Looking for a new lawn care company

[karostay]

It's been a little over a year that we closed on our home.
I'm not all that satisfied with our lawn maintenance.For what it's costing I would think my lawn and shrubs should be in better shape.When ever I call the office I get the feeling customer service isn't a priority.
called 3 times total.
Example..Their crew was here yesterday mowing and trimming.
I asked the lead man if they would trim back the shrubs.
It's service that I pay for not looking for a free trim.
That the shrubs were growing against the screen of the Lani and the Heat pump clearly have not been done in several months.
He said that I must call the office and they would call him to proceed with the work order. OK no big deal. I called got Ms Attitude on the other end
like I was interrupting her day.I explained the situation.
Answer was were backed up and there is no way we can make it till mid Dec.
I replied I was concerned the the shrubs would possibly tear the screen since they were growing up against it in several places .Sorry it's the best I can do.Now looking for new company that takes pride in customer service Any recommendations and why ? Thanks

[jimbo2012]

Ok, what's the secret, who does "Ms Attitude" work for?

Others want to know who to avoid.

[gerryann]

I am going through a very similar situation. I guess what really bugs me is when they advertise in the paper, the amount that I paid Is WAY over what they quote in the paper. I'm supposed to be getting much better service. Could you PM me the name of your people, and I can see if its the same?? Not that it will help, but at least i'll know i'm not the only one getting bad service fron them. I've only had them for 3 months.

[graciegirl]

IF you are paying more than sixty bucks a month for mowing, trimming, and edging and chemical weeding (not hand weeding) that is too much. Fertilizing is extra.

That is my experience from being here for five years and hearing what others pay. And that is for an average lot on a designer.

Shop around and don't sign contracts, but don't pay someone the low rate for the summer and then drop them for the winter or dormant season. Fair is fair.

[BernieJr]

IF you are paying more than sixty bucks a month for mowing, trimming, and edgeing and chemical weeding (not hand weeding) that is too much. Fertilizing is extra.

That is my experience from being here for five years and hearing what others pay. And that is for an average lot on a designer.

Shop around and don't sign contracts, but don't pay someone the low rate for the summer and then drop them for the winter or dormant season. Fair is fair.

I'm pretty sure you did not mean "trimming" of shrubs and bushes but weed whacking.

[graciegirl]

I'm pretty sure you did not mean "trimming" of shrubs and bushes but weed whacking.

Nope. Did NOT mean weed whacking. Earl's guys trimmed our shrubs about once a month and cut back the Crepe Myrtle in the fall and did a nice job. He charged us $55 a month for the the four years we lived there which was about the same price as other neighbors paid to their lawn service.

[RCR]

Please provide Earl's company and phone number-----Thanks

[graciegirl]

Please provide Earl's company and phone number-----Thanks

We now use Mike's Maintainance, but do the bushes ourselves. Still low price.

You have to get several quotes and let them know that they are quoting too high in the new areas.

[karostay]

I have everything bundled into one package i didn't want to deal with people coming and going
mowing, weeding, trimming ,pruning ,fertilizer spring and fall flowers shrubs
everything but termite control adds up to well over $100 a month I shouldn't have to call to get results
I've had them for 15 months

[jimbo2012]

I think of all the contractors the landscape/lawncare segment have the most number of complaints and performance issues.


If someone with biz sense ever started an organized biz model they would have a hell of a biz.

[Paperboy]

Call Stellar a TOTV sponsor. Had them for over 1 yr. & I am VERY Satisfied!

[jimbo2012]

You should be for $2000 up front,

But like others he has received some negative feedback.

[CFrance]

The $2000 up front is for everything under the sun. You don't have to take the whole package. We took two out of the three of them last Feb. (which, by the way, is for 13 months, not 12, plus they extended our pest control yet a second month because they didn't start it till March). I will sign up for the whole shebang come March/April because they have done such a good job and have been so responsive whenever I've called. If you think you have a fungus starting, or a question about your watering plan, or whatever, and you call, they're out the very next day.

Plus they use a hand mower on our small designer yard, not one of those monstrous ride-ons that zip around at 40 mph and tear up the lawn with the tires.

We have just gotten an estimate from Stellar for landscaping, and it is very reasonable. The owner came out personally and came up with some great ideas for our problem areas. We are about to decide to go with them, and NO, I have not been given a discount for anything I have ever said on this forum for Stellar.

We're very satisfied, and I like having one company take care of it all.

[jimbo2012]

Why do you HAVE TO pay up front?

