How to Choose a Lawn and Landscaping Company in SWFL

Lawns and landscaping in Southwest Florida grow fast for much of the year, and summer rain makes them grow faster. A good lawn company keeps the yard tidy, keeps your HOA happy and spots problems like chinch bugs, fungus or a broken sprinkler head before they spread. If you're away part of the year, they're also one of the few people who see your property every week. Browse local lawn and landscaping companies.

Decide what you actually need

Mowing, edging and blowing: the basic weekly or biweekly visit.
Shrub and hedge trimming, weeding and bed care.
Fertilizing and weed, insect and disease control: sometimes done by the same company, often by a separate lawn treatment or pest control company.
Palm trimming and tree work: ask whether it's included or priced separately, and whether they're insured for climbing and work near power lines.
Mulch, sod and plant replacement.
Irrigation checks: some lawn crews adjust heads and report problems; repairs are often handled by an irrigation company. See our irrigation guide.

Visit frequency through the year

Many SWFL companies mow weekly in the rainy season (roughly late spring through early fall) and every other week in the drier winter months. Ask how they schedule, what happens when rain cancels a day, and whether the monthly price changes by season. Get the number of visits per year in writing so you can compare quotes fairly.

Summer fertilizer rules

To protect local waterways, Lee County and a number of Southwest Florida cities restrict fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the summer rainy season, typically June 1 through September 30. Rules differ by city and county, and some also set fertilizer-free zones near water. Ask any company you're considering how they handle the summer restriction on your property, and check your city or county website for the current local rules.

Certificates to ask about

Fertilizer: Florida requires anyone who applies fertilizer commercially to urban landscapes to hold a Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which includes training in Florida-friendly best practices.
Pesticides and weed control: companies that apply pesticides or herbicides to lawns and ornamentals for hire need the right FDACS license or certification. You can look up licenses on the FDACS pest control page.
Insurance: ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage (or a valid exemption). Mowers throw rocks, and tree work is dangerous.
Local business tax receipt: many cities and counties require one. It isn't a license, but it shows the business is registered locally.

HOA and community standards

Many communities have rules about lawn height, hedge height, approved plants, mulch color and when crews can work. Some HOAs contract lawn care for everyone, so check before you hire your own company. If your HOA sends violation letters while you're away, ask the lawn company to send you photos after each visit.

If you're away for the summer

Agree in writing on what they'll do every visit and what needs your approval first.
Ask them to report broken sprinkler heads, dead patches, pests and storm damage, ideally with photos.
Before hurricane season, ask what they do with loose items and debris, and whether they offer storm cleanup for existing customers.
Give your home watch provider their contact details so the two can coordinate.

What a written quote should include

Services included on each visit and the number of visits per year.
Which items cost extra: palms, trees, mulch, plant replacement, storm cleanup, debris hauling.
Who applies fertilizer and pest control, and the products and schedule.
Payment terms and how to cancel.

Get at least two or three quotes, ask for references from neighbors in your community, and drive by properties they already maintain. Find local providers in Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Sanibel & Marco Island.

General information only. It is not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Check with your insurer, HOA and licensed professionals.