BBB Warns Of Lawn And Garden Care Scams In Illinois

A few years back, one of my neighbors paid some guy who showed up at his door to seal-coat his driveway. The guy who came to the door promised a big discount because he had "left over materials from another job" that he didn't want to throw away, so my neighbor couldn't resist.

It rained two days later, and the "seal-coat" simply washed off the driveway and ran down the gutter to the storm drain. It was just water with some dark color added to it, and a total scam.

That's happening to people again this year, and the scams aren't confined to just the driveway. Scammers are also targeting your lawn and garden.

The Rockford Regional Office Of The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Says Scammers Are Targeting Seasonal Projects

Scams tied to lawn care, landscaping, irrigation, and driveway work often follow predictable patterns. According to BBB ScamTracker reports, homeowners are frequently asked to pay upfront for seasonal services, only for the contractor to disappear, or for unexpected fees to appear later in the process.

Dennis Horton, Senior Director of the BBB's Rockford Regional Office, says the spring surge in complaints is a recurring problem:

Every year, especially in the spring, we receive numerous complaints about these types of services. Before selecting a business, assess your needs and conduct your research at BBB.org. Be particularly cautious when dealing with unfamiliar businesses that use high-pressure tactics.

It's Not Always The Easiest Thing To Spot A Scam

Some companies may offer “free inspections” that quietly turn into recurring service plans, while others may deliver poor workmanship, incomplete services, or surprise charges hidden in fine print.

The BBB recommends homeowners take time to understand exactly what they are hiring for. Whether it's landscaping design, lawn maintenance, or irrigation system work, make sure to verify licensing where required.

Driveway repair scams are also a major concern. These often begin with unsolicited offers from contractors who show up at the door with discounted pricing. The BBB urges homeowners to research companies carefully, insist on written contracts, and avoid paying large sums upfront.

To stay protected, the BBB recommends getting everything in writing, staggering payments, and using secure payment methods such as credit cards whenever possible.