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A part of the ServiceMaster empire, TruGreen Chemlawn proclaims that it "will give your lawn the nutrients it needs to produce a thicker, greener carpet of grass." Maybe so, but we hear from many consumers who would give anything to stop TruGreen from showing up again. Then there are those who would like a little more service rather than much less.
A brief sample of representative complaints is below; for more, click on any of the cateogories to the right.
Wynette of Birmingham AL (05/07/08)
I asked that we receive service, then called back to verify that the service team wait a month because we had just had the lawn treated. The person was never told to wait and the lawn was treated and the new sod lawn is now burning.
our brand new sod lawn is burning because of excessive chemicals.
Tim of Racine WI (05/06/08)
This company is terrible. We employed their services for our front yard only due to the fact that we have children and pets and did not want any chemicals on the back yard, well, they did the back as well. We called and complained and again, they did the back as well the next time. We then called and canceled service, well, they came again, and again, and again! It was insane! We kept calling to cancel, and they would NOT STOP COMING AND BILLING US!
My wife caught the guy coming to spray and ran out and told him we had canceled service four treatments ago, AND WE WERE BILLED FOR THAT! Then they threatened to send us to collection if we didn't pay up. I finally told them I was filing a restraining order to prevent them from coming, well, thankfully that did the trick, although we did pay for the unrequested service. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!
Mike of Charlotte NC (05/06/08)
Trugreen sales people are pushed and pushed to call for sales. Dont forget that these people are making a living and they have a manager telling them to call. Also, when you ask for an estimate,and waste a salesmans time by calling for six qoutes to save two dollars, they will tend to get agitated;especially if you live in a half million dollar house. If you dont want a professionals advice dont ask. and dont just get an estimate because its free. Would you do that to a plumber?
Jennifer of Brookville OH (05/03/08)
Tru Green came out and did a lawn treatment that blew onto one of my trees and killed the tree. They sent a man out to say it didn't happen no matter what. His arguments made no sense at all. Anyway, I canceled my service immediately. No need to argue. I knew they would not be honest no matter what.
Colin of Prior Lake MN (05/02/08)
I cancelled service verbally with TruGreen over their constant telemarketing - and I mean constant: I'm a customer and would receive 4 or 5 phone calls a night! They even called me at 7:30 in the morning. Despite the cancellation, and promises to stop calling, they've continued unabated.
The harrassment is unending. And the guy who finds this hilarious is very wrong: If you agree to a contract verbally, then you can cancel it verbally as well unless your contract requires in-writing cancellation.
Janae of Ranson WV (04/15/08)
I have worked for Trugreen for almost 10 years. I have worked in three different Branches in this country. One in Rockford, IL, one in Richmond, VA, and now here in Sterling, VA. I was very upset to see the number of complaints about Trugreen. A lot of times those complaints are unwarrented due to the fact that their expectations were probably way above standards. For instance, the lady that said we killed her whole lawn...At the end of her complaint she talked about it being all dirt. Well, we got rid of all the weeds and that's what was left...Minimal grass. We did our job! ;o) She just needed to finish with seeding and fill in the grass.
I love this company and every branch I've worked in so far has been a very customer oriented. We do free service calls if there is a concern and follow up with what is necessary to address the concern. (Unless it is something we can't help with.)
All in all, we have a service that works wonderfully if instructions are followed properly. ( watering, mowing higher) The whole thing that causes most of the complaints are expectations. Plus, when people purchase something with us, it is not something tangible. They have to rely on mother nature and their own work with us to see results. Half the time when some one thinks we've burned their lawn it is just summer stress. When it gets above 85 degrees consistantly nothing grows very well. So the lawn goes dormant. Hence the brown dead looking areas. Don't worry it will come back when temps cool down! Watering helps, too!
I am in the sales department and do set those proper expectations with each new customer. I will do what it takes to keep a customer! My colleges would say the same. Thank you and don't believe everything you hear!
Janae
You will have a better lawn with Trugreen! ;o)
Kay of Shorewood IL (04/14/08)
I have used Trugreen of Plainfield, Illinois for several years. We were relocating to another state in September 2007, so I canceled my service in February 07. I was then contacted by a sales person and agreed to add 4 treatments for the year with the understanding that I was moving and did not want service after that. After our move, while our Illinois house was up for sale, I received word from my neighbor that TruGreen treated our lawn in March 08.
I contacted TruGreen to tell them it was a mistake and I had canceled the service in 07. They admitted they showed a cancellation, but because I added 4 treatments, they show me as reinstated and they refused to dismiss the charges. They said if I didn't pay for the treatment that I DIDN'T ORDER, they would turn me over to collections. NICE!!!!!
Gary of Londonderry NH (04/09/08)
I have had TrueGreen service my yard for many years however last year on the final application of chemicals to treat my lawn the technician's application was spotty at best and in fact he did not enter my back yard at all. When I spoke to Chemlawn about the final bill for the last two applications I notified tham in writing that I was not satisfied with the final application and in fact was dissatisfied with my entire year of lawn treatment. My yard has NEVER looked so bad. When Chemlawn recieved my note that I was dissatisfied the accounts recievable person called me. I told him I would not pay for the last application of $86 and that I sent him $86 of the $172 balance. I told him of my dissatisfaction yet now one from the company ever attempted to contact me regarding this. ChemLawn has since placed me for collections that will effect my outstanding credit history. It may be foolish of me not to send them such a small amount of $86 but that is not the point.
1) my lawn is in the worst condition in the 13 years
2) due to very poor workmenship and the fact that I don't believe that Chemlawn should recieve payment for shotty work, my credit excellent credit will be compromised.
Nick of Elgin IL (04/08/08)
Just to let you know, most customers are aware that Trugreen has bought out Leisure Lawn, Barefoot, Etc. This has been like this for a while.
Mark of Alpharetta GA (04/06/08)
Just wanted to let consumers know that Trugreen, Leisure Lawn, and now Barefoot Grass are all owned and operated by Servcie Master. Many times they are run from the same location. Trugreen's mailer says a Servcie Master company but the other two do not. It is very deceiving to the consumer. Also on the Service Master website they do not promote either Leisure Lawn or Barefoot Grass. I feel it is very secretive. The consumer should have a right to know who they are doing business with.
Economically I feel this hurts many locally owned companies because they are competing with Trugreen three different times. The consumer will change unknowingly to the same company.
Ed of Baden PA (04/02/08)
I had used TruGreen Chemlawn for several years. The service was economical and good at first but became progressively worse over the last few years. I had asked to be notified a couple of days in advance of the application so that I could mow the lawn before they arrived for each application. This rarely happened. This past year my lawn looked as if I did not have a lawn service. In the fall, when my last application for the year was made, the service rep actually placed the chemicals on top of leaves in the yard (no phone call was made to let me know they were coming). When I called to let them know about this problem, they sent the service person back out after I removed the leaves but it was handled as if it was not a big issue.
