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Should You Fire Your Landscaper? 4 Signs It's Time for a New Landscaper
It’s not you, it’s me!
Break ups can be hard.
Unless you are using a Scag zero turn mower, cutting things off isn’t always easy.
So when should you throw in the towel on the relationship with your current lawn care provider?
I am a 20-year veteran in the industry, and I’d like to offer my guidance.
*Does the Bonus Scenario at the end apply to you? *
Should You Fire Your Landscaper? Quick Answer:
It might be time to fire your landscaper if they frequently miss appointments, damage your lawn, fail to fix chemical spills, or do not provide healthy lawn care—even with fertilization services.
Whether you are hiring a professional to mow the lawn in Franklin, Tn or to cut the grass in O'Fallon, Missouri. There will always be time when you are not happy with your services.
First off, let’s not make any snap judgments, remember, the next guy could be even worse! It may be best to hash things out with your current provider, the grass is always greener...
Look at these four scenarios, and see if they apply to what you are experiencing
Scenario 1- He missed a week…
First you must ask yourself, Did it rain? Perhaps he is behind… If it happens once or twice that’s understandable. Cutting wet grass isn't only harder, it may even be damaging.
But if it’s an ongoing issue, then it’s time for a change. After all he needs to be making your life easier, not more difficult.
Scenario 2- He scalped the yard!
Your precious yard. Not much that can be done here, and he probably doesn’t know any better. Sometimes it may be caused by a crocked or dull blade, or maybe he is cutting too low.
In most circumstances however, this is a good sign that’s it’s time to move on.
Scenario 3- He spilled gas, fertilizer, and/or weed killer and killed of a patch of the beloved lawn.
OK, take a deep breath, we all make mistakes.
Give him the opportunity to make it right. And, if he doesn’t have it replaced with new sod or reseeded in a week or so, then it’s time for a new professional.
Scenario 4- Your lawn isn’t thick and healthy.
Here is the scenario, your lawn care professional is doing a good job on the mowing part. Yet, there are still weeds, and the turf is a bit sparse. That’s a typical scenario. So you have to ask yourself, are you paying him for a turf fertilization and weed control program? If not, then it’s not his fault.
On the other hand, if you are paying him for fertilization services. And, still not getting the results you want. It’s often a better idea to have that part performed by a specialist that only does turf applications. And keep the mowing portion with your current guy.
Most people don’t know this, but rarely is one lawn care service great at both mowing and fertilizing, they really are two totally different animals that require different disciplines and equipment.
***Bonus Scenario***
One more scenario that I come across all the time…. He won’t mow on Friday’s!!!
Most people don’t know this, but the thing is… everyone wants their lawn mowed on Friday!
Think about it, everyone wants the lawn cut in time to enjoy the weekend. There is no arguing that a fresh cut lawn can not be beat, but a landscaper cant be everywhere at once.
What does this mean for you? This means you may have to pay a premium
FAQ: Is It Time to Break Up with Your Lawn Care Provider?
What are red flags that indicate a lack of trust with my lawn care provider?
- Inconsistent Advice: Frequent changes in guidance or contradicting information.
- High Staff Turnover: Regular changes in personnel handling your lawn.
- Unexplained Charges: Additional costs that were not initially disclosed.
- Service Delays: Promised services not being delivered on time or at all.
- Trust Concerns: Any persistent doubts about the company's reliability or honesty.
What are the signs of insect damage in my lawn?
Look for irregular brown patches, thinning grass, and visible bugs on the grass blades. If your current service hasn’t managed or noticed these signs, a more experienced company might be needed.
What should I do if my lawn still has weeds despite treatment?
Communicate your concerns with your lawn care provider. If improvements are not seen after their adjustments, consider switching to a company with a more effective weed control strategy.
What constitutes unprofessional behavior in lawn care services?
Unprofessional behavior can include untidy appearance, use of inappropriate language, not adhering to safety protocols, or showing disrespect to your property and privacy.
Bottom Line:
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Not sure if you should keep your current lawn care provider?
Here are 4 common scenarios that might signal it's time to make a change:
- They repeatedly miss scheduled appointments.
- They scalp your yard or damage your lawn.
- They spill chemicals and don't fix the damage.
- Your lawn isn't healthy, even with fertilization services.
Bonus Tip: Keep in mind that Friday is the most popular day for lawn mowing, so you may need to pay a premium or be flexible with scheduling.
And if you do cut him lose, or need to hire a lawn care professional, check out GreenPal. From Winter Park, Florida, to Bakersfield California, and Richmond, Virginia, we have a wide range of landscapers ready to serve you. Get quotes from the best landscapers in your area in minutes, not days!
