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When I signed up for TruGreen’s TruPro plan last spring, I was cautiously hopeful. My 5,000-square-foot Raleigh, NC lawn had been through the wringer after an army worm infestation wiped out most of the grass, and I’d spent months trying to nurse it back. My first two treatments showed early promise, but TruGreen has been upfront that real results take up to 12 months. Now that I’ve completed the full annual plan, here’s what a year of professional lawn care actually looked like.
TruGreen Treatments and Results
After the initial assessment and first treatments got things underway, the regular follow-up visits quickly became one of my favorite parts of the whole experience — mainly because I never felt like I was guessing what was happening in my yard. Each time a specialist came out, they left behind a detailed service summary that broke everything down: what they did, what they noticed, and exactly what I should do next. They even made a point to close my gates every single time so my dogs wouldn’t make a surprise escape, and yes, they noted that in the summary too, which I appreciated more than they probably realized.
Tree and Shrub Services
During a visit, the specialist took a closer look at my trees and pointed out something I hadn’t noticed at all — sooty mold growing on the tree trunks and leaves on my 20-year-old oak tree and crepe myrtles. Once he explained it, I couldn’t unsee it, and then I noticed that some of my neighbor’s trees were in even worse shape (some were completely dead from the same issue). I was recommended the TruShrub Bark and Foliage treatment, which includes a mix of horticultural oil, insecticide, fungicide, and miticide. The root of the problem? Sap-sucking aphids. They leave behind a sticky residue, and that’s what the sooty mold fungus grows on. It was one of those “ohhh that makes sense” moments, and I liked that they were looking beyond just the grass and helping protect the whole landscape.
TruGreen Expertise
Adding tree and shrub care felt like a natural extension of the lawn plan, and it’s worth noting that on a later visit, I asked the specialist for some pruning tips while he was there. The fact that he took the time to walk me through that, on top of everything else, is exactly the kind of service that keeps this feeling less like a vendor relationship and more like having a knowledgeable resource in your corner. The Tree & Shrub service is available as an add-on; pricing varies based on your property.
An Easier Solution for Lawn Care
Bob Vila has partnered with TruGreen to help your lawn get tailored care—and the attention it needs.Find the Plan That Works for You
A Year Later
A year in, the difference is honestly pretty dramatic. What started as a muddy mess with sporadic patches of stressed-out grass has filled in to a thick, green space that actually looks like it belongs in the neighborhood again. The broadleaf weeds that used to pop up everywhere are now minimal, and some of the more stubborn ones — like nutsedge and doveweed — were specifically targeted and brought under control. Even the brown spots that had me worried early on were treated with fungicide to stop the spread, and that made a noticeable difference over time.
It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but sticking with the full plan paid off. Between the consistent treatments, clear communication, and the added tree and shrub care, everything just feels healthier and more under control. The lawn looks lush, the problem areas are managed, and I feel like I actually understand what’s going on in my yard now instead of just reacting to it. Looking out onto the expanse of green that was once a patchwork of mud and weeds is instantly relaxing — and it definitely has us spending much more time outside.
Is TruGreen Worth It After a Full Year?
TruGreen was upfront from the start that real, lasting results take time — and that proved true. The first couple of treatments showed early promise, but the full picture only came together over the course of the complete annual plan. Consistent fertilization, targeted weed control, fall aeration and overseeding, and proactive pest management all built on each other in ways that a one-off treatment never could.
What stood out most over the year wasn’t just the lawn itself — it was the communication. Every visit came with a detailed summary, every recommendation came with an explanation, and every follow-up felt intentional rather than routine. For anyone who has dealt with a lawn service that left them wondering whether anything was actually being done, that alone is a significant upgrade.
TruGreen Pricing
TruGreen service costs depend on lawn size and chosen plan. The following quotes are based on a 5,000-square-foot lawn:
- TruBasic (lawn assessment, fertilization, and weed control): $400/year, $80–90 per application
- TruCore (TruBasic plus insect control and soil enhancer): $720/year, $90–100 per application
- TruPro (TruCore plus aeration and overseeding): $1,051/year, $90–100 per application plus aeration and overseeding ($331)
- Tree & Shrub service: Available as an add-on; pricing varies
An Easier Solution for Lawn Care
Bob Vila has partnered with TruGreen to help your lawn get tailored care—and the attention it needs.Find the Plan That Works for You
Meet the Tester
Cathy Harms is an award-winning woodworker, trades instructor, DIY enthusiast, and content writer. Her work has been featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine. Cathy owns Charms Woodworks, a one-woman woodworking shop where she specializes in building fine furniture using advanced joinery techniques and heirloom-quality educational toys.