The service was terrible and it appeared that all they were interested in was calling me in the evening and trying to sell me additional services. After the leaf incident, I cancelled the service. At that point I began to receive phone calls and mail (from their vice president) begging for my business. The last phone call I received, I explained that the reasons I cancelled the service were because of the phone calls, the poor service and the fact that my lawn looked terrible. The salesperson thought that by giving me a free application that it would make me forget about all the problems. This young person became a little pushy, at which time the phone conversation was ended.
TruGreen needs to rethink their position in running their business by providing the service they claim to provide and then about selling more services. My experience with TruGreen has not been a good one (very unprofessional) and I would never recommend their service to anyone.
I paid to have my lawn serviced by TruGreen Chemlawn. My lawn became progressively worse over the last 2 years to the point that I have dead grass in parts of my yard. I don't believe that the lawn was being serviced correctly.
Benny of Woburn MA (04/01/08)
I work for TruGreen. All these complaints i'm reading here are just hilarious to me. See, here is the thing. You all think that you have to sign a written contract with them to have their services. By law all you have to do is agree over the phone, which we Audio Record. That is your agreement. Therefore, when we keep coming, it is because your verbal agreement carries over until you send in a Certified Letter stating to stop your service.
During the winter you will get a phone call or two confirming your services for the following season and if you do not return the call, they will keep the service open. If you call and say I want to cancel that's not good enough. You need to first pay off your balance before you can cancel your service, it's stated in the Massachusetts State Law. Also, haha, I find this part extremely hilarious.. TruGreen has over 5 million customers nationwide. They have established themselves as almost 50% of LawnCare Service for the entire United States. So before you go complaining about something, check the laws and make sure you have a slight clue you know what your talking about.
Joanne of Cape Coral FL (03/25/08)
First complaint is that TruGreen squeezed a 1 year, 9 application program into 8 months. Second complaint is that after calling to cancel the sevice because my lawn looked terrible, a representative came to my house and told me my lawn would be treated for Free until I was happy. I didn't realize it but they were actuially charging me.for subsequent services. When I realized this afetr 3 months, they would only refund 1 month.
My lawn still looks bad and TruGreen has charged me $165 after I cancelled. At the end of the cday I have paid them to ruin my lawn.
Arlene of Ocala FL (03/14/08)
Tru-Green Chemlawn treated my lawn for weeds for about 2 years. Every time the lawn was sprayed for weeds, the weeds would turn yellow and grow bigger, but not die. I cancelled my service, and my lawyer had to send them a letter to stop calling me to reinstate my service. Terrible company.
John of Westerly RI (03/12/08)
2-3 years back I contacted TrueGreen Chemlawn and inquired about fertilizer services - both lawn and tree. I kept getting calls from different sales personnel which became irritating and confusing because it seemed like the right hand did not know what the left hand was doing. They said they would come in a week to do the lawn. They finally showed up about 4 weeks later, I guess, because a card was left on the door indicating they gave the trees a treatment. This was frustrating because I had told them on the phone my main interest was the lawn. I called again and complained that the season is going to be over by the time they treat the lawn and don't bother to come anymore. About a week or more passed and a truck showed up for about five minutes, no one got out and then left. Immediately I called and informed them how unorganized they were and to take me off their customer list.
For what they claim I owe ($99+/-), I have been bothered for years via phone and mail by their collection representatives with threats of reporting this to credit agencies. It has and will continue to be about principle not money.
Debbie of Lexington KY (03/05/08)
I had a beautiful lawn and Trugreen kept it that way until one day last summer they used something that killed my whole yard. Dave came out and I came around the corner and my first thought was, "my God they've sprayed it with round up." This yard is totally gone, It's dead. He then said we'll have to do something about this. He pulled up a piece of sod and saw a grub and immediately said you've got grubs, see that? I replied yes that is a grub and I knew what he was going to do. Sure enough a few days went by, he called and said It's going to cost you about $2500 to $3000 to replace the yard. I told him I would not be paying for it. He blamed it all on grubs, which I know doesn't eat a whole yard uniformly stopping at the neighbor's property. It is as plain as the nose on your face what happened to my lawn. I've had 4 different services check it and all 4 of them say the same thing CHEMICALLY BURNED UP.
I know at times mistakes are made and I would still be with this company if they had owned up to the mistake. But since they would not, I cannot tolerate dishonesty and will never use this company again. I have no problem telling all who ask,(and there are many since I'm on a corner of a busy street) who my lawn service was.
I have a dead lawn. Incidentally the only thing that is growing since 6 months has passed is weeds. Go figure.
David of Newark De DE (02/27/08)
I used to work for Trugreen Chemlawn until I realized they are nothing but a scam. They could care less about your lawn. If they are not making enough money, the managers tell you to do '' double applications'' which burns lawns and causes more problems. They lie, cheat and steal. It is the worst company I have ever worked for.
They ruin turf and lawns daily. They tell me I should expect a raise, but my checks got smaller and smaller.
Cindi of Ocala FL (02/19/08)
We hired true green in june 2006 to treat our front yard only. We had some clover by the walk way and by the road. They were coming out every month but I paid the fee and did not complain. I wanted my yard taken care of. Then in dec 7, 2007 they treated the yard. One week later my grass was totally black. I called them and stopped payment for the last treatment. They sent a supervisor out that told me that there was some discoloration. I said what it is, black. I have been calling every week to their corporate office. I have had 2 sod experts come out tell me that 80% of my yard is dead and it will cost me $1768.00 to have a new yard put in. Last week tru green sent their branch manager and he states my whole yard was weeds. I told them then they should have walked from the job. This company is a joke I have dirt for a front yard and 50 sq feet of grass. Great job guys!!!
Janet of Pensacola FL (01/30/08)
I prepaid TruGreen for 10 treatments which is to be for one year. (Prepaying came with a discount. Now I see why...) I started in late spring. By late September/early Oct I realized I only had 3 treatments all summer. (Yet I did have the aeration and fire ant treatment done for extra money.) I called to complain and was told that my treatments would continue through fall (when centipede grass is going dormant...and into spring. To appease me, I'd get a free treatment. I continued service and realized that the days they arrived when I was not at home they did not do the back yard. The two gates into the backyard are blocked off to prevent my two terriers from digging out. If they even attempted to open the gate, the dogs would be gone, and the items blocking the gates disturbed.
Yet, I continued to get receipts stating front, sides and back treated. I again called and was given a free treatment after they attempted to convince me that they probably did do the back. (I asked them if they have a magical way to do the back yard, not disturb the items blocking the gates and keep the dogs in--I'd like to see it.) This time I canceled and received a cancellation number. I was assured emphatically that my treatments still due would continue into spring. Well the new year came, I had a treatment in January (which should have been a prepaid treatment) and then received a bill for that treatment. I called to complain and was told that this is the 2008 cycle and service continues unless canceled. I re-iterated that I did cancel and gave them the confirmation number and that I was assured that pre-paid service was to continue into the next year. I am going to write them a letter to get my money back for the 3 treatments they did not do and we'll see how that goes. I am prepared to go to the BBB or small claims court if they do not refund my money.
