The short answer: The biggest mistakes homeowners make are choosing based on price alone, not understanding what’s actually included, and failing to ask the right questions upfront. These mistakes lead to frustration, wasted money, and lawns that never improve. After 25+ years serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, and surrounding communities, Complete Lawn Care has seen every version of these mistakes—and we’ve built our service specifically to address them. This guide will help you avoid the pitfalls and find a lawn care provider who actually delivers results.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
This is the most common mistake, and it’s understandable—everyone wants to save money. But in lawn care, the cheapest option almost always costs more in the long run.
How budget providers cut costs (and why it hurts your lawn):
Diluted products: Some companies water down their fertilizers and herbicides to stretch products further. You’re paying for a treatment but getting half the active ingredient. Your lawn shows it.
Lower-quality products: Consumer-grade fertilizers with fast-release nitrogen cost less than professional slow-release formulations. The cheap stuff gives a quick green-up that fades fast, while professional products feed your lawn steadily for weeks.
Rushed applications: To stay profitable at rock-bottom prices, technicians must complete more properties per day. That means less time on your lawn, less attention to problem areas, and more missed spots.
No service calls included: That $29 per application looks great until weeds break through, and they charge $75 to come back and address it. Suddenly your “cheap” service costs more than the company that included service calls from the start.
Real-world example: A Broken Arrow homeowner switched to a budget provider to save $200/year. Within two seasons, crabgrass had taken over (missed pre-emergent timing), and the lawn needed significant renovation work. The “savings” actually cost them more, plus two years of poor results.
What to do instead: Compare value, not just price. A $55 application that works is cheaper than a $35 application you’ll need to repeat or supplement.
Mistake #2: Not Understanding What’s Actually Included
“Lawn care program” can mean wildly different things from different providers. Some homeowners sign up thinking they’re getting comprehensive service, then discover critical components aren’t included.
Questions to ask before signing up:
How many applications per year? Some programs include 4 visits; others include 7-8. Fewer visits mean longer gaps between treatments and less consistent results.
What’s in each application? Is it just fertilizer? Fertilizer plus weed control? Pre-emergent and post-emergent? Know exactly what you’re paying for.
Are service calls included? If weeds break through or you have concerns between visits, will they come back at no charge? Or is that an extra fee?
Is aeration included or extra? Annual aeration is important for Oklahoma’s clay soil. Some programs include it; others charge $100-150 additional.
Is there a contract or commitment? Some companies lock you into annual contracts with cancellation fees. Others (like Complete Lawn Care) work on a service-by-service basis—you can cancel anytime.
Red flag: If a company can’t clearly explain what’s included in their program, that’s a warning sign. Vague answers usually mean you’ll discover exclusions later.
What Complete Lawn Care includes: Our 7-step program includes 7 applications per year (fertilization, pre-emergent, and post-emergent weed control as needed), free service calls between visits, and honest communication about what your lawn needs. No contracts—stay because you’re happy, not because you’re locked in.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Application Timing
Lawn care is extremely time-sensitive. The same product applied two weeks too early or too late can be the difference between success and failure.
Timing mistakes that ruin results:
Pre-emergent applied too late: Crabgrass pre-emergent must be down before soil temperatures hit 55°F (late February to early March in Tulsa). Apply in April and you’ve missed the window—crabgrass is already germinating.
Fertilizing Bermuda too early: Pushing growth before Bermuda is fully out of dormancy stresses the plant and encourages weeds that are already active.
Missing the fall pre-emergent: Winter annual weeds (henbit, chickweed) germinate in fall. Skip fall pre-emergent, and you’ll have a weedy mess by February.
Questions to ask: “How do you determine when to apply pre-emergent?” Good answer: “We monitor soil temperatures and adjust timing based on conditions.” Bad answer: “We apply in March” (arbitrary date, not based on actual conditions).
At Complete Lawn Care, we time applications based on soil temperature and actual conditions—not arbitrary calendar dates. Oklahoma weather is unpredictable; our approach adapts to it.
Mistake #4: Expecting Instant Results
This might be the mistake that causes the most frustration—and the most unnecessary company switching.
The reality of lawn improvement timelines:
Year 1: You’re building a foundation. The seed bank of weeds in your soil has been accumulating for years. Pre-emergent prevents new weeds from adding to the bank, and post-emergent kills existing weeds—but you’ll still see breakthrough weeds. This is normal.
