Weeders near you

When looking for a professional to pull weeds in your grass, make sure you: 

• Choose the right kind of pro for the job: Many professional gardeners and landscaping companies handle basic weed removal, but if you need large areas weeded — or if weeds are your main lawn concern — a specialized weed removal company might be the better choice.

• Verify their license and insurance: The company you choose should have liability insurance to protect you if they damage your property. Also, verify their licensing with your city, county and state. Pros may be required to have a pesticide license to apply weed killer.

• Get several estimates: If possible, get at least three estimates to help you find the best value for your needs.

• Read their reviews: Look for reviews with before-and-after pictures and details. Vague reviews won't give you much insight, so search for customers who provide more information.

• Ask important questions: Be sure to ask the landscaping or weed removal company if they have a portfolio you can view and to explain their weed removal methods. Also, ask about the timeline for your job, any concerns or problems they anticipate and whether they guarantee their work.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack's Hiring page. 

The national average cost for professional weed removal services ranges from around $242 to $770,* according to Thumbtack data. Costs may vary depending on several factors, including:

• Lawn size: The bigger your yard, the more time and labor it takes to remove weeds, which increases the overall cost.  

• Weed severity: Light surface weeds are usually quick to remove, but deep-rooted or invasive weeds like crabgrass take more effort and may require multiple treatments.

• Service type: Pre-emergent weed prevention treatments are the most cost-effective option, but if your lawn care pro needs to pull existing weeds by hand, an additional hourly rate may apply.   

• Location: Labor rates typically vary by region. Expect higher rates for professional weed removal services in major cities or coastal areas than in rural communities.  

Here are some tips to help reduce the cost of the project:

• Consider maintenance packages: Getting regular weed control visits every month usually costs less per visit than booking just once when things get bad.

• Bundle with other lawn care services: Adding weed control when you’re already paying for mowing or fertilizing often gets you a better deal than buying each service separately.

• Ask about group discounts: Many companies will lower their prices if you and your neighbors all schedule service on the same day.  

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional weeding service near you.

In most cases, a professional will take the following steps when killing and removing weeds from your yard:

• Assess the yard and identify weed types: Professionals begin by evaluating the area to determine the types of weeds present and the extent of the problem. This helps them decide the most effective treatment method.

• Remove weeds manually or with tools: For smaller areas or more persistent weeds, a weeding professional near you may use hand tools like weed pullers, hoes or even specialized weed-removal machines to physically remove the weeds. This method ensures that the roots are excavated, reducing chances of regrowth.

• Apply herbicides (if necessary): In cases of larger infestations, professionals often use herbicides to target specific weeds. Selective herbicides, such as glyphosate (Roundup) or 2,4-D, are used for broadleaf weeds, while non-selective herbicides, like glufosinate or dicamba, are applied to kill most plants in the area. Professionals apply these chemicals using sprayers or backpack applicators, ensuring accuracy and minimal environmental impact.

• Use mulch to prevent future growth: After removing the weeds, professionals may apply a layer of mulch to garden beds or areas prone to weed growth. Organic mulches like wood chips or bark are used to block sunlight and prevent new weeds from sprouting.

• Consider pre-emergent herbicides for ongoing control: To stop future weeds from germinating, professionals may apply pre-emergent herbicides, such as pendimethalin or trifluralin. These chemicals form a barrier in the soil and are typically applied using specialized spreaders. This treatment is especially useful in spring when many weeds begin to germinate.

Typically, it will take one to two days for a professional weeding service to finish pulling weeds. A few factors that may impact the time include:

• Scope: If you have a larger yard or extensive landscaping, the job is likely to take longer.

• Prior maintenance: Lawns that receive routine weeding and maintenance will usually have fewer weeds, which should make the job go much faster.

• Age of landscaping: Newly established landscaping often has more weeds lying dormant in the soil, requiring more frequent weeding. Long-established beds typically have time for these seeds to sprout and be removed over time.

• Time left untended: When weeds have been left to grow for longer periods, they develop deeper, stronger root systems and become much harder to pull, increasing the time required for the job.

• Weather: Weeding is typically easier after rain or thorough watering since moisture softens the soil.

• Soil type: It’s harder to pull weeds from dense soil types like clay, while weeding softer sandy or loamy soils takes less effort and time.

Here are some ways to decide if hiring a professional weed removal services is worth the cost:

• What was your initial investment? If you’ve put time and money into your yard and landscaping, then keeping it in good shape will help you maintain longevity and protect your investment.

• Weeding vs. weed fabric: Weed fabric is an alternative and potentially cheaper way to control weed growth. However, installing it requires labor and can be time consuming, especially if you have mulch or complex landscaping to work around.

• Weeding vs. herbicide spray: Spraying for weeds is another option, and while herbicides can be effective, they may also be expensive and expose you and your yard to potentially harmful chemicals.

If you want to protect your initial investment, and neither weed fabric nor sprays are the right fit for your yard, hiring a local weeding service may be worth the money.

Yes, you can hire a professional weeding service or a lawn and yard care company to pull weeds. But before you hire a weed controller, do your research. Compare several companies’ ratings and customer reviews online, and ask for free cost estimates from several professionals. Note that weeding pros will likely need a license if they’re going to apply pesticides.