Paid for 10 treatments only received 7. They owe me $162.00.
Cliff of Wilmington DE (01/03/08)
Since my retirement, I have been complaining about my TruGreen Chemlawn service via telephone for the last two years. This year, I noticed huge brown spots on my lawn. When I called them, they told me that it was due to the dry weather. But, I have been skeptical that they were not treating my lawn as indicated. However, my suspicions were heighten when last week (December '07) I received a bill in the mail indicating that they had serviced my lawn in the front and side. I questioned the side lawn which is locked at all times and therefore not accessible. How were they able to treat the side? When I called (Janice) told me that she would send someone out to complete the job. They missed the entire point ~ what happened to integrity?! Consumers trust that when they stick their marker on the lawn they assume service was rendered as indicated.
I am not comfortable with their business practice. They call all the time and if you don't respond, they send someone out anyway without your permission. I have now cancelled any future service with them.
Mark of Branchville, AL (01/01/08)
We were guaranteed by the manager of TruGreen in the spring of 2006 that by the June of 2007, all the weeds in our lawn would be removed. We gave them until Dec. 2007 to remove the weeds, but my lawn is still covered in weeds.
We have watched the tech come out and not spray but received a bill stating that they treated the lawn for weeds. We have had the service for 8 years thinking the service would improve. For eight years we still have weeds. TruGreen will not take care of this problem.
Donna of Saugus MA (12/04/07)
I contracted for four applications from TruGreen. They kept calling and calling and putting more and more things on the lawn and leaving their bills. After two months, a big alien looking round burnt circle appeared. We called them. They never returned phone calls. Once they did, they told us it was done by our gasoline lawn mower. We only have an electric lawn mower - no gas at all. They said maybe a planter in the middle of the yard. After months of no contact and not paying the last bill, someone finally called and took $40 off the bill. I am out $240 for this ridiculous service. Worse is their customer service.
I have a burnt circle in the middle of my yard and nothing is resolved except $40 off my bill.
Glen of Thomaston CT (11/02/07)
We contracted TruGreen to treat only our front and side lawn. During their aeration service they asked us to mark out for them our invisible dog fence. I used 4 foot tall reflective snow marker sticks; they still broke the underground wire. They now began treating our entire property (30,000 square feet) rather than what was originally contracted: only 5,000 sq. ft. They killed our entire front and side lawn. After calling and requesting they discontinue service they still sent someone out. I met the service guy in the driveway and asked him what he could possibly do to our dead lawn.... Its DEAD and burned; why fertilize it? He agreed and left, only to return twice more when I wasn't home.
When I spoke to the office girl she apologized and I told her I would be sending them a written communication by certified mail for them to stop coming, or I would call the police. She said a letter was not necessary (assume this is so they can claim the phone call never happened). We had some aerial photos of our yard from the previous year; I sent about 6 pictures of the dead lawn to the manager. To this day it has gone unacknowledged. I'll see them in small claims court.
Jay of Springfield TN (10/22/07)
I signed up with Trugreen in the spring of 2007 with a problem of minor weeds and pesky, unwanted grasses.The company guarantees to take care of it. Five treatments later...no difference in my lawn. I purchased their fall weed kill and aeration/over seeding service for $180. My neighbor witnessed the TRUGREEN folks doing half of my lawn and leaving. They don't answer phone calls, don't communicate well with customers. I'm canceling my service and reporting Trugreen to BBB.
My bank account is out approximately $500.
Susan of Gulfport FL (10/21/07)
Hired Trugreen Chemlawn after having a series of other lawn services. I had nice St Augustine grass with only a few weeds.
After only 3 months, TG/CL has killed my lawn. not to mention providing fire ant treatment that I did not request. My lawn will have to be re-sodded, but I don't have the funds at this point. Plan on canceling service tomorrow but am fearful after reading so many horror stories.
Ellie of Conyers GA (10/20/07)
I had used Trugreen for more than 15 years for my yard service. I recently had an issue with them performing extra services on my yard (aeration). They aerated my yard without my proper consent. They are unwilling to credit my account, thus I have canceled their services and am charged $80.
Ron of Tierra Verde FL (10/02/07)
On 8/24/07 I cancelled my service with TruGreen Chemlawn. At that time I was asked why I was cancelling and told them I did not like the results I was seeing. All they told me was "thank you" and that they would make a notation. On 9/28 they apparenetly did another treatment and sent me a bill for $268.00 . I called and complained, and they told me that they had no record I called and that I would have to pay the bill. I explained that I did call, and they told me that I should have received a cancellation number which I did not. They said that it would go to a collection agency if I refused to pay but would split the coast with me. Fearing it would go on my record I paid it. I feel they extorted money from me, and I want something done.
D of Omaha NE (08/10/07)
I paid them $170 for my 5 summer applications, and they haven't even unreeled the hose from the truck. All they do is go around with the spot sprayer - which killed the grass and not the weeds! We complained and they sent out a supervisor. He gave us an aeration and over seeding to make amends. So, here it is Aug 10th, and they are out doing both the aeration and over seeding already. The aeration is ok, but it's 100 degrees outside - the seed will never germinate no matter how much water I put down.
Robert of Worcester MA (08/10/07)
The house I bought had a horrible lawn and I wanted to make it better so I hired TruGreen. After quite some time, my wife didn't see much of a difference so she wanted us to stop the service which we did. They called me in January to ask if I wanted treatment for the upcoming season. I said that we would not need the services. In March , I came home and saw the little Trugreen sign on my front lawn and a bill in my front door. I decided it was a mistake so I ignored it. They then called me asking for payment.
Dell of Aurora IL (07/24/07)
Trugreen Burned my lawn, so I canceled my service last week and of course I complained, this week they come out and fertilized my lawn again, WHY in the hell did they do that?, I wondered. I canceled the service yet they still performed this horrible treatment on my lawn. There are burn holes all over the place, this treatment was suppose to kill weeds, the weeds are stronger then ever, what they really killed was my freaking grass, to add to the insult they stuck their funky flag in one of the burnt areas they created that last time came out and of course I have photos of their aftermath and destruction on my lawn. After speaking with the representative she said, I can't find where they canceled but you shouldn't cancel anyway until we can get out there to look at it. OH Hell NO, you cancel it NOW, I said. She then had the unmitigated nerve to say, just be warned, they will come after you for the money.... I hung up.
Mike of Lehigh Acres FL (07/12/07)
The first visit was supposed to be a lawn assessment along with an introductory $29.95 fee for which they charged the regular fee of $66.00.This took three calls to straighten out. They accessed a 1/2 acre lot and treatment in less than 15 min? After four treatments, I noticed my weeds were thriving-all species and not a few. On the payment for round four, I enclosed a note this will be the last treatment and do not come again.
They keep calling for me and he has been told that I'm at work and have nothing further to say other than the reasons are in black and white in my letter of cancellation. Now he calls and if someone else answers he will hang up right away. I know by his caller ID.
