Don’t get mowed over by lawn and garden scammers

With plenty of rain and a shot of warm weather, homeowners will be starting their gardens, yard projects, and lawn maintenance for the season. And it may require help.

Gardening and lawn care services are a multibillion dollar industry for homeowners in the United States. The Better Business Bureau says to watch out for those who try to capitalize on your lawn and garden needs.

“While there are many great high-quality lawn and garden experts to hire, unfortunately, there are also many scam operators,” said Steve J. Bernas, BBB president and CEO.

Not all lawn care scams are the same. Sometimes, the scam business will offer a free inspection and then set up a recurring lawn care schedule and charges, regardless of the homeowner’s wishes.

“Other times, it’s about substandard work and charging too much money for it,” Bernas said. “Or, the scam is not delivering services as promised, or tacking on extra charges without warning.”

Complaints coming into the BBB Scamtracker reveal victims who pay for a season of services up front, only never to see the scammer again. Often, people sign a contract without reading the fine print, and prices can be significantly increased for additional services the homeowner did not want or need.

“Be skeptical of any lawn ‘expert’ who contacts you out of the blue,” Bernas said. “Be especially wary if a business you are unfamiliar with uses high-pressure tactics.”

Research garden centers and landscaping companies. Before you head out to buy the supplies you need for your garden, find a reputable business from which to purchase. Remember national chains often have low prices and good return policies, but they may not stock a wide variety of plants or accommodate specialty plant orders.

To make a success of your garden and stay on budget, BBB recommends the following tips:

• Search. If you plan to hire extra help to keep your garden thriving, visit BBB.org for ratings and reviews to find trustworthy businesses. You can also look up landscaping, lawn maintenance and irrigation specialists.

• Plan. If you are starting a garden from scratch, think carefully about what kind of plants you want to cultivate and where they will thrive best in your yard.

• Ask for advice. Plant nurseries usually have knowledgeable staff to answer your gardening questions.

• Know what you are buying. It’s a good idea to ask garden center staff if plants were grown locally or in a greenhouse somewhere else. They may do well in the garden center’s controlled environment, but will they flourish in your garden zone and climate?

• Understand plant return policies. Return policies vary from store to store, so get to know store policies before making any significant purchases. Some nurseries will give you a free replacement for a diseased plant; others may have stricter “no refund/exchange” policies.

• Weigh the pros and cons of buying clearance plants. Clearance plants may be root-bound, drought-stressed, or hiding weeds or pests. Make sure the plant is in good health before you buy it.

The BBB offers the following tips when considering hiring a lawn care professional:

• Ask for references and pictures of other jobs they installed or maintained. Ask the landscaper to provide references from previous clients. If possible, visit these locations to get a firsthand view of the quality of their work. Ask the references about their experiences with the landscaper's services, professionalism, and the quality of work performed.

• Get specifics on prices and be clear on what services are included. Are you paying for a specific project or ongoing maintenance? Discuss your particular landscaping needs and make sure the landscaper offers the services you require, whether it's lawn care, design, installation, maintenance, or other specialized services.

• Check if the lawn care provider needs a license to work in your area. Confirm that the landscaper holds the necessary licenses and insurance. This protects you and the landscaper in case of accidents, injuries, or damage during the project.

• Look for membership in a professional organization. A service’s membership in one or more professional lawn care associations and active participation in the local community are positive signs.

• Get everything in writing and read all agreements and contracts carefully. Make sure the contract contains all topics discussed and promises made. Document the duration and expected results of the lawn care service.

• Ask about timing and safety. Will the work be done while you are home or away? Are there safety precautions you need to take during or after work? If pesticides are used, do you need to protect your family or pets? Is the timing of the application suitable for the weather conditions?

• Discuss payment and warranties. Discuss payment terms, including the deposit, payment schedule, and accepted payment methods.

If you've encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report exposes scammer tactics. Sign up for BBB’s free consumer newsletter, BBB Edge, at BBB.org/ChicagoBuzz. Visit BBB.org or follow @ChicagoBBB on social media.