Dog Sh*t

[Apex Lawn & Landscape]

I have several customers who don't clean up their dogs poo when Im scheduled to come mow thur/fri...I cannot stand stepping in it , running it over ( I doubt anyone does ) since they don't take the time to pick it up..do you think it's wrong to charge an extra $5.00 when they don't just for the hassle? Besides, have you ever tried cleaning out a mower deck with that Sh*t flung all over inside!

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Lawn care business tips

dont think its wrong to charge extra. I hate getting it stuck in my walkbehind mower wheels. It just pissed me off and makes spend part of my day cleaning poo.

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South Eastern Connecticut Landscaping /Lawn Care /Pressure Washing /Snow Removal /Gutter Cleaning
52" Brutus/52" Super Surfer/44" Pro Line/60" ZMaster
EB630/EB802/EBZ7150/EBZ8000/BR400/Billy Goat 8Hp
FS55&90/FC95/km110/L322&326/TR2350S
HC150/HC155/CHTZ2460
CS440/MS290
Case 1816 Skid

[PineHillLawn]

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

dont think its wrong to charge extra. I hate getting it stuck in my walkbehind mower wheels. It just pissed me off and makes spend part of my day cleaning poo.

I have one yard that has been a rental and been empty for several months, and now thats its rented, the people have a dog. I just went and mowed like normal and didn't see the dog crap in the yard, after I got the mower back to the shop to do my daily cleaning, I notice an all too familiar smell on my mower deck. Caked on the inside, was doggie schapnel. I don't have a problem telling the home owner if the crap isn't cleaned up before my day to mow I'm charging $10 more to mow the yard each time.

I figure that if I have to get it all cleaned out and get the smell gone, its worth more than $10 of my time.

[CHEESE2009]

In my contract I have;

"to ensure proper service, the client must remove toys, construction debris, garbage, and dog feces from the lawn."

If they don't, they don't receive proper service, a.k.a I mow around it if it's just a bit of crap, or skip their property if there's a lot.

I HATE when it gets stuck on the wheels of the lawn mower, then it drags into the trailer... frig.


Good luck!

[kdexpd]

The only thing worse than mowing over it is hitting it with the trimmer. Just picked up a large apartment complex last week that has tenants with dogs. Was trimming along the northeast edge of it and got into some thick grass. Should have known what to expect, but it was too late. Had to run home and change my jeans AND my freggin shirt....not to mention give my sunglasses a good cleaning. It wouldn't have been as bad if it was in a solid state. Only once have I ever run across human waste, but I got lucky and saw it before I hit it with the trimmer. YUUUUCK!

[Apex Lawn & Landscape]

Originally Posted by CHEESE2009

In my contract I have;

"to ensure proper service, the client must remove toys, construction debris, garbage, and dog feces from the lawn."

If they don't, they don't receive proper service, a.k.a I mow around it if it's just a bit of crap, or skip their property if there's a lot.

I HATE when it gets stuck on the wheels of the lawn mower, then it drags into the trailer... frig.


Good luck!

Lol! The mow around is a good idea, that will get the point across. And yes cedar lawn...I can recall a few times I've whipped it onto my lip

[Hedgemaster]

You need to make the "extra fee" something that will actually prompt them to clean that crap up!

Client looking out at the poop filled lawn on the morning you are scheduled to cut:
"Eh. It's just five bucks more - screw it."


Is mowing a minefield of feces worth $5 to you?




It sucks to have to set a policy like that but if you don't train them well, YOU are the one who pays in the end. If you SKIP the lawn, well, you either have to make a special trip back after they clean up, or you wait a full week to do it again on the regular day, and now you're mowing a lawn that requires more work. THAT is a bunch of "crap".

[Steve]

I can recall a few times I've whipped it onto my lip

Ughhhhhhhhhhh

Stick these around the yard as needed LOL

[52BeltDrive]

I've confronted this many ways over many years. Some communities have "experts" in the field and if the economy were better we'd see more "removal specialists" out there. If you've got one, meet them and ask for fliers and cards. You help them, maybe they can help you?

One silent but far from discreet method is to use a battered plant container from the bed of the truck and a hand trowel. Fill with offending material and place near the back door, patio, grill/seating/dining area and say nothing. Nice treat from the lawnman...

No need for comment, charges, or phonecalls at this point. Second time you do this and nothing is said it's time too add a fee or disclaimer. Mail the notice, make the call, whatever. (placing container under the hood of the grill is for 3 time offenders, extra aroma boost for their lounging area**that's not Brautworst!)

It all boils down to a matter of respect. My method only works with people who know what respect is and sadly many folks don't. YMMV. I've dumped a number of clients over this issue, no remorse whatsoever.

[52BeltDrive]

I've got a privacy fence against an alley that's my worst offender now. Not the homeowner/client's fault but her dog-walking neighbor's negligence...

Found this site and I WILL be posting one of their signs! (if allowed, some are tasteful and discreet, 2 weeks should suffice)

http://www.dogpoopsigns.com/