Let’s face it – nobody wants to talk about poop. But if you’re a dog owner who also hires lawn services, this smelly subject can’t be avoided. I’ve been in the landscaping business for years, and one question keeps coming up: do landscapers pick up dog poop before mowing your lawn?
The short answer? Usually not. But there’s more to this stinky situation than you might think.
The Reality of Dog Waste and Lawn Services
At our company we’ve seen it all – from yards with a few scattered “presents” to lawns that look like doggy minefields. Most professional landscapers don’t include poop scooping as part of their standard service. Here’s why
- Health and safety concerns – Dog waste contains harmful bacteria and parasites
- Equipment contamination – Feces can damage expensive machinery
- Time constraints – Adding waste removal adds significant time to each job
- Service focus – Most landscapers specialize in plant and lawn care, not waste management
According to a recent discussion in a Prince George’s County Development Facebook group, homeowners are divided on whether they should clean up before the lawn crew arrives. But lawn care professionals are pretty unified in their stance.
Why You Should Pick Up Dog Poop Before Your Landscaper Arrives
Frank Wible from Ecoscape Outdoor Services makes it clear “Picking up animal poop before lawn service,, should be your first step”
Here’s why picking up your pooch’s poop matters:
1. It’s Not Just Gross – It’s Dangerous
Dog waste isn’t like cow manure – it’s not fertilizer! It contains harmful bacteria like E. coli and parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. When your landscaper mows over dog poop, these pathogens can become airborne or spread across your lawn.
2. Your Lawn Will Suffer
Dog waste is high in nitrogen and can actually burn your grass if left sitting. Over time, this leads to:
- Patchy yellow or brown spots
- Uneven growth
- Lawn disease
- Permanent grass damage
3. Your Landscaper Might Skip Service
Many lawn care companies have policies about excessive pet waste. If your yard is too contaminated, they might:
- Skip service entirely
- Trim around contaminated areas
- Charge an additional cleanup fee
What Do Actual Landscapers Say?
I reached out to several lawn care professionals to get their take:
“We don’t mind the occasional missed spot, but when a yard is covered in waste, it’s both unsanitary and dangerous for our crews. We’ve had workers slip and fall or have equipment damaged. It’s a big problem.” – Local Tampa landscaper
Ecoscape Outdoor Services in South Tampa states clearly in their policy that heavily waste-covered lawns may result in skipped service, partial trimming, or additional fees.
The Hidden Costs of Leaving Dog Waste
When you don’t pick up before the lawn crew arrives, several problems can occur:
Safety Hazards for Workers
Lawn care professionals face real risks when working around animal waste:
- Slipping hazards – Crew members pushing equipment can easily step on hidden waste and slip, especially on hills or wet areas
- Biohazard exposure – Pet waste is literally a biohazard that can contaminate tools, gloves, and uniforms
- Cross-contamination – Lawn crews move between properties, potentially spreading contamination
Damage to Equipment
Ever wonder what happens when a high-powered mower hits a pile of dog poop? Nothing good:
- Waste can clog blades and mechanisms
- Cleaning contaminated equipment takes valuable time
- The smell can linger on equipment for days
Environmental Impact
Dog waste isn’t just a yard problem:
- Rainwater can wash pathogens into storm drains
- Local water systems can become contaminated
- Soil chemistry changes over time with repeated exposure
What Should Pet Owners Do?
If you hire a lawn service and have dogs, here’s what we recommend:
- Make it routine – Walk your yard the morning of scheduled service and remove all visible waste
- Be consistent – For multi-pet homes, do a sweep every other day
- Use proper tools – Pooper scoopers or disposable bags make the process quick and sanitary
- Consider professional help – Some companies specialize in pet waste removal
One Facebook commenter summed it up perfectly: “Yes, I pick up after my dog before the lawn guy comes. It’s just common courtesy.”
Do Any Landscapers Include Poop Removal?
While most don’t include it in standard service, some landscaping companies do offer pet waste removal as an add-on service. These typically come with:
- Additional fees (usually $10-30 per visit)
- Scheduled weekly or bi-weekly pickup
- Proper disposal methods
If you’re interested in this service, ask your current landscaper if they offer it or consider hiring a specialized pet waste removal company.
The Bottom Line: It’s Your Responsibility
As much as we might wish otherwise, picking up dog poop typically falls to the pet owner, not the landscaper. Most lawn care contracts explicitly state that yards should be clear of debris – including pet waste – before service.
At the end of the day, it comes down to respect – both for your lawn care professionals and for your lawn itself.
FAQ: Dog Poop and Lawn Services
Q: What happens if I don’t pick up dog poop before landscapers come?
A: Your service might be delayed or partially completed. The mower could spread waste across your lawn, causing unsanitary conditions and potential lawn damage.
Q: Can I pay extra for my landscaper to remove pet waste?
A: Some companies offer this as an add-on service, but many don’t due to health concerns. It’s worth asking your specific provider.
Q: How often should I clean up dog waste in my yard?
A: Ideally, daily. At minimum, do a complete yard sweep the morning of your scheduled lawn service.
Q: Does dog poop actually damage lawn equipment?
A: Yes! It can clog mower blades, damage moving parts, and create sanitation issues that require thorough cleaning.
Q: What’s the best way to dispose of dog waste?
A: Use biodegradable bags and dispose of them in your regular trash. Never put dog waste in yard waste or compost bins.
In Conclusion
While it would be convenient if landscapers handled everything in your yard – including dog waste – the reality is that most don’t. Picking up after your pet before the lawn crew arrives isn’t just good etiquette; it’s essential for lawn health, equipment maintenance, and worker safety.
So next time you hear the lawn crew coming, take those few extra minutes to do a quick poop patrol. Your landscaper (and your lawn) will thank you!
Have you had experiences with this issue? I’d love to hear how you handle pet waste in your yard. Leave a comment below!
