Just fired Deans Services

[ronace]

Deans Services: I've only had them for about 2 months, with a contract for weekly cutting. It's now been three weeks and my lawn still hasn't been cut. I realize that the weather hasn't been cooperating with all the rain, but still, 3 weeks.

Time to move on to another service. Any recommendations? Please don't recommend Service Smart as I fired them as well.

Thanks

Ronace

[alwann]

Did you call them and complain? I've had problems with Dean's but found them always quick to respond and fix the situation.

I also have Dean's under contract regular fertilization, weed and insect control. My gripe with their service has to do with communication. I shouldn't have to call for answers when my lawn starts looking sick, brown, spotty or whatever. They should be telling me what's happening and why. This is what a top-notch lawn maintenance company would do -- if a top-notch company actually does exist in this area. From what I read on TOTV, none of them are exceptional.

[villagetinker]

I have Deans also, for over 2 years now, and I agree with the above comments. have never had a problem with lawn cutting. Did have a problem with fertilization which was fixed immediately, as well as some follow-up work.
I do agree that they could be more proactive with the lawns, some of my neighbors are looking better then mine, I will be calling if this continues....

[triton18]

I also just FIRED Dean`s today also had them since December called several times about weeds and mole crickets. The final straw ran the lawn mower wheel down my white vinyl siding emailed called no response.

[njbchbum]

Don Haren - a Villager - 352.552.8446
Each of his crews is great!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

No one really cares. There is so much business they just move on. Deans is as bad as the rest.

[mixsonci]

I also have Deans for almost 2 years now and I totally agree with all the above comments. I too, am looking for someone else. The guys that use the ride mower and blower every two weeks is in and out is less than 3 minutes. They never pick up any leaves that have fallen all over the lawn from the one tree I have. My lawn has big brown spots and looks like clumps have been taken out. They are supposed to be trimming hedges but in 6 months I have never seen anyone out there trimming anything. I'm tired of calling them to ask them to check on and fix something. I feel they should be telling me what's wrong and either fix it or tell me what I need to do.

[Biker Dog]

I also fired Dean's today after they treated our lawn and left the receipt with a note "Lawn is looking great, keep watering twice a week for 45 minutes each segment."

Every week we are getting more and more brown spots, so our lawn is not "Looking Great".

[SisalPhil]

Does anyone know what these brown dead looking areas are & what is causing
them?

[HiHoSteveO]

Does anyone know what these brown dead looking areas are & what is causing
them?

In my case it's looking to be something called "root rot." The swale area at the lowest point between houses that is brown and sparse is actually the result of overwatering. It's not so much how many minutes it gets watered at once, but that it never dries out properly. The grass is basically drowning.

Let's say I water on Sunday and Thursday and my neighbor waters on Tuesday and Saturday. Then it rains once or twice during the week. That's 5-6 times in a week that that area gets wet. Then doesn't dry out properly. Especially in that swale area the water doesn't drain away well and the soil doesn't absorb well either. The grass that looks like it needs water is actually getting too much watering. Again, it's not how many minutes at once so much, but the fact that it never gets to dry out properly.

For me, it's a work in progress.

[RickeyD]

Deans !!! What are you doing, please respond to these complaints... I know you monitor TOTV, please tell us you're not turning into just another non responsive, not caring lawn service. My contract expires in three days, not sure if I will continue based on these complaints. I could be next !

[Beatit]

Ditto with Deans after 2 months...moved on to Heron lawn and pest and to The Perfect Mow for lawn cutting...

[Pointer]

Yikes! what is going on? I also have Deans. Went with them because they are a good company who pay their employees well enough not to have turn over. I noticed that my regular guys are no longer coming and I'm not happy either, nor is my landscaper, (who weeded, fertilized and cut my palms for me). I think this may be a company growth issue? In any case it's too much money not to be happy with the results and communication. I know others who are ready to give up on them as well. Sure hope they figure this out and fast.

[Jima64]

I get the feeling it may be growth problems and still providing quality service. Too bad they feel a need to continually grow. I know they are all over central Florida for full service pest control and termite. Hope they correct the problem.

[msfooter]

I have left Dean's and moved to Falcon Lawn & Pest. Todd Rose is their representative and was great to work with. They are a one-stop shop and you can use as many or as few of their services as you wish. Tell Todd that Doug sent you.

