CONSUMER ALERT

MIKE COX
 ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Attorney General provides Consumer Alerts to inform the public of unfair, misleading or deceptive business practices, and to provide information and guidance on other issues of concern.

LAWN SERVICE COMPANIES MAY PROVIDE
MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR!

Lawn care companies can provide all the care and labor necessary to keep your lawn green and weed free while you spend more time on the golf course, fishing, or at play with the kids.  It may be your way to enjoy a carefree summer.  Or maybe not.

While lawn service companies can provide an array of helpful services that will result in more relaxation and less work for you, before you sign any agreement or contract, GET OUT YOUR READING GLASSES.  Read the entire contract carefully and pay particular attention to the small print.     

Some companies include a self-renewing or continuous service clause that will keep them coming back year after year unless you send them advance written notice canceling the arrangement. Cancellation may only be allowed at specific times of year and by certain means of communication.  Make sure you understand all of the charges you may incur while using the lawn service, including the price of services and late or cancellation fees. 

If you have children or pets that romp on the grass, make sure the company provides you with notice when they apply any herbicides or pesticides on your property.  Many companies will supply yard signs with a warning to stay off the grass for a period of time.  You may also want to notify your neighbors when chemicals are applied to your property.  Lawn care companies that apply chemicals must register with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and should carry a card to verify registration.

If you want to hire a lawn service:

1. Get it in writing.  Be sure you receive a written contract that clearly indicates all the conditions, including its duration, the services to be provided, and the cost of those services.

2. Compliance with state and federal laws.  Make sure the contract states the lawn service will comply with state and federal regulations concerning concentrations and applications.  Check to be certain that upon request the company will provide you with specific information concerning chemicals or their concentrations.

3. Cancellation of contract.  Make certain you understand the terms of the contract regarding cancellation.  Find out if the company charges a "cancellation fee" and how the fee is calculated.  Does the contract limit your right to cancel to only specific times of year?  While any oral cancellation should be confirmed in writing, some companies specifically require written cancellation and will not honor phone cancellations.

4. Check out the company.  To check whether a lawn care company is registered, or if you have specific questions regarding an application, you may contact the Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division of the Department of Agriculture at 517-373-1087.  You may also want to visit their website at http://www.michigan.gov/mda  for helpful tips on choosing a pesticide company.  Check on consumer complaints by contacting the Better Business Bureau that serves your area or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 877-SOLVE-88 (887-765-8388).