Jim of Ontario CA (06/20/07)
Truegreen Landcare is contracted to provide landscape service to our small Home Owners Association of 34 Units in Ontario, California. The board of directors receives homeowner complaints about the bad service and for over 18 months now has had Truegreen reps walk thru with us to view the problems. They even go as far as to send a crew out on the day prior to the walk thru to do a good & clean bangup service so as to stage the imminent inspection.
They are most understanding and make furious notes and promises to solve the problem. Then after the walk thru inspection the following services immediately return to the same trashy negligence until another walk thru is scheduled.
We have paid them consistently each month since the advent of contract agreement. The service has deteriorated steadily for the last two years. We have paid them roughly $14,000 in that period. Property value is appraised in part by the exterior condition. The trashy quality of our landscape work has been detrimental to our property value.
Mary of Carrollton GA (06/11/07)
I cancelled dervice with ChemLawn last November because I was always having a problem with them calling before they came out as I have about l 1/2 acres of lawn and there is no way I can water the lawn if there is no rain. So we put out our own fertilizer, lime and grass seed. On April 12 2007 they came out and put fertilizer and pre-emergent three days before we had reseeded. Now our grass seed is no good. I have many times called the office to complain but the only thing I get is a statement in the mail every week.
Bill of Stratham NH (06/11/07)
In early August, 2006 they applied a weed & feed application that completed destroyed my lawn that I paid $400 to have hydro seeded the summer before. I keep receiving a bill for $65.00 with threats to forward to a collection agency if it is not paid.
3/4 of my lawn was completely destroyed in a matter a 2 weeks following this application. Prior applications they applied had no adverse affects. So something went wrong with the 8/06 application.
Linda of Sleepy Eye MN (05/22/07)
TruGreen Chemlawn put an application on my lawn 8-23-06. Within 48 hours, the lawn was dead. The entire neighborhood witnessed it, and both next-door neighbors have small areas on their front lawn that were affected as well. I have called them countless times, and the only thing they have done is that one time, someone came and literally threw grass seed on the bare dirt, which then washed onto the sidewalk when it rained. We had the nicest lawn in the neighborhood; now it's a messy pile of dirt.
Kristy of Abington MA (05/21/07)
I signed up for TruGreen Chemlawn in 2006 and my grass was horrible and didn't grow in the places it wasn't growing prior and they said they would be able to fix it. Multiple times I complained and finally the season was over and I was never going to have them come back. I do remember someone calling me to confirm them returning and I never in a million years after the horrible service would have said to come back and they showed up a month ago and then left a bill.
Peter of Dallas GA (05/16/07)
I cannot get TruGreen to stop harassing me. I had ONE lawn and ONE bush treatment last year and then called to cancel after paying. They REPEATEDLY call; I ask to be taken off their call list; they call anyway! Then, one year later, they treated the bushes without asking or calling and now want me to pay!
Pat of Kenvil NJ (05/08/07)
They have come to my house and applied chemicals ( weed killer etc) by mistake NUMEROUS times. They keep mixing me up with a neighbor. She has told them she doesn't want their services but they won't stop. So they keep coming to my house by mistake, even though they have been told NUMEROUS times that they have the wrong address and I DO NOT want them spraying their poisonous chemicals on my PRIVATE property.
I have two elderly dogs in bad health and a young Grand daughter that I DO NOT want exposed to these strong poisonous chemicals! They are supposed to leave warning labels - but did not the last 2 times they were at my house by mistake. My neighbor came out and told them to stop and I arrived when one of them was leaving.
Connie of Milwaukee WI (05/02/07)
They basically ruined my lawn. I told them to cancel the service, she said ok. Ever since then I have been inundated with mailings, phone calls, etc. I've called REPEATEDLY to tell them to leave me alone. One of their special customer service reps actually started to argue with me that I must be mistaken-that they guarantee their work and would have come out to make it right. No one ever offered to make it right.
Lisa of Porter TX (04/28/07)
Discussed Bermuda in the front yard, and St. Augustine in the back. Sales rep said no problem. Quoted 95.00 each for following treatments. Applied second treatment, charged 105.00. The second treatment was applied 2 weeks later that it was supposed to be applied, as the company was short-handed and couldn't arrive as scheduled. It has been 3 weeks, and not one weed has died.
I called the company last Monday, and was told someone would contact me. No return phone call. Got a message on my home machine-I specifically told them to call my cell phone number-that the rep had been by, and the problem was that the treatment done was not really for Bermuda Grass, as most people don't have mixed lawns. If I would like to pay for another treatment, they would come out and reapply.
James of Myrtle Beach SC (04/24/07)
My yard looks terrible! I am very dissatisfied. I have called these people, they never return a call and when they do send someone out, they apparently don't know what the heck they are doing.
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Cornell of Lithonia GA (04/18/07)
Trugreen was servicing my lawn. Overall the results werent good or bad. I paid my bill in advance and was supposed to get a certain number of visits. A couple of visits were missed so I had a credit with them that I was told I could use toward next year. At the beginning of the year I got billed for their service. I called to ask why and was told that I had used my balance for a treatment in the fall. I told them no treatment was done and asked what they were claiming was done. They told me they did not recognise the code and weren't sure what it was and that someone would call me back. Weeks went by and I called again. The person told me I had to pay for the treatment because I had used my balance. They then told me I had authorized a service in the fall that I had not authorized. They continued to make up stories about me approving services and them doing services when neither happened. They claimed that they recorded their sales calls but could not produce the recording. I cancelled the service over this. I later spoke to one of their sales people who called to try to restart my service. This person told me that the company routinely adds services to peoples accounts at the end of the year to hit their quotas. He told me that they did this to hundreds of people and that their manager had been fired for it. It is unbelievable that these people are still in business.
Randy of Port Orange FL (04/10/07)
I used Tru Green Lawn Care in Florida for two years. I saw no improvement in my lawn and in fact it got worse. The liquid spray treatments were ineffective. They claim they cannot properly control crabgrass nor wild bermuda grasses and that the EPA has severely limited the types of chemicals they are allowed to use.
Robin of Gaithersburg MD (04/10/07)
I did not have an appointment w/ Chemlawn, they just showed up. It was on file that they had to call me, they didn't. All doors, windows open and the dog outside. The Chemlawn sprayer saw this and sprayed anyway. The dog had direct contact with freshly sprayed herbicides. Chemlawn does not deny this. Now my dog “Moose” is dead.
You can't sue for emotional distress for pets. The actual vet bills and cremation were just under $2000. However, the year before this I spent $15,000 on chemo treatments to cure my dog of mast cell skin cancer. He was 100% healthy the day of the spray, he did not die of cancer. He died from liver and kidney failure.