[Philip Winkler]

I fired Massey 1 year ago and have been pleased with Dean's for fertilization, weed, and pest control.

We use Oxford Lawn for grass cutting - Tom O'Brien is the owner - 352-446-3497. He always tells me if I need to call Dean's.

You really need to call whoever does your fertilization when something needs attention. They always come out that day or the next day after I call.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Does anyone know what these brown dead looking areas are & what is causing
them?

When I got home from traveling I found a large brown patch in my lawn. My Massey man Bryon checked and found chinch bugs, he treated the lawn to kill the bugs and has fertilized every week for three weeks. The spots are filling in quickly. There was no charge or repeat phone calls necessary.

Len & Mary

[justjim]

Much depends on the crew you have. Given the heat and wages they pay, its very difficult to keep employees on a long term basics.

I'm no expert. But in the last nine years I've had several knowledgeable people in the business tell me that the zoysia grass most of us have is a grass difficult for all the "experts" to deal with. I believe that is true. Again, I'm not making excuses for poor service, like "Friday" says---just the facts!

I have a good friend who lives in Lynnhaven (about 10 years) and his Saint Augustine yard always looks great. That area of TV is the last Augustine that was used in TV.

[Barefoot]

I have left Dean's and moved to Falcon Lawn & Pest.

We started using Falcon Lawn & Pest on June 1, because they offer one-stop shopping, and that's important to us.
Fingers crossed.

[dbussone]

I would recommend using Deans for pest control, lawn and shrub fertilization, termite control, etc. They are just exceptional at these services and we have been very pleased with them since we purchased our home a little over 3 years ago. If you have a problem, they will fix it without question. I arrange for a supervisor to visit with me 2-3 times per year to discuss concerns and progress. I have nothing but praise for Deans. For lawn mowing I use D&J Bakers. They are responsive and accountable.

[Fuzz323]

Scott and Ron at Total Lawn Maintenance have done a great job for us at both of our houses. There is no contract - you will receive a monthly bill. Scott wants your lawn to look good because he wants to keep you as a customer and he knows if you are not happy he loses you. Have I mentioned that his prices are reasonable too - phone number is 352-267-2921

PS - I too fired Service Smart - many phone calls didn't do much good!

[cbv0211]

We've been happy with Deans so far. We feel fortunate to be with a reliable company after a couple nightmare experiences with other lawn maintenance companies.

[bluedivergirl]

We started with Massey when we bought in January. When we arrived in April, we were unhappy with the condition of the lawn and fired them.

On the advice of neighbors, we hired Florida Pest Control for pest and fertilization. They found our Ph was out of whack, and treated with sulfur. Now the lawn looks great.

We also hired The Perfect Mow, and are very satisfied. In fact the owner, Luis Perez, once flagged us down to ask if we had keys to the neighbor's house. We did. He stated the lawn was very dry, could we check the sprinkler system for him. The system had lost all settings due to a power outage.

[The20Percent]

Very satisfied with Deans so far. They have actually managed to effectively repair my former Service Smart butchered and neglected lawn which I had feared was damaged beyond repair.

[dloridami]

Can you give me their phone nos. please?

[The20Percent]

can you give me their phone nos. Please?

352-787-5300

[golfing eagles]

Very satisfied with Deans so far. They have actually managed to effectively repair my former Service Smart butchered and neglected lawn which I had feared was damaged beyond repair.

:agree: And I probably have the worst lawn in my village. However, I don't see the issue as Dean's fault. There is something going on with soil compaction, drainage and grading, pH, and/or a bad lot of sod originally. Dean's has been working to fix the problem. Many neighbors use Dean's and have beautiful lawns, so I guess my point is that a sub-optimal lawn is not necessarily the fault of the lawn service. Even the original builder (house built 1 1/2 years ago) and home warranty are pointing the finger their way---but how could that be?--they just don't like me, but like my neighbor???? Dean's has a reliable history, are not fly-by-night operators, and certainly they don't want anyone to have a bad lawn with their truck parked out front. And no, I don't work for them and I am not a paid spokesperson.

