"can you cut it shorter and bag?"

[aduttonater]

This is where you have to portrait yourself as the expert. Obviously he doesn't know squat about mowing lawns, or he wouldn't be calling you to do it. If what you believe is true, then don't be afraid to tell him how you feel. Let him know that he may come off more appealing to his guests by having a nicer lawn that is cut at 2.5'' and not 1.5. Let him know he's wrong, but you can fix that for him. If he says no, just ask him one more time if you can do it once and see if it looks better. If he still says no, then just do what he says and keep getting paid.

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[Grass Doctor]

Lawn care business tips

depending on what type of grass some grasses benefit from scalping to recover from winter dormacy as (bermuda grass and zoisia) i usually keep bermuda around 1.5 to 2 inces higth and san agustine arround 3 to 3.5 i will never even dare to scalp st.agustine or centipide. acctually im about to start scalp the customers that have bermuda grass just part of my lawn maintenance plan

[rockymtnnut]

Originally Posted by Von Bobbeh

I have a new customer, he's a good customer aside from the fact that he balked at me mowing at 2.5" and mulching and wants it at 1.5" bagged.

I tried to explain how cutting grass to low damages the plant and makes it more susceptible to weed infestation but he seems very set in his position.

I personally HATE hacking grass shorting than 2" - none the less bagging it but it's a easy-to-mow yard only 2 miles from where I live so I'd be a fool to drop service, the guy appears to be very social and I'd love to get his yard to full potential I know I can get referals from it.

Should I keep trying to convince him of the benefits of a taller lawn? or should I just remedy the problems with chemicals and de-thatching and make more money off his stubbornness?

Or am I the crazy one? Do any of you guys mow shorter than 2.5"? I was under the impression 2.5" was a little short to begin with.

Give him what he wants. I keep my lazer at 3.5 . Take a pic of another you cut and show him how taller looks so much better. I try to make bagging so cost prohibitve that they never do it.

[Von Bobbeh]

"Hi ___, I need to inform you I will not mow your lawn "short". The recommended height for pacific north west lawn grass is 3" and you found 2.5" to be unacceptably long. It is a matter of principal that I won't knowingly preform inferior work.

I am sorry I waited so long to tell you this, but this is where I stand."

Let's see what he has to say, at this point I am already quite busy so I could care less if he balks

[Von Bobbeh]

He replied

Bobby,

my wife and i were pleased the last time you cut our grass at 2 1/2 inches. If your not willing to do that again please let us know so i can find some that will. I think its poor business to tell a paying customer that you solicited that you are not interested in compromise of their own yard. I believe what a customer wants and willing to pay for at their own home is their choice and i have paid you well and above what you have quoted us. Please let us know if you will be back to mow and weed or not. If you are not willing to cut our grass and 2 1/2inches i understand. have a good day



M___ B___

I replied

"

Mark,

You were happy with 2" last time because you convinced me to cut it shorter.

It's bad business I'm sure - but you don't tell a machanic how to fix a car or a painter how to spray paint. My mower is set to 3" and doesn't go lower for any reason other then dethatching for a reason.

From you previous reaction(s) I genuinely do not think you would be happy with that height so you should find another lawn guy, one who is less awnry than myself.

Sorry for the trouble,

-Bobby

"

And then his wide emailed me...

Hi Bobby,

I would like to ask if you could please come cut my lawn, pull a few weeds.

Mark has moved out and we are divorcing, I am 100% ok with the length of the grass you are suggesting.

Please let me know if you are still willing ot do this and what it will cost me and I will have the lawn ready for you when you are able to come.

Thanks

L____ B___

GREATEST DAY EVAR.

[Ryan's Lawn Care]

^Wholy crap!!! that took a turn i didnt see coming lol she kicked out the control freak. He probably complained about her cooking and said she made her steaks to thick lol

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by Ryan's Lawn Care

^Wholy crap!!! that took a turn i didnt see coming lol she kicked out the control freak. He probably complained about her cooking and said she made her steaks to thick lol

She was baking at 350 and not 345.

[Von Bobbeh]

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

She was baking at 350 and not 345.

Truth is stranger than fiction.

[LawnBoy0311]

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

She was baking at 350 and not 345.

I gave my wife a black eye last time she did that. She learned her lesson.


Clearly she's now single, are you? Wheres WAT5150???? I know hes got some funny things to say!

[rockymtnnut]

I would like t give you some advice give them what they want. Explain fully what it will do then cut it exactly how they want it. Then see how it goes. If they want it bagged make it cost prohibitive. Do not argue with the owners its allways bad for buisness.
When its all done now sell them on herbicide and fungicide to keep there lawn alive.