db:lawn.pr                                   CONTACT: SUE ROGAN (301) 217-7391
            

CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE OFFERS
ADVICE ABOUT USING LAWN SERVICES         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 10, 1996


     With the return of the grass growing season, the Montgomery
County Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) offers some advice for
consumers who are considering the use of a lawn service company.
     Lawn service companies generally provide a series of four or five
service calls during each year which include fertilizing the lawn
and treating it for the control of weeds, pests, and disease.
These service calls begin in early spring and end in winter.
     When choosing a lawn service company, OCA recommends the
following:

        Make sure the firm is licensed.  Maryland law requires all
     firms which apply pesticides to be licensed by the State
     Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Regulation Law Section,
     (410) 841-5710.
       Check the company's complaint record.  Call OCA at (301)
     217-7373 and the Better Business Bureau at (202) 393-8000.  Check
     the company's references.  Ask for names and numbers of customers
     in the area so you can find out if these consumers are satisfied
     with the service.

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CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFERS ADVICE ABOUT LAWN CARE SERVICES            2-2-2-2

        Make sure the company will evaluate the condition of the lawn,
     including a soil test, and treat it accordingly.  Some firms give
     every lawn the same treatment.
       Review the contract carefully to be clear on: all the services
     that will be provided, the amount of the contract, how this amount
     is to be paid, and the cancellation terms.  Most lawn care
     contracts provide for automatic renewal unless you specifically
     cancel the contract in writing.  Try to sign a contract for no
     longer than a year and try to delete any automatic renewal
     provisions.
       Find out if there are extra charges for treating special
     problems or for such services as reseeding or aeration.
       Carefully read the terms and conditions of the warranty.
       Ask if any precautions should be taken to prevent harm to people
     and pets from any pesticides that will be applied.

     Consumers can receive independent advice about lawn care, plantings or
information on pesticides from the University of Maryland Cooperative
Extension Service at (301) 590-9650.  If you have a problem with a lawn
service company call the Office of Consumer Affairs at (301) 217-7373.
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