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GrumpyOldMan
06-10-2021, 12:54 PM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.

OrangeBlossomBaby
06-10-2021, 01:08 PM
Regarding the weeds in particular:

I'd personally suggest poisoning the ones between the rocks, and mowing the ones on the grass. Some weeds are so persistent they'll grow between rocks with roots under the rocks, and you just flat out can't pull them out. You'd have to move all the rocks first. Much easier to kill them instead.

With weeds on the grass, depends on the type of weed. If it's another kind of grass or ground cover, I say let it grow and just mow it with the rest of the lawn. If you have peanut plants growing along the edge of the driveway, I'd recommend giving it room to expand. Edge a space around a foot away from the driveway, and let the peanut plants take over that foot-long strip. It's a stunning ground cover and contrasts very nicely with St. Augustine.

If it's dandelions, they pull out very easily, they root shallow. Just reach down and pull from the base and they come right out. No reason to waste money paying someone to do that, you only need to do it once a week, takes around 15 minutes for the whole yard.

GrumpyOldMan
06-10-2021, 01:41 PM
Regarding the weeds in particular:

I'd personally suggest poisoning the ones between the rocks, and mowing the ones on the grass. Some weeds are so persistent they'll grow between rocks with roots under the rocks, and you just flat out can't pull them out. You'd have to move all the rocks first. Much easier to kill them instead.

With weeds on the grass, depends on the type of weed. If it's another kind of grass or ground cover, I say let it grow and just mow it with the rest of the lawn. If you have peanut plants growing along the edge of the driveway, I'd recommend giving it room to expand. Edge a space around a foot away from the driveway, and let the peanut plants take over that foot-long strip. It's a stunning ground cover and contrasts very nicely with St. Augustine.

If it's dandelions, they pull out very easily, they root shallow. Just reach down and pull from the base and they come right out. No reason to waste money paying someone to do that, you only need to do it once a week, takes around 15 minutes for the whole yard.

Thank you for the advice.

I don't care how they control the weeds, I just want someone else to do it - not me. I am retired, I took care of my lawn most of my life. I can afford to pay to have it done, and I don't think it is unreasonable to want it done right if I pay someone to do it.

JohnN
06-10-2021, 03:13 PM
I put in rock everywhere, no grass. I gave my mower to the landscaper as part of the deal

I also put in a U-hook on the inside of the gate latch so it cannot be readily opened from the outside. I find it pretty convenient, no lock to worry about, but does the job. I'm 6'4" and can't reach over the gate to unlock it.

Good luck in your venture for a good yard company, hard to find.

dewilson58
06-10-2021, 03:17 PM
Who have you tried??

PennBF
06-10-2021, 04:44 PM
I agree with the remarks regarding Massey. We have had lousy luck and big charges. Grass looks terrible in some areas. Ran by some contractors replacing a total yard with new sod. Asked them what happened and they yelled back "Massey". Enough said.

banjobob
06-11-2021, 04:46 AM
The best lawn guy is you , very little work chemicals to treat disease and bugs not really costly ,a small hand held spreader and the schedule to apply .Hire a good mower and they usually will do your trimming as needed . A gallon of Roundup for those pesky pop up weeds in the rocks and your lawn will look great. That is route I took after 4 lawn companies and 7 years with Massey .

Rwirish
06-11-2021, 05:03 AM
Best service is to do it yourself if capable.

Buckeye Bleau
06-11-2021, 05:07 AM
I guess that you have been lucky so far to find people that “say” that they will do it.
I have one company that mows and trims, another that sprays the weeds and another for trimming the landscaping.
Though, this is most likely not going to be received well, I am going to say that you may be asking or requiring too much from these people. I know not where you are from, but in Florida, labor and the tasks associated to it are much different than the work ethics in the north.
Chill and enjoy your retirement.
Put a lock and a sign ( English & Spanish) on the dog gate and sleep better.

mepoole
06-11-2021, 05:25 AM
Have you tried Choice Landscape & Maintenance?

RICH1
06-11-2021, 05:38 AM
Another guy who doesn't want to
"Do it himself", but ends up "Doing it himself ". The only way to get it done right... drive up to someone's lawn you admire, an ask the owner , who they use! Welcome to Florida

Travelhunter123
06-11-2021, 06:08 AM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be would liketoo much to ask.

