Both of us take pride in our front lawns. Few things are as satisfying as the sight of our freshly cut lawns. They are like thick carpets, rich with green.

The lawn often is the focal point of the yard and, thus, its appearance contributes mightily to the curb appeal of the home.

However, having a thick, green lawn takes effort and care. Regular mowing, weeding, fertilizing, watering, pest control and aeration are all-important factors in making your lawn healthy and handsome.

In these hectic times, for many, anything more than an occasional mowing is unrealistic. What leisure time many people do have is spent running around with the kids to soccer practice, baseball games, swim lessons and dance rehearsal.

Consequently, more and more people are opting for help in the yard. A garden service isn't a new concept, however, a lawn care specialty company is a service with which many people are unfamiliar.

Why a lawn care service? Of all the tasks in the garden, the lawn typically requires the greatest amount of time and energy. Many people love to prune roses and harvest fruit, but would just as soon leave the time-consuming grunt work to a professional.

What should one expect from a lawn care professional? A healthy, green lawn. However, you must decide to what extent you want them involved. This boils down to time and budget.

Lawn care companies provide a range of services, including mowing, maintenance, aeration, seeding, fertilizing and pest control. Some will offer a broader range of services such as tree-trimming.

The biggest problem that most folks have with their lawns is weeds. The most effective means of dealing with this problem is identification and treatment with the applicable herbicide. This is where a lawn care company can be of real value. Weeds, left untreated, ultimately will take over a healthy lawn and be the cause of its early demise.

Most lawn care services charge between $20 and $30 per month for four of five chemical treatments per year.

When shopping for a lawn care service, start by finding out if there are any companies already providing service for your neighbors.

Interview two or three companies and ask them to provide a lawn inspection and a free estimate for service. Companies that quote a price without seeing your lawn are only guessing what your lawn might need. Also, ask about the pricing system and which services are included. Be sure to inquire about services that are not included, and get a fee schedule for these services.

Do not begin service without a written contract that explains what services are to be performed, what services are excluded, the frequency of the various services and the types of chemicals used. Never enter into a verbal agreement. If it's not in writing, chances are you won't get it.

In many states, lawn care professionals must be licensed for the application of pesticides. Be sure to obtain a copy of this license before entering into an agreement.

Keep in mind that even though you have a lawn care service, there still will be tasks that you must perform to ensure a healthy lawn.

For instance, if you will contract for fertilizing and pest control, but will continue to mow, never cut off more than one third of the grass blade in any one mowing. Mowing too low and/or too often can damage the roots, causing them to die. Dead roots build up a thatch layer that can be harmful.

Mow in a different direction each time so that grass blades don't develop a lean that results in an uneven cut. And always keep the mower blade sharp. A dull blade rips and shreds the grass tips, providing entryways for disease organisms. This also causes the surface of the lawn to turn brown and unsightly.

When it comes to watering, most grasses require about one-and-one-half inches of water per week. Too much water is just as bad as not enough.