Sandra of Mundelein IL (04/09/07)
Over a year ago, I had a major problem with the lack of service and the fact that TruGreen came out whenever they wanted to apply applications. Our agreement said that they needed to call before an application and that no applications could be made on Thursday or Friday due to my other lawn service. My lawn was not looking that great with weeds etc still coming up. They alway said they'd come out and re-apply and I allowed that twice but feel that contriubted to a lawn that looked less then health. They continued to ignore my cncerns and I cancelled service but then they came out with another application and billed me and then because I would not pay, they sent me a threatening collection letter. I paid that bill in protest and told them in person and in writing that I did not want them to contact me ever again about service. They waited a year, but I have gotten a letter every month for the last four months, plus am getting phone solicitations from them. The mailings contain my name and N O Reinstate. They know they are not supposed to be mailing to me and yet they continue.
Kevin of Pewaukee WI (04/06/07)
In early Feb I started getting quotes for fertilizing my lawn. I received a quote from TruGreen. In the Sales process, I told him that I was receiving several quotes. He had another group call, for what he claimed was a validation of the service, but not a final agreement. Today, they showed up and did the job. I had already signed up with another service.
I called TruGreen and their claim now is that the validation process was actually an authorization and I am held responsible. I have asked to receive the recordings, but have yet to hear back from them.
Jason of Nevada IA (04/05/07)
Had one application in March of 2006. Then again in March of 2007 without my knowledge. Used the same line of your service continues until you tell us to stop. Without any service for one full year i assumed that I was no longer doing business with them.
Steven of Broomall PA (03/31/07)
Although mailers were sent in advance I never authorized a treatment for the current year either by writing or verbal call. This is very tricky. I don't operate this way. They always call during the summer before the service application but not before the primary application. I don't feel I should pay the $35.06 fee. They should void it and learn not to be sleazy. I understand the statement states that service continues year after year but a simple call to the customer will allow a true confirmation of the acceptance. This is no contractual agreement.
This was simply a matter of principle. Getting a service before truly consenting to it verbally or in writing. No company should be able to operate this way.
Lisa of Erie PA (03/20/07)
We were unhappy with the way the lawn looked at the end of season (two years ago 2005). The underside of the grass was yellow and the blades were sparse. The technician kept telling me we didn't need grub treatment although there were holes in certain areas that looked as though we had perforated the lawn and I had fought Japanese beetles on my roses. He kept insisting it was dog urine that was killing the area, not grubs. Every time they came out we had to keep our windows shut for hours due to the chemical smell. We cancelled the service in the fall - or so we thought. They continue to call every two weeks with hearty telemarketers telling me how they're ready to start the new treatment right away and they always express disbelief when I state that we cancelled the service. I have threatened to file harrassment by telephone charges at the local District Justice; I've threatened to contact our local Better Business Bureau -- to no avail.
Clare of Jacksonville FL (03/17/07)
Trugreen came out to my home for 7 months; despite my efforts to get service they consistently told me my lawn was doing great and the whole time it was doing worse - the entire lawn is dead and i am resodding. I have been billed after I terminated service and cannot get these people to stop harassing me.
Tonya of Fort Washington MD (02/07/07)
I contracted with Trugreen to provide treatment for my lawn which is over 1 acre, but they serviced 14,000 sq feet. I had a monthly service agreement so if they did not get an approval by phone they would not treat my lawn. They continued to come out regardless and leave a bill. The problem was that I was sitting in my family room on each day they "left" a bill, but I only saw someone once. They also said they would not fertilize on rainy days, but they did on several occasions.
When I found the bill and notice of service I immediately contacted this company and complained. They said I would not be responsible for the bill, but they kept calling my home saying I needed to pay it. To protect my credit rating and to get them out of my life I sent the last payment. The condition of my lawn was dismal, completely yellow. We had a very warm winter, everyone’s yard that did not have a service was green in December and January but mine was White!
Bulent of Winter Park FL (01/08/07)
My lawn looks worse and worse with every month of service, except for the weeds which are doing better than ever. They will not honor their satisfaction warranty though I am working hard to give them a second, third, fourth, fifth chance to deliver and make me a reference. I should have cut my losses months ago.
Glenn of Pensacola FL (01/05/07)
We had a very lush lawn of St. Augustine grass and hired Truegreen as a preventative measure to protect our investment. They promised to take care of all weeds, and fungus and cinch worms.
We specifically stated that we wanted treatment for all weeds, fungus and any insects, grubs or worms. The salesman said “no problem”. Our yard steadily deteriorated that spring and summer to the point that we have maybe 1/10 of the grass left. We sodded our entire property less than 1-1/2 years ago. Weeds, ants and cinch were/are prolific in our yard.
One day last summer Truegreen contacted us to treat the yard for these invaders specifically. This infuriated me because that is exactly why we hired them. What good is the service if it does not treat the largest threats? A few months later in October after my yard had completely died in the front and back I called and terminated the service.
Today I sent them a formal letter by certified mail canceling their service. This seems to be a very unethical company and par for the course with their service. I suspect they may have sabotaged my yard like others on this site. We have documentation of most of the phone conversations we have had with them and before and after pictures of the yard. I would not accept their services if they were free.
Janice of Monmouth Junction NJ (11/29/06)
After receiving poor and incomplete service, I canceled Chemlawn. They still came to my house and performed another service. But the service is such that the technician is on site for less than 3-5 minutes!! My lawn looked worse this year than any other in the 23 yrs I have lived here. I have called several times and been told that the bill would be deleted and to ignore any that may still come. Next, I receive a collection letter!! I need help in resolving this and want to rectify this if possible asap.
Damage to my lawn from inadequate application of product. Much stress involved in multiple calls and continued billing. Possible credit report damage.
Charles of Brandywine MD (11/28/06)
I contacted TruGreen ChemLawn initially to get an estimate on winterizing my lawn (aeration,overseeding,and fertilization). After scheduling and then cancelling the appointment with the representative Stephanie, TruGreen ChemLawn came and rendered unauthorized services on my lawn. The next day I spoke with Stephanie and she indicated that the problem was their fault due to their Nextel phones being down. She also said that the invoice or services would have to be comped. They sent me a bill anyway. I called and Sharon F., the office manager said that they were denying the claim and I would have to pay anyway. On top of all this the price discussed was not what was billed.
Phyllis of Lehigh Acres FL (11/18/06)
I've been customer of TruGreen ChemLawn for about 6-7 months. About a week plus after having my lawn treated for weeds and insects, I received a call from TruGreen ChemLawn warning me that they had noticed extraordinary numbers of fire ants in my area. They tried twisting arms and legs to get me to buy their treatment for just under $300. I declined because I worked on my lawn (front to back) 3-5 days a week, and I had seen nothing unusual...except a couple dead grubs on my driveway. They sent a tech out to take care of it, and a few days later, I saw about 10-15 fire ant hills along my driveway, from the front of my house to the back of the building...just on the side where the driveway is. My next door neighbor did not have the problem. I was not at home when they did the treatment, but, I know that I was sabotaged.
I have been using Amdro, an effective fire ant bait, to eliminate the problem. However, it will take time. There is no legal recourse since there is no witness. I just wanted to vent.