That is crazy.

[jimbo2012]

Stellar does NOT require a year in advance for services. We allow quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments. We give discounts for advanced payments and occassionally run specials where the customer receives 1 month free if the year is paid in full to new customers. That's 13 months for the price of 12 months. I think that is a wonderful incentive for advanced payments. If you paid "$2,000" for services, you purchased our "Showstopper" program priced at $1,995. You must be misinformed of what the program includes...Because you speak of it like someone is paying us "$2,000" to come mow the lawn one time. We are mowing the lawn 12 months (if not paid in full), fertilizing and weeding the lawn, pest control, treating the shrubs 6x, trimming palms/shrubs 6x, weeding the beds, checking irrigation, aerating the lawn 2x, and FREE unlimited service calls across the board...For an entire year!!! No wait, that's 13 months if they paid for the year... Wow! I think I need to raise my prices...LOL

-Marty

Allow :bowdown:.....what a poor choice of words buddy, you demand or require not allow.

As I said before "If someone with biz sense ever started an organized lawncare biz model they would have a hell of a biz. "

Maybe they would have the ability to obtain monthly payments AFTER the work is done, on an automated system, not up front

There is absolutely no reason for your biz to demand upfront fees for service, you're working with your customers money for upto a year.

That's the one thing that stops me from considering your company. :shrug:

[borjo]

Jimbo, there's a lot of companies where you pay quarterly, semi-annual or annual. My goodness, it's a convenience for the homeowner not to have to pay monthly. I get quarterly statements and pay them sometime in the middle month. I know our guy is going to be around so I do it. I'm sure these guys get stiffed plenty of times.

[army one]

Jimbo, since you aren't living here yet, why are you so worked up about this? IMHO you are going to be missing out on one of the best lawn services available here. Good luck trying to find someone who does a good job and is dependable and actually answers the phone when you call. Most lawn services here offer different payment plans and most offer discounts if you pay in advance. Chill out, you need to relax and enjoy the easy life.

[jimbo2012]

Haaa, I know how to relax....I'm going to be living there very soon and only need service in summer while away.

It just irritates me how folks there bow to those demands, if everyone said no guess what it wouldn't happen.

[gerryann]

Haaa, I know how to relax....I'm going to be living there very soon and only need service in summer while away.

It just irritates me how folks there bow to those demands, if everyone said no guess what it wouldn't happen.

The owner just explained, its not a demand!

[jimbo2012]

I'm sure these guys get stiffed plenty of times.

Every biz in the world has a % of loss in one form or another.

How about the folks that paid up front that got stiffed?

[jimbo2012]

The owner just explained, its not a demand!

Not sure how you get that meaning.

If you don't pay up he will not work for you, sounds like a demand to me.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

jimbo, it sounds like you should set up your own lawn care business in TV.

Bill :)

[jimbo2012]

Bill I'll tell 'ya one thing if I did, I would own that vertical,
less face it the real reason these mom & pops do this is because they are under capitalized more than likely.

Tell me why they can't setup software in a POS system to take monthly payments by credit card after that month's work is completed on an auto pay method.

[gerryann]

Not sure how you get that meaning.

If you don't pay up he will not work for you, sounds like a demand to me.

My mistake

[Hadley Household]

We use a local guy named Daryl Hicks and are very happy with his work. He's been in business for many years and does many homes in The Villages. His wife, Pam, is the bookkeeper. He's dependable, very honest, and conscientious. Many times he personally cuts our grass. We leave for extended periods and have always returned to an immaculate yard.

[Single Track]

Haaa, I know how to relax....I'm going to be living there very soon and only need service in summer while away.

It just irritates me how folks there bow to those demands, if everyone said no guess what it wouldn't happen.

Jimbo,
I'm also in Fernandina and have decided to weed whack my patio villa lawn for the time being. My problem is what to do when I'm away in July and August. It sounds like you are in the same boat. The way the system seems to work down here, if you don't sign up for 12 months, then they won't cut your lawn while you're away for 2 months. The way I plan it, I will have to cut it myself Sept thru Nov, it's dormant from Dec to Mar, then I'll do it myself again April thru June. If this doesn't work out for me, then I'll be forced to pay close to $500 a year for my tiny lawn to be cut. I've been told on this board already about what a great deal this is. Well anything is a great deal if you have enough money to pay it. Personally I'd like to use $500 for something else and I don't mind spending 30 minutes a week to maintain the yard.
Have you come up with a solution for July and August?

