wn Survey

[swstout]

While taking the “Lawn Care School” (I recommend it), one LCO related his procedure of walking the property first and making a list of about 20 things to look for before talking to the owner. When he did talk to the owner, he was ready to prove he was an observant, professional with list of services list he could provide the customer (if desired). He also set the stage for up selling additional services. I am trying to make a survey form to take with me for this technique. Below is what I have come up with so far: 1. Thatching 2. Compaction 3. High/Low Spots 4. Weeds 5. Mulch 6. Flower Bed Maintenance/Planting/Installation 7. Soil Conditions 8. Gutters Cleaning and Repair 9. Trees and Shrubs in need of trimming/pruning 10. Pet Waste Removal 11. Aeration 12. Overseeding 13. Spring/Fall Cleanup 14. Fertilization 15. Hedge Installation and Maintenance 16. Irrigation Installation/Maintenance/Winterizing 17. 18. 19. 20. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. What else should I include? What should I get rid of? Steve

Lawn care business tips

This is a great idea. Maximize your business. Why not trim some shrubs and trees while you are there to mow the grass. And do some landscaping and mulching..... What I did with my shop is call several of my competitors asking what kind of services they offer. Including, how much they charge for those same services. This does several things, a) it helps you offer services you had not thought of before, b) it helps you determine if your rates are in the ball park. Just thinking about things I have seen discussed here, how about: cleaning up dog feces from the yard, power washing roofs (or for that matter even siding, decks, etc.) Hope this helps.

[Steve]

I am trying to make a survey form to take with me for this technique. Below is what I have come up with so

When you say a survey, would this be like a list of things with a 1 - 5 rating you would check off as you walked around?

How about condition of the fences and outdoor lighting or the overall security rating of the property. Where you could judge if bushes need to be trimmed back from windows, if motion lights are in place and will turn on properly, if landscape lighting is lighting up the area and deterring crime?

great post and question.

When I first quote a property I always take my wheel and measure out all lawn areas, garden beds and driveway size.

That way I have everything measured to upsell;

- fertilizing
- weed control / suppressant
- aeration
- topdressing
- dethatching
- nematode application
- mulch / compost gardens
- soil amendments
- of course lawn mowing
- edging
- pressure wash walks and drive

If you have it measured you can quote it. When I prepare a quote for people I always include a short list on what we can do and the price. As well as a note on their invoice with price for a service.

This post will get a lot of people thinking...good stuff.

[Steve]

garden beds

Richard, when you measure the garden beds, can you base your weeding price on that or is this for mulch?

[swstout]

Originally Posted by ritchiem

great post and question.

When I first quote a property I always take my wheel and measure out all lawn areas, garden beds and driveway size.

That way I have everything measured to upsell;

- fertilizing
- weed control / suppressant
- aeration
- topdressing
- dethatching
- nematode application
- mulch / compost gardens
- soil amendments
- of course lawn mowing
- edging
- pressure wash walks and drive

If you have it measured you can quote it. When I prepare a quote for people I always include a short list on what we can do and the price. As well as a note on their invoice with price for a service.

This post will get a lot of people thinking...good stuff.

Nematode application peeked my interest. All natural pest control would greatly simplify insect control here by by passsing all the insecticide control and regulation issues.

Since reading your answer to my post, I have researched the subject. I have learned what they control, how much to get for various applications, pre and after application watering, time of day to apply, sunlight and temperature conditions needed for proper application. etc. Nowhere did I find how to apply them!

You obviously have done this. What is the technique? How do you market the service? How do you price th service?

Steve

Ok lets get right down to it. What are “Nematodes”? Nematodes, also known as round worms, are a group of soft-bodied invertebrate worms which inhabit almost all possible locations where life can survive on earth. Cobb, a famous nematologist, who tried to convey how many nematodes were present on the earth suggested that if it were possible to remove all the matter from the world except nematodes you would still see a ghost like image of the earth.

Basically, nematodes are aquatic creatures, so that wherever they live, they exist in moist or wet habitats. Most species of plant-parasitic nematodes are small or microscopic, as well as being colorless and transparent. Consequently, most people have never seen nematodes, except for the scientists who study them and the farmers whose crops have been affected by them.

Some nematodes in the soil are not plant-parasites. Some merely feed on fungi or bacteria, or on rotting dead plant tissue, so they act as recyclers. Some nematodes also are internal parasites of the soil-inhabiting juvenile stages of various insects, including some insects like cutworms or weevil larvae. So like most other creatures, there are desirable nematodes as well as undesirable. Some nematodes even prey on other nematodes, helping to keep the overall population in balance.

Nematodes are cultured on common sponges that are kept moist. These sponges can be stored for a month in the fridge so long as it is kept moist. Be sure that the nematodes are fresh! Stale, ineffective nematodes smell “fishy”…yummy.

Make sure to irrigate your lawn to 1 inch depth. Nematodes need moist soil to disperse effectively. To apply, simply soak the sponge in a medium sized pail (approx 4.5L) of ROOM TEMPERATURE water for half an hour (30 min) and squeeze the sponge to get all the nematodes into the water. This will be your stock solution, make sure to use within 2 hours or else they will die. You can use something as simple as a watering can, just dilute 1L of stock into 4.5L of water and water onto your lawn. Never apply in direct sunlight, nematodes like cool days, with protection from UV rays….ah ah me too! Apply on a very cloudy day or at dusk.

You can also use a backpack sprayer full open to avoid tearing them up. And if you need large quantities and have a truck sprayer you can apply using your hose and wand.

Pricing for nematode application varies. You need to first determine the cost of your nematodes and your application rate (per sq foot). Then measure out your area and presto!

[swstout]

Thanks Nitchiem

Steve
swstout

[Lukacs Property Maintenance]

When I first quote a property I always take my wheel and measure out all lawn areas, garden beds and driveway size.

That way I have everything measured to upsell;

Do you have a worksheet that you scribble measurements on? Do you just use a note pad?

Mike

[swstout]

Originally Posted by Lukacs Property Maintenance

Do you have a worksheet that you scribble measurements on? Do you just use a note pad?

Mike

I'm in the process of making a worksheet. I have a few ideas and a few suggestions. Don't know which way I will go yet!

Steve