[dbussone]

Initially we had a relatively sad lawn and the first few treatments didn't seem to help. Deans sent a supervisor out for a consultation. He took a soil sample and found that there were very few nutrients in the soil. The sod had been laid on sand. Two years later there is still a ways to go - but I now have one of the best looking lawns in the neighborhood. Deans has done a a fabulous job for us. Great customer and value added services. (I am not an employee, owner, or otherwise related to Deans.)

[asianthree]

Deans !!! What are you doing, please respond to these complaints... I know you monitor TOTV, please tell us you're not turning into just another non responsive, not caring lawn service. My contract expires in three days, not sure if I will continue based on these complaints. I could be next !

Are you having problems now? Why would you cancel due to someone else having issues. The reason I like deans is no contract. Our previous guy didn't come our for three months, the company required up front payment for one year. If you call deans they will come. I had the worst lawn on the block. It's improved two fold

[77kenkard]

This is funny as they're the only ones I've heard anything good about.

[asianthree]

Just got a call from my deans mower guy. They mowed my front and side, but when he got go the back it was very wet. He didn't want to do damage. So he called me to say they would come back Monday and re mow all of the yard. I don't think you could ask for a more honest company that employees are truly concerned about the job they do.

[nanci2539]

I'm a new mowing customer for Deans - they were suppose to mow my lawn today. They never showed up. Horrible first impression!

[applesoffh]

I've had Dean's for a while now, especially for termite and pest control, and lawn fertilization, without problems. I added lawn mowing last year. I was told at that time that they were cutting down during the summer from one mowing a week to one every other week, so I was aware of the change. I have found them to be very responsive in every aspect, but I am NOT thrilled with their mowing service. I don't know if they do too many lawns on my street, or it's been too wet, but I'm not thrilled...but I really haven't met anyone who is thrilled with their lawn service company. The best lawns on my block are the ones done by the owners.

[Barefoot]

We started using Falcon Lawn & Pest on June 1, because they offer one-stop shopping, and that's important to us.
Fingers crossed.
Not a lot of companies offer one-stop shopping.
We only want to deal with one company for lawn mowing and weeding and shrub trims and pest control.
Mid August now - so far we are very pleased!

[lvfagan]

Absolutely call and use Falcon. Call Todd Rose 352-461-4361 tell him I refered you. I assure you he will take excellent care of you and he'll give your a discount from me refering you.

[Nancy10]

I had the same bad experience. Bare spots and weeds in lawn. Owner or manager claimed it looked better. No way. Even my neighbor across the street commented.

[Jima64]

Weeds and bare spots in lawns can happen very quickly and unfortunately it takes longer to stop the problem and repair the lawn.

[Jima64]

Does anyone know what these brown dead looking areas are & what is causing
them?

Could it be fungus from so much rain?

[Shimpy]

Just got a call from my deans mower guy. They mowed my front and side, but when he got go the back it was very wet. He didn't want to do damage. So he called me to say they would come back Monday and re mow all of the yard. .

WOW, I'm impressed. Companies mowing after a heavy rain or in the rain is one of my pet peeves. At least they knew or cared about the damage they would have done.

[plrbr1120]

The Dean's team we have is great, Cutting day is every other Tuesday. Guess with all the rain, last week Tuesday was skipped. Wednesday had scheduled to have driveway stained and done. Called the company and explained what was going on. Saw the Dean's team on Thursday in the neighborhood and said they saw the driveway and would be back this week on Tues. to mow, edge, weed eat and blow off areas. And so they did. GREAT team we have in the Fernandina section. Have them for almost 3 years now. Also do our fertilizing.

[asianthree]

WOW, I'm impressed. Companies mowing after a heavy rain or in the rain is one of my pet peeves. At least they knew or cared about the damage they would have done.

Best part is he called my cell since we weren't home, and left a note. This week called me to say I had some bare spots and just wanted me to know they used something different in that area, so will keep an eye on it.

[Barefoot]

(snipped) ..... I'm not thrilled...but I really haven't met anyone who is thrilled with their lawn service company.

So very true! :agree:

[RickeyD]

I've had Dean's for a while now, especially for termite and pest control, and lawn fertilization, without problems. I added lawn mowing last year. I was told at that time that they were cutting down during the summer from one mowing a week to one every other week, so I was aware of the change. I have found them to be very responsive in every aspect, but I am NOT thrilled with their mowing service. I don't know if they do too many lawns on my street, or it's been too wet, but I'm not thrilled...but I really haven't met anyone who is thrilled with their lawn service company. The best lawns on my block are the ones done by the owners.