Kathy of Dallas TX (11/14/06)
I canceled my service with them, and was rewarded with constant calls to my home about why I canceled. I have not answered any calls, but they call me every week day, despite the fact I'm on their do not call/do not solicit list, which came about because they used to CONSTANTLY telemarket. This company is unbelievably harassing.
Chris of Jackson GA (11/01/06)
If you want to know the truth about TruGreen, it's worse than you thought. The reason why so many yards get ghosted or end up half treated is because the technician has to meet a quota. He cannot return to the branch office until that quota has been met which is why larger more expensive yards are usually treated better over smaller ones or so called under-charged ones. Also, this causes sales reps to often over-charge customers which is an encouraged business by managers during training for some branches.
TruGreen employees are severely abused and mistreated so next time you get angry call the manager or corporate to take out your frustration. Also, ask for a price list and measure your own yard before purchasing the service. When you end your service ask for confirmation in writing, because contracts do not exist for TruGreen and this in not safe for the consumer. Also send a certified letter stating the termination date. Always ask for a prenote, even if you do not have a dog or a gate. This way you will know which day the service will occur and you can be alert to this when you cancel the service. You can get almost anything if you refuse to schedule the service until your needs are met.
Robert of Pace, FL (10/01/06)
We were called by Trugreen inviting us to use their service. We selected the "pay per treatment" service, but they took out over $600 from our checking account at on time which caused us to bounce two checks.
I cancelled their service in early June, however this was not documented and shortly after, Trugreen serviced my lawn. They are now trying to charge me for this service ($56). Plus when they serviced (fertilized) the lawn they did not leave me notice which caused the lawn to burn in several areas.
Kelly of Pendleton NY (10/01/06)
I wish I had checked their reputation before I agreed to use TruGreen. At least it is not as bad for me as most others. For me, I contracted TruGreen for my 3/4 acre front and back lawn. Not sure if the tech even did anything as he pulled up, put up a sign, and within a couple of minutes was gone. Even if he did the front lawn, he did not touch the back. Tried to call the ompany but they are closed on the weekend and you can not leave a msg. I am glad I learned about them early on. I hired them because I wanted to fiddle with my lawn less - not spend more time complaining about what they are not doing.
This experience has cost significant time and a few dollars. Luckily it is not a lot of money - but the time factor is the worst - I wish I had done the lawn myself. It would have taken the same amount of time but I would know it was done.
Carol of Fenton MO (09/30/06)
We have decided to do our own lawn service and found out that we had a refund due to us. On 07/25/06 I had talked with Michelle to cancel. Michelle told me that we still had one more treatment, but I wanted to cancel anyway. She told me the amount was $39.00 and the refund should come in about 30 days. On 09/14/06 talked with Deborah and she indicated that it was never sent through and that she would get right on it and that I should expect payment in about 2 weeeks. Deborah informed me that it was coming from Memphis, TN. On 09/29/06 talked with Eric and the refund was still $39.00 and he would have Deborah call me back she was out to lunch. SHE NEVER CALL BACK.
I called back again on the 09/29/06 and this time I got a hold of Deborah and she said that she was going to submit to your boss Dinah. Deborah also said that once it got approved, then it goes to Corporate and a check would be cut. Deborah informed me that the amount was now $36.75. I guess with the check does come the amount will be lower. This could take up to 4 - 6 weeks Deborah said.
Scott of Riverview FL (09/18/06)
True green has treated are yard for over 1 year. They turned my 6000 square foot yard into nothing but weeds. Both my neighbors do nothing to the yard as my community is mostly rentals. Their grass is all 10 times better than mine and they only mow there lawn! My 6000 square feet yard is about 95% percent weed. They hop out of there vehicle spray the flavor of the month and leave. They do not analyze what type of weeds I have in fact I have never seen this weed turn yellow.
I called them numerous times they were coming out every 2 weeks for about 2 months and still nothing but this weed growing at a dynamic rate. Within 3 months my whole yard was covered with this weed simply because they did not identify the weed and continued to fertilize it spawning dynamic growth. It will cost be about $5000.00 to replace my yard.
Barry of Windsor CT (09/04/06)
After 3 treatments ares of the lawn looked no better and in some spots worse than before TruGreen started the treatments. Also the technician repeatedly negected to treat one section of the lawn. Crab grass, chickweed, fungus and grubs reappeared. One area of the lawn the grass was killed. The technician told me the crab grass was not crab grass but a tough form of grass.
Had to roto till and reseed the area where the grass was killed.
Mark of Canonsburg, PA (08/10/06)
We were quoted a price which was fair, so we signed up for 6 applications. After the very first application, they tried to pull the old bait and switch. The bill for the first application was much higher than quoted. The account manager claimed that was the price the system said had been quoted and that he wasn't the one who could fix the incorrect billing.
Didn't see them for another application until I called and practically demanded they show up and honor their agreement. It has been 10 weeks since the 2nd appplication.
Suzanne of Coram NY (08/05/06)
My first complaint is that I received unsolicited service calls from TruGreen in the dead of winter! I know nothing about lawn service but I spoke to the tech and said that the lawn was harder than asphalt, it's 20 degrees, what could this possibly do for my lawn. I was told that these applications would be effective and that I needed them. Too busy to research the effectivness of winter lawn applications, I just let them do it. Spring and early summer brought with it a beautiful, lush even lawn.
I received no service calls until mid-July. I kept getting messages that they would be out to make an application, but saw no one for weeks. The application was finally made and within days my lawn looked like it had never been attended to. Crab grass popped up everywhere and now!!... brown spots, beautiful green grass is dry dead hay and the most interesting part about the damage is that it seems to be going in straight lines as if something was applied to kill it! there are green strips next to dry strips and curves where a spreader seemed to turn and miss some areas. I called to cancel but was persuaded to hold off until Gary - the field manager called me. Gary never called.
In looking for a new lawn service on line I inadvertantly gave my contact information to, of all places, TruGreen. I got a call within a day. Funny how they call you when they think you're a new customer. I explained my problem to the caller who spoke to me as if I were an empty-headed housewife, punctuating his sentences with lots of honey's. He told me it was due to the excessive heat and that he'd been answering service calls all day with the same problem. Just hang on and if it doesn't look better by September, give us a call and we'll come out and give you a service call. I said ok, knowing that the excessive heat had just settled in our area only 2 days before. We hadn't been over 85 all season. But within the past two days, my once beautiful lawn appears to have been ravaged. I want to weep when I look out of the window.
I called to say I would not be paying my bill until my lawn looked better. I was told my account had been cancelled. I told them I was asked to hold off until Gary called and that Gary never called. I was told that Gary would call. I'm not stayin' up nights. I'm now left with what looks like and is dead grass. It looks like it all has to be resodded or replanted in some large areas. I'm not paying my balance. I'm sure this will be a huge mess with lots of threatening phone calls ~ but I've had it with TruGreen.
My lawn is ruined. It will have to be resodded or replanted. It was stunning before they came, now it's dead.
