I had a chat with a lady last week about lawn and landscape care companies.

Her husband used to take care of their yard, but he isn't able to any longer.

The responsibility has fallen on her shoulders. Not able to physically do all the work, she has hired a lawn and landscape care company.

She isn't alone. As baby boomers have begun to age, more people have been hiring landscape, lawn and tree-care services. Between 2002 and 2003 there was a 30 percent increase in the amount U.S. consumers spent on these services, totaling $37.9 billion.

Of course, this increase is probably also because of the hectic pace of everyday life. Younger adults just don't have the time to fuss with lawn and landscape care, especially if they don't have a passion for it. Even many enthusiastic gardeners don't find lawn care very rewarding.

Should you get some help, too? Ask yourself if the expense of having someone else do the work is worth it to you. Are you able to take care of the yard yourself? Can you afford to hire help? If you want some help, decide what services you want. Once you have given it careful consideration, you can start the process of contracting.

The first step is to decide which type of company you want. There are large-volume companies that usually are less expensive for standard services, but you typically don't get much individual attention. A crew comes to your yard, quickly applies chemicals and performs other prescribed services such as pruning or mowing, then leaves. Smaller local companies can often provide more personal attention, but may cost more.

One you have decided the direction you want to take, it's common sense to find out about the business you select. You can do this by asking:

-- How long has it been in business in our area?

-- Can it provide you with referrals in your neighborhood? (Check them out.)

-- What type of training and experience do the employees who will working in your yard have?

-- Are the company's pesticide applicators experienced and licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture?

-- It it a licensed business in your city?

-- Is it in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? (Check it yourself.)

-- Does it carry liability insurance? (Ask for proof.)

Once you find out that they are indeed a reputable company with whom you may want to do business, there are more queries to make about costs. Be sure to ask:

-- If it can give you a free estimate for the services you want.

-- What services are provided in its standard program?

-- Does it have any flexibility in services, and what are the associated costs? Can you only go with the standard services or can you pick and choose off a menu of services? Is there a minimum charge for services? Will you be charged if it has to make follow-up visits?

-- Does it guarantee its services? What are the specifics of the guarantee? What is and isn't covered? (Get the guarantee in writing.)

-- Does it provide a written, detailed contract? It should have your name and address on it. Make sure it includes any lawn or landscape problems they have agreed to "cure," specific prices for each contracted service, and approximate dates of services. If pesticides, fertilizers, seed or other products will be applied, find out the product names and the hazards associated with each. These should be listed on the contract.

It sounds like a lot of work, but think of all the work you don't have to do if you contract for quality lawn and landscape services. Finding the right company may take some time and effort on your part, but it just makes common sense to protect your yourself and your money.

* Marianne C. Ophardt is a horticulturist for the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Office in Benton County.