I also would be interested in finding a company that weeds and cuts bushes
I hired Massey to cut the lawn, weed and trim the bushes and was surprised when they only cut the lawn
I also

seoulbrooks
06-11-2021, 06:11 AM
Good luck in your venture for a good yard company, very hard to find. They are all in the routine of do as fast as possible and move on. They take no pride in how the yard looks, or how they look. As said above, drive around and find a nice looking yard and ask. We are on our fifth or sixth in four years......

Samfl
06-11-2021, 06:22 AM
Try Deans

Girlcopper
06-11-2021, 06:26 AM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.
Welcome to the villages. This is very common and always will be. Its not just the villages either

KRMACK55
06-11-2021, 06:30 AM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.
You and everyone else ! In 2 years 5 people ! It’s Florida and won’t get better do it yourself. Me I’m selling

richs631
06-11-2021, 06:58 AM
Buy a lawn mower and do it yourself. To be honest Your list of a few requirements is over the top. These guys get paid on average 55 bucks a month, they don’t need your headache. I’m not trying to be nasty, it’s just the truth. There all the same. I spent 600 bucks on a mower, blower and edger and couldn’t be happier.

Thaxxx
06-11-2021, 07:04 AM
Go through your neighborhood and look for the best looking yards.
Then knock on the door and ask who they use, after complimenting their yard of course.
See how many of the nice yards use the same person.

Pdesensi
06-11-2021, 07:04 AM
You may start out with beautiful lawn but the lawn care people also mow the lawns of people who have lots of weed seeds, therefore the mowers transfer the weed seeds onto your yard. The only way to maintain your beautiful lawn is to mow it yourself. My opinion.

Snookie100
06-11-2021, 07:07 AM
Good luck!

noslices1
06-11-2021, 07:16 AM
Avoid TruGreen at all costs. Had them for 9 months and twice they put an invoice in my door without doing any service.

Larchap49
06-11-2021, 07:22 AM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.

Try to find a newer business that the owner is still doing the work himself. He or she will have more pride in there work. Also TV does final grading with clay that has very few nutrients for your lawn and allows most of the water to run off into their retention ponds for irrigation of their properties. Sooooo you need lots of water and fertilizer also regular applications of bug and grub killer to prevent losing your lawn to chinch bugs and mole crickets. Good luck

cj1040
06-11-2021, 07:47 AM
Lawn care service is one of the biggest wastes of money in The Villages- we mowed 3 times from early Feb until June 1-could hardly see tracks of where the mower had been - and fertilized once. We will fertilize once in the fall with a spreader that cost under $40. Our lawn looks great - we can easily afford to pay for it to be done but WHY when many weeks go by when the lawn needs NOTHING ! Buy yourself an electric mower and edger and it will take less than an hour of your time only WHEN it needs to be done. These tools will easily pay for themselves very quickly compared to the cost of hiring services. We hired a neighbor to mow this summer while we are away and that is it !!!! More retired people should be careful how they spend their money as many will outlive their funds...use what you saved from lawn service toward a trip or something else worthwhile !

GrumpyOldMan
06-11-2021, 07:56 AM
Lots of good advice, thank you, everyone.

kendi
06-11-2021, 08:19 AM
Do a search for a small privately owned company on this and the Nextdoor forums. And lock or somehow secure your gate from the inside. A no brainer.

christine J Toft
06-11-2021, 08:22 AM
The best lawn guy is you , very little work chemicals to treat disease and bugs not really costly ,a small hand held spreader and the schedule to apply .Hire a good mower and they usually will do your trimming as needed . A gallon of Roundup for those pesky pop up weeds in the rocks and your lawn will look great. That is route I took after 4 lawn companies and 7 years with Massey .
I care for my own lawn after firing the "lawn care" company that was destroying it. Now it's the best looking in the neighborhood. Thankfully, I'm healthy enough to tackle it and actually enjoy it.

