Lawn Care vs. Landscaping: What's the Difference & Do You Need Both?

Terminology can be so confusing sometimes. 

Take lawn care vs. landscaping, for example. They sound like they could be focused on the same types of services for your Northeast Ohio yard. But, really, these services can be quite different.

Obviously, the two services are related; they both can involve caring for your lawn and maintaining your lawn, but there is a difference. 

Let’s explore the differences between landscaping and lawn care, such as answering these questions: 

• What is Landscaping?
• What is Lawn Care?
• How Can I Choose a Company For Lawn Care vs. Landscaping in Northeast Ohio?

Understanding these variables can help you know what kinds of services you are getting for your yard. 

What is Landscaping?

Landscaping and lawn maintenance focuses on the aesthetics of your lawn versus its health. 

Activities involved in maintenance usually include mowing, edging, and leaf cleanup. 

The term landscaping on its own can even include some other services on areas around your lawn like mulching landscape beds, installing plants, trimming trees and shrubs, and creating and maintaining hardscapes. 

Landscape maintenance and landscaping are great services to have for your yard in terms of making your home exterior look presentable and boosting your curb appeal. If you don’t have time to do these services yourself, you can hire a company that offers these services to do this work for you on a regular basis. 

What is Lawn Care?

Lawn care vs. landscaping focuses on the health of your lawn. 

These types of services are what give your lawn that green appearance and help keep it free from blemishes and weeds. 

Let’s talk about the specific tasks that fall into this category. 

Fertilization 

Just like people need nutrients to stay healthy and strong, your lawn needs nutrients to grow. 

A regular fertilization schedule maintained by a professional who delivers the right amount and mix of essential nutrients for your lawn at the right times and in the right amounts can keep your lawn thick, green, and thriving. This should be an essential part of lawn care vs. landscaping in Northeast Ohio.

Fertilization companies are required to obtain specific licenses from the state. Turf Pride, for example, implements a rigorous training program to ensure all their lawn specialists are licensed and well-trained in the latest techniques and products. This specialized knowledge is crucial for diagnosing and treating various lawn issues that may arise throughout the season.

Weed Control

Weeds are typically included in most of the biggest complaints people tend to have about their lawns. 

Weeds come in a variety of types and can sprout up in your lawn throughout the year. To fight weeds properly takes the right approach for each specific weed that involves proper timing and control methods. While landscaping crews typically visit weekly for mowing and general maintenance, fertilization and weed control treatments are usually applied every 4 to 6 weeks. This difference in lawn care vs. landscaping schedules requires a distinct operational approach.

Disease Control

Lawn diseases can also infect your grass and deteriorate its health. 

Things like brown patch and red thread are some common lawn diseases that impact lawn care vs. landscaping in Northeast Ohio.

When a disease is running rampant and cultural practices don’t work, fungicide treatments can help.

Insect Control

Pests like grubs can infiltrate lawns, ruining their aesthetic appearance, as well as their root systems. 

If left unchecked, pests can take over, weaken your lawn, and even cause death and the need for a complete renovation. 

Proper insect controls delivered at the right times and with the right products based on the specific pest is the best and most efficient way to deal with lawn insects as a part of lawn care vs. landscaping. 

Tree and Shrub Care

In addition to a healthy lawn, you want healthy trees and shrubs. 

These services, usually involved in a program called plant health care, includes treatments like insect control, disease control, and fertilization to ensure plants thrive in this area’s toughest conditions. 

How Can I Choose a Company for Lawn Care vs. Landscaping in Northeast Ohio? 

Just as you wouldn't expect a plumber to install HVAC units in your home or an HVAC company to hang drywall, lawn mowing and fertilization are distinct specialties within the broader field of lawn care vs. landscaping. We hope these tips help you better understand the two services. 

As you compare services from different companies, review them thoroughly so you can ensure your expectations are being met.
 
Ask a lot of questions when hiring a lawn care company to ensure you’re getting the best lawn care services possible.

You want to compare services carefully. Everyone will advertise a cost, but you’ll have to look beyond price and see what they are actually delivering for that price. For example, in addition to fertilization and weed control treatments throughout the season, is preventive crabgrass control and lawn insect and disease monitoring a part of the package? Do they have packages that offer that?

Additionally, lawn fertilization companies are required to carry different, often more costly, insurance policies compared to companies that primarily focus on mowing. This additional coverage protects both the company and the homeowner in case of any issues related to chemical applications.

You also want a lawn care company that is available to answer your questions and quickly respond to your concerns. You want a company that invests time in you and your lawn. 
 
Additionally, you should read company reviews so you can get a sense of how they work and how customers have responded to their services. A nice lawn can boost the value of your home, so this is not the time to make a hasty decision on an unproven company. 

Turf Pride offers a variety of programs targeted toward lawn care in Northeast Ohio so you can find a program that’s right for you. We have expertise in diagnosing and treating lawn issues; have proper licensing and training, as well as appropriate insurance coverage; we address your concerns through direct communication, and we offer specialized scheduling for optimal lawn care treatment timing. 

Get excited to go outside and enjoy your lawn in Northeast Ohio. Give us a call or fill out a form today for a free consultation, and we’ll bring our proven lawn care experience and create a custom plan for your yard.