How much does lawn care cost in DFW?

Based on research from 8 different lawn care companies in the DFW area, the average cost is $70 per application for minimum-sized lawns (2,000-5,000 square feet). Prices range from $50 to $80 per application, with most companies falling near the $70 average. This covers fertilization and weed control services in Midlothian, Prosper, Mansfield, and surrounding areas.

What size lawn gets the $70 per application pricing?

The $70 average price applies to minimum-sized lawns ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet. This represents approximately 65% of homeowners in the DFW area. Larger lawns will cost more and require custom quotes based on actual measurement.

How many lawn care applications per year should I expect?

The number of applications varies by company, ranging from 5 to 9 applications per year. At $70 per application, annual costs range from approximately $350 (5 applications) to $630 (9 applications). More applications typically mean better weed control and healthier turf throughout the year.

What's included in a typical lawn care application?

A typical lawn care application at the $70 price point includes granular or liquid fertilizer, pre-emergent herbicide (spring and fall), post-emergent weed control as needed, and professional application. Some companies also include fire ant treatment. Specialty treatments like fungicides, grub control, or aeration typically cost extra.

Why won't some lawn care companies give pricing over the phone?

Some companies require in-person quotes to accurately measure the lawn, assess its condition, and identify specific problems. However, most reputable companies can provide approximate pricing ranges over the phone for standard-sized lawns. Vista Lawn and Pest believes in transparent pricing and is happy to provide ballpark estimates before scheduling an exact quote.

Does Vista Lawn and Pest serve Midlothian and Prosper?

Yes, Vista Lawn and Pest provides comprehensive fertilization and weed control services in Midlothian, Prosper, Mansfield, and surrounding North Texas communities with competitive pricing and transparent quotes.

When should I apply fall pre-emergent in Midlothian, Mansfield, or North Texas?

For homeowner-grade products, apply between mid-August and early September following Neil Sperry's guidance. Professional lawn care services in Midlothian, Mansfield, Arlington, Prosper, Cedar Hill, and Waxahachie apply from September through October using professional-grade pre-emergents with 6-9 months residual control.

What's the difference between professional and homeowner pre-emergent products?

Professional pre-emergents have early post-emergent activity that kills weeds even after germination and provide 6-9 months residual control. Homeowner products must be applied before germination and only offer 90 days of control.

Is Neil Sperry wrong about fall pre-emergent timing?

No, Neil Sperry is correct for homeowner-grade products. His mid-August to early September timing is accurate for retail pre-emergent products. Professional lawn care companies use different products with extended control, allowing September-October applications.

What weeds does fall pre-emergent control in North Texas?

Fall pre-emergent applications in Midlothian, Mansfield, and DFW primarily target winter annual weeds including Poa annua (annual bluegrass) and rescue grass. Professional products can control these even after early germination stages.

Rose Rosette Virus: A Growing Threat to Your Knockout and Drift Roses

A Serious Problem Getting Worse

If you have knockout or drift roses in your Midlothian or Prosper landscape, you really need to keep an eye out for a virus called Rose Rosette. This virus has really become an issue this year and is infecting a LOT of roses.

We did start seeing Rose Rosette last year in knockouts, and it has only gotten worse this year and is now infecting a lot of drift roses as well.

Identifying Rose Rosette Symptoms

Enlarged stems, an extreme excess of thorns, a darker red tint to foliage, witches broom—these are all symptoms of Rose Rosette.

Key symptoms to watch for:

Enlarged, thickened stems that look abnormal
Excessive thorniness (far more thorns than normal)
Darker red or purple foliage (especially new growth)
Witches broom appearance (dense cluster of small shoots)
Distorted, deformed leaves
Stunted or twisted growth patterns
Rapid decline in plant health

Where symptoms appear: It can be widespread across an entire rose bush, or it can seem limited to certain areas initially. Even if symptoms appear small or isolated, the entire plant is infected.

The Harsh Reality: No Treatment Exists

Unfortunately, there is no prevention or treatment for Rose Rosette at this time.

What must be done: Infected roses need to be dug up—roots and all—and disposed of either by burning or removing from your property completely.

Why complete removal is essential:

Rose Rosette is spread by a microscopic mite (eriophyid mite)
It will spread VERY quickly to nearby roses
Removing infected roses is the only way to protect other roses on your property or your neighbor's property
Partial removal or treatment attempts only allow more spread

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Attempting to Treat Infected Roses

DO NOT make the mistake of trying to treat your infected roses. You will find several different ways of "treating" it online—and they DON'T WORK.

Why online "treatments" fail:

No proven cure exists for viral infections in plants
Fungicides don't work (it's a virus, not fungus)
Insecticides don't eliminate the virus (only slow mite spread)
Home remedies are completely ineffective
Scientific research confirms no successful treatment

The real cost of attempting treatment:By treating instead of removing, all you are doing is giving it time to spread farther to other plants. Every day an infected rose remains is another opportunity for mites to spread the virus to healthy roses.

Mistake 2: Trimming Off Infected Areas

Also, do not make the mistake of simply trying to trim off areas that look infected. If you see any signs of Rose Rosette—small or large—the entire plant is infected and needs to be removed ASAP.

Why pruning doesn't work:

Virus is systemic throughout entire plant
Infected roots will produce new infected growth
Appears to help temporarily, then symptoms return worse
Gives false hope while virus continues spreading
Wastes time during critical containment period

The Progressive Nature of Rose Rosette

It may not seem severe when you first find it, but in time it will kill your rose bushes.

Disease progression:

Starts with subtle symptoms in one area
Gradually spreads throughout plant
Symptoms become more pronounced over weeks/months
Plant weakens and declines significantly
Eventually dies (1-2 years typically)
Meanwhile, spreads to other roses nearby

Immediate Action Required

So do not put off checking your rose bushes and getting rid of any infected plants!

Steps to take now:

Inspect all knockout and drift roses on your property
Look carefully for any symptoms listed above
Mark or flag any suspicious plants immediately
Remove infected plants completely (including all roots)
Dispose properly (burn or remove from property—don't compost)
Monitor remaining roses weekly for new symptoms
Inform neighbors if you find infected plants

Proper Removal Procedure

How to remove infected roses:

Dig up entire plant including all root mass
Place in sealed plastic bags immediately
Do not leave plant material on ground
Clean tools with bleach solution after use
Dispose by burning or trash pickup (not yard waste)
Do not replant roses in same location for 1-2 years

Preventing Future Infections

Risk reduction strategies:

Maintain good rose health with proper care
Control aphids and other insects (they stress plants)
Space roses appropriately for air circulation
Remove wild roses or multiflora roses nearby (virus reservoirs)
Inspect new roses carefully before purchasing
Consider planting alternative shrubs if repeatedly infected

Professional Landscape Assessment

At Vista Lawn and Pest, we provide comprehensive landscape assessments in Midlothian and Prosper and can help identify Rose Rosette and other plant diseases. Our team understands the importance of quick action to protect your landscape investment. Combined with our fertilization and weed control services, we help keep your entire property healthy and beautiful.

Check your roses today—early detection protects your landscape!

Watch the video below to see what Rose Rosette symptoms look like and understand why immediate removal is the only effective response.

For professional landscape care and plant health assessment in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.

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Protect Your Landscape from Rose Rosette!

Suspect Rose Rosette in your knockout or drift roses? Vista Lawn and Pest provides expert landscape assessment and comprehensive property care in Midlothian and Prosper. Contact us today for professional evaluation and guidance on protecting your landscape investment!

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