Melandie of Smithton IL (08/01/06)
Where do I start? We started with Trugreen so the Japanese Beetles would stop attacking our rose bushes and fruit trees. Over the course of the treatments, whenever I was home, the technicians, though always nice, had conflicting stories. Some said they could spray the fruit trees if we ate the fruit, some said not. So some of the techs were spraying the fruit trees and some were not. This was the whole original reason that I called them in the first place! We have a tree in our back yard that is dying from some type of bore insect that eats away at the tree from the inside. Nobody from Trugreen during their inspections and treatments ever said anything about it. All of our receipts said that everything looks great!
My husband talked at great lenghts with different people to no avail. One of the people from Trugreen even suggested the techs may have been prewriting the comments before they even show up to the house and inspect the trees and shrubs! My husband also had a question on another tree that the techs were unable to answer, he was promised that a horticulturist would be out to discuss it with him and inspect. Someone did call him, but never came out to look at the tree. I am totally fed up with them, yet they keep coming and billing even though I am dissatisfied.
Rose bushes raveged by Japanese beetles, fruit trees have/have not been sprayed, are they safe to eat? Nobody could answer for sure. 1 tree is dying and nobody even inspected it!
Wilbur of Jacksonville FL (08/01/06)
My home was being treated every 4 to 6 weeks (contracted for 8 treatments annually) and even though I called about brown spots in my yard, no one reported I had chinch bugs until the last treatment on 7/21/06. What I thought had been damage because of lack of rain and the failure of my irrigation system turned out to be a deterioating condition from chinch bug infestation. When I questioned the technician he said, Sir what you got is chinch bugs and the only way it is going to come back is that you resod the area. Isn't that nice to discover after the damage has been done when it should have been obvious to them that there was a problem.
I made repeated calls (3 or 4) to the local office to have a manager contact me and I was given the name of Kyle would call. He never did and so before I would allow them to come and treat again, I called and said not to treat the yard until such time as I spoke with Kyle. They said they would pass along my message but still I heard nothing. Finally after speaking with the corporate customer service, I was referred back to the local office and when I told the lady who answered what my complaint was and that I still had not received a call, she said the account was suspended and Kyle had been given the message. When I said he needn't bother, she abruptly hung up on me. So much for a professional firm. I guess they have more work than they need.
I would never recommend this firm and in the 20 years I have resided in Florida with two other companies that do lawn care, I never had a problem with chinch bugs. I went to Chemlawn not because of dissatifaction but because they had a better price. JUST SHOWS YOU, CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.
I now must resod an area 9' x 7' or big enough to lay several bodies in.
Judy of Hickory PA (08/01/06)
I was billed for services which I did not receive, and I retained copies of said invoices. Have made numerous phone calls trying to receive either the service or a refund, but have received neither. I just want a complaint on file in case this is a pattern with this company.
I overpaid on my account and cannot get money refunded.
Denise of Whiting IN (07/18/06)
When I bought my home I realized the front lawn was horrible beyond repair. It was full of weeds and insects. My plan was to replace the lawn the following year but I had to put my plans on hold for financial reasons. Then in the Spring a Chemlawn agent came to our home to offer their services. We explained our plans and concerns. He told us that our grass didn't need to be replaced and that they would definately save our grass and make it beautiful.
This was hard to believe but after much thought we agreed. He gave us a pamphlet with the explanation of what would be done in what time of month and how much it would be. Well the first time they came I was landed with a 103 dollar bill. I was shocked because the pamphlet said my first payment would be 29.99. Well I called to complain and they claimed that they did charge me 29.99 plus 68 for grub control which is done annually.
I read my pamplet and it stated that this application would not be applied until the 3rd visit. A month passed and the lawn looks worse that before. They applied fertilizer to the weeds now I have a jungle of weed trees everywhere.
Karen of Gilbertsville PA (07/18/06)
We used TruGreen last year, at the end of the year my husband spoke to a representative and cancelled (mainly because we would get calls from the company during late evening hours). In the spring of 06 (April) we came home from work to find TruGreen had again serviced our lawn. My husband has tried on numerous occassions to explain to the representatives who call regarding the bill for this spring service, that he cancelled last year and we are not responsible for this payment.
We are still billed and receive harrassing phone calls from the company warning us of it appearing on our credit report. How can this company just show up without a contract and then expect us to pay for something we did not want, and then continue to harrass us? Any help or alternate avenues we can pursue would be welcomed.
Maureen of W Medford MA (06/25/06)
Husband made inquiry about lawn problem, thanked him. coulple weeks later, truck pulled up, I was home, asked man what he was doing? I said we never asked for any service! Man called in to his supervisor, explained situation, pulled away, month later come home and find sign on grass, my son said a man came and sprayed lawn. I called immediately, explained we never asked for sevice and explained the past incident of man coming and me talking to him.
Person on phone said will investigate, if I don't call you back, you won't be billed. Few days later, person from chemlawn calls, think he was sales person, anyhow, stopped him right there, explained 2 incidents, he listened, said all calls are recorded meaning the inquiry my husband made was recorded? Again, said my husband never authorized anything, explained to my husband, couldn't believe guy said that, he never authorized anyone!
June 23rd rec'ed bill for treatment on 6/2/06. I am fearful they will bill us again, this is not over! I have heard people have terrible problems with them.
Mark of Fort Myers FL (06/04/06)
After 1 year of so-called treatments, the grass (most of which is still dead) is still infested with weeds and bugs. They constantly had a new tech taking over our territory. I am going to cancel service immediately, and per their contract, get a refund for the last application.
I now have to contract another company to repair my damaged lawn and probably get new sod.
L. of Elkhorn WI (05/24/06)
First - Lawn looks terrible, no doubt due to the fact that I had to wait until 4/28 to get my early spring first application. In fact, they came the day I was going to cancel because it came so late. Second - (and most important) When their guarantee states visible results or free, I didn't know that that meant we would see everywhere their agent sprayed chemical on our lower siding all around the house. Frequent rain or drying did not remove the bad stain. I complained and got the agent to come back out to clean the siding. Now it looks WORSE because everywhere he cleaned is a different color than rest of house.
ONE VISIT FROM TRUGREEN AND OUR HOUSE LOOKS TERRIBLE! I called to complain again and was assured the company would take care of it. That was a week ago and have not received satisfaction.
Anthony of Round Lake Park IL (05/19/06)
On several occasions we attempted to cancel our service by phone. The two numbers listed on our statement are 800-934-8088, which was not a working number and 847-680-8088 which is normally answered by an answering machine. We did leave a message sometime in February to cancel our service, however when we did not receive a confirmation phone call we requested a cancellation of our service online on 30 March 2006. Our main reason for canceling the service is the lack of improvement (our neighbor's lawn looks better and they receive no service at all).
Since we had the confirmation number above canceling our service, and it was the time to fertilize, we fertilized the back yard only (due to pets). On April 4, 2006 I came home to a sign in the yard saying my yard was fertilized. I immediately called the phone number on my statement and talked to a woman that said my account would be credited and if my lawn was damaged to call Mr. James Fitzgbbon at 847-680-8088. On 17 April 2006 I received a phone call stating my account was over due. I explained that it was credited and that my service was cancelled. The representative on the phone became rude and belligerent.