Alana33
06-11-2021, 09:28 AM
I have a nice couple who mows my lawn on my .50 acre property. If I need branches trimmed, trees cut back or beds weeded, I let them know what I want done and they do it. I've also had them pressure wash the exterior of house annually, clean out gutters, pressure wash fence, driveway, walkway, etc.
I don't mow my lawn weekly. It hasn't needed it since its been so dry. I just call them when needed, they come, do what needs doing and I pay them the day of service. Been using their services for about 4 years.
Very happy them.

Marty94
06-11-2021, 09:32 AM
We decided to landscape using xeriscaping. My front and back yard are a combination of river rock stones with a nice variety of very low maintenance plants. The landscaper recommended we use Preen and occasionally I use weed killer in spray form. I also dislike spending a lot of time on my yard. I tried to get lawn service, but they didn’t show up. So, this is the route we went. I test my own sprinkler heads and change them out myself and my yard rarely has weeds.

In a CYV, you can use a robotic lawn mower. It will give your dogs something to chase. Could be fun.

mvbird
06-11-2021, 09:44 AM
I eagerly read through the posts on this topic, hoping I'd add to my list of reliable inexpensive lawn care operators. Of course, the answer was mostly 'do it yourself'. Our property is under property management, but we as owners are responsible for hiring landscape care. I discovered in the first year it's because it is so difficult to find and keep anyone who will do weeding, mowing and trimming. They all like to do 'mow-blow-and go'. Even harder when we owners are out of state, paying monthly and relying on the complaints of the tenant or eyes of the neighbors for input.
My father-in-law used to say "find a need and fill it" to start a successful business. The Villages needs someone who will organize, recommend and oversee landscaping services. It would be worth it. Right now it's the wild west.

Hifred
06-11-2021, 10:17 AM
After trying various companies, and our lawn looking brown from being cut too short and chemical burned I decided to do it myself. I bought a self propelled battery operated. My home is on a middle lot. The self propelled battery mowers are the easiest thing I have ever used to cut grass. I am a woman and I can easily mow my lawn in 20 - 25 minutes. My lawn is very green and pretty because I don't put the deck down too low. With every company I had I asked them not to cut it low but they always did. The lawn companies don't want to take the time to adjust the lawn mower deck. They also don't spray their decks between lawns and spread disease. I also bought a spreader on next door and apply Scotts weed and feed for southern lawns in the spring and fall. Scotts website has a link to a recommended lawn program.

DAVES
06-11-2021, 10:43 AM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.

For what it is worth, I deal with what what should be does not exist.

I apply my own chemistry. I do my own weeding and I cut my hedges.

Far as mowing and your dogs another simple solution the person mowing comes every ??????? you can keep your dogs in on those days.

Lawn mowing people. As a kid I set up and ran a small mowing business. At my peak I had like 14 lawns per week. These people do far more than that. Frankly it was in New York far cooler than here. Dealing with people? There were people that I told them I just didn't need or want their business.

You/we have the option to do it ourselves.

Sassxu
06-11-2021, 11:23 AM
We have Dean's. They use the riding mowers and cut too short and say they can't change the length. Also, most recently destroyed three of our plants and claimed they didn't do it. Of course it was right after they left, but still denied it.

GrumpyOldMan
06-11-2021, 11:41 AM
For what it is worth, I deal with what what should be does not exist.

I apply my own chemistry. I do my own weeding and I cut my hedges.

Far as mowing and your dogs another simple solution the person mowing comes every ??????? you can keep your dogs in on those days.

Lawn mowing people. As a kid I set up and ran a small mowing business. At my peak I had like 14 lawns per week. These people do far more than that. Frankly it was in New York far cooler than here. Dealing with people? There were people that I told them I just didn't need or want their business.

You/we have the option to do it ourselves.

I have maintained my yard my entire life, I don't want to do it now. That is my point. I know I can, but I don't want to.

My issue is I describe exactly what I want when I hire a service, they agree to do it, then don't. So I fire them and move on to another.

So, I am asking here for people's experience and if anyone knows of someone that does good work and what they promise to do. I have NO problem paying a premium to get premium service. But at the moment I am paying about 3 times what anyone else changes and getting nothing more than everyone else does. So, I am firing this one and looking again.