Being thrilled with a lawn care company is akin to being thrilled with root canal. Even do it yourselfers aren't thrilled with their own work. Lawn care is a mundane necessary maintenance chore. I would prefer an Arizona style scape. Much more interesting IMHO.

[big guy]

Originally Posted by SisalPhil View Post
Does anyone know what these brown dead looking areas are & what is causing
them?


There are a number of causes for brown spots on the lawn. One is chinch bugs, 2 is large (formerly 'brown') patch, 3 is Take All Root Rot. If you pull some of the grass, large patch won't have roots. Take All Root Rot will have short black roots. Cut a 6 X 6" sample in an area that would include some of the dead and some of the yellowing grass, take it to the Ask the Master Gardener plant clinic at the government annex on Mondays 9 am to 3 pm for a diagnosis.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by SisalPhil View Post

Does anyone know what these brown dead looking areas are & what is causing

them?





There are a number of causes for brown spots on the lawn. One is chinch bugs, 2 is large (formerly 'brown') patch, 3 is Take All Root Rot. If you pull some of the grass, large patch won't have roots. Take All Root Rot will have short black roots. Cut a 6 X 6" sample in an area that would include some of the dead and some of the yellowing grass, take it to the Ask the Master Gardener plant clinic at the government annex on Mondays 9 am to 3 pm for a diagnosis.


I believe mole crickets might also be a cause of brown spots.

[tommy steam]

In my case it's looking to be something called "root rot." The swale area at the lowest point between houses that is brown and sparse is actually the result of overwatering. It's not so much how many minutes it gets watered at once, but that it never dries out properly. The grass is basically drowning.

Let's say I water on Sunday and Thursday and my neighbor waters on Tuesday and Saturday. Then it rains once or twice during the week. That's 5-6 times in a week that that area gets wet. Then doesn't dry out properly. Especially in that swale area the water doesn't drain away well and the soil doesn't absorb well either. The grass that looks like it needs water is actually getting too much watering. Again, it's not how many minutes at once so much, but the fact that it never gets to dry out properly.

For me, it's a work in progress.
Check with the master gardeners . I don't think you have to really water that much if not at all with the rain we get everyday during this rainy season. I have turned off my sprinkler and my grass is green.

[LuauLinda]

We have been with four lawn services in the two years we have been here and they all seem to "fizzle" out with consistent weekly service. We just don't get it, you pay promptly and even tip at Christmas but there is no loyalty. One guy just disappeared for good suddenly, would not answer his phone, and we had been dumb enough to pay a month in advance. I understand if they are sick and need to miss a week but why not a quick text or email to let us know they have not left our yard for dead? But I'm surprised to hear of a large company like Dean's is sketchy too!

[The20Percent]

We have been with four lawn services in the two years we have been here and they all seem to "fizzle" out with consistent weekly service. We just don't get it, you pay promptly and even tip at Christmas but there is no loyalty. One guy just disappeared for good suddenly, would not answer his phone, and we had been dumb enough to pay a month in advance. I understand if they are sick and need to miss a week but why not a quick text or email to let us know they have not left our yard for dead? But I'm surprised to hear of a large company like Dean's is sketchy too!

You apparently just read the heading and not all of the posts. The overwhelming majority feel that Dean's is a reputable company that does good work and I concur. Now if your talking Service Smart that's a whole different story!

[dbussone]

You apparently just read the heading and not all of the posts. The overwhelming majority feel that Dean's is a reputable company that does good work and I concur. Now if your talking Service Smart that's a whole different story!


Amen. Deans is a reputable company. I wish Admin would kill this thread. The title is unfair IMO.

[Barefoot]

Amen. Deans is a reputable company. I wish Admin would kill this thread. The title is unfair IMO.

:agree: dbussone, perhaps you should start a thread called "Deans is a reputable company".

[dbussone]

:agree: dbussone, perhaps you should start a thread called "Deans is a reputable company".

Good idea.

[graciegirl]

Amen. Deans is a reputable company. I wish Admin would kill this thread. The title is unfair IMO.



I agree.