TurfGator: Your Trusted Metro East Lawn Care & Pest Control Experts
Since 2009, TurfGator has been the premier choice for professional lawn care and pest control services throughout the Metro East area. Based locally in Lebanon, Illinois, we are a homegrown, family-oriented company dedicated to delivering healthy lawns, pest-free homes, and unmatched customer service.
We treat every square foot of your property as if it were our own. By combining advanced agronomic expertise with a deep commitment to our local communities, we provide personalized attention that national chains simply cannot match.
The TurfGator Story: Rooted in the Metro East
TurfGator was founded in 2009 when owner Chris Schneider returned home to Illinois with a clear vision: to build a premier, service-first company that prioritizes both its customers and its employees. What began as the acquisition of a small local business has grown into an award-winning operation servicing thousands of homeowners across the region.
As a proud, long-standing 10-Year Member of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), we have built a solid reputation founded on integrity, quality, and dependability. Our dedication to excellence hasn't gone unnoticed; TurfGator is honored to have won the People’s Choice Award for Best Lawn Care Services in the St. Louis area for four consecutive years.
Meet Our Owner: Chris Schneider
At the heart of TurfGator’s success is our founder and owner, Chris Schneider. Chris brings over 22 years of hands-on industry experience to every property we service. Chris began his career in January 2000 with TruGreen, where his dedication rapidly propelled him from a sales representative to a sales manager in just eight months. After gaining valuable industry insights managing territories in Jackson, Mississippi, Chris chose to bring his expertise back home to Illinois to launch TurfGator and its sister company, The Pest Guys.
Chris is an expert in regional turf management, with extensive training in both warm-season and cool-season grasses, as well as complex lawn installations. To ensure TurfGator remains at the absolute cutting edge of the industry, Chris holds multiple state certifications, including an Illinois structural pest license and a turf and ornamental license. He actively completes rigorous continuing education every single year.
Raised in Highland, Illinois, Chris remains deeply embedded in the local community. Outside of business, he and his family enjoy camping, golfing, and boating, and they are active members of their local church. Chris also serves on the board of directors for the Relevant Pregnancy Option Center, reflecting his core value of supporting organizations that make a true local difference. In 2010, his community leadership was recognized when he was named Boss of the Year by the Highland Woman’s Organization.
"What I enjoy most is seeing the great lawns our employees create, and watching our team members build their own lives, buy homes, and raise families right here in our community." — Chris Schneider, Owner
Why Metro East Homeowners Choose TurfGator
We understand that you have choices when selecting a lawn care and pest control provider. We work hard every day to earn your trust through a set of strict operational standards:
- Elite Expertise: Some of our team technicians bring over 25 years of individual field experience.
- Fully Licensed & Trained: Every single TurfGator technician is fully trained and licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture.
- Professional Presentation: You will always recognize us by our clean, well-maintained vehicles, professional uniforms, and state-of-the-art equipment.
- Safety First: We maintain an excellent safety record, protecting your family, pets, and the local environment.
Furthermore, we operate as a service company first—focusing heavily on employee retention, consistent communication, and personalized care for your lawn.
Let Us Earn Your Trust
Whether you are battling stubborn weeds, looking to install a beautiful new lawn, or keeping pests away from your family, TurfGator is here to help. Contact our Lebanon office today to request a free quote and experience the award-winning, local difference.