And yes, I could keep the dogs in for 12 hours, since they don't always come at the same time. I don't consider it to be too much to have them simply knock on my door when they start to work on my yard. I even put a sign on the gate - apparently, some of the workers can't read. Again, I am willing to pay a premium to have them simply knock on my door when they start. But that is too much to ask.

daspiva
06-11-2021, 12:03 PM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I understand your frustrations over lawn companies! I have used the same lawn guy for 4 years and while things are never always perfect, I still keep him because I'm not sure if anyone else would be better.. BUT...If we changed these Villages policies about having to have real grass in the first place, we would all be better off! If only we were allowed to use that new artificial turf, we would be able to: Fire the lawn guys, not have to worry about sprinklers being broken by lawn movers, USE LESS WATER, not have to listen to the noises of mowers, worry about our pets, see less emissions into our air, save money on the grass cutting service, save time from sweeping up after them when they don't blow all the dirt out of the driveway and sidewalks, save money on sprinkler repairs.. I've heard that in the recent past some Villagers that live in the smaller yard, patio homes had used that synthetic grass to landscape their yards and The Villages told them to remove it! All this is really a no brainer and I only wish that more people would come forward about this matter of having synthetic with the powers that be here! They can make this optional if they want, some folks can have the real grass or be a new ager and say to heck with real grass and be more environmentally friendly.. I would love to hear other people's thoughts about this and maybe even start a petition of some sort. I will be the first in line to sign a petition! What do you all think??

jebartle
06-11-2021, 12:05 PM
We use Heron every other month for treating yard ($60) and Clean & Green (Ryan) 352-406-6095, 352-499-1317 mowing on Friday, come by and see yard, corner lot $60, 146 costa mesa dr., we are very pleased.

jimjamuser
06-11-2021, 12:30 PM
I would suggest calling Doug's Lawn Service at 352 348 5158 I don't know how far south he will drive? But, he CAN be trusted.

nan27
06-11-2021, 01:20 PM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.
I could have written this post myself. We paid outrageous amounts of money for mediocre service. We have been through several companies. We explain what we want, just as you have explained. We put out the problems every week; and nothing is done.

Our latest person assured me over and over again that he had three people who would attend to our problems. On most weeks, it is one person who definitely doesn't have an eye for detail.

I am tired of going out in our yard and flowerbeds and street cleaning up after the guy when he leaves. The last time, I pointed out all of the grass clippings in the road and street curbside. He got defensive and said that it was impossible to clean up the clippings. It's amazing that I found a way to do it myself.

Yes - I am going to look for yet another service. BTW - I am on this forum because we are looking at The Villages as one of our retirement options!

GrumpyOldMan
06-11-2021, 01:38 PM
We use Heron every other month for treating yard ($60) and Clean & Green (Ryan) 352-406-6095, 352-499-1317 mowing on Friday, come by and see yard, corner lot $60, 146 costa mesa dr., we are very pleased.

Thank you. We will drive by.

GrumpyOldMan
06-11-2021, 01:40 PM
I could have written this post myself. We paid outrageous amounts of money for mediocre service. We have been through several companies. We explain what we want, just as you have explained. We put out the problems every week; and nothing is done.

Our latest person assured me over and over again that he had three people who would attend to our problems. On most weeks, it is one person who definitely doesn't have an eye for detail.

I am tired of going out in our yard and flowerbeds and street cleaning up after the guy when he leaves. The last time, I pointed out all of the grass clippings in the road and street curbside. He got defensive and said that it was impossible to clean up the clippings. It's amazing that I found a way to do it myself.

Yes - I am going to look for yet another service. BTW - I am on this forum because we are looking at The Villages as one of our retirement options!

Thank you, the Villages is not perfect, but it is the best I have seen anywhere. I am very happy here, and if I can't get the service I want from a lawn service, then I will go back to doing it myself.

clgill
06-12-2021, 01:36 PM
We have been here 1 1/2 years now and are on our 3rd or 4th lawn care company. (one took the job and then never showed up)

It seems they all want to charge a bundle and then spend as little time as possible actually doing any work. And with the constant turnover of employees by the larger firms, any "special instructions" get lost in the turmoil.

For example, we have a couple of large dogs (Great Pyrenese and Labrador Retriever). We have a CYV and put a sign on the gate to NOT open the gate until knocking to let us know they are there so we can lock the dogs inside since we let our dogs run in the back yard. We also give the lawn care specific instructions to do this, so the dogs do not get out and run loose. This usually works until the first time a new hire comes, and they walk into the backyard, and the dogs dash out.

