Is DIY Weed Control Enough? The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional

Everything feels more expensive these days. Groceries, gas, and even your kid’s after-school snacks that seem to vanish within 24 hours of buying them. So, if you’re looking at your lawn and wondering, “Do I really need to hire someone to get rid of these weeds? Can I just handle it myself?”, you are not alone.

DIY lawn care might sound like a good way to save a few bucks. And in some cases, it can be. But before you start hauling home weed killer and Googling “how to kill dandelions,” it’s worth comparing the pros and cons of going it alone versus hiring a professional.

So let’s break it down and help you decide what’s really worth your time, money, and energy.

The Materials: What’s Actually in That Bottle?

Here’s where things start to shift in favor of the pros. That bottle of weed killer you grabbed from the hardware store? It’s likely pre-diluted and designed for one-size-fits-all convenience. Professionals, on the other hand, can use stronger, more targeted products, and they know how to mix them at just the right concentration to get the best results. Those targeted products mean the weed you are trying to get rid of is directly attacked, instead of a general “weed killer” that may not even touch that field of wild violets you’ve got growing.

They also have access to products that aren’t available on store shelves. That means better weed control with fewer repeat applications (aka less hassle for you).

Verdict: Pro wins. More effective products = better results, faster.

The Cost: Professional Weed Control vs. DIY

On the surface, DIY weed control looks cheaper. You buy a bottle of spray, maybe a tool or two, and you’re done…right?

Not exactly. If done correctly, with the right products, DIY weed control can indeed be effective and usually a bit cheaper; however, it requires more work than just picking up a jug of weed killer and spraying.

The costs of multiple products, replacing dead grass, or buying new seed when your DIY approach backfires can add up. And since professional weed control often comes with fertilization as part of the package, your lawn looks better overall, not just weed-free. That’s something DIY can’t always guarantee.

Verdict: DIY is cheaper upfront, so it wins this category. But it’s worth asking: is it really saving you money if your lawn still isn’t where you want it to be?

The Time: Consistency Is Everything

This might be the biggest difference between DIY and hiring a pro. Weed control isn’t a one-and-done job. It’s a year-round effort. Spring, summer, and fall.

If you’re short on time, forget to spray, or aren’t sure when to apply treatments, your weeds will happily take advantage. Pros stick to a schedule, know the best timing for treatments, and stay consistent, so you don’t have to.

Verdict: Pro wins on time and consistency. Because let’s be honest, you’d rather be spending your Saturday on the beach or at the soccer field, not fighting dandelions.

Partnering with a Professional Lawn Care Service in Traverse City, MI

At the end of the day, DIY weed control can work. But it takes time, effort, and a whole lot of trial and error. If you enjoy that kind of hands-on challenge, go for it! But if you’d rather check “weed control” off your to-do list and move on with your life, partnering with a local lawn care expert might be the better fit.

Here in Traverse City, Green Team Lawn Care knows Northern Michigan lawns inside and out. We’re well-versed in the weeds that pop up around here (and trust us, they can be stubborn), and we’ve got the tools, materials, and know-how to treat them effectively. Best of all? We offer affordable options that take the guesswork and the stress off your plate.

Ready to spend less time battling weeds and more time enjoying your Northern Michigan summer? Get started by filling out our contact form.