherwise), and All Natural (natural only, no weed control). Monthly shipments, plan flexibility, and seasonal subscriptions are key features. Lawn Serv also provides pre- and post-emergent herbicides, allowing for year-round weed management.
Specs:
- Cost: Starting at $39 per month
- Shipment Frequency: Monthly
- Ingredient Type: Natural, Plant-Derived; Synthetic (depending on plan)
- Herbicide Type: Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent
- Product Type: Liquid and Granular
- Pests Treated: Mosquitoes, Ticks
Choosing the Right DIY Lawn Care Program for Your Needs
Selecting the best do it yourself lawn care program involves considering several key factors to ensure it aligns with your lawn’s requirements and your personal preferences.
Subscription Plan Details and Cost
Understand the shipment frequency. Seasonal plans ship products a few times a year, while monthly plans deliver more frequently during growing seasons. Compare costs, considering whether you pay annually, seasonally, or monthly. Factor in potential costs for additional products beyond the basic subscription.
Ingredient and Product Details
Examine ingredient types. Decide if you prefer plant-derived, animal-derived, or synthetic ingredients based on your environmental and ethical considerations.
- Plant-Derived vs. Animal-Derived Ingredients: Plant-based fertilizers (corn gluten, soybean meal) are often considered more sustainable and less odorous. Animal-based fertilizers (bone meal, manure) can be potent but may have strong odors and environmental drawbacks.
- Liquid vs. Granular Products: Granular fertilizers are often slow-release, requiring less frequent application. Liquid fertilizers are quick-release, providing immediate nutrients but needing reapplication. Choose based on your lawn care schedule and desired application frequency.
- Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Herbicides: Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weeds before they sprout, while post-emergent herbicides kill existing weeds. Determine which type or combination best suits your weed control needs.
Lawn Disease Treatment and Prevention
Ensure the program offers solutions for lawn fungus and diseases. Look for programs that provide preventative measures and treatments for common lawn diseases like brown patch or snow mold.
Pest Control Product Availability
Check if pest control is included or available as an add-on. Consider if you need protection against common lawn pests like grubs, ticks, mosquitoes, or ants.
Product and Packaging Sustainability
Evaluate the company’s commitment to sustainability. Look for eco-friendly packaging, recycled materials, and sustainably sourced ingredients if environmental impact is a priority.
Additional Products Available
Consider if the company offers supplemental products like grass seed, plants, or gardening tools. Having a one-stop shop for lawn and garden needs can be convenient.
Before You Use a DIY Lawn Care Program
While best do it yourself lawn care programs simplify lawn care, they are not for everyone. Time commitment is a factor; even with simplified programs, regular lawn maintenance takes time. Consider if you have the time and physical capability for DIY lawn care. For those with limited time or mobility, professional lawn care services may be a better option. Also, some lawn issues may require professional intervention, such as severe infestations or diseases. DIY programs are best for routine maintenance and prevention. If you prefer homemade fertilizers, a subscription program might not be the most suitable choice.
Cost of Using a DIY Lawn Care Program
DIY lawn care programs are generally more affordable than professional services. Costs range from around $39 per month to $140 per year for basic programs, but can increase with add-ons. Professional lawn care services can cost around $124 per visit, and require multiple visits per year. While DIY programs save money, they require you to handle the labor, while professional services often include maintenance like mowing and edging.
Advantages of Using a DIY Lawn Care Program
Using the best do it yourself lawn care program offers numerous benefits:
- Eliminates Guesswork: No more confusion about which products to buy or when to apply them.
- Reduces Mistakes: Products are timed for optimal application, minimizing errors and potential lawn damage.
- Ingredient Control: You know exactly what’s being applied to your lawn, especially important for those seeking organic or specific solutions.
- Cost Savings: DIY programs are typically less expensive than professional lawn care services.
- Outdoor Activity: DIY lawn care provides fresh air and exercise.
FAQs About DIY Lawn Care Programs
Q. What is the best mowing pattern?
The spiral pattern (mowing borders inward) or long stripes (U-turns along edges) are both effective mowing patterns.
Q. What is the 1/3 mowing rule?
The 1/3 rule recommends mowing only the top third of the grass blade length to maintain lawn health and prevent stress.
Q. When should I test my soil?
Test soil in early spring after the last frost or in the fall before the first frost, well before the active growing season.
Q. Is it better to fertilize before or after mowing?
Fertilize after mowing and raking to allow fertilizer to reach the soil more easily.
Q. Should I water my lawn 2 or 3 times a week?
Water deeply two to three times per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature to avoid overwatering.
Q. What is the best homemade fertilizer for lawns?
Compost tea, made from compost and sometimes fish or seaweed fertilizer, is a good homemade option.
Conclusion
Choosing the best do it yourself lawn care program empowers you to achieve a healthy, beautiful lawn while maintaining control over products and costs. Sunday Lawn Care emerges as our top overall pick for its customization, sustainability, and comprehensive approach. DoMyOwn Turf Box is excellent for targeted weed and disease control, Lawnbright excels in customer support and natural ingredients, and Lawn Serv offers weather-based customization. By considering your lawn’s specific needs and your preferences, you can select the ideal DIY lawn care program to create the lush green lawn you desire.
