I replaced part of my lawn with native plants and trees. Now that they're established, yes, it is much easier than trying to have a green lawn. Looks way better too.

There must be some commercial work around. I can routinely smell 2, 4d being applied by tru green in moco. 2,4d has a very distinct smell.

If you are willing to learn what to use, when, and in what, you will have significantly better results than a commercial applicator.

Anonymous wrote:Depends where you are. We threw in the towel and hired TruGreen a few years ago. It took a couple of seasons, but it was worth every penny. Then Montgomery County banned the use of the stuff that works, and TruGreen couldn't really do much with their organic treatments. The guys working on the yard literally came around and described the formulas they were using and said, "this is what we have to use now, but just warning you, it isn't going to work." One season later, the weeds are back, and we let TruGreen go.

Thanks. I've heard that story previously, but was hoping the professionals had developed something that actually worked since the Montgomery County ban.

Depends where you are. We threw in the towel and hired TruGreen a few years ago. It took a couple of seasons, but it was worth every penny. Then Montgomery County banned the use of the stuff that works, and TruGreen couldn't really do much with their organic treatments. The guys working on the yard literally came around and described the formulas they were using and said, "this is what we have to use now, but just warning you, it isn't going to work." One season later, the weeds are back, and we let TruGreen go.

so many variables as to budget, usage, tolerance of chemicals, time/enjoyment of taking care of your lawn.

you do you. If you can afford it and that's what you want then by all means. Landscaping companies often use chemicals/pre-emergents, plus more conistency with mowing/weeding. If your heart desires it, then switch.

There will be a lot of people on this forum that are not into hiring landscape companies to treat your lawn, will suggest you "go native" and ditch your grass or jsut mow weeds "it's all green"

For many years I used pre-emergents to treat weeds in my lawn, with some limited success. I see many of my neighbors hiring TruGreen and other vendors of lawn treatments whose yards don't have any weeds (or very, very few). Seems like the professionals really do a better job than anything I could buy at Home Depot or another retail store. Although pricey, the results of professional treatments speak for themselves.

Anyone try treating weeds in their own lawn, then toss in the towel and hire a professional? It may be worth saving the time, hassle, and disappointment.