The second problem we have had is these larger companies using riding mowers with people that don't know how to use them. Some of our grass (and the grass of several of our neighbors) was killed by a new employee of Massey scalping our yard down to the sand last year - it still has not fully recovered. They came out and looked and basically said, sorry, we will try to do better. I said, no thank go practice on someone else's lawn.

Now, we are paying a significant premium to our current lawn care company. We chose them and agreed to the premium because we thought if we paid enough we would get good service. So much for that theory.

We pay, as part of the contract, to have the weeds in the hardscape controlled. So far they have not controlled them and now with the spring, you can almost not see the rocks because of all the weeds. The "owner" of the company came out and didn't even apologize, he just said, it must have fallen through the cracks because we started after the weeds were treated in this area - 2 months ago. He said they would be back in our area in a few weeks and take care of it.

Seriously! We are paying this company easily 50% more than any other service we have had and he says they will take care of the weeds in a few weeks.

I am sick and tired of this.

Can anyone provide the name and number of a GOOD RELIABLE individual that does lawn care. Someone that does the work, and doesn't send out a teen that was flipping burgers last week. Someone that takes pride in their work.

Our requirements are pretty simple.

1. Mow the yard when it needs it - we have very LITTLE grass, most of the front is rock.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

That is it, I don't want to have to CALL them to tell them there are weeds, I want them to actually look at our yard, and take care of it.

Sorry, for the rant, I am very frustrated. I paid less to have acres mowed before moving here, and we have not gone with the low price spread here.

As my wife says, all we want is to look at our yead when we get home and think, "'that looks nice". It seems to be too much to ask.
When I saw your issue I believe I have the answer. My yard person will do the following:
1. Mow the yard when it needs it.
2. Trim the plants and trees when they need it.
3. Pull the weeds in the rocks, poison the weeds in the grass.
4. inspect and adjust the irrigation as required.
5. Fertilize as required.

Call me (Chuck @ 352-250-9170) and we can talk.

karostay
06-12-2021, 03:10 PM
Villages is expanding leaps and bounds.
Lawn companies can't keep up see any help wanted signs lately business are struggling for help
Not going to mention any names but my lawn company went to every other week mowing
My guess is they are stretched so thin trying to cover this expansion
In the long run my lawn looks pretty good till around day 11

GrumpyOldMan
06-12-2021, 03:29 PM
Villages is expanding leaps and bounds.
Lawn companies can't keep up see any help wanted signs lately business are struggling for help
Not going to mention any names but my lawn company went to every other week mowing
My guess is they are stretched so thin trying to cover this expansion
In the long run my lawn looks pretty good till around day 11

Yes, lots of demand, not enough supply - sad.

Sabella
06-28-2021, 04:39 AM
After trying various companies, and our lawn looking brown from being cut too short and chemical burned I decided to do it myself. I bought a self propelled battery operated. My home is on a middle lot. The self propelled battery mowers are the easiest thing I have ever used to cut grass. I am a woman and I can easily mow my lawn in 20 - 25 minutes. My lawn is very green and pretty because I don't put the deck down too low. With every company I had I asked them not to cut it low but they always did. The lawn companies don't want to take the time to adjust the lawn mower deck. They also don't spray their decks between lawns and spread disease. I also bought a spreader on next door and apply Scotts weed and feed for southern lawns in the spring and fall. Scotts website has a link to a recommended lawn program.

what do you do if the lawn gets a disease or bug problem?

Blueblaze
06-28-2021, 07:52 AM
I didn't retire to Florida to mow my own lawn. So now I'm retired to Florida and still mow my own lawn.

I think part of the reason I could afford to retire to Florida is that I've always been too cheap to pay others to do things I'm perfectly capable of doing myself. The first week after we moved in, I called the guy who had been doing my lawn (as well as my neighbor's lawns) to ask how much he wanted to continue the service. $50/week to mow this postage stamp. Heck, the road drainage ditch at my old place was twice the size of this lawn!