At that point I asked to speak to Mr. Fitzgbbon. He asked for a cancellation number, which was never provided, and stated that with out that my service was not cancelled and that the bill was due in full. Furthermore they would not take any responsibility for my now destroyed lawn. When I attempted to contact the corporate they just transferred me to the local office even after I stated that they were not assisting me. We also attempted to contact chief marketing officer, Vic Yeandel, and the VP of marketing, Jeff Hirka, with no response. We were able to (hopefully) get our service cancelled through the better business bureau as well as credit our account.
Carolyn of Winter Haven FL (05/19/06)
I have used TruGREEN ChemLawn's service for about one year. They promised to get rid of the weeds in my grass and the ant infestation in the flower beds and yard. Over the past year, the weeds have continued to grow and even have gotten worse and the ant mounds never died. I even paid additional money for a special ant spray program. I eventually purchased ant killer from Lowes which did kill the ants. The only thing that has died is my grass. I was told by the technician that I needed to overseed my lawn which I have never had to do in the 10 years that I have owned my home. I know will have to spend money to have my whole yard re-sodded.
My grass has died. I have spent additional money with both TruGREEN ChemLawn and Lowes to kill the ant mounds. I now have to pay to have my yard re-sodded.
Jennifer of Somers Point NJ (04/26/06)
Never applied fertilizer as promised. Matter of fact you should see the difference when I applied this year. Never showed. Never returned calls of complaints.Then turned over to a credit agency when I refused to pay for non applications.
Paul of St. Charles IL (04/18/06)
After cancelling 5 yrs of service Truegreen/Chemlawn begged me to give them another chance to maintain my lawn, trees and shrubs. I asked for a technician to visit my lawn to recommend how they planned on repairing the loss of grass, trees and shrubs in what was a gorgeous lanscaped property. The home was owned by a relative of famed horticulturist, Jens Jensen and also a Master Gardener. They visited and told my wife they could take care of servicing the property thinking that we were requesting "new service". They commented on how bad the landscape had looked without knowing that they were the company servicing it.
When I called the office to coplain, I was assured that a more qualified representative would be visiting. At the conclusion of the visit, a slate of additional services were required above and beyond what typically would be done due to the demise of the landscape. I agreed to cut my losses and have them try to recify the problem after elevating the complaint to the Branch Manager. Well, a time and date was scheduled and you guessed it. They did not show up. I called later in the day and was told that even though I was to be the first visit of the week, they neglected to call me to tell me they would hve to reschedule due to rain we had had previously. I questioned why, if i was to be the first visit of the week, that I was not notified earlier and the response from Karl was "we thought we were doing the right thing by not showing up and ruining your lawn due to the rain". Apparently calling me would have been too much to ask.
I decided that the pattern of lies and excuses not to mention to poor service was too great to overcome afterall.
Mark of Birmingham AL (04/04/06)
I called to cancel my service on 3/7/06 at 5pm. I was told by the company that the service would be cancelled. On 3/9/06 a technician comes to spray my yard and leaves a bill. I called the company back on 3/10/06 to explain that I cancelled my service. I was told that I would receive credit. On 3/29/06 I received another bill for this same service. I contacted the company on 4/3/06 and 4/4/06 and was told that I needed to supply them with a confirmation number. A confirmation number was not given to me each time I spoke with them.
On 4/4/06, I was basically called a liar, and told that I could either pay the bill, or the payment would be sent for collection. Randy Spruill told me that I should supply him a listing from the phone company to prove that I called on 3/7/06 at 5pm. They did not express any thanks for the business that I had given them.
Boris of Minneapolis MN (03/27/06)
I used Trugreen's lawn care services back in 2000 to apply chemicals to my lawn. I authorized Truegreen to make a couple of applications and I paid for them back in 2000. Now almost 6 years later Trugreen started harassment campaign against me, claiming that back in September of 2000 they provided additional services to my lawn. If those services were in fact provided, they were provided without my knowledge or authorization. Trugreen is seeking $108.07 for their "services" and claiming that they will charge me additional $20 a month "Late Payment Fee" until the payment is collected and looks like now it's up to $128.07. Even though I'm aware that some companies are using some shady techniques to extort money from their customers, trying to do so 5 1\2 years later is even more troubling.
Trevor of Boise ID (02/24/06)
A TruGreen person was following me on my route(s) notating my customers and then sending a salesperson to call or contact my customers to bid them at extremely low rates.
I assume they were trying to put me out of business. Luckily none of my customers switched over. Several mentioned to me that they had recieved lower bids. This is not an uncommon practice for TruGreen.
Chris of Mcdonough GA (02/11/06)
If you want to know the truth about TruGreen, it's worse than you thought. The reason why so many yards get ghosted or end up half treated is because the technician has to meet a quota. He cannot return to the branch office until that quota has been met which is why larger more expensive yards are usually treated better over smaller ones or so called under-charged ones. Also, this causes sales reps to often over-charge customers which is an encouraged business by managers during training for some branches.
TruGreen employees are severely abused and mistreated so next time you get angry call the manager or corporate to take out your frustration. Also, ask for a price list and measure your own yard before purchasing the service. When you end your service ask for confirmation in writing, because contracts do not exist for TruGreen and this in not safe for the consumer. Also send a certified letter stating the termination date. Always ask for a prenote, even if you do not have a dog or a gate. This way you will know which day the service will occur and you can be alert to this when you cancle the service. You can get almost anything if you refuse to schedule the service until your needs are met.
Mark of Norton MA (12/13/05)
I used to work TruGreen/Chemlawn. I was working for another nationwide lawn care provider (1st name that comes to people when they think of fertilizer). When i was working on a lawn one day a TG/CL field manager stopped to give me his card, we talked briefly and he explained how they liked to hire from this company because they knew we were well trained and that they could offer more money. I ended up leaving this job for a different field but after a few months I called TG/CL.
The problem is with this industry is the pay structure. During the season you usually work 50+ hours and you dont get 1.5 time. To make money you have to get comision which you do buy going over you goal. A goal is usually at $4000-$5000 a week @ say $35 a stop you need to average 25 stops a day, before you can even think of getting paid overtime or commission. This is why the other companies who charge more do a better job, TG is using a comparable product but there techs just cant spend the time needed on each property.
The worst thing for me about working there was that I had more turf knowledge than the management. I was always being sent around to different areas for service calls. The problem is for the tech these don't get factored in towards your goal. Rather than drive 5min or less from one stop to the other i would usually have 5-6 service calls that the others couldn't solve, that could be 20/30 minuts apart from each other and still have to make my normal 25 stops to do work. So please don't blame us techs most of us work harder than home owners realise, and we do usually take pride in our work. But TrueGreen/ChemLawn does not give us the time needed to give our customers the time they and their lawn deserve.
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