[jimbo2012]

There has to be someone who will do it when needed.......

[skyguy79]

Bill I'll tell 'ya one thing if I did, I would own that vertical,
less face it the real reason these mom & pops do this is because they are under capitalized more than likely.

Tell me why they can't setup software in a POS system to take monthly payments by credit card after that month's work is completed on an auto pay method.Bob, Stellar really does have a monthly payment program option. I have the signed copy of my contract from yesterday right in front of me, and I can tell you this for a fact.

I saw Matt Stout from Stellars yesterday and purchased the SHOWSTOPPER package for $1995. I did not do this hastily. I did my homework for a number of months and struggled leaning as much as I could about them before making my (our) decision. The monthly payment option for that package is $199.50 per month. (other lesser packages have a similar pricing structure)

What this all means is that if the annual option is selected, you will benefit by getting two months (11 & 12) free of charge while receiving service for all 12 months. That's a savings of $399 to you by choosing the Annual plan.

If that weren't good enough, right now they are having a holiday special by offering an additional two months on the annual package you chose, for the first year. That means you get an unbelievable four, that's right 4 free months (months 11, 12, 13 & 14) for an unbelievable savings of $798 for the first 14 months. After the 14th month are completed, you'll then have the option to renew for 12 months only, unless of course they have any specials going at that time. Gosh, the savings alone are more than I've previously paid for a year. How can I beat a deal like that!

What it appears they don't do is contract for less than a year. You have to commit for the full year. The choice is only with the payment option... monthly or yearly!

[skyguy79]

Jimbo,
I'm also in Fernandina and have decided to weed whack my patio villa lawn for the time being. My problem is what to do when I'm away in July and August. It sounds like you are in the same boat. The way the system seems to work down here, if you don't sign up for 12 months, then they won't cut your lawn while you're away for 2 months. The way I plan it, I will have to cut it myself Sept thru Nov, it's dormant from Dec to Mar, then I'll do it myself again April thru June. If this doesn't work out for me, then I'll be forced to pay close to $500 a year for my tiny lawn to be cut. I've been told on this board already about what a great deal this is. Well anything is a great deal if you have enough money to pay it. Personally I'd like to use $500 for something else and I don't mind spending 30 minutes a week to maintain the yard.
Have you come up with a solution for July and August?When you're away for the two months, do you use a homewatch? if so, they 'might' know someone who would mow for the two months. Doesn't hurt to ask them.

[CFrance]

I do not understand the reluctance to sign a contract and pay up front. We did that for the mowing up north, paying by the season. It's just not for the whole year because there is no whole year of grass and shrubs growing. When winter came along, we paid up front for a season of snow removal.

It's not uncommon, and IMO it's not a big deal. If some company's going to stiff you over that, they won't be in business long. And doing proper research ensures you won't do business with a company that would stiff you in the first place.

I stand our decision to go with Stellar. There's no "attitude" from anyone in the company, and they are quick to respond. Plus they do an excellent job, so there's very little reason to call them to begin with.

[mrfixit]

Nope. Did NOT mean weed whacking. Earl's guys trimmed our shrubs about once a month and cut back the Crepe Myrtle in the fall and did a nice job. He charged us $55 a month for the the four years we lived there which was about the same price as other neighbors paid to their lawn service.

Thank You for that picture gg. (SEE POST # 6)
................NOW we know where to install our yard art.

................Since we CAN NOT put it IN the yard...
.........................Your UP ON THE ROOF idea is great.

[cmr1949]

Any recommendation for me to look at lawn services? Good, reasonable and reliable company. E-mail me at cmr1949@att.net
Thank you.

[birdawg]

We use Landscuplture, prices were better than anyone we checked, I pay by the month after I receive the services. So far I've been happy They now advertise on TOTV, dont cost anthing to get a price

[LSUgirl]

I have everything bundled into one package i didn't want to deal with people coming and going
mowing, weeding, trimming ,pruning ,fertilizer spring and fall flowers shrubs
everything but termite control adds up to well over $100 a month I shouldn't have to call to get results
I've had them for 15 months

I just closed on my home yesterday and am in need of a good lawn maintenance company that will do all. Please give me the name and contact number of the company you use.

[batman911]

I just closed on my home yesterday and am in need of a good lawn maintenance company that will do all. Please give me the name and contact number of the company you use.

Go with Stellar. They advertise on this site and are recommended. They do it all.