Year 2: Noticeable improvement. The weed seed bank is depleting. Turf is thickening. Problem areas are filling in.
Year 3+: Your lawn is hitting its stride. Thick, healthy turf naturally crowds out weeds. Maintenance becomes easier.
The switching trap: Homeowners who switch companies every year because they “didn’t see results fast enough” never get past Year 1. They reset the process with each new provider and never experience the compounding benefits of consistent care.
At Complete Lawn Care, we tell every new customer upfront: Year 1 is about building the foundation. If someone promises you a perfect lawn in 60 days, they’re setting you up for disappointment.
Mistake #5: Not Checking Reviews and References
Anyone can make promises. Reviews show whether they keep them.
What to look for in reviews:
Consistency over time: Look for reviews spanning multiple years, not just a burst of 5-star reviews in one month (which can indicate fake reviews).
How they handle problems: Every company has some negative reviews. What matters is how they respond. Do they address concerns professionally? Do they make things right?
Specific results mentioned: “Great service!” is nice but vague. “My crabgrass problem is finally under control after two seasons” tells you something meaningful.
Red flags in reviews: “They never came back when I called about a problem.” “I couldn’t reach anyone when I had questions.” “Different technician every time who didn’t know my lawn.”
Where to check: Google reviews (most reliable), Facebook reviews, BBB complaints, and Nextdoor recommendations from neighbors.
Mistake #6: Poor Communication Tolerance
You shouldn’t have to chase your lawn care company to find out what’s happening with your lawn.
Signs of poor communication:
No notification when service is completed. You shouldn’t have to guess whether they came or not.
Can’t explain what was applied. If you ask, “What did you put on my lawn?” and they can’t give a clear answer, that’s a problem.
Phone calls go unanswered. If you can’t reach someone when you have a question or concern, how will you address problems?
No explanation of what you can do to help. Good lawn care is a partnership. A quality provider will tell you about watering, mowing height, and other factors that affect results.
What good communication looks like: Service notifications when work is completed. Notes about what was observed and applied. Responsiveness when you call or email. Willingness to explain the “why” behind recommendations.
Mistake #7: Not Understanding Service Call Policies
This is where “cheap” services often become expensive.
Weeds will break through sometimes—even with perfect timing and quality products. Weather happens. Seeds blow in from neighboring properties. The question is, what happens when they do?
Service calls NOT included: You call about weeds, they schedule a visit, and they charge $50-100 extra. Your “affordable” $35 application just became $85-135. Do this twice a year and you’ve eliminated any savings.
Service calls included: You call about weeds; they come back and address it at no additional charge. The slightly higher per-application price includes peace of mind.
Complete Lawn Care includes free service calls. If you see something concerning between visits, call us. We’ll come back and address it—no extra charge.
10 Questions to Ask Any Lawn Care Provider Before Signing Up
Use this checklist when evaluating any lawn care company:
1. How many applications are included per year, and what’s in each one?
2. Are service calls between scheduled visits included or extra?
3. How do you determine application timing (calendar vs. conditions)?
4. What should I realistically expect in the first year?
5. Is there a contract, or can I cancel anytime?
6. How do I reach someone if I have questions or concerns?
7. Will I have the same technician regularly, or does it rotate?
8. What type of products do you use (professional vs. consumer-grade)?
9. Is aeration included or a separate charge?
10. Can you provide references or point me to reviews?
A quality provider will answer these questions clearly and confidently. Hesitation or vague answers should give you pause.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a lawn care provider is about finding a company that uses quality products at the right time, communicates clearly about what’s included, stands behind their work with included service calls, sets realistic expectations, and has a track record you can verify.
The cheapest option rarely delivers the best value. The right choice is a company that’s transparent, accountable, and focused on results—at a fair price for quality service.
Why Tulsa Homeowners Choose Complete Lawn Care
We’ve been serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby, Owasso, and surrounding communities for over 25 years. Our approach addresses every mistake on this list:
7-step program with clear inclusions. Free service calls. No contracts. Timing based on conditions, not arbitrary dates. Honest expectations about what Year 1 looks like. Local ownership and accountability.
Contact us for an honest conversation about your lawn and whether we’re the right fit.
Phone: (918) 605-4646
Email: [email protected]
Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote
Proudly serving Tulsa and surrounding Oklahoma communities since 2000.