Landscape Weed Control Service

Service Category: Landscape Maintenance | Weed Control

Service Code: LWC-001

Last Updated: December 2024

Service Overview

The Landscape Weed Control program is a comprehensive, year-round service designed to prevent and eliminate weeds in landscape beds using professional-grade pre-emergent herbicides and selective spot treatments. This four-application program provides continuous protection for landscape beds, keeping them weed-free throughout the growing season without harming existing plants, trees, or shrubs.

Key Terms & Synonyms

Landscape beds may also be referred to as: flower beds, planting beds, garden beds, mulched areas, ornamental beds, trees, shrubs, 

Pre-emergent = pre-emergent herbicide = weed preventer = weed barrier

Spot spray = targeted herbicide application = weed killer spray

What This Service Includes

• Granular pre-emergent herbicide application: A landscape-specific product that prevents weed seeds from germinating for approximately 10 weeks after each application
• Spot spray treatment: Targeted application of post-emergent herbicide (non-selective) to kill any actively growing weeds present at the time of service
• Professional landscape expertise: All applications performed by technicians trained to identify and work safely around ornamental plants
• Four seasonal applications: Timed strategically throughout the year for optimal weed prevention

The Exclusion List (What We Don’t Do)

• We do not pull weeds. This is a chemical treatment service only. After spot-spray applications, dead weeds should be removed by the customer approximately one week after treatment when they have fully died. After 2 applications the customer should have no weeds to pull, the preemergent will prevent weeds from ever starting.  
• We do not treat lawns. This service is exclusively for landscape beds. Lawn weed control is a separate service.
• We do not apply in rain. Applications will not be performed if rain is expected within 30 minutes, as the product needs time to adhere to foliage and soil.
• We do not perform partial services. If access is restricted (locked gate, obstacles), the entire service will be rescheduled rather than treating only accessible areas.

Operational Logic (The Rules)

Service Delivery

• This service is an excellent add-on to the lawn fertilization and weed control program
• Landscape weed control is performed by dedicated landscape crews on a separate schedule from lawn services to ensure technicians with plant identification expertise handle all applications
• Minimum of 5 weeks required between applications to allow pre-emergent to work effectively and avoid product overuse

Critical Requirements

Watering Requirement: The pre-emergent granules must be watered in within 24-72 hours after application to activate the product. Overhead irrigation or natural rainfall is required—subsurface drip systems will NOT adequately activate the pre-emergent, as water must reach the soil surface.

What happens if not watered: The pre-emergent will not activate properly and weed prevention will be reduced or ineffective. Customer should be reminded of this requirement at booking and via service notification.

Access & Scheduling

• Locked gates: If the service area is inaccessible due to a locked gate, the service will NOT be performed. The entire property must be accessible. Reason: Partial treatments create inconsistent results and require return trips, reducing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Service will be rescheduled; customer should be contacted same-day.
• Weather delays: Service will be rescheduled if rain is imminent (within 30 minutes). The liquid herbicide needs time to dry on leaf surfaces to be effective.
• Rescheduling: Customer service should contact the customer within 24 hours to reschedule any delayed service

Program Structure (Application Schedule)

Note on Timing: While applications are spaced approximately 10 weeks apart based on product effectiveness, actual scheduling may be tighter during peak season (Applications 2-3). The 5-week minimum between applications ensures product safety while maintaining flexibility for optimal timing.

Pricing, Surcharges & Fees

• Base price: $79 per application
• Coverage: Base price covers up to 2,500 square feet of landscape bed area
• Typical customers: The majority of residential landscapes in Lincoln fall within the base price coverage
• Larger landscapes: Properties with more than 2,500 square feet of landscape beds will have pricing adjusted based on total area. Typical increases range from $95-$150 per application depending on square footage.
• Sales tax: Does NOT apply to this service (agricultural/horticultural exemption)
• Payment: Billed per application. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this harm the plants in my landscape?

Answer: No. We take great care to protect your ornamental plants. The liquid herbicide (spot spray) only affects plants it directly contacts through their leaves, and our trained technicians apply it precisely to weeds only. The granular pre-emergent works by preventing seeds from germinating—it does not harm established plants, trees, shrubs, or perennials with existing root systems.

I don’t have many weeds. Do I need this service?

Answer: If your goal is to maintain weed-free landscape beds, then yes. The pre-emergent is preventative—it stops weeds before they appear. Not seeing weeds means the program is working correctly. Once you stop treatments, weed seeds will germinate and you’ll be back to manual weeding or dealing with weed problems.

What if I get weeds between applications?

Answer: Breakthrough weeds can occasionally occur, especially during the first season of service as we establish control. If you notice weeds between scheduled applications, contact us. We include one complimentary mid-cycle visit during your first program year to address any breakthrough weeds. After the first year, additional spot treatments can be scheduled as needed.

How long until I see results?

Answer: Spot-sprayed weeds will begin showing signs of dying within 24-48 hours and should be fully dead within 7-10 days. The pre-emergent works invisibly—you won’t “see” results, but you’ll notice the absence of new weeds for the following 8-10 weeks.

Is this safe for pets and children?

Answer: Yes, when used as directed. We recommend keeping pets and children off treated areas until the spray has dried (typically 1-2 hours) and until after the area has been watered. The granular pre-emergent is safe once watered in. All products are EPA-registered and used according to label guidelines.

What if I can’t water within 72 hours?

Answer: The pre-emergent must be activated by water to be effective. If you cannot water within the 72-hour window, water as soon as possible.  The product will not breakdown for 20 days.  You will not see effectiveness until it is watered in.  

Can I use this service if I only have drip irrigation?

Answer: Subsurface drip irrigation alone is not sufficient to activate the pre-emergent. You would need to supplement with overhead watering (hose or sprinkler) or wait for adequate rainfall. We’re happy to discuss your specific irrigation setup to determine if this service is right for you.

Common Customer Objections & Responses

Objection: “This seems expensive for something I could do myself”

Response: The value includes professional-grade products not available to homeowners, expert application that protects your plants, proper timing for maximum effectiveness, and the convenience of not spending your weekends weeding. Most customers find that four applications per year is more effective and less time-consuming than constant manual weeding.

Objection: “I’ll just pull weeds when I see them”

Response: That’s certainly an option, but consider the time investment. Most homeowners spend 30-60 minutes per week weeding during the growing season—that’s 15-30 hours per year. Our program costs less per hour than most people’s time is worth, and provides better results since we prevent weeds rather than reacting to them.

Objection: “What if it doesn’t work?”

Response: We stand behind our service. During your first year, if you experience breakthrough weeds between applications, we’ll come back at no charge to address them. The program is most effective when all four applications are completed on schedule, but we understand it takes a season to establish full control.

Related Services

• Deep Root Landscape Fertilization: Promotes healthy root growth and plant vigor, making your landscape more resilient and attractive. Pairs perfectly with weed control for comprehensive landscape care.
• Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control: Complete your property’s appearance with our companion lawn care program.

Quick Reference for AI Responses

When customer asks about pricing: Start at $79/application for up to 2,500 sq ft; most Lincoln homes fit this tier

When customer asks about schedule: Four applications from March through September

When customer asks about safety: Safe for established plants; pet/child-safe after drying

When customer has drip irrigation: Needs overhead watering or rainfall within 24-72 hours

When customer wants immediate results: Weeds die in 7-10 days; prevention is invisible but continuous

When customer has few weeds: Prevention keeps it that way; stopping service brings weeds back