I did the math in my head (if it's big round numbers, I can still do that) and realized it would take about two months to pay for the hardware to mow it myself.

So I picked up an electric self-propelled plastic mower at Lowes that cost more than the 4-wheel-drive, Honda-powered Husqevarna push mower I used to mow that ditch with. It didn't look substantial enough to shave with, but it had the advantage of folding up to fit in my new downsized garage, and didn't need gasoline. And it worked amazingly well. So I bought a matching string trimmer and hedge trimmer that can use the same batteries -- and was equally amazed that they worked, too.

It takes about 45 minutes to do the deed. That's an hour and 15 minutes less than it used to take to mow my Texas place. I do a better job than the lawn guy and I don't have to wait until mowing day when we get a bunch of rain. And it's not like I don't have 45 minutes to spare in a week of Florida retirement. I just skip one nap.

The neighbors all think I'm nuts. Same as Texas.

JoMar
06-28-2021, 07:40 PM
Showtime Landscaping for Mowing and Trimming.....Bill Law.....(352) 303-1334. GreenSmith for Treatment of Lawn and Plants.....Hoke Smith.....(352) 303-0205

Babubhat
06-28-2021, 08:06 PM
Lawn services are hired only to be fired. Service usually starts out great and goes downhill as time goes by

Velvet
06-28-2021, 08:29 PM
My experience is the same with landscaping. I was so impressed with what my landscaper did last time, I’m redoing it. Neighbors look at me a little funny when they see me under the tree pulling up grass roots, and the lousy plastic bag with logo on it that the tree grew into, so must have been put in when home was built. The kind of plastic birds choke on. Then cutting and putting down proper landscape cloth with their huge staples, then the power washed edging rocks not cleaned since the home was built, then the rock mulch…. Not complaining really, I needed the exercise anyways. Same landscaper will not be hired again.

Can’t recommend a lawn care company as the one who was working on my lawn went bankrupt. Employees caught Covid. He couldn’t replace them and make it work economically. Now I need a new company so I looked around to see which neighbor has best looking lawn and then spied on the lawn crew who came to do that lawn. Then asked if they could take me on too.

worahm
06-29-2021, 07:59 AM
I have lived here since March of 1997 and the answer to question is...even when you follow all their rules, and maintain your sprinkler system, there ain't no such lawn company.

I have tried them all from the independent, one man operation to the company that charges an arm and leg and still cannot produce a decent looking lawn. I even replaced the sod on my entire 1/2 acre lot and after two years I had a half acre of weeds.

They all start out guaranteeing a great looking lawn and end up with excuses why the problem is either the extreme weather or my fault.

Not enough water, too much water, cutting the lawn too high, cutting the lawn to low, too much rain, not enough rain, sprinkler system not covering the lawn properly etc, etc, etc. I believe they all use the same book of excuses.

GrumpyOldMan
06-29-2021, 08:11 AM
I have lived here since March of 1997 and the answer to question is...even when you follow all their rules, and maintain your sprinkler system, there ain't no such lawn company.

I have tried them all from the independent, one man operation to the company that charges an arm and leg and still cannot produce a decent looking lawn. I even replaced the sod on my entire 1/2 acre lot and after two years I had a half acre of weeds.

They all start out guaranteeing a great looking lawn and end up with excuses why the problem is either the extreme weather or my fault.

Not enough water, too much water, cutting the lawn too high, cutting the lawn to low, too much rain, not enough rain, sprinkler system not covering the lawn properly etc, etc, etc. I believe they all use the same book of excuses.

I think you are right

hubblecat
08-02-2021, 08:00 PM
Would you be willing to share the information on the people you use? I can't do the job (severe bad back) and my wife has enough to do already. I would greatly appreciate whatever you can provide. Joe Bosch aka hubblecat

GrumpyOldMan
08-02-2021, 08:18 PM
Would you be willing to share the information on the people you use? I can't do the job (severe bad back) and my wife has enough to do already. I would greatly appreciate whatever you can provide. Joe Bosch aka hubblecat

We are currently using Fertigator and are not happy with them. We are still trying to find someone to do it right.

I am thinking we won't find anyone here. It seems like a BIG opportunity for some enterprising young person to make a killing here. Lots of old people here that would love someone that took pride in their work.