[mixsonci]

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut

I've been here just over a year and am now looking for my 3rd service to take care of my yard.
The current and previous guy promised total care but my yard looks like crap! Their idea of total care has been to edge and cut the grass once a week, or less, and get out as fast as possible.
The flower/shrub beds are overgrown with weeds, the bushes have never been trimmed and are now oddly shaped, weeds and sand have filled in around the sprinkler doughnuts. This from contractors who have promised "full service" and t0 cover "everything" at significant extra cost.

If anyone is using a reliable service that truly understand the concept of "full service" or you are a contractor that can provide it please contact me.

Here is what I have and need:
I am in a courtyard villa, a corner unit on a 10,000+/- sqft lot (as big as most Designer homes) with only an additional palm tree added above what the builder put in, nothing fancy or special.
I'm still working full time so I don't want to spend my free time doing yard work, I'd rather go golfing when I have the time.
If the grass needs to be cut, cut it, if not, don't. Push mower or riding mower, I don't care as long as the yard looks good when done, and don't leave behind the long lines of clippings.
If there is weeds, pull them - EVERY WEEK WHEN THEY APPEAR. No need to ask.
If the bushes need timing, trim them. No need to ask.
If it looks like part of the yard isn't getting enough water, check the sprinklers and adjust them if necessary. If they need repair call me, tell me the problem, and how much to fix it, I'll approve it, fix it and send me the bill.
If the mulch needs to be renewed and/or Lowes/Home Depot is having a sale, call me, let me know the price and when you can do the work, I'll approve it, do the work and send me a bill.
If the yard needs fertilizer, lime, weed killer, whatever, let me know and I'll approve it.
If something needs to be done to the yard or plants, let me know.
I'm not looking for a yard that looks like a putting green, I just wan't it maintained well.

Bottom line is I want the yard and plants to look nice, but I really hate yard work and would rather spend my spare time elsewhere. I understand that the extra level of service costs a little more and that extra work is extra cost. I'm not looking to get soaked and I'm not stupid, I know what labor and materials cost, and I know businesses are in business to make money, a reasonable markup is acceptable.

Are my expectations are not unrealistic? Nope, what I've described is the level of service I received from Lawn Care Pro in Haines City FL for the last 7 years, a small 3 man shop that took great pride in their work. I got very spoiled and had an incredible looking yard year round.

If you know someone who can provide top notch service or you think you are that company, send me a private message.

Thanks,
Don

Your post sounds like I could have written it verbatim. I have a well known company take care of my lawn and pay them a lot of money every month and my lawn looks like crap. I'm tired of having to call them to take care of something. I have a magnolia tree in my front lawn and the leaves have fallen off all over the lawn and nobody can be bothered to pick them up. If you find someone as you explain, PLEASE let me know. I am a single woman and have NO desire to do yard work, but would like my lawn to look better than it does.