[linda_sears]

Smitty Etc. Is an excellent co. Young man that works hard and does what he says at very reasonable prices. He works on several of my properties and my clients. His name is Matt Smith and his number 352-561-1999

[julidrose]

We now use Mike's Maintainance, but do the bushes ourselves. Still low price.

You have to get several quotes and let them know that they are quoting too high in the new areas.

This Earl sounds like a good deal. Why did you change over to Mike's Maintenance? Which do you prefer? May I have both phone numbers? Thanks.

[dporta]

Lawn fertilization and pesticide company needed. I see a several positive and negatives for Dean's. Anyone else happy with their company?

[gardeniagirl]

Started with Mayo's Landscaping, 352-461-9208 a month ago. He push mows(grass looks much better), edges, hand pulls weeds from the flower beds for $50 monthly. He also does irrigation service & repairs, trims shrubs, and has a fertilizer license, so full service lawn care thru one company is great.
He sent pictures today, and I am so happy with the improvement in my lawn. I'm an out of state owner for 10 yrs., and no service has ever sent photos of my lawn. Usually, it is a big disappointment when I drive down.

[gardeniagirl]

Paying a year in advance?? Not me, fellas. I also don't sign lawn contracts. I've been told they are not legal anyway and cannot be enforced. I always pay for my service. I owned a corporation, and never charged a client in advance.....I haven't always received my services, or they often haven't been done as they should have been, so I tell them goodbye after a couple of tries to work it out.
Being an out of state owner, I've had many lawn problems, but have hired a company that is doing a great job, Mayo Lawn & Landscape, Austin Mayo, push mowing , weed eating, edging, and hand weeding plant beds for $50 monthly. He's emailed pics of my yard, and it looks great. Very hard working, responsible man, and it's a full service company--fertilizer license, shrub trimming, irrigation service & repair, mulch or rock, and landscaping.

[Vladimir]

Linda Sears - not sure why you keep on reccomending Smitty Etc. I tried him and he is awful and has a bad attitude and no lawn cutting business sense.

[skeogh]

We use immaculate Landscaping, Chris Bell. He has landscaped our whole yard, including putting green, waterfalls and san trap. His work is excellent. Now he has also added weekly lawn service at his clients' urging. Not only does he come 50 weeks a year, he does it all...weeds, prunes, whatever it takes to keep your landscaping investment healthy and beautiful. His number is 321-303-1747.

[Soxman]

Is anyone familiar with Landsculpture lawn care?

[Laurie2]

Only the last few posts in this thread are recent.

Does anyone have any additional recommendations for a dependable company to push mow, trim shrubs, edge, and keep weeds in beds under control with spray?

[msfooter]

Is anyone familiar with Landsculpture lawn care?

My neighbor is about to replace Landsculpture because of the lack of responsiveness and communication. He never knows if his requests have been met and questions go unanswered. Jimmie

[karostay]

It's been a little over a year that we closed on our home.
I'm not all that satisfied with our lawn maintenance.For what it's costing I would think my lawn and shrubs should be in better shape.When ever I call the office I get the feeling customer service isn't a priority.
called 3 times total.
Example..Their crew was here yesterday mowing and trimming.
I asked the lead man if they would trim back the shrubs.
It's service that I pay for not looking for a free trim.
That the shrubs were growing against the screen of the Lani and the Heat pump clearly have not been done in several months.
He said that I must call the office and they would call him to proceed with the work order. OK no big deal. I called got Ms Attitude on the other end
like I was interrupting her day.I explained the situation.
Answer was were backed up and there is no way we can make it till mid Dec.
I replied I was concerned the the shrubs would possibly tear the screen since they were growing up against it in several places .Sorry it's the best I can do.Now looking for new company that takes pride in customer service Any recommendations and why ? Thanks
I posted this 2 years ago I see it's time for an update
I hired Fertigator
They were able to accomplished in 4 months what my previous lawn company couldn't do in 2 years. After I terminated their services it took a month to get them to stop showing up .It took repeated calls to get them to understand they were fired.
On the other hand my lawn was mowed twice a week for a month
Now my lawn is green ,shrubs trees trimmed and flower beds weed free
Few of my neighbors have switched their lawn company's also
It's a few more $ well worth it when you call they have answers not excuses
Lets hope it last

[TNLAKEPANDA]

There are a lot of good ones but Regal is not so regal.

[graciegirl]

We like Mike's Maintenance. Been here a long time and take care of the common areas. They have a residential division. Good price, like everyone else you may have to remind them of